Suitman

Thanks David, I've enjoyed the reading and discussions so far. Lets hope I can contribute on the plus side. I hope the two months doesn't seem like two years. Peter

I must agree with Frank. Since having a full set of MRI scans, ultrasounds, blood tests, tilt-table and stress tests performed multiple times, I believe I'm in a slightly more informed position to make the call that answers the HF question "Am I ok to fly today?", than the average Joe. Believe me, it was a long wait to see if I would get the Aerochute repaired (i.e. only if I was given the all-clear) - and this has only reinforced to me that I must answer that question honestly, after carefully considering it. Peter

Frank, Well, I hope to be flying for a lot more years to come. But fate will decide that. I was very lucky - 13 skull fractures and now 7 plates holding the noggin together but (much to my wife's lament) they couldn't improve my face! :hittinghead: Peter

Thanks Frank, don't get me wrong, it was the *only* tree on the property, but I'm sure glad it was there! On the other side of the tree is a large lake.... I don't really want to think too much about what could have happened had we glided out into that. I now either - fly solo or take an experienced passenger who could "keep the power on" should something like this ever happen again. Fortunately, the Aerochute flies well from either seat and just a foot on the power keeps you up there.

Thanks David, and yes I agree, a bit of a worry having gone through all that pain :black_eye: and suffering (and I didn't fly for 11 months! ) and nothing to "show" for it, or at least something that I could get "fixed". But after all the tests I went through, I feel a bit more faith in it not re-occuring. It certainly makes you think twice about the "It would never happen to me" thought process!

Hi Chris, Yes I'm VERY happy with the Aerochute. Since my very intimate meeting with the tree, I've had the basic setup repaired "upgraded" to an electric start, a bigger prop (Bolly from the original Ivoprop), larger top plate for more room in the cockpit and the new trimmed 'chute. Basically this gives a faster climb or greater lift (kg's) but slightly slower cruise speed. (Since I'm not flying a PPC for speed records, this was the least of my worries). My first take off solo since the accident was very impressive, requiring only 8m take off roll! The tree-in-the-same-space-at-the-same-time problem would have been avoided if I had not have just "passed out" about 20 - 30 secs beforehand, about 2 mins into the flight. I only know what happened because my passenger was there to witness it. Medical tests as to the cause, for the six months after the incident concluded it was a once-off and I could drive (and therefore fly) again. IMHO, the Rotax is pratically indestructible. With the phasing out of the 503, Aerochute offer the bigger "Hummerchute" with the Rotax 582. However apart from EFATO (and any tree-space-time issues), you'd be glad that big chute is always up there and you can glide (and land) safely and in comfort without any loud noisy things pushing you from behind. Peter

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Hi there, I'm a recent newbie to Recreational Flying - but I have been flying my Aerochute for about 5 years now (Yes - I've got lots of bugs in the teeth!) and really enjoy it. I have displayed the Aerochute @ Avalon for three airshows now, as I enjoy meeting all the other pilots and seeing the wide ranging AC in all categories. I've had my 15 minutes of fame (unfortunately) coming to grief with a tree just over 12 months ago, but have returned to the skies after a bit of a (enforced) break. Good to be here! Peter