Static Line Jumps

[rendezvous 0]

In the static line learning method how much line is released
before the chute is extracted, and how does the JM prevent this line from flipping around and catching some part of the plane such as the tail.

[Ron 10]

10-12 feet....It will not reach the tail.

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

[Unutsch 0]

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how does the JM prevent this line from flipping around and catching some part of the plane such as the tail.

hmm... it can't, since the skydiver is pulling it down as he falls...
the only problem i see with static lines is that they bang against the plane's fuselage (??), making more and more bumbs... but that can be prevented by puting some plastic or rubber on the part of the tail where it hits it the most... it does not look nice, but it works...

Check out the site of the Fallen Angels FreeflY Organisation:
http://www.padliangeli.org

[freekflyguy 0]

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In the static line learning method how much line is released before the chute is extracted,

This is dependent on the type of aircraft used.

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and how does the JM prevent this line from flipping around and catching some part of the plane such as the tail.

The JM must control the static line to prevent it becoming entangled with the jumper during his movement into the door and exit.

As said before the length of static line is determined by the type of aircraft, and is of a length that will ensure the static line or deployment bag will not strike the tail of the aircraft. This means for example that at a DZ that uses Islanders, you cannot use the same static lines on say a Porter.

Buzz

It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.

[jerry81 10]

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but that can be prevented by puting some plastic or rubber on the part of the tail where it hits it the most... it does not look nice, but it works...

So that's why the Antonov at Lesce has a patch of rubber on the tail! I just couldn't figure out its purpose when I was there this weekend...

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[RichM 0]

The British regulations have the static line 2 inches (I think) longer than a tail strike. That has been shown over many years to be the minimum safe distance at which to deploy the parachute.

Rich M

[billvon 3,090]

>10-12 feet....It will not reach the tail.

?? Our static lines hit the tail regularly; they usually end up right beneath the horizontal stab. A shorter static line would not be that safe, as a deployment directly in front of the tail becomes more probable.

[riggerrob 643]

If I remember correctly, the correct length for a static line (pin, d-bag, Velcro and all) is slightly shorter than the distance from the anchor to the elevator hinge.
The last thing you want is a static line entangling with the controls and ruining the pilot's day.

[Unutsch 0]

yeah man, you should get a look on our cessna's tail the next time you'll be in Maribor

Check out the site of the Fallen Angels FreeflY Organisation:
http://www.padliangeli.org

[nightjumps 1]

There are two ways to prevent the static-line from bumping the tail; 1) if you use pilot chute assist and the JM goes out on the step and hold it halfway between the A/C and the student, this picks up the slack (also allows you to shortline the static line for them creative students who like to do a pull up, bring their knees up and push off (when you see the bottom of the pack tray comiing back around, snatch it hard), 2) ask the pilto to give you ten degrees of flaps before you open the door. (I got over a thousand student S/Ls and we've never hit the fuselage doing this.