DISCLAIMER: The
information contained in this website posted by the Parasail Safety Council its
contributors or Mark McCulloh, is for general information purposes only. While
we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no
representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the
completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to
the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics
contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such
information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
DISCLAIMER: The
information contained in this website posted by the Parasail Safety Council its
contributors or Mark McCulloh, is for general information purposes only. While
we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no
representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the
completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to
the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics
contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such
information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
01--LICENSING.
Licensing ensures you that you are under the supervision of a responsible
operator. They should display their state and local licenses. Using one that
operates from an established location is a good start. Avoid paying cash for
your ride on the boat! A practice that unlicensed operators employ.
02--ESTABLISHED OPERATORS. Only parasail with established business operators who are insured by a State licensed Agency. Avoid operators who use offshore insurance companies. If you are injured you may have difficulty being reimbursed.
03--WEATHER CONDITIONS. Avoid parasailing in high wind. (see chart) High winds increase the likelihood of problems in case you must make an emergency water landing. Never fly in rain, fog or an approaching storm as lightning presents a hazard. Remember you are the passenger; when in doubt say, ‘No Thank You!’
04--PASSENGER AGE RESTRICTIONS. Although some operators claim that you can parasail at virtually any age. This is not true. The harness style passenger support requires some skills and in general it is NOT RECOMMENDED for passengers under 16.
05--PRE-FLIGHT SAFETY BRIEFING. Make certain that you get adequate safety briefing prior to your flight. This safety briefing should include; a) a description of the activity itself, b) safety procedures in the event of an unexpected emergency, c) the proper use of hands signals while airborne, d) evacuation procedures during a water landing, fire or capsizing. At this time participants who are afraid or intimidated should excuse themselves. It supposed to be FUN not scary.
06--ALTITUDE. Parasailing at an altitude of more than 600 feet is discouraged, especially in close proximity to the shoreline or other objects. The maximum altitude for hand signals and recovery during water landings over open ocean is 600 feet 300 feet over small lakes, bays or sounds.
07--RELEASE FORM. Read the release form carefully before you sign it. Know what you are signing.
08--EQUIPMENT SAFETY. It is important that you educate yourself on the different types of parasail passenger support devices and their constraints. Please review the Parasail Equipment Safety Guideline Chart below .
02--ESTABLISHED OPERATORS. Only parasail with established business operators who are insured by a State licensed Agency. Avoid operators who use offshore insurance companies. If you are injured you may have difficulty being reimbursed.
03--WEATHER CONDITIONS. Avoid parasailing in high wind. (see chart) High winds increase the likelihood of problems in case you must make an emergency water landing. Never fly in rain, fog or an approaching storm as lightning presents a hazard. Remember you are the passenger; when in doubt say, ‘No Thank You!’
04--PASSENGER AGE RESTRICTIONS. Although some operators claim that you can parasail at virtually any age. This is not true. The harness style passenger support requires some skills and in general it is NOT RECOMMENDED for passengers under 16.
05--PRE-FLIGHT SAFETY BRIEFING. Make certain that you get adequate safety briefing prior to your flight. This safety briefing should include; a) a description of the activity itself, b) safety procedures in the event of an unexpected emergency, c) the proper use of hands signals while airborne, d) evacuation procedures during a water landing, fire or capsizing. At this time participants who are afraid or intimidated should excuse themselves. It supposed to be FUN not scary.
06--ALTITUDE. Parasailing at an altitude of more than 600 feet is discouraged, especially in close proximity to the shoreline or other objects. The maximum altitude for hand signals and recovery during water landings over open ocean is 600 feet 300 feet over small lakes, bays or sounds.
07--RELEASE FORM. Read the release form carefully before you sign it. Know what you are signing.
08--EQUIPMENT SAFETY. It is important that you educate yourself on the different types of parasail passenger support devices and their constraints. Please review the Parasail Equipment Safety Guideline Chart below .
