Citation

Wilkes M, Charles R, Long G, Massey H, Eglin C, Tipton MJ. Appl. Ergon. 2020; 90: e103229.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.apergo.2020.103229

PMID

32882502

Abstract

Paragliding reserve parachute deployments typically occur at low altitude, with pilots under extreme stress. Failure to deploy cleanly can result in death. However, deployment systems have evolved haphazardly, trialled only by expert test pilots. We investigated reserve parachute systems in amateur pilots. Fifty-five paraglider pilots were filmed deploying their reserve parachutes from a zipline. Test conditions were designed for ecologically valid body, hand and gaze positions; cognitive loading and switching; and physical disorientation akin to a real deployment. The footage was reviewed by two groups of subject matter experts. Recommendations included positioning reserve handles at the pilot's hip, deployment bags being supplied with the harness, strop and handle as part of an integrated system, and containers being designed so deployment bags were extractable at any angle of pull. Deployment in a single, sweeping action should be encouraged in preference to multiple actions.

Language: en

Keywords

Accidents; Aviation; Personal protective equipment; Equipment failure