South African Model Parachute Enthusiasts Say hello to radio controlled skydiving! These little dudes are fully equipped with a working scale parachute.
Source:Michael Rogg and https://easyup.org.za/sampe/
Safety Rules
South African Model Parachute Enthusiasts
- RC Skydiver will always be fitted with working safety device/pin. RC skydivers will adhere to technical specifications.(Refer to: SAMPE Competition Rules for RC Skydivers) - A RC Skydiver will never be dropped out of the designated flying zone of specific venue or club. - A RC Skydiver will never be dropped overhead any people or property. - For an event, The “Drop Zone” or “Drop-Circle” might be set up outside out of the designated flying zone of specific venue or club to facilitate proper landing approach. (Refer to: SAMPE Competition Rules for RC Skydivers)
Not to be dropped overhead people or property!!
SAMPE will operate under all rules and regulations set out by SAMAA with addition to the following: - Events / Competitions will be managed under document: “SAMPE Competition Rules for RC Skydivers” - Events will be internally organized at local Clubs and will operate within their specific rules. - Special spectator or fly in events will be registered under SAMAA standard approvals. - All activities that falls under SAMPE will take place at registered SAMAA fields. - All safety SAMAA safety regulations and procedures will be adhered to with addition to points mentioned in section 3. - Before applying or receiving membership from SAMPE, the person must first be a current registered and paid up member of SAMAA. - A Free fall Badge(Solo) is a must for operating a RC Skydiver without assistance. - A member can operate a RC Skydiver as long as he has a SAMPE Free Fall Badge(Solo). SAMAA fixed wing Solo is not required but the pilot is not allowed to operate any other craft other than a RC skydiver.
South African Model Parachute Enthusiasts https://easyup.org.za/sampe/
South African Model Parachute Enthusiasts Pre-Flight Check & Verbal Test - Be familiar with all the components and working of a RC skydiver (Explain to Instructor) - Be able to pack the parachute correctly with no assistance. - Special attention to attachment and describe to Instructor working of safety pin and safety equipment. - Be able to attach RC skydiver to plane with no assistance. Explain to instructor the working of safety pin attachment to Drop Plane. Additionally explain all other safety requirements (Drop Plane not running at time of attachment / if electric use of throttle cut.
- Do control checks after attaching to plane and confirm removal of packing rope from RC skydiver.(Explain to Instructor) - Be familiar with commands between diver pilot and RC plane pilot and explain this to instructor.(Refer to SAMPE Competition Rules for RC Skydivers) - Explain to instructor how wind read and direct pilot for correct drop location and height in relation to wind direction and give drop command(Release Now)at correct time.(Refer to SAMPE Competition Rules for RC Skydivers), after explanation test starts and Drop Plane Pilot takes off as directed.
South African Model Parachute Enthusiasts
South African Model Parachute Enthusiasts Skydiver is taken up with drop plane
Drag Skydiver is released. Drag is a function of speed. As the skydiver accelerates, drag increases‌
Velocity/Gravity until the force of the drag is equal to the force of gravity. This is terminal velocity and the object will no longer accelerate, but will keep falling at this speed.
The parachute is opened, and suddenly drag is much greater than weight. So the object now decelerates until drag is equal to weight again and a new terminal velocity is established.
South African Model Parachute Enthusiasts
Why not entertain onlookers with additional functions: Flags look really nice in the air. They can be stowed away in a little extra container underneath the packed canopy. Some pieces of lead help to pull the flag out and present it to the audience.
South African Model Parachute Enthusiasts Jump Box
Now for some principles with respect to the jump box. It´s main job is to hold the jumper safely during transport and eventually release it into free fall.
As a rule of thumb your jump plane should be a really docile model with a bit of extra power. A span not in excess of 3 metres is ideal for transporting the aircraft to the flying field. If the span is above 2 m, you´re usually on the safe side concerning wing loading and so on. The slower your model flies during the release of the jumper, the more stable its free fall will be right from the beginning and the less problems will occur during descent. The faster your plane flies during release, the more problems will occur during free fall. The jumper needs more time to stabilise. Dropping the jumper – You’re a team in the true sense of the word. Agree on the point where you want your jumper to be dropped before take-off. If there is any problem during approach, go round and try again. The aircraft pilot must always announce the drop with a clear “GO” or the like. Of course any ordinary pilot who can control an aerobatic model is able to take your jumper up to the desired altitude absolutely safely.
This jump box is made of carbon fibre. Of course 2 mm birch plywood would be sufficient too.
South African Model Parachute Enthusiasts Jump Box
South African Model Parachute Enthusiasts
South African Model Parachute Enthusiasts
This picture gives you an idea on how the steering line is run through the mechanism.
The white arrows highlight the main steering lines. The red arrow points out the interlaced lines used for deployment braking.
The release servo had to give way to the „block and pulley“ servo, which is the Hitec 5945 in the middle. In the middle you can also see the pushrod that moves the 5mm silver steel shaft. The flanges are on the sides of the servo bay, which is made from 2 mm plywood
South African Model Parachute Enthusiasts
South African Model Parachute Enthusiasts
South African Model Parachute Enthusiasts SAMPE – Drop Pilot Rating Test - Pre Requisites: Drop Plane Pilot Proficiency conversion to be considered in the following cases: 1. To be considered for a drop plane pilot proficiency, the pilot should have at least have 3 months consecutive flying experience in the level of a SAMAA Fixed Wing SILVER Proficiency to be able to be tested as a drop plane pilot. 2. To fly as drop pilot at any SAMAA Standard Airshow, Display, Demonstration or Exhibition, the pilot should have at least 3 months consecutive flying experience in the level of a SAMAA Fixed Wing GOLD Proficiency and have the Drop Plane Pilot Proficiency rating.
For more information on the proficiencies https://easyup.org.za/sampe/