Parachute re-packing
 

Any suggestions as to where (in Southern England) I can get a parachute (a just-in-case for aeros) re-packed?

By the way, has anyone ever had to use one of these things in earnest? Its all very well being told that after the canopy is jettisoned, you hurl yourself and your parachute (unless you have undone the straps in addition to the seat harness!) towards the trailing edge of the wing - but whats the reality?

RD Aviation at Kidlington did my office parachute for me last month for £32, which I thought was reasonable.

Never in earnest, but done lots of training. I regard it in the same light as, say, a whitewater canoeist would regard swimming!

G

SES (Survival Equipment Specialists) at Kemble are the dogs B***ocks in this field. Del Hall is ex RAF SE rigger and knows his stuff.
01285 771171.

Office parachute? Work on the top floor, Genghis? Bit jittery post 9/11?

;)

QDM

The gliding club at Booker has repacking on the first Saturday of each month. A few weeks back it cost £25 to get mine done.

I'd go to a good 'n busy parachute centre where they pack all the time. www.bpa.co.uk will give you a few addresses.

As far as technique, well I have 1500 jumps in everything from Skyvans to Tiger Moths (an interesting low speed experience by the way...). Only one aircraft emergency though and that was out of a 206. By the time I had "thrown" my four static line students out the door we were a tad low which left just enough time for my patented escape procedure. Aim for a hole in the aeroplane, jump through it and pull something...quick.