ASK ALLEN COLUMN
An archive of my columns published in Sport Aerobatics magazine.
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2024
FALLING OUT OF YOUR PARACHUTE HARNESS IN NOT AN OPTION
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2023
HOW LOW CAN I GO?
"Ask Allen" March/April 2023
SA-2023-03 How Low can I go Allen Silver[...]
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2022
DUSTING OFF THE WINTER COBWEBS
"Ask Allen" March/April 2022
SAERO 03 -2022 Ask Allen.pdf
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2021
"Ask Allen" September/October 2021
ASK ALLEN 46-49 SA-2021-09.pdf
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2017
Why do I always have to keep shoving my ripcord pins back in to keep my parachute container from popping open?
Ask Allen July 2017.pdf
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Just because it's worked in the past doesn't mean it's correct. Learn from the mistakes of others. My question to you is: How can we stop this "Its always worked before attitude"?
Allen Silver May 2017.pdf
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This column discusses the importance of never taking your eyes off the ripcord once you've bailed out. Your harness may have shifted. Getting stable like a skydiver is probably not an option. Envision Wile E. Coyote and you'll get the picture or impression.
SAERO Feb 2017 Ask Allen.pdf
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2016
This column discusses what to do and not do if you ever have to bailout over water.
Dec 2016.pdf
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This article discusses the value of having the factory or their representative check your parachute and how to find out what the TSO label on your parachute really means.
Ask Allen Oct 2016.pdf
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This article briefly describes how parachutes are tested and what you should be looking for when choosing one that best fits your needs.
Ask Allen_August2016.pdf
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Tacking your risers in place so you don't fall out of your harness. Getting in and out of your aircraft can damage your parachute. Particularly the ripcord protector flap. My semi-retirement letter
AskAllen_May 2016.pdf
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2015
Not having your harness adjusted properly can have disastrous results. Help is out there just ask. Reminder on how to properly package and ship your parachute. Bailout seminars are an email or phone call away.
AskAllen_Dec2015 (1).pdf
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"Don't let the Grim Reaper ruin your day". Several reasons your parachute may be condemned out. All could be avoided with a little TLC.
AskAllen-Oct2015.pdf
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I can't tell you how to adjust, store or where to take your parachute to be packed. You need to be proactive with your parachute care and maintenance and if you see something that looks wrong with someone elses please speak up.
Ask Allen Aug.pdf
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How non-destructive pull tests are done on your parachute and why we recommend a 20 year service life on your entire parachute assembly.
AskAllen_June2015.pdf
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“Accidents do not just happen to THEM; they happen to YOU.” Creating a culture of safety thru discipline. Speak up You might save a life.
AskAllen_Mar2015.pdf
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2014
The pitfalls flying with cold weather equipment on. In particular gloves. Can you quickly get out of your aircraft and find, reach and be able to pull your ripcord. How to store your parachute for the winter. The rubber bands require special attention.
Ask Allen Dec 2014.pdf
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Your part of the equation in keeping your parachute properly maintained and serviced. Being proactive and scheduling a bailout seminar could save your life. Don't wait until tomorrow.
AskAllenSept2014.pdf
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Write an honest assessment of your flying so you can better understand and identify potential hazards. Practicing your egress procedures as well as other procedures helps build up excess workload capacity allowing you to work better under pressure and stress.
AskAllen_July2014.pdf
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Pictures & Article showing how to assemble and pack a parachute
AskAllen_May.pdf
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1. Are you sure your parachute is adjusted properly?
2. Is your rigger doing a good job? How about sending
your parachute back to the factory or their representative
every few years.
3. You should attend a bailout seminar.
1.Ram Air canopy verses Round Canopy
2.Static Line Deployed Parachutes. Pros and Cons
Ram-air Or Round.pdf
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2013
Is your harness adjusted properly? Please pad your a/c seat bottom and back if necessary. Also the hook (scratchy part) of Velcro can damage your parachute, if you've removed your cushions.
AskAllen Sept2013.pdf
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A review of safety tips. Paying attention to the smallest of details could be the one factor in the equation that saves your life. "HAVING A POSITIVE GROUTH MIND-SET" is the focus of this months column.
AskAllen_July2013.pdf
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How to care for your Nomex Flightsuit. If you email or call I also have information on the Gallet Helmet shown in photo #6.
Nomex.pdf
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-- How to open up and become a better pilot. You have resources that can help you become the best pilot you can be, and all you have to do is ask.
-- "Safety is a byproduct of professionalism
AskAllen_April2013.pdf
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-- The many meanings of "Bailing Out". Making timely and rational decisions.
-- Invitation to fly into the Columbia CA Airport (022) and visit my shop.
Ask Allen Feb2013.pdf
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2012
-- Parachute Landing Falls (PLF's). Hopefully all you'll need to know.
