throwing a reserve parachute
Gear Guide,  Harnesses and reserves

When it’s time to throw … Throw!

Then throw! XC pilot Andrew Rayhill shares his real-world experience of using a steerable reserve system

7 September, 2026, by Ed Ewing

Experienced XC and competition pilot Andrew Rayhill threw his steerable reserve during a competition in Chelan, USA this year. “In 20 years of flying, this is the first time I have had to deploy my reserve,” he explained afterwards.

Like most comp pilots he flies with two reserves. He is right-handed so has a non-steerable square reserve on the right side. On his left is his steerable Beamer 3. “I thought of it as my back-up, which I could deploy if I had height and time.

At...

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