Club Homepage Forums Classified Ads Buy & Sell - Everything But Airplanes parachutes for 1970 A150

Hey everyone!

I'm quite a newbie here, as well as a relatively new A150 owner. Included in the purchase of my plane (8305M) were two original parachutes. Obviously they would need to be checked and repacked and all that before even considering them for use. BUT... my question is this... Do i really need to hang on to them? Will they make eventual resale of the plane better in the long run, having the original equipment? Is there any market for selling them? What should i DO with these things??? lolololol

Thank for your input, in advance!

Stephanie

Welcome Stephanie, and congratulations on your aerobat purchase.

I would imagine you'd probably want to hang on to those original chutes, just to have them. I'm not sure of the life expectancy of parachutes, but I've got a feeling the technology has really changed in the 40 years that they have been around. You may want to purchase new ones, and keep the old ones just for the originality of it all.

Wow! Another spin godess in the making?

Watch out, Poobs! Looks like Catherine is building her fleet!

If you do intentional aerobatics you will need to wear one. I found this at the below url:

"All other U.S. made emergency parachutes, the FAA Parachute Rigger that repacks the parachute is certifying that the parachute is airworthy for the next 180 day cycle. In other words....it is up to the FAA Certificated Parachute Rigger to inspect, test if necessary, and re-certify airworthy your parachute. The parachute may last 8 years or 30 years, it all depends on the care and condition of the parachute. (just like the annual inspection by your A&P mechanic for your aircraft),

I inspect every pilot parachute that comes into my parachute loft, those that don't pass you never see, the ones that make it are advertised here & have gone through my tough inspection and will last many years if taken care of. My name is Don Mayer, Master Parachute Rigger, FAA Designated Parachute Rigger Examiner, 36 years experience, owner of the Parachute Shop. 1-800-872-2488"


http://www.parachuteshop.com/life_limits_parachutes.htm

Stephanie,

G'day

Welcome to the club, you'll find it a great place to hang-out and, a wonderful source of info on your A150..... What model is it?

Oh, and by the way....Pictures...we need pictures (of your aircraft .....oh..and you too, if you wish )

Cheers

While it is certainly prudent to wear a parachute when performing aerobatics, legally, it is not required (solo).

WOW! Thanks for all the info guys! Appreciate it!

Aerobat seat cushions are sometimes available used (eBay? Barnstormers?) or can be manufactured in a variety of styles and colors ( click here for a good source [tnwings.com] ). They are usually secured to the seat pan with velcro for quick swapping with parachutes, and are just as comfortable as non-aerobat seats.

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.

Oh great. It's the Spin Goddessess Squadron.



...yikes!...




...back to hiding under the bed...

Oh yes. Everything is going according to plan.