General Conditions Size/Weight Experience/Training Storage/Product Maintenance/ Warranty

What are the most important things to consider when purchasing an emergency evacuation chute?

• Is the parachute manufactured by a company that specializes in rescue parachute systems?
• Has the parachute been subjected to a variety of test jumps, including ones with live jumpers?
• Is the parachute TSO rated?
• Does the FAA or its foreign equivalent approve the parachute?
• Do you need special training to use the parachute effectively?
• How does the technical data compare to similar products in terms of opening time, rate of descent, stability, and control?

Round parachutes have a radical opening and are less stable in the air, oscillating and deflating easily. Round parachutes require a higher minimum deployment altitude due to the canopy's pulse or "breathing" effect upon opening. These parachutes are traditionally used by the military for deployment of troops and dropping heavy cargo loads.

The Evacuchute parachute canopy is designed to perform reliably in extreme turbulence and weather conditions. In these conditions, the main effects to a parachute are up or down drafts. Since the Evacuchute works on the principle of air resistance, it is designed to keep maximum pressure in the canopy. So, no matter how strong, turbulent or swirling the wind is, there is no excessive air spill and the canopy always remains inflated. Extreme weather will affect the descent rate and the ability to control landing location may be limited. However, there have never been any incidents of parachute deflation or fatalities in extreme weather with the Evacuchute parachute canopy. (Model JU-40 in the Bureau of Civil Aviation records.)

A building evacuation rescue parachute must be optimized for the inexperienced user and harsh, unstable conditions. The precise manner in which the Evacuchute canopy is packed into the harness enables the parachute to open evenly and correctly in less than 1.5 seconds.

The pull down apex canopy is the least stable of all three types of rounded parachutes. It has a much higher tendency to oscillate, causing excessive spilling of air out the sides (called down-plane) and results in a significant increase of the descent rate.

The Evacuchute is designed to open with forward speed so that it moves you away from the building and out of harm's way. The pull down apex has no forward speed: once deployed it will fall directly down in the direction of the wind.

The Evacuchute descends slowly and steadily in the most tempestuous conditions, while the pull down apex descends quickly and will sway even in moderate wind conditions.

The Evacuchute has a simple steering system that enables inexperienced users to easily steer from right to left with clearly visible cables. The pull down apex has no steering mechanism.

Finally, there are no models of the Pull Down Apex parachute that are certified with a TSO certification. The SHV, AFNOR or DHV tests and certifications are executed and issued only for paragliding or hang-gliding use.

What is the difference between the Evacuchute system and a sport parachute?

The Evacuchute's singular purpose is to provide an easy-to-use rescue system for the inexperienced user. The sport parachute is designed to be used only by qualified, experienced skydivers with hundreds of previous jumps, and is highly unsuitable for multiple evacuees with little or no parachute training. The sport parachute deploys unpredictably, making sharp turns after opening and runs the risk of flying a building evacuee directly back into the building. Its rapid rate of descent and excessive forward speed require active steering and skilled landing techniques. This kind of parachute can deflate easily if it comes into contact with other objects.

What makes the Evacuchute the safest, most reliable parachute?

The Evacuchute is designed and tested to save lives. Every aspect is customized to the special requirements of emergency evacuations from high-rise buildings and small aircraft. Our rescue parachute deploys quickly, has forward movement, is stable in turbulent air, maneuvers easily, and descends slowly, with stability. Our singular mission and stringent standards are evident throughout our rescue parachute systems, from our unique canopy and harness designs to our meticulous manufacturing and maintenance processes. We believe this focus, combined with our extensive experience, rigorous testing procedures, and international certifications, is critical to your ultimate safety.

What does a TSO Certification mean?

Every Evacuchute canopy carries the international seal of approval for personal parachutes; the TSO-c23d rating. The TSO certification was established in 1976, with the TSO-c23a rating, as an international standard for parachues. No parachute can be sold as a reserve or rescue parachute without a TSO rating. Since the TSO-C23d rating was established, the standards to meeting the rating have become significantly higher. These parachutes are certifed with the TSO-c23d rating. Today less than 15% of the manufacturers who hold a TSO rating have the TSO-c23d rating.

To receive the TSO-c23d rating, the Evacuchute rescue parachute had to perform consistenly under extreme conditions. The series of tests involve Temperature, Pressure, Speed, Weight and Physical.

Cold. The parachute is frozen at -42 degrees C for 24 hours and then is immediately taken up in an airplane to a designated altitude and thrown out of the airplane. The parachute must open immediately. The parachute is then immediately prepared for the next test upon landing.

Hot. The parachute is packed and placed in an oven at 10% below boiling for 24 hours and then is immediately taken up in an airplane to a designated altitude and thrown out of the airplane. The parachute must open immediately. The parachute is then immediately prepared for the next test upon landing.

Pressure. The parachute is packed and is put under a press with 250 pounds of pressure and it is left for 18 days. Within 30 minutes of taking it out from the press it then is immediately taken up in an airplane to a designated altitude and thrown out of the airplane. The parachute must open immediately. The parachute is then immediately prepared for the next test upon landing.

Speed and Weight. The parachute is packed and immediately taken up in an airplane to a designated altitude where a 250 pound ballast is attached and it is thrown out of the airplane at 200 miles per hour. This is repeated three times in a row. With this test the stress on the parachute is equal to 2000 pounds of shock force.

