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Have a Question about Parasailing?  Ask the Expert...       Have a Question about Parasailing?  Ask the Expert...
Question: I am an experienced and licensed captain and it bothers me that the company owner tells me how and when to fly, especially in high winds and to fly young children which I think in some cases is dangerous. Do you have any opinion or advice on this. Jim Answer: In my commercial operating days when utilizing both the harness and chair systems. I never allowed anyone under the age of 12 to parasail. Why? It has been my experience that children under the age of 12 do not fully understand safety instructions, waivers, nor so they respond the same as adults in panic situation especially during a line separation resulting in a waterlanding in high winds and rough seas. To compound this subjective issue, parasail canopy manufactures may tell you otherwise verbally, but they do not published minimum age requirement warnings of their equipment, only weight. Why? because they dont want the additional liability.. Safety should be first and foremost on every Captains mind! You should try to avoid placing you and your passengers in harms way. Lastly, remind company owners who tell you when and how to fly especially outside of the safety bubble. According to the law, you are the pilot in command. The safety of the passengers is your sole responsibility. Any mistakes, it’s your license on the line and maybe your freedom in the event of a parasail fatality. Question: Do you think that Florida will pass Parasail Regulations this year ? Grant Answer: Yes.. Florida represents the largest concentration of parasail operations in the USA that generates over thirty (30) million in revenues annually and promotes the tourism industry. It also has the greatest number of injuries and fatalities! Over the past four 4 years the Florida legislature has been unable to pass regulations because parasail operators have pushed back in supporting regulations that would restrict their ability to stay make money to stay in business. However, I truly believe that a parasail bill covering the basics will pass in 2014. What I am not sure about, is if the bill as written will actually prevent fatalities. Question: How many people go parasailing every year in the USA? Evan Answer: : There is not an exact amount that can be stated. However, the consensus is that the average can widely range from 3 to 5 million per year. Question: Why is Parasailing Regulated by the FAA? Kevin Answer: : According to the FAA. Parasails meet the legal definition of “any kite that weighs that is intended to be flown at the end of a rope or cable,” referenced in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 101. For more information, download the following http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/media/ATB2012-2.pdf Update 2013, the FAA recently issued altitude limitations to 400’ for all commercial parasail operations. Question: I have read all about parasailing and know that you are a leading expert in the field. My question is real simple, it parasailing really safe? Lisa Answer: : Like any thrill sport you are going to have accidents, and parasailing has had its share. However, based on the statistics, parasailing is one of the safer outdoor thrill sports around, despite what you have heard or read. Question: Is there a rule about how long before u fly people by yourself? Boss wants me to run boat this year but won't start training until next month our season starts in march just want to know I don't want to lose my capt license if something goes wrong? Patrick Answer: : There are several components to this equation to provide you an answer with any degree of accuracy. For example; a) what is your overall boating experience? b) have you ever work on a commercial vessel before? c) will you be operating in open ocean or inland lakes? d) what are the general operating conditions and weather patterns in your location? e) what is the make and model of the parasail Winchboat you will be operating? etc... All of the aforementioned play an important role in determining a recommendation. In summary, I would compare learning how to parasail, is like learning how to fly. It not so much the physical challenge, its more about general experience, building your confidence and skills in different operating scenarios. Most importantly, what would you do in the event of an emergency. With all that being said, I would suggest between 400 to 600 launch and retrievals (approx.) with an experienced instructor before you take control of the helm. Question: How many parasail operations are there in the USA? Kenny Answer: : During the peak summer summer months, there are approximately 240 commercial parasail concessions operating over 650 boats. Both numbers are in decline each year. Question: Will the US Coast Guard ever Regulate Parasailing? Jason Answer: Not a chance! As one senior USCG Official told me at a meeting in Washington a few years back. “It would take an act of congress to get the US Coast Guard to regulate parasailing” Also, I started a letter writing campaign to propose parasail regulations with the US Coast Guard beginning with Admiral Loy in 1990. In 2010, “twenty (20) years later” I finally received two official responses to my more recent petition to “regulate parasailing” (see response letter links below) Read October 27, 2010 letter - Domestic Compliance Division Read November 25, 2010 letter - Marine Safety and Security Council (MSSC) Question: Does ASTM test parasailing products and create safety standards? Robert Answer: The ASTM “Association of Standards and Materials” is a publishing company !!! They do not test or analyze products or create anything, they are aggregators of information supplied by their ‘members’. They collect what others give them then organize, copyright, publish and sell it back to their members for a price. Question: I watched the video of the Military Water Survival Program in Pensacola, Florida. Do you have a copy of there training manual? and if not, who could I contact there to get one? John Answer: The only copy I have was published in 1985. He is the link http://www.parasail.org/NAS-Water-Survival-Training- Manual-1985.pdf Question: I have one task to calculate stability of parasail boats...I need to know which are the equation or diagrams or tables who solve force in towline depending of boat speed, diameter of parachute and wind velocity ? Zoran Answer: In 1990, I commissioned a study with the Naval Architect Firm of Krogen & Krogen, to conduct a parasail vessel stability study in response to several parasail vessel capsizing’s as a result of operators using high tensile strength tow line, oversized canopies in high winds that downflooding vessels while parasailors were aloft. Download report: http://www.parasail.org/Parasail-Vessel-Stability-Study-KrogenReport-PSC-letter-to-USCG-2-28-1990.pdf Important Notice: We frequently post answers to questions that are relevant to parasail safety and the industry. If you have an important question, please send it to me at email@parasail.org or complete the form below. Thank you, Mark McCulloh

Parasail Safety Council

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