August 5, 1995

Mr. George Galloway
Precision Aerodynamics, Inc.

Dear Mr. Galloway:

You have printed a lot of letters from people who were saved by their Raven reserves, and it is clear that all of those reserve rides are a powerful testimony to the widespread use and thorough reliability of the Raven.

I have been jumping a Raven as my main canopy as well as packing one for my reserve for many years. I am a cameraman up for my Gold Wings, and I appreciate the soft and very predictable (quick and ramrod straight) openings that the Raven provides. I also have a great desire to avoid the "cha-chink" thing, so it makes a lot of sense for me to pack a Raven in my main container. It is great for accuracy and is extremely stable in the squirrely winds we get here in Michigan. My aging bones appreciate the soft landings, too!

My lifesaving account? Well, my Raven 4 main has never failed me! Unfortunately, though, my luck did when a friend planted a pair of legs into my canopy at about 600 feet. The ensuing wrap was sudden and ugly, and at sub-grand altitude I wasn't too keen on hanging around to see if I could strike up a conversation. I snatched the cutaway pillow from its Velcro.

Using my right arm for balance (there's about as much air to work with after a low-speed malfunction as falling down an elevator shaft), I stabled out as I carefully slipped my thumb under my reserve handle. I yanked and looked down. You can't really appreciate what 400 feet looks like in freefall unless you've seen it. Not good!

The Raven 3 opened like a shot, perfectly on-heading. I was totally pumped with adrenaline and my friend's main had reinflated. The beer that night tasted great to everyone.

And yes, the camera was running. I sure would not want to do it again, but it's one helluva video. You can even hear the 3-Rings pinging.

Enclosed is a copy. I'll gladly trade it for a membership in the Skydiver's Preservation Circle.

Sincerely,

R. G. Stone
Skydive Tecumseh