parachute repack (and other stuff)

[pink_albatross]

There was some discussion on the hill yesterday about parachute repacks and where to send the parachutes for repacking, if you don't trust yourself to do it properly.

I know that locally, Highland Aerosports and Steve Wendt at Manquin pack parachutes, but my fuzzy recollection from past parachute repack sessions seems to be that there is some difference between the packing for hang gliders reserves and paraglider reserve. I don't remember specifics. Most likely the difference is too slight to matter. I believe I've heard that Juan also repacks chutes?

However, if you want to send your reserve off for repacking, I did a quick check online:
superfly (http://www.superflyinc.com/fly/services) does it for $50.00 and Mojo Gear (http://www.mojosgear.com/html/crepair98.htm) does it for $65.00. Shipping not included.

Btw, both charge $125 for your PG inspection. I've heard good things about Mojo Gear, but have no personal experience to share. I have ordered lines from Superfly (lines are cheaper at Mojo) and they've arrived fast and in time for the next weekend's flying.

FWIW
-- ellis

[charlieg]

Thanks Ellis!
I went to a parachute repack clinic last summer (2006) hosted by the Southern VA club. It was great because we also got in some practice tossing the chute (something I hope to never have to do for real).
The packing process didn't seem that complicated - just critical that it be done right (so probably work the $50+ to have it done). But I wonder if we might be able to have our club sponsor a repacking session. It's something we're all supposed to do once per year. An annual meeting focused on that topic would seem to me to be very worthwhile. Perhaps we could get a local school to rent us their gym for an afternoon on a cold (non flying) winter day.
Charlie

[hang_pilot]

Hi, Charlie-

As usual, you're there with a good idea.

The club does organize periodic (sporadic might be a better word) repacks. In the past, Steve Wendt has been kind enough -- considering that he offers repacks for a fee -- to let us host at Blue Sky, which is great because tow rated hg & pg pilots can fly there (Highland has offered as well, but they're hg only right now). I don't know if Blue Sky's the plan for this time around or not. Anyway, there's usually someone around who can help with a PG reserve. I know Brian can do them, maybe Cragin, too.

If you want to help put together a repack, send a note to Tom McGowan, mcgowantk at yahoo dot com

Best,
Daniel

[jimrooney]

PG repacks differ in the way they pack into the harness (which is very minimal) and the way they attach to the harness. The canopy is often exactly the same as a HG reserve (with a longer bridal) and thus packs the same.

Doing a repack clinic is a great idea. Even if your interest in learning to pack is minimal, it is good to see how it all works.

Jim

[Flying Lobster]

PG envelopes and containers are often different than HG ones (usually 4 flap), and most Euro brands (Sky, Metamorphosi) go for the shorter stage quick deploy as opposed to what American manufacturers traditionally have done--the clean staged, get clear of the main.

Not taking sides as to which is better philosophically--but be careful of the "one pack fits all" approach.

marc