Posted for "John Hafen" <j.hafen@comcast.net>:

I have about 996 hours of "Martin Baker" time myself, and it was always a
comfort to have the handle between my legs as well as on top of the seat
back. The "zero-zero" capability of that seat was truly impressive. I'm
sure the new seats are even better.

I never got the chance to do the F4 nylon letdown system (came close a
couple of times). Everyone I know who did, broke something - an arm, leg,
or compressed their back pretty severely. Still infinitely superior to the
"bring the marshmallows" alternative. And I saw the Martin Baker
malfunction a couple of times - bump the back seater up about 12 inches into
the wind stream, deploy the chute, and suck him out, little by little, of
his straps.

Maybe that's the way to look at the BRS. Whether it works or not or how
well or whatever the descent rate really is (all I know is what the sales
guy told me) I suppose it is better than the alternative. I suppose it's
worth trying one more thing, knowing the risks involved.

Cheers,
John