Emergency parachutes from 1970? They might literally be museum pieces. If they are truly that old you may want to contact the
Skydiving Museum [
skydivingmuseum.org], or the
Air & Space Museum [
nasm.si.edu].
Despite their age, they may still be usable. A parachute rigger would be able to examine them and let you know. Check with the
USPA [
uspa.org] to find the nearest "drop zone" (DZ) and they can put you in touch with a parachute rigger.
My comment about 'museum piece' is not that they're no good, but rather that newer emergency rigs tend to be more comfortable and reliable, with softer opening shock and more gentle landing (relatively speaking). But my experience is with sport rigs, not emergency rigs. So talk to a rigger. I would guess a straightforward inspection and repack would be under $100 and is good for six months.