AskAllen_Oct2012.pdf
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-- As a parachute rigger, I try and make the equipment I maintain more user friendly. Maybe you should ask yourself "What can I do to protect my equipment and make it more user friendly?
AskAllen_Aug2012.pdf
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-- Survival is not an Accident
-- What should I carry on me that will help rescuers find me quickly? Check out my SMAK Pak.
Survival_June2012.pdf
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-- What if the CG changed dramatically while attempting to bail out? What should I be prepared to do?
-- Some lines on my chute are stuck together due to a resin coating on them. What can my rigger do?
AskAllen_June2012.pdf
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-- Will my headset cable interfere with my bailing out?
-- Me and my equipment weigh more than what my chute is rated at. What should I do?
-- Should I make a practice jump on my chute?
SAERO_28.pdf
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What should I look for when purchasing a parachute for my passengers?
SAERO_29.pdf
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-- The year in review.
-- The oldest pilots know when not to fly.
-- Only 10% of our decision making is based on fact the other 90% is based on emotion? Think before you fly.
Feb 2012 Ask Allen.pdf
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2011
-- Are old habits hard to break?
Take control of who packs your parachute.
December 2011.pdf
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-- Don't do it yourself! Repairing your parachute yourself may save money, but what about your life?
askal_oct2011.pdf
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-- How to properly adjust an aerobatic harness
-- What is the best parachute for a warbird?
askalAUG2011.pdf
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-- An account of the tornado at Sun 'n Fun
26-27_askalJUNEfinal.pdf
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2010
-- What do I do with the spring-loaded pilot chute when shipping your parachute for a repack?
askal_Aug2010.pdf
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-- How fast do I decelerate when bailing out?
GO TO MY HOME PAGE TO DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE
DECELERATION CHART SHOWN BELOW
-- When does the 180-day repack actually expire?
askal_Jun_2010.pdf
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-- Pocket change and bailouts
-- How to stow leg and chest straps
Feb_10.pdf
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2009
-- Tour of Silver Parachute Sales
-- Protecting your parachute
Dec_09.pdf
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---How fast do I decelerate when I bail out?
( GO TO MY HOME PAGE TO DOWNLOAD A
COPY OF THE DECELERATION CHART)
---What do plastice ties ,tape and Velcro have in
Common?
Oct 2009.pdf
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-- How to attach a PLB or survival kit to your parachute
2009-08_askal.pdf
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-- Packing logs and maintenance records
-- How to use dot snaps
2009-06.pdf
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-- Effect of 180-day repacks
-- How to use a static line
April_09.pdf
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-- What side of the aircraft should I jump from?
-- Arrival of 180-day repacks!
Feb09.pdf
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2008
-- How do I practice egress?
-- 180-day repack cycle update
Oct08.pdf
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-- How do I store a parachute?
-- Is my parachute steerable?
Dec08.pdf
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-- How to attach a PLB to a parachute
-- How to protect your parachute when removing seat cushions
ask_al_August_2008.pdf
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-- 180-day repack update
-- What's the best way to ship a parachute?
June_2008.pdf
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-- What does the word “hope” have to do with flying?
-- Why am I having trouble finding someone to pack my 20-something-year-old parachute?
2008-04.pdf
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-- How do I select a parachute that fits me and my aircraft?
-- How do I choose the correct size parachute for me?
2008-02.pdf
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2007
It looks like the flying season is done where -- How do I properly store my parachute?
-- Why did the quick ejector snap that holds my leg straps on break?
2007-12.pdf
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-- What do I do with excess leg and chest strap webbing?
-- Which FARs does the place I have my chute packed have to follow?
2007-10.pdf
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-- My parachute is showing signs of wear and abrasion near the ripcord protector flap. What can I do to prevent this and avoid a costly repair?
-- I’ve heard that I should check the rip cord pins when I preflight my parachute. How do I do this?
2007-08.pdf
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-- The elastic keepers on my parachute’s chest and leg straps are missing. Are they important?
-- Do I need a large military style parachute like a 28-foot C-9 canopy if I fly a fast aircraft?
2007-06.pdf
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-- If I practice pulling the ripcord on my parachute before shipping, what do I do with the spring pilot chute?
-- To help prevent theft, can I mark the parachute container with a marker pen?
2007-04.pdf
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-- How should I ship my parachute when it’s due for a repack?
-- How often should I replace my seat belts in my aircraft?
2007-02.pdf
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2006
-- I’m thinking of purchasing a new parachute, and I want to upgrade. Should I consider a rectangular (ramair) parachute like skydivers use?
-- I plan on flying in the winter, and I wear extra clothing. Can that cause problems?
2006-12.pdf
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-- I’m interested in purchasing a used parachute. What should I look for?
-- Can a jump center (drop zone rigger) pack my parachute?
2006-06.pdf
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