Before we get started into this month’s patter, I had a call this week from our good friend Ernie Smith at Transport Canada. He had an excellent suggestion for a safer circuit entry procedure than that shown on page 5 of the last Skywriter. Please see the diagram in the box below. This is from page RAC 4-7 of the A.I.P. manual if you wish to read the procedure that goes along with it.

Continuing our discussion of parachute safety devices for ultralights. there are basically 3 types that I would like to discuss.

1. Ballistic cannisters are loaded with a detonating charge that fires a metal projectile with deadly force, which in tum drags the chute from the cannister to full deployment.
2. Rocket deployed devices which fire by an electronic switch thereby dragging the chute from its soft pack.
3. Spring-loaded cannisters which operate in a similar fashion to the ballistic type except that it’s motive force is the uncoiling of a spring instead of detonation.

All of the above designs are considered appropriate for ultralight use. but some advantages and disadvantages follow.

1. The ballistic is probably the quickest form of deployment (one second or less), but if fired accidentally on the ground it can easily kill a man or cause serious injury. Also, the charge is subject to contamination by water or fuel and re-packing every 2 years is expensive.
2. The rocket deployment is also very quick but is sensitive to placement of the rocket and the chute. If these are not correctly mounted serious accidents from partial deployment can result. Also, with the electronic switch, accidental deployments have occurred causing one serious crash that I know of in Calgary.
3. The spring-loaded deployment is relatively slow, which may be critical at low altitudes. There is not much force relative to the other two types but the lower cost and easier maintenance are a big plus.

Whichever type you choose for your bird, please do pick one. As ultralight pilots we are given the opportunity to have this second chance, let’s not waste it. If you would like further information, please write to me or give me a call and I will pass along the names of some of the manufacturers. Let’s be careful out there!