jumper03 0 #1 August 12, 2003 I had my first cut away and reserve ride this past weekend. The cut away didn't bother me - other than pissed I have to pay for another repack as this was the first jump after the scheduled repack! The question involves the handling of the reserve. The rig has about 400 jumps on it and this was the first time the reserve has been used. What bothers me is that I had to fly it with deep left brakes to keep it straight. If I let up on the left brake it put it into a tight right hand turn. Both brakes were unlocked (I did think to check that) and I couldn't see any other reason for it. I heard a few people say this was characteristic of a Raven reserve but I don't buy that. The only thing I can think of is that the left brake line is longer? dunno. Anyone got any ideas? I asked the rigger to check it out for me. Thanks, JumpScars remind us that the past is real Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ranchhand28 0 #2 August 12, 2003 That same problem is very common in Tempo reserves... Personally, I flew a Tempo a couple of years ago and it was absolutely fine. Ravens however have a reputation for stalling, for having slight turns (like yours), etc., etc, etc... Definetely have a rigger check it out... most likely one of the break lines will be shorter than the other, or the trim is just screwed up. Perhaps taking a day or two to evaluate if you want a reserve you will be second-guessing on your back is good thing to do... Easy solution: sell the darn thing and get a PD Reserve. Hands down the best product in the market... Good luck! T Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andy2 0 #3 August 12, 2003 what size is the reserve and whats your WL? Did you have trouble landing it? Having to compensate a built in turn bc of uneven brake lines would be basically the same thing as flying in quarter or deep brakes (whatever the amount of toggle input you have to give). This would seriously affect the glide angle and flare ability, correct me if I'm wrong? --------------------------------------------- let my inspiration flow, in token rhyme suggesting rhythm... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
darkwing 5 #4 August 12, 2003 How many inches of toggle did it require to fly straight? What size of reserve and what loading? Have a good line trim check done, and check your harness also. I saw a case last year where the problem was one reserve riser shorter than the other (significantly). Generally for reserves and at low wing loadings being uneven in the harness has a pretty minor effect compared to highly loaded mains, but did you make a concerted effort to be level in the harness? Definitely contact the manufacturer. Keep us posted. -- Jeff My Skydiving History Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumper03 0 #5 August 12, 2003 The reserve is a Raven 249. My wing loading is about 1.1 (I'm just under 220 out the door). The harness felt fine, didn't feel like I was lopsided and I made sure the leg straps were symetric and tight before going up. I had the left toggle down in the full flare position for entire ride down. I worried about the landing and decided the best I could do was feet/knees together and plf. Rolled the landing and everything was fine. I hope I never need the reserve again, but I'd like to be able to fly it if I do. If I had been heading into a tight LZ off of the drop zone, I'd a been SOL.Scars remind us that the past is real Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
towerrat 0 #6 August 12, 2003 sell it. buy a PD reserve. ------------------------------------------------------------Play stupid games, win stupid prizes! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D22369 0 #7 August 13, 2003 That same problem is very common in Tempo reserves... Personally, I flew a Tempo a couple of years ago and it was absolutely fine. I have three rides on three different tempo's....all were around a 1-1 wingloading, they all flew strait, the flair was a typical f-111 landing *thud........no damn surf at all!!!!! I wonder if the turns is one of those stories that just gets passed around so much everyone knows it? RoyThey say I suffer from insanity.... But I actually enjoy it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #8 August 13, 2003 QuoteI wonder if the turns is one of those stories that just gets passed around so much everyone knows it? I don't know about Tempos, but I had a Raven that had a left turn."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ranchhand28 0 #9 August 13, 2003 I wonder if the turns is one of those stories that just gets passed around so much everyone knows it? It could be! The other story I heard directly from the person I bought the canopy from, and who had flown it at least a couple of times, was that you'd have to sort of wrap your toggles around your wrists a couple of times to get a good effective flair out of it. Maybe I wasn't wingloading my 120 that much, but the landing was super smooth. Not a problem! You have no idea how many people in AZ came up to me asking how was flying a Tempo... Even riggers! I guess those stories/legends do get around... Tchau! T Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
