RAC501A

From

Rigging Advisory Circular RAC501A Please note that this is a text only reproduction of this document and you should always refer to the original document linked below for a full reference.
Link to original	Text is reproduced here for your convenience, for a full reference please see the original document.
Subject	APF Policy for the use of 'Blast Handles' on personal parachutes
Issue	01 November 1985
Status	Recommended
Effective date	Immediately
Compliance Date
Authority	Director (Rigging) Australian Parachute Federation
Distribution	All APF Packers All APF Riggers Australian Parachute Manufacturers & Importers APF Packing Manual Owners All APF Instructors

Identification

Part No 5705081

Part No 62B4253

Background

The ‘Blast Handle’ is correctly identified as ‘The Anti-Wind Blast’ handle. It was developed as a parachute release handle for manual release on military ejection seat parachutes. It clips directly onto a MS70104 ripcord housing.

The handle is designed to be difficult to remove from the housing (15 - 20 lbs pull).

For sport parachuting use it became necessary to modify the handle by drilling out the centre post to allow it to be pulled at an angle to the housing. The following sectional views show how the housing should be modified for sporting use.

While blast handles have not directly caused a fatality they have been cited in a number of fatalities where parachutists seemed unable to locate or pull a blast handle ripcord.

There are ripcord handles available which are easier to identify, easier to grasp and easier to pull from any direction than the blast handle.

APF Policy

The blast handle post MUST be drilled out for it to be suitable for sport parachuting use.

The use of blast handles is to be discouraged on personal parachutes.

Where possible a blast handle is to be replaced with a Martin Baker or Trapezoidal handle.