Firelite main canopy openings?

[pchapman 261]

Anyone recall how the openings on the Firelite were as a main canopy?
(Or in the reserve canopy version?)

Were they typical for 1980's F-111 style canopies, fairly rapid but not hard?

[wmw999 2,119]

Was that the one that started out as a Firefly? If so, I had one, and yeah, it was quick but not hard. Unless, of course, one didn't roll the nose enough. Normally I folded it over twice, only did it once one time, and it damn near took my head off.

Wendy P.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[peek 20]

Quote

Anyone recall how the openings on the Firelite were as a main canopy? (Or in the reserve canopy version?)

Were they typical for 1980's F-111 style canopies, fairly rapid but not hard?

Yes, that is my understanding, at least when they are fairly new, then they slow down.

[pchapman 261]

Quote

Was that the one that started out as a Firefly?

That's what they say. Django Firefly with direct line attachments, co. sued by Para Flite holding the patent, reappeared with flare attachments as the Glide Path Firelite.

Thanks.

[riggerrob 558]

I only did a handful of jumps on a Firelite, back in 1985.
I don't remember the openings, which probably means the Firelite opened as firmly as my Cruislite, but not as hard as my Strato-Cloud.

[in2jumping 0]

Quote

Anyone recall how the openings on the Firelite were as a main canopy?
(Or in the reserve canopy version?)

Were they typical for 1980's F-111 style canopies, fairly rapid but not hard?

You talking about GlidePath Firelite now FlightConcepts Firelite? I have one terminal reverse ride under one that almost knocked me out and left bruises. Remember GlidePath touting it as being the fastest opening reserves.

[topdocker 0]

I have several firelight reserve rides, along with the rest of my team. We all liked the canopy, no problems with openings, flying or flaring. Also, the rigger never complained about repacking it!

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