Once you have decided to deploy your parachute you must follow the following sequence of operations as calmly, yet as quickly as possible:
- look at the deployment handle
- pass your thumb through the handle and close your fist around it
- open the container by pushing the handle aggressively to extract the pod
- aggressively throw the parachute towards clear air
- pull in the C risers of your paraglider to disable it
- prepare yourself for the landing impact and performance of a PLF
Explanations are necessary:
Looking at the deployment handle is vital so that you will be certain to get hold of it on your first attempt. A second try will cost precious time.
Hooking the thumb through the handle is the only way that guarantees you will get hold of it, especially when flying with gloves. Practice the first two steps in the deployment procedure frequently during regular flight so that it becomes second nature. Be careful not to cause an accidental deployment.
Pushing the deployment handle allows the container to be opened progressively and completely, and to extract the pod using the least possible effort.
An aggressive throw brings the parachute to full line extension in minimum time. The parachute must be thrown into clear air to reduce the chance of entanglement with the paraglider. If the paraglider still has forward speed in a more or less uniform direction, it is desirable to throw the parachute down and back. In the probable case that your paraglider is spinning with an asymmetric closure, throw the pod in the direction you are spinning and outwards from the centre of rotation: centrifugal force will assist in getting the parachute away from you and your wing. If you are wrapped in your glider, all effort must be made to find open air before throwing. Remember that your decision to pull and throw your rescue parachute will also very much depend on your height above ground. If you are very high above ground you have time to try to regain control of your paraglider, or let it sort itself out with your pod in hand, waiting for the most favourable moment. If you are close to the ground, every millisecond is precious: act immediately. Remember that a very fast rotation can ultimately lead to your unconsciousness.
Pulling in the C risers, if you have enough height, will disable forward movement of your paraglider, otherwise it may have the opportunity to interfere with your parachute reducing its stability and increasing your sink rate. If you hold the Cs in one hand (always above the quick-links to be sure to do it symmetrically), you can use the other hand to turn yourself to best face in the direction which would best facilitate PLF at landing. If your lines are twisted - impossible to pull in the C - you can pull in as much brake line as possible to collapse your wing; be careful to pull in both brakes symmetrically to avoid inducing your glider to spin which is highly dangerous once your parachute has been deployed.
Prepare for landing by maintaining your composure and focus. Stay as flexible and agile as possible, and absolutely do not place your hands out in front to help cushion your impact - focus your attention on the proper PLF sequence. Come what may, always remember that your sink rate corresponds to the equivalent jump height you have calculated. Force yourself to practice PLFs and remember that you cannot steer yourself once your parachute has been deployed and you no longer have any choice where you will touch down.
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