Email from Leroy Johnston

From: JhnstnIII@aol.com
Date sent: Wed, 4 Jul 2001 22:58:19 EDT
Subject: Re: The parachute question
To: marske@continuo.com
Copies to: jbehrends@columbus.rr.com, jeichenberger@ehlawyers.com, javandyke@aep.com,
greenman@infinet.com

Mat--The rule as it was stated at the last membership meeting is:

1. An occupant of a club aircraft may only wear a parachute he or she
personally owns. 2. Either all occupants wear parachutes they personally
own, or no occupants may wear parachutes.

You continue to imply the board is not concerned about safety, which is
not true. Much information was reviewed and many factors were taken into
account in reaching this decision. Parachutes are not the standard of
care in this country and are not required by the FAR's for the type of
flying we do. A person who wishes to wear a parachute may certainly buy
one and wear it. But parachutes also have risks, and the club cannot
control the risk, and attendant liability, associated with loaned
parachutes being used in club equipment. In contrast, a person who owns
his or her parachute accepts the risk that goes with it.

I have to say I was surprised you weren't at the last meeting because you
will recall at the previous meeting to that one, Jerry and I were tasked
with investigating the liability aspects and reporting on same, which we
did. You would have had ample opportunity to express your views. Your
have also failed to take advantage of other opportunties extended to you
to express your views.

You continue to base your parachute campaign on your own experience, which
involved an experimental aircraft, and which therefore has no real
applicability to our operation. You continue to question the 2-33's
airworthiness, yet Milt's NTSB review found no fatal accidents in the
type.

In answer to your other question, I think our liability carrier is AVEMCO
and Candy Eichenberger is our agent.

Incidentally, this new rule has cost me $675. I had to buy a parachute
(used) because now I won't be able to borrow Jim's for the Fall round-up.

As always, if you have any new information to offer, the board will
consider it. --LeRoy.