Old saying:
You don't need a parachute to skydive.
You need a parachute to skydive TWICE.

Every year since 1986, the Reel Pilots have done both a parachute clinic and repack session and a glider maintenance meet (lost use of the high school gym in 2004). Both safety sessions have turned up problems that may not have otherwise been seen. It's great to have many eyes looking over your equipment and come up with ways to fix the problems which are found.

We've held the chute clinics at military parachute lofts, in an aircraft hangar and, in a conference room at a local library. The maintance meets were in the military hangars (NAS Glenview and O'Hare National Guard... both now gone) and for several years at a high school (prohibited now due to insurance costs). Finding a good site is critical... and difficult.

A clinic can be held on a living room floor as long as it's clean and proper procedures are followed. Get together with your friends to make sure y'all are correctly repacked EACH YEAR. A canopy that has not seen a repack in some years will have a very difficult time opening, if it will, when needed.

Parachute Reference

The following PDF files will help you and your club members learn to understand the need and caring for your emergency chute. In a critical situation, it's your absolute last chance for survival.

Repacking your own chute is not difficult but must be with both care and knowedgeable training. Mistakes can be made that will prevent a chute from opening. Good to have experience eyes watching.

1. Basics by Betty Pfeiffer (2 pages) –  PDF
2. Rigger's inspection details (1 page) –  PDF
3. Parachute quiz (4 pages) – PDF
4. Equipment care by Rob Kells and Steve Parsons (4 pages) –  PDF
5. Misconceptions by BettyP and Bill Gargano (4 pages) –  PDF

Videos:
Betty Pfeiffer Clinic - 1.5 hours on youtube
Betty, part 1 by Joe Schmucker
Betty, part 2 by Joe Schmucker

(top) After fluffing and doing the first folds, Joe and Jaro pay close attention to the zig-zag folding of the canopy so it deploys properly.

(bottom) Kris inspects his harness after installing a repacked chute. Dave uses the net to hang and fluff his canopy.

Glider Inspection Checklist

2-page form that was printed in HG magazine some years ago. It was updated and reformatted in 2006 – PDF

DISCLAIMER: As with all aviation endeavors, your choice and use of equipment is totally up to you. It is assumed you are an experienced HG or PG tow pilot who is intimately familiar with the style of towing you will be doing. As such, YOU ASSUME ALL RISK AND LIABILITY in the use of the Linknife, as well as all other parts, functions and personnel involved in the towing and flight operations. If you do not have experience in towing, please contact an instructor for expert training. Trying to learn on your own can, and probably will, result in your injury and even death. Many pilots have paid the ultimate price so we may now tow as safely as never before possible. Please learn from their lessons.