PRIVACY NOTICE
We do not sell or share your information with anyone. We only collect information like your name, email address, mailing address, and phone number, so we can provide the services described on this website. We may use your email address if you send us feedback, comments, or questions you have sent us via email. We may ask you to participate in a member survey about the parasail industry or this website. You do not have to respond. We may occasionally give away promotional products, prizes, awards or coupons and will use your email address to inform you.
We do not sell or share your information with anyone. We only collect information like your name, email address, mailing address, and phone number, so we can provide the services described on this website. We may use your email address if you send us feedback, comments, or questions you have sent us via email. We may ask you to participate in a member survey about the parasail industry or this website. You do not have to respond. We may occasionally give away promotional products, prizes, awards or coupons and will use your email address to inform you.
PARASAIL SAFETY
COUNCIL
ABOUT I CONSUMER INFORMATION I REGULATIONS I ARCHIVE DATABASE I LICENSING I PARASAIL EQUIPMENT I INSURANCE I INVESTIGATIVE REPORTS I CONTACT
Copyright © 1998 - 2011 by Parasail Safety Council - All rights reserved
designed and hosting by www.ibuildwebs.com
ABOUT I CONSUMER INFORMATION I REGULATIONS I ARCHIVE DATABASE I LICENSING I PARASAIL EQUIPMENT I INSURANCE I INVESTIGATIVE REPORTS I CONTACT
Copyright © 1998 - 2011 by Parasail Safety Council - All rights reserved
designed and hosting by www.ibuildwebs.com
Personal
Married 27 years, with three children
Professional Title
Inventor
Parasail Industry Consultant
Parasail Expert (Federal & State Court certified)
Education
Emery Riddle Aeronautical University
(Major - Aeronautical Science/Business & Finance)
Fluid Power Systems
Marketing & Business Development
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND HISTORY
Parasail Expert Qualifications
The US Federal District Court in Miami, Florida qualified Mark McCulloh as an expert in the field of Parasailing allowing his testimony in the 2002 case (Walker vs. Wedge Corp. dba Sheraton Hotels). The jury in that case returned a verdict of 1.7 million in favor of the plantiff; and based their decision solely on McCullohs testimony.
Professional License
USCG Ocean Operator
Private Pilot
Parasail Application Experience
Land Based Operations -Vehicle, Boat , Static Line
Floating Platform
Motorized Platform
Winchboats
Parasail Equipment Designs
Harness
Tandem Bar
Aerial Recliner (rigid chair)
Parasail Operations Experience
Operation Training and Evaluation
Standard Operating Procedure's Development
Parasail Equipment Research and Development
Canopy Inflation Techniques
Fluid Power Experience
Hydraulics and Pneumatics design & operations
Parasail Winch Systems and design & operations
Parasail Inflation Mast Systems and Designs
Custom Hydraulic Circuits
Machine Shop Experience
Milling, Lathe and CNC Machine operations
Metal Fabricator and Assembly
Certified MIG & TIG Welder (aluminum & stainless)
Boat Building / Fiberglass Experience
Mold Design & Tooling
Mold Manufacturing & Boat Building
Winchboat Design & Manufacturing
Other Trade Experiences
Technical Drafting Layout and Design (limited CAD)
Graphics Artist
Web Site Developer
Business Consultant
Insurance Consultant
Summary of Inventions and other Original Product Designs.
