Thinking about jumping into a RV-4

[xjcaptain]

I thought you needed parachutes any time you were doing aerobatics, as per the FAR's.

Actually, just as long as you are flying solo, no parachute is legally required. Sure might be a good idea, but thats another entire argument...legal vs safe.

Look at 91.307 (c).


§ 91.307 Parachutes and parachuting.

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(a) No pilot of a civil aircraft may allow a parachute that is available for emergency use to be carried in that aircraft unless it is an approved type and—

(1) If a chair type (canopy in back), it has been packed by a certificated and appropriately rated parachute rigger within the preceding 120 days; or

(2) If any other type, it has been packed by a certificated and appropriately rated parachute rigger—

(i) Within the preceding 120 days, if its canopy, shrouds, and harness are composed exclusively of nylon, rayon, or other similar synthetic fiber or materials that are substantially resistant to damage from mold, mildew, or other fungi and other rotting agents propagated in a moist environment; or

(ii) Within the preceding 60 days, if any part of the parachute is composed of silk, pongee, or other natural fiber, or materials not specified in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section.

(b) Except in an emergency, no pilot in command may allow, and no person may conduct, a parachute operation from an aircraft within the United States except in accordance with part 105 of this chapter.

(c) Unless each occupant of the aircraft is wearing an approved parachute, no pilot of a civil aircraft carrying any person (other than a crewmember) may execute any intentional maneuver that exceeds—

(1) A bank of 60 degrees relative to the horizon; or

(2) A nose-up or nose-down attitude of 30 degrees relative to the horizon.

(d) Paragraph (c) of this section does not apply to—

(1) Flight tests for pilot certification or rating; or

(2) Spins and other flight maneuvers required by the regulations for any certificate or rating when given by—

(i) A certificated flight instructor; or

(ii) An airline transport pilot instructing in accordance with §61.67 of this chapter.

(e) For the purposes of this section, approved parachute means—

(1) A parachute manufactured under a type certificate or a technical standard order (C–23 series); or

(2) A personnel-carrying military parachute identified by an NAF, AAF, or AN drawing number, an AAF order number, or any other military designation or specification number.

[Doc. No. 18334, 54 FR 34308, Aug. 18, 1989, as amended by Amdt. 91–255, 62 FR 68137, Dec. 30, 1997; Amdt. 91–268, 66 FR 23553, May 9, 2001]

 

[avbug]

Last I checked you needed a parachute when doing aerobatics, I think it wise you know how to use it.

True enough. If one is going to carry a parachute, one should know how to use it.

Weather one should be doing aerobatics in the RV-4 is another matter.

 

[jbDC9]

Weather one should be doing aerobatics in the RV-4 is another matter.

So... what's wrong with doing acro in an RV-4?

 

[Blue]

Weather one should be doing aerobatics in the RV-4 is another matter.

Yeah, what's wrong with aerobatics in an RV-4?

 

[KigAir]

I've heard that it's easy to exceed the G limitation because they are extremely clean aerodynamically. I don't know if this true or not.

 

[mtrv]

I've heard that it's easy to exceed the G limitation because they are extremely clean aerodynamically. I don't know if this true or not.

They do pick up speed going downhill rather fast, and can easily get to the maximum manuvering speed quickly. Loops, rolls, and manuvers of this type are okay. There are plenty of published entry speeds to help keep everything in the ballpark.

 

[hotwings402]

Yea, I rolled one once, I started it too fast and let the nose drop on the bottom, picked ALOT of speed quick. All I can say is its not a Citabria or a C-150 acrobat. Be careful.