TSA & Chutes

[flyboy102]

Anyone ever traveled on the airlines with an emergency parachute as a carry on? The TSA site covers skydiving rigs, and says that they may have to be unpacked, but with the help of the owner. Re-packing an emergency chute can only be done by a rigger, and costs quite a bit more. I submitted a question to the TSA, with no response so far.

 

[poadeleted20]

I would guess the issue is that if it looks funny going through X-ray, you'll have to open it up for them to see inside, or check it/leave it behind. Choose wisely. Might be better to just check it.

And either way, be sure to disable any baro-actuated opening devices.

 

[ClimbnSink]

Poke around the USPA website. The auto opener manufacturers used to print info cards for screeners. I'm sort of surprised they let skydiving rigs onboard with automatic openers they are computers hooked to a baro hooked to a pyro cutting charge. All the parts needed for a lockerbie type device.

 

[Hiperbiper]

In a case like this UPS and Fed Ex are your friend...

Chris

 

[PittsDriver]

I've carried my emergency 'chute (a Manley Butler) in it's carrying bag as a carry on since 9/11 on a couple of occasions. Never been questioned about it but it has been a couple of years since I've taken it. I would check with your rigger about the advisability or preparation required to check it if you were considering going that route.

 

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

I've carried my emergency 'chute (a Manley Butler) in it's carrying bag as a carry on since 9/11 on a couple of occasions. Never been questioned about it but it has been a couple of years since I've taken it. I would check with your rigger about the advisability or preparation required to check it if you were considering going that route.

I assume you don't go by the name of D. B. Cooper...

 

[weilke]

I'm sort of surprised they let skydiving rigs onboard with automatic openers they are computers hooked to a baro hooked to a pyro cutting charge. All the parts needed for a lockerbie type device.

Shh, don't tell them.

It's a 'cartridge that creates pressure and cuts the loop' .

 

[flyboy102]

Thanks for all the responses!

I spoke with a TSA screener who said he sees emergency chutes often, and rarely has to open one. It's their policy however that if their alarm is triggered, it has to be unpacked.

It took about a month, but here is the response from the TSA from the same question submitted to their website:

"Thank you for your electronic message of March 31, 2010, to the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Contact Center concerning
traveling with two emergency parachutes. You would like assurance that
the parachutes will not be deployed or unpacked during the screening
process.

Parachutes presented at the screening checkpoint must undergo
additional screening beyond x-ray inspection. Parachutes routinely
will not be opened; however, if during the additional screening the
parachute alarms, it must be opened or it will not be allowed in the
sterile area.

We recommend that you contact the TSA Customer Service Manager at
your departure airport, prior to your flight, for further guidelines for
transporting parachutes. You may also want to contact the aircraft
operator and inform them of the items you will be transporting in case
they have additional requirements.

Thank you for your inquiry and I hope this information is helpful."