What happens if the short drop and stop renders the parachutist unconscious (whiplash for example)?
The drill used to be that upon realizing you were hooked up you were to tap your helmet with one hand to indicate you were conscious and they would cut the cable. You were then expected to pull your reserve. HUPRA was developed after a man was cut free when he was unconscious. The slipstream had caused one arm to flap and appear to be tapping his helmet. He died. The HUPRA can be used whether a man is conscious or not because it has it's own parachute though they prefer you to be conscious in case of a malfunction, (you pull your reserve if that happens). When I was taught HUPRA drills we were to hold one hand or the other firmly on your helmet to indicate you are conscious.
Trim Stab:
I did my course in 1979 and we were taught it there at Brize. When did you do your course.