Yeah, but I still hate the idea of no second chance. Ultralights have
had
their share of airframe and wire failures. It's so easy to fit a chute
onto the plane itself.
It's not the engineering itself that bothers me. I've been up in
choppers,
ultralights, gliders, yadda, yadda. It's the human error that always
lurks
below the surface.
Aircraft and subs have so many human layers of opportunity to mess up.
From
basic manufacturing issues (the welder had two hours of sleep and forgot
a
critical part) to delivery (the crate took a hit) to assembly (technician
is
preoccupied with personal issues) to airport management (the tower put
you
on the wrong runway), etc. I still love flying (going to Oshkosh in '07)
and wouldn't ever dream of stopping.
I'm sure you can add a dozen more examples. My buddy the pilot has faith
in
the engineering, too. However, he's as concerned with the human element
as
I am. That's probably his underlying reason. That and "drowning like a
rat". :-)
You may have something there about claustrophobia and it may be something
to
keep in mind for our passengers. For a sub it's a great idea - and often
impractical - to have a second way out like another hatch or escape
method.
I put on a Mark V navy hat once. I did not like the feeling at all. Rat
Hat not much better. Full face mask I can live with. Reaching for
redundant air is so much easier with a seperate reg though. If the Mark
V
had a built in "alt-dot-reg" then I would be able to relax a little more.
But dive in one? Ugh.
Rick L
----- Original Message -----
From: "Joseph Perkel" <joeperkel@hotmail.com>
To: <personal_submersibles@psubs.org>
Sent: Tuesday, October 03, 2006 2:14 PM
Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Xubmersibles (was: Escape Mockup)
Rick,
I suspect this can be attributed to the psychology of (1) a confined
space,
and (2) the possibility of drowning in same. I find my own lower limit
diameter wise,... is a K-350. The thought of squeezing into Sgt Peppers
is
a
bit unnerving.
I don't think the pressure and risk of implosion bothers laymen so
much,....
ask most people what one atm of pressure =, and they will likely not
know.
It's the image of being trapped like a drowned rat that makes people
queasy
about subs.
The ultra light analogy is a risk where basic physics is in your favor.
A
feather-light aircraft with an engine out, but still controllable
airframe
is quite an acceptable risk for a competent airman.
A bungee jumper, on the other hand, relies less on personal ability, but
more so on complete faith in the mechanical integrity of the bungee and
attachments.
Where PSUBS are concerned, I firmly believe, that if the vessel is sound
and
maintained so, then the risk is directly proportional to the manner in
which
it is operated.
Joe
>From: "Rick and Marcia" <empiricus@telus.net>
>Reply-To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org
>To: <personal_submersibles@psubs.org>
>Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Xubmersibles (was: Escape Mockup)
>Date: Tue, 3 Oct 2006 10:41:45 -0700
>
>Funny how that looks to others . . . I have to agree that love - and
art -
>is sometimes in the eye of the beholder.
>
>Echoing Patrick's observations, a friend of mine used to be an aerial
>photographer and shot from an ultralight. No parachute, no second
chance.
>He turned into a glider pilot eight times over his career - eight
>engine-outs for one reason or another, all of them not his fault
>(believe
>it or not).
>
>He looks at me like I'm out of my mind - thinks just being u/w is
>outlandishly dangerous. Hates boats with a passion. Go figure.
>
>A submarine? Are you out of your mind?
>
>Rick L
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Patrick
> To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org
> Sent: Tuesday, October 03, 2006 9:00 AM
> Subject: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Xubmersibles (was: Escape Mockup)
>
>
> To put it in further perspective;
> There have been many people in my peer group and at work whom
> have bungee jumped, skydived, raced cars, flown small craft, etc.
> whose jaw drops when they find out that yes, I have indeed piloted
> a mini-sub and plan to build one.
>
> -patrick
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: James Kocourek
> To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org
> Sent: Tuesday, October 03, 2006 6:21 AM
> Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Escape Mockup
>
>
> I could'nt agree with you more Frank. As a former Dirt track
> racer,
>I've known some people who were seriously hurt and one who isn't here
>because of their chosen sport - none that I talked to would change if
they
>could replay, I also am hoping to come out on the top side of this
>challenge - but if not - It sure beats watching TV.
>
> Sadly, Most live entire lives and never push the envelope!
>
> Great thoughts - Well said - Frank,
>
> Jim Kocourek
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: ShellyDalg@aol.com
> To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org
> Sent: Tuesday, October 03, 2006 12:03 AM
> Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Escape Mockup
>
>
> I'm not all that humble, but I'll tell you what I believe.
> The bulk of the men involved in this adventure have a pretty
> good
>idea of the risk involved.
> Extreme sports, of which this could be described by some
outsiders,
>is all about pushing the envelope, and sometimes doing what is thought
>to
>be impossible by many.
> Scuba diving, hang gliding, down hill skiing, surfing the big
> ones
>in Hawaii, or any other FUN thing has it's risks. As professionals, any
>person capable of building his own sub, knows the need to minimize
>risks
>and plan for all contingencies, but still expect to die if the shit
>hits
>the fan.
> Although I grieve for the men and their families, I still envy
them
>for their courage and imagination.
> Men are made by their desires, and driven by their dreams.
> The friends who perished were living those dreams, and probably
>wouldn't trade their lives for anyone's.
> Let's celebrate their achievements, and remember them as they
would
>like to be remembered. Hero's of a new dimension for mankind ( the deep
sea
>) and true explorers laying out a path for the rest of us to follow.
> Thanks, Frank D.
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