Helmet cuttaway order

[AndyMan 7]

I've always practiced my emergency procedures as:

1. Deploy Main.
2. Cuttaway Main.
3. Cuttaway Helmet.
4. Deploy Reserve.

I'm hoping that when it comes to it, I'd be smart enough not to cuttaway my helmet if I don't need to. I figure it's better to practice including that step so that I'll do it when I need to.

I've been thinking lately that I should change the order, so that I cuttaway my helmet before my main.

I'm concerned about the what will happen to my neck if my main is hungup on my helmet and I cut it away with my helmet still attached. I'm thinking I should practice choping the helmet first.

How badly does a cuttaway main hungup on your helmet suck?

Thoughts?

_Am

__

You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead.

[steveorino 7]

If I had a helmet entaglement, I'd cut the helmet first, then the main. ... I think. Good question. I'm sure some of the more experienced vidiots will weigh in. I'm interested in their thoughts.

steveOrino

[Zoter 0]

My EP's are as per your original set
I think its wise to think about any 'snatch force' that a cutaway main still attached to your helmet may have......I would like to hear more experienced views on this
But its also important to factor in the type of cutaway ssytem you have and the load bearing effects that a trailing main may have on the ability to successfully operate the release system
This alone may change the order of peoples EP's

I use a 2K Composites FF2 Helmet cutaway system similar to a rigs three ring release.
I have ground tested it under load and its very easy to operate .
I dont have figures, but I'll be willing to bet its 'easier' to cutaway under load than alot of home made cotter pin release systems I have seen.

[mr2mk1g 10]

I think the likelihood is that it'll be quite evident that my main is caught on my helmet before I have to start down the decision tree.

If it isn't evident then personally I've chosen to take the chances of having a main in tow via my head over the chances of faffing around with different cutaways before pulling that stop handle unless it's absolutely necessary.

I agree there's not exactly a perfect solution - it simply comes down to a balance of risk decision for each jumper.

[davelepka 4]

Try this

1. Deploy main
2. Wiggle head around trying to see the mal.
2a. If head moves freely, go to step 4.
2b. If head feels snagged, go to step 3.
3. Cutaway helmet, and peel it off your head.
4. Lean head away from risers, and chop main


The catch is that you have to dump high enough to afford the time to really get a handle on your helmet situation.

[AndyMan 7]

The point of practicing emergency procedures is to repetively do the same action over and over again.

History has shown that when the shit hits the props, we'll perform exactly what we drilled.

How do you drill making a choice?

_Am

__

You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead.

[davelepka 4]

Quote

How do you drill making a choice?

I won't. What I will do is recognize that wearing a camera helmet is an additional factor to consider when planning a skydive. Hence, I'll arrange for a high enough pull altitude to accomadate my needs.

It's not a regular jump, and as such, you cannot apply the principals of a regular jump. Cutting away your helmet will not ALWAYS be required when cutting away, so you cannot have a single procedure solution to your question.

[jimoke 0]

I have to agree with daves list
1. Deploy main
2. Wiggle head around trying to see the mal.
2a. If head moves freely, go to step 4.
2b. If head feels snagged, go to step 3.
3. Cutaway helmet, and peel it off your head.
4. Lean head away from risers, and chop main

a main entangled with a camera helmet is a very serious event. similar to a 2 canopy out senario there is no cut and dry answer. what works for one person can result in a fatality for another. I don't think a main in tow would be a good option, especially if you have a freefly setup with only a small size fastex clip under your chin. a chin cup is better but I wouldn't recommend both. rear entry is best/quickest. having to say goodbye to your investment has to suck bad, but stayin alive for more jumps is far better.
altitude is your friend in a malfunction. I usually sit in at 3800'. I used to be the guy sitting in at 1800'. sometimes its better to be lucky than good.

great topic
Stay Safe,
Jim Oke

The ground always, remembers where you are!

[BlueSBDeath 2]

People ask me all the time if I am worried about cutting away my helmet...................................................................I always tell them that is NOT a concern, it is a given; that if it needs to go then IT WILL GO.

I have thought long and hard about the correct procedure and can not come up with a solution yet. I only know that I will save ME first, if that means canopy chop chop or helmet go go, then so be it!!

But I hate to lock myself to a procedure that may not happen, or one that may cause me to NOT save me to jettisun (bad spelling) the chunk of DEATH attached to my head . Time/altitude is a concern, to many variables for me to set a standard that may NOT fit the situation!!

My procedure will be the one for the given situation that (OH GOD OH GOD) saves my old ass.

Arvel

BSBD...........Its all about Respect,

USPA#-7062, FB-2197, Outlaw 499