1971 - Tandem Bar Design
1971 - Stationary Platform (harness)
1972 - Motorized Platform (harness)
1974 - Parasail Winchboat, Utility Patent # 3,987.746 (harness)
1980 - Developed first Winchboat for USAF - Water Survival Training
1985 - Developed first outboard powered Winchboat
1986 - Aerial Recliner, Utility Patent # 4,738,414)
1987 - Tandem Passenger Aerial Recliner
1988 - Three Passenger Aerial Recliner Design
1993 - Winchboat Hull Design
1994 - Improved Winchboat Design
1994 - Parasail Rope Guide System, Utility Patent # 5,367,972
1994 - Conversion Kits for Harness Winchyboats
1994 - UL approved two passenger sportboat design
1996 - Improved Aerial Recliner, Utility Patent # 5,816,184
1998 - Aerial Recliner Design Patent # 392,242)
1999 - Strap Assembly for Parasailing # 6,085,682)
Expert Witness Consultation & Litigation Case Experience
1977 Gloria Hardy v. Pioneer Parachute
1986 Freidin-Whene v. Lahania Parasail
1986 Steven Medly v. Power Chute
1987 Davis v. Ski Run Marina-
1988 Kumagai vs. Controlled Parasail Honolulu
1990 Ritchie v. Parasailing Int., Inc
1990 Myers v. Beiswenger Ent
1998 Nicolas Fillis v. Luquillo Parasail, CWS, Indemnity Property
2000 Knobloch vs. Parasail City
2000 Shaffer v. Parasail City
2001 Miller/Hake vs. Siesta Parasail
2002 Walker vs. Wedge Corp. (Sheraton Hotels)
2002 Straney vs AA Parasail
2003 Kim/Bae v. SeaBreeze Parasailing (Accident date Aug 07 1999)
2005 Baron & Paulo v. Sea Breeze Parasailing (Accident Aug 20 1999)
2005 Dana Fazekas vs. Greg Longnecker et al.,
2006 one (1) active case open
2006 Oberg vs.
2007 Ransier vs. Quick Marine (filed 2002)
2007 X-Treme Parasail, Inc., et al. Jody L. Martineaue
2007 Broward County States Attorney v. death of the Kraus sisters
2007 Wraya vs. Oberg
2009 Woodcock vs. NC Watersports
2010 White vs. Skyscreamer Parasail
(3) active cases not posted
Pro-Bono consultation with State and Federal authorities
Kiernan vs. Capistrano Beach
Paul Whipple vs. Adventure Guides Inc
Hendricks vs. Atlantic Parasail Inc
Meir vs. Sunset Parasail
Leslie vs. Just Chute Me Parasailing Co
Kiernan vs. Capistrano Beach Parasailing
Reddy vs. Miami Parasail co. (name unknown)
Testimonials
You’d probably like to know what law firms say about me, so here are just a few testimonials that I have received over the years.
>Myers vs. Beiswenger Ent… > We were in settlement negotiations for $200,000 before the court compelled your testimony which persuaded the jury to returned a 4.5 million verdict for our clients. Stuart Ratson - Stewart, Tilghman, Fox & Bianchi P.A. - Miami, Florida
>Swinehart vs. Holloway et. al... > Parasailing negligence in this incident would have been very difficult to prove without a reliable parasail expert. Manuel & Thompson P.A. - Panama City, Florida
>Fiser vs. Thomas…> As you know, I struggled with my partners to take this case on without your assistance. We are confident that with your support we will reach a fair settlement for our clients. Clifford Higby Esq. of Byrant & Higby - Panama City, Florida
>Knobloch vs. Parasail City…> Despite the strong evidence (i.e. video tape of the adverse weather conditions and towline snapping) would not have been sufficient to reach our settlement goals without your involvement. David Otto Esq. of Newman & Okum, PC - New York City
>Shaffer vs. Parasail City…> Your assistance in our case was paramount to our successful settlement. Roger Vaughan Esq. of Wagner, Vaughan & McLaughlin / Shaffer v. Parasail City - Tampa, Florida
>Raisner vs. parasail USA…> This case being over ten years old it was hard to decide our next move without your expertise. Fern Flomenhoft / Russo & Keenan - New York City
