Use of chute

[Jack Gifford]

In my first couple of passes through an SCTA rulebook I didn't see an answer to this:
Where provision of a drag chute is required, is/are there any requirement(s) for chute deployment?

[SPARKY]

As part of a "license up process" the powers that be have rookies deploy the chute usually above 175.
  some cars  (roadsters) are a drag chute with wheels,
 lakesters have four rotating chutes that are permanently deployed that maintain ride height.
 if you roll merrily along with out taking an exit you get yelled at for tying up the track

---lots deploy--lots take high speed turnouts  YMMV

[Stainless1]

Jack, the requirement is that your car have one if the record you are challenging is above 175 or if your car qualifies for the long course.  Deployment is required the first time your vehicle runs on the long course.
The unwritten rule is that you deploy a chute to get off the course as soon as possible... since the salt surface is not conducive to heavy breaking, the best way to scrub speed is with the anti-aero device.  We want you off the track within a mile or so, so we can go racing 
We demonstrate our chute almost every pass, the car rolls for miles without it. 

[mkilger]

read rule changes for 2012

[Jack Gifford]

read rule changes for 2012

Okay... I read the three pages of the "Rules Changes" thread in this forum; didn't see anything that addressed my question? Are there additional rules changes posted elsewhere?

[BudJ63]

3.M                  PARACHUTE:

An approved parachute is required on all cars that qualify for the long course (175 MPH). Vehicles that exceed 300 MPH shall be equipped with two (2) independent parachute systems. Parachutes shall be securely mounted to a suitable cross-member. All parachutes shall be opened during inspection.  Special attention shall be given to the length and mounting point of the parachute tether line.  The manufacturer’s recommendations should be followed regarding parachute size, mounting, etc.

On those vehicles required to have parachutes, the deployment of the parachute/s is at the driver’s discretion, consistent with safe and efficient event and vehicle operation.                   

Parachute failures, such as the parachute pack not opening, parachute canopy not opening, parachute separation from the vehicle, handling problems as a result of parachute opening, etc., will require a re-inspection.

ALL VEHICLES HAVING A PARACHUTE FAILURE SHALL RETURN TO THE INSPECTION AREA WITH ALL COMPONENTS OF THE PARACHUTE SYSTEM. A NOTATION WILL BE MADE IN THE VEHICLE LOG BOOK DESCRIBING THE FAILURE AND SOLUTION.

[Dean Los Angeles]

If you are running at El Mirage it isn't optional.

"SCTA El Mirage Racing Procedures
If a vehicle is equipped with a parachute, the Safety Committee requires its use. The pilot parachute shall be deployed as the vehicle enters the timing lights."

[Roadster943]

   Aside from everything said above, I made sure I pulled the chute the first run ever at 131 mph and then each time I went faster after that. My reason was to find out how the car reacted. I would not feel good about pulling it at 205 if the only other time had been at 131. Cars have crashed badly because of a parachute, such as an anchor point to high/low. It does not take much time to pack and you will also find out if you are doing a good job of packing it. This is supposed to be fun, crashing or getting hurt is not on my fun things to do. Be safe and stay thirsty my friends.

[saltwheels262]

   I made sure I pulled the chute the first run ever at 131 mph and then each time I went faster after that. My reason was to find out how the car reacted. I would not feel good about pulling it at 205 if the only other time had been at 131.

that's a good way to go about it.

chutes and any number of other things in steps.

[Jack Gifford]

How timely... a "chute deployment" guideline has been added to the 2012 rulebook.

Hmm... I like the way this works- I post a rules question, and two months later the topic gets added to the book!

[SPARKY]

PJ, well sorta, what is happening, is things that used to be handled individually,  are now being recorded on paper---the consequenes for non compliance will be higher I suspect 

[fastman614]

Deploying your chute like that IS actually a good idea..... you WILL get a feel for it in the 25 mph increments.... but it really does not feel like "fun" until about 200 mph or so.... that is about when you really start to notice the stopping power that it really has!