Tested 'Chutes

Since what goes up may have to come down, the Department of Commerce last week announced that, beginning July 1, it would test and certificate parachutes as well as planes. With new types of parachutes coming on the market in rapid succession, parachute accidents have been increasing. To obtain certificates of approval, manufacturers will not have to submit each & every 'chute to inspection, but one of each type offered for sale. Minimum test requirements:

1) Open within three seconds when dropped from 500 ft. at 70 m. p. h. with a 170-lb. dummy.

2) Same conditions as in No. i but with the suspension lines twisted; must untwist and open in 4 1/2 sec.

3) Open and not tear when dropped with 600 Ib. from 500 ft. at 100 m. p. h.

4) Safely land a 170-lb. man from 2,000 ft.

5) Descend 2,500 ft. with 170 Ibs. at not more than 21 ft. per sec.

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