>Nicolas Fillis v. Luquillo Parasail…> This case never would have gone anywhere had you not agreed to help us. Even though our client was seriously injured, and ample evidence to prove negligence we did not feel the case would have survived in court and ready to accept the original offer until you agreed to join the team that resulted in a settlement 7 times the original amount for my client. Thank you. Richardo C. Rodrigus Esq. - Puerto Rico
>Walker vs. Sheraton Hotels… > It is important to note that the Defense was never able to qualify anyone in the industry as a "parasail expert" to refute your testimony. Also, the jury almost recited your testimony in the verdict. In summary, your testimony was not only helpful in winning this case, but reaffirms your position within the industry . Ralph Lotkin Esq. of Lotkin & Cochrin - Washington DC
Married 27 years, with three children
Professional Title
Inventor
Parasail Industry Consultant
Parasail Expert (Federal & State Court certified)
Education
Emery Riddle Aeronautical University
(Major - Aeronautical Science/Business & Finance)
Fluid Power Systems
Marketing & Business Development
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND HISTORY
Parasail Expert Qualifications
The US Federal District Court in Miami, Florida qualified Mark McCulloh as an expert in the field of Parasailing allowing his testimony in the 2002 case (Walker vs. Wedge Corp. dba Sheraton Hotels). The jury in that case returned a verdict of 1.7 million in favor of the plantiff; and based their decision solely on McCullohs testimony.
Professional License
USCG Ocean Operator
Private Pilot
Parasail Application Experience
Land Based Operations -Vehicle, Boat , Static Line
Floating Platform
Motorized Platform
Winchboats
Parasail Equipment Designs
Harness
Tandem Bar
Aerial Recliner (rigid chair)
Parasail Operations Experience
Operation Training and Evaluation
Standard Operating Procedure's Development
Parasail Equipment Research and Development
Canopy Inflation Techniques
Fluid Power Experience
Hydraulics and Pneumatics design & operations
Parasail Winch Systems and design & operations
Parasail Inflation Mast Systems and Designs
Custom Hydraulic Circuits
Machine Shop Experience
Milling, Lathe and CNC Machine operations
Metal Fabricator and Assembly
Certified MIG & TIG Welder (aluminum & stainless)
Boat Building / Fiberglass Experience
Mold Design & Tooling
Mold Manufacturing & Boat Building
Winchboat Design & Manufacturing
Other Trade Experiences
Technical Drafting Layout and Design (limited CAD)
Graphics Artist
Web Site Developer
Business Consultant
Insurance Consultant
Summary of Inventions and other Original Product Designs.
1971 - Tandem Bar Design
1971 - Stationary Platform (harness)
1972 - Motorized Platform (harness)
1974 - Parasail Winchboat, Utility Patent # 3,987.746 (harness)
1980 - Developed first Winchboat for USAF - Water Survival Training
1985 - Developed first outboard powered Winchboat
1986 - Aerial Recliner, Utility Patent # 4,738,414)
1987 - Tandem Passenger Aerial Recliner
1988 - Three Passenger Aerial Recliner Design
1993 - Winchboat Hull Design
1994 - Improved Winchboat Design
1994 - Parasail Rope Guide System, Utility Patent # 5,367,972
1994 - Conversion Kits for Harness Winchyboats
1994 - UL approved two passenger sportboat design
1996 - Improved Aerial Recliner, Utility Patent # 5,816,184
1998 - Aerial Recliner Design Patent # 392,242)
1999 - Strap Assembly for Parasailing # 6,085,682)
Expert Witness Consultation & Litigation Case Experience
1977 Gloria Hardy v. Pioneer Parachute
1986 Freidin-Whene v. Lahania Parasail
1986 Steven Medly v. Power Chute
1987 Davis v. Ski Run Marina-
1988 Kumagai vs. Controlled Parasail Honolulu
1990 Ritchie v. Parasailing Int., Inc
1990 Myers v. Beiswenger Ent
1998 Nicolas Fillis v. Luquillo Parasail, CWS, Indemnity Property
2000 Knobloch vs. Parasail City
2000 Shaffer v. Parasail City