Physical. The parachute must go through 60 jumps, with a minimum and maximum weight (two different sized test jumpers), measuring oscillation, sink rate, turning, inflation, landing speed, shock on opening, and forward speed.

Throughout the testing process, the parachute is evaluated for damage against strict guidelines. If at any time during the testing series there is damage to the parachute, the testing is suspended and it will not pass a TSO-C23d rating.

Has anyone successfully jumped from a building with an Evacuchute?

Yes. See the video.

What is the difference between the civilian and rescue models of the Evacuchute?

The rescue model is designed to be used by professional rescue workers and features a harness which is made with fire retardant Fireskin 210 AS. In addition, the Civillian comes as a system, including various life saving devices that most people would not have readily available for use in this type of emergency evacuation.

What is the main difference between the models for Building Evacuation and Pilot Evacuation?

The main difference is the deployment system. The building evacuation parachute is automatically deployed by a hands-free static line system. The pilot evacuation parachute is equipped with a hand deployment ripcord system that supports free-fall velocity of up to 200 miles per hour. Both the building and pilot systems have the same TSO rating.

Under what circumstances should I use the Evacuchute?

The Evacuchute is only to be used as a last resort evacuation system. In the event of fire, earthquake, or other building catastrophes, the rescue parachute should be used only after all other evacuation protocols have been exhausted.

How high up in a building do you need to be in order to use the Evacuchute?

The Evacuchute has been tested to safely deploy from heights of 130 feet (approximately 13 floors above ground which would include any floors dedicated to above ground parking). Though we suggest evacuees from lower than 15 floors use the Evacuchute by taking the stairs up to a higher floor.

How does the Evacuchute work?

Deployment.
The building evacuation parachute is activated by securing a static line to pre-designated anchor points at the departure area of the building. When this line is fully extended, the parachute will start to fill with air. The Evacuchute's unique design ensures that deployment is both fast (less than 1.5 seconds) and gradual, filling evenly and uniformly. Furthermore, Evacuchute is designed to always open in the correct direction; so that upon deployment you move away from the building.

Descent.
The Evacuchute will then move you away from the building and to safety. It will descend slowly and steadily in a forward direction, and is designed to deflect off of other buildings or urban obstacles.

Landing.
Steering is managed with a simple, intuitive system designed for the inexperienced user. By simply pulling on one of two color-coded cables, the evacuee can turn the parachute right or left and choose the safest landing location. Once landed, the evacuee can cut the canopy line with a knife packed into the harness, if necessary.

Where do I attach the static line?

Depending on the circumstances, the static line can be secured to a wall bracket (provided with each system) a pre-designated roof exit, or to an extension static line (provided with each system) that can be attached to a structure like a desk leg or column.

What if I can't get to the roof?

If it is impossible to get to the roof or designated Evacuchute Exit, then you may attach the static line to a 30 foot extension static line, which is in turn anchored to an internal structure like a desk leg or column.

Do I need to have previous jumping experience or any special training before I use the Evacuchute?

No. The Evacuchute is specifically designed to be used by individuals with no formal parachute training. However, a sense of calm and preparedness can go a long way in an emergency, and thatís why we strongly recommend that users get proper basic training in the fundamentals of the Evacuchute rescue system and review the provided video.

Do you provide other training classes?

Yes, upon special request. Please contact us for more information.[email protected]

Are there any weight limitations for the Evacuchute?

No, but if weight exceeds 300 pounds the rate of descent will be faster.

Can 2 or more people use the Evacuchute at one time?

No, the Evacuchute is designed for one person.

How do I know what size harness to order?

A measuring chart is included on the Evacuchute order form. The building evacuation harness is available in two sizes, Small / Medium and Medium / Large, and is fully adjustable for a snug fit and proper weight distribution. Custom sizing (XS, XL) is also available as a special order.

Where should I store my Evacuchute?

You should store your Evacuchute in a place where it wonít be exposed to moisture, heat, or direct sunlight. A dry, cool place like a closet or the area under a desk will work fine. And always keep your Evacuchute in the storage bag supplied.

How often should I service my Evacuchute?

We strongly recommend that you have your Evacuchute inspected and re-packed every year, and tested for material porosity and strength every five years.

Why does the Evacuchute have to be re-packed every year?

Over time, the parachute fabric and lines will compress and retain the memory of its folds. This can affect the opening time and overall function of the system. In order to maintain the performance of the parachute, the canopy must be unpacked, aired, and re-packed annually. During the inspection and re-packing process, we will notify you if anything needs to be repaired on the parachute.

Do you provide a replacement parachute during re-packing?

Yes. The shipping, inspection, and re-packing of your Evacuchute will usually require up to 2 weeks.

How much does re-packing cost?

The first annual re-packing is complimentary. Thereafter, re-packing and inspection will cost $89 plus shipping and handling.

How long is the warranty on the Evacuchute?

The Evacuchute is under warranty for 2 years from the date stamped on the manufacturer registration card.

How long will the Evacuchute last?

If the Evacuchute is properly maintained and inspected annually, it should last up to 15 years.

What if I donít get the Evacuchute repacked? Will this affect my warranty?

No, because your factory warranty only covers the quality of materials and manufacturing. However, annual service on your Evacuchute is strongly recommended. The Evacuchute is a finely tuned instrument used for survival in a life threatening situation. Annual inspections and maintenance are the responsibility of the owner.