Since newsletter editor, Bob Kirkby, has kindly consented to let me be a regular contributor to the “Skywriter”, I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt congratulations to our new executive. President Paul Hemingson is already hard at work on some very interesting ideas and it was terrific to see Gord Tebbutt and Jim Creasser continue in their positions. We are all looking forward to a great year of fun flying. I am honored to be asked to be Vice-President and look forward to contributing to the club in any way I can.

This month I would like to talk about ballistic parachutes. Some of the newer pilots may not even be aware of what they are or how they work. When I first started flying ultralights a few years ago, I remember how impressed I was with the concept of bringing an aircraft down under a canopy in case of an emergency. I also remember that I promised myself that I would never fly an ultralight that was not so equipped.

Over the years, I have noticed changes in my own thinking and in attitudes towards this important piece of safety equipment. Because I have flown so long without ever being in a situation that would necessitate chute deployment, I find that my resolve to never fly an ultralight without one is starting to wear a little thin. Because there have been no incidents in this area recently that would have called for “pulling the pin”, I am seeing very few installations on new machines that are being built. Personally, I do not think this is a good trend. Let me give you some examples of where “hanging out your laundry” may be a prudent thing to do.

Your elevator cable, turnbuckle, or control horn breaks in flight. Unless you are real nimble at jumping back and forth between the seats in a tandem aircraft (few of us have trim tabs that could substitute) the chute may be the only way out.

You are involved in a mid-air collision where control of the aircraft becomes impossible. Time to let ‘er rip.

These are some good reasons why we should carry a chute. Next month I would like to discuss the different types of chutes available and problems that may occur with them.

Until then, keep the blue side up.