Originally Posted by
pr00ne
What about the hundreds of observation balloon observers who escaped from burning or deflating balloons BY PARACHUTE.
Two things that need to be considered regarding WW1 parachutes. Size and weight. WW1 aircraft were small and underpowered, and every ounce of weight was important. Early parachutes were large and heavy. What was needed was a small, dedicated aircraft chute.
An observation balloon had more space for the larger type of chute and weight was not important.