Parachute Practise Cited In Glider Bailout Fatality

[CaptainKirk]

The TSB is making a recommendation that IF you as a pilot decide to wear a parachute while flying a sailplane, you should know how to use it and in their recommendation that involves training and jumping at a skydive centre. It seems like common sense but most pilots quickly resolve thats not needed…what can go wrong?

Parachute training and jump conditioning will greatly increase your chances of a successful bale-out when below 3000 AGL ie close to the ground with little time to overcome the startle factor / brain freeze that jumping for the first time often results in. (Ive flown gliders and I’ve parachuted and I’ve been a jump pilot)

Although its standard practice for pilots of a single seat sailplane to wear a emergency chute, there is no regulatory requirement to wear a parachute and if you do, to show evidence of parachute training.

[assiegordon (Jim Gordon)]

There was definitely something else at work. This happened during the national gliding competition, where lots of gliders typically share the same airspace and thermals (not sure if this happened with other planes in the area). We are talking close formation flying.

As well, gliding in Canada requires two check flights at the beginning of each season, which includes spin training and insip recovery. Mandated by the national insurance provider. Now most pilots don’t practice spins by themselves during the season but that is another discussion. Needless to say though, I wouldn’t say training was the issue as spins are taught to a much higher level in gliding than in power flying.