Flybubble's Carlo Borsattino attended the BHPA Emergency Parachute Conference 2015, run by the BHPA's Bill Morris. Here's his report from the event.
The conference was aimed at all BHPA EPS (Emergency Parachute System) packers and other BHPA members who wished to have a full update in Paragliding and Hang Gliding emergency parachutes and their use. In the last ten years, the types and variety of systems has grown from the traditional round canopies, to the revival of the Rogallo types and the recent emergence of square reserves and cut away systems. This event covered the full range of systems with talks and practical demonstrations so that all participants are better briefed on this wide range.
Bill kicked the conference off with an overview of paragliding and hang gliding emergency reserve systems past, present and future, after which a few 'special guest speakers' gave various parachute related presentations.
Mark Shaw covered EN certification with an emphasis on the harness side of things, since he is now involved in the CEN working group for EN testing of harnesses (which is currently up for possible updating). Although Mark's presentation wasn't specifically about reserve systems, he did briefly cover reserve connection systems, and it was interesting to hear Mark's thoughts about CEN certification system.
Andy Cowley looked at the history of parachutes, and then went in to detail about 'the architecture of parachutes' with a look at many different types of reserve systems, mainly outside of freeflight but also with some relevance to the early days of freeflight reserve systems, which were awful! Thankfully things have moved on quite a bit from the 'good old days'.
Greg Emms and Bill shared their knowledge of Rogallo type reserve systems, the best of which is widely agreed to be the High Adventure Beamer 3, with Carlo filling in some of the gaps. Greg had come up with a simple system to help with packing Rogallo reserves, which he demonstrated.
Stefan Kurle from Independence Paragliders gave an interesting presentation on the history, development, material, tests, and certification of parachute rescue systems and use for paragliders and hang gliders. Stefan also explained about the reserve systems which his company manufactures and sells.
Finally, Bill ended the conference with a look into existing cut away systems for paragliding. These were first introduced by acro star Raul Rodriguez who, working with Sup'Air, came up with the Acro Base System, a harness with cut away reserve system including a base jumping style ram air canopy.
It was good to hear different points of view about the latest developments in reserve parachute systems, catch up with friends old and new, and make some new acquaintances. Thanks to Bill Morris and the BHPA for organising the event, and to all of the speakers for sharing their knowledge and thoughts with us!
See the latest freeflight reserves.