Chute Collapse

[texasbagpiper]

Ok, I didn't have a chute collapse but after reading all the incident reports it seems like this is a random thing that just happens out of the blue when a pilot is cruising along in calm or windy conditions. This kinda freaks me out thinking I may have a chute collapse at any given time. I'm sure their are other newbies that may want to know as I why this happens and how to avoid it. Is it caused by certain chute makers/brands more than others?wrong size for the machine? My CFI has been flying since the first Paraplanes came out and said he's never had a chute collapse but after reading the incident reports it is apparent that is happens. Cheers, Seth

[woodyking]

Seth, stop worrying, if you machine is set up half right, it won't collapse unless maybe in a tight tornado or where anything's possible. You can stall it by overdoing the flare for a long period in flight, even that's not gonna happen with a decend set up machine. Not enough line pull, the chutes are pretty much designed to be reliable in flight.
The cases where you lose lift like unloading a chute doing a touch and go is rare also, but more likely. A frontal collapse would be something to deal with, but if you are fully inflated before you leave the ground it would be hard to picture that happening. Wind shear can and has brought down jetliners, so there is some risk of that. That's where the weather watch comes in, learn where to find reliable info in your area, and check it before you fly. Keep eyes open for dark clouds, they have strong wind currents around them, can "suck you up" for a ride.
The early Paraplane didn't like doing full tight 360s, the inner wing would lose pressure or something and that would lead to a fall. Fortunately, with some altitude they would recover quick. Despite being warned, I know a guy who dropped a couple hundred feet and touched pine tops as his chute popped open and took off. Lucky by inches.
Don't stop flying on this issue. There's some risk in getting outa bed. Even some in staying in bed......... Woody

[Skypilot]

Ok, I didn't have a chute collapse but after reading all the incident reports it seems like this is a random thing that just happens out of the blue when a pilot is cruising along in calm or windy conditions. This kinda freaks me out thinking I may have a chute collapse at any given time. I'm sure their are other newbies that may want to know as I why this happens and how to avoid it. Is it caused by certain chute makers/brands more than others?wrong size for the machine? My CFI has been flying since the first Paraplanes came out and said he's never had a chute collapse but after reading the incident reports it is apparent that is happens. Cheers, Seth
My suggestion would be to read the Weather Thread, there is a lot of good information to help you aviod situations that may be risky which you might not be aware of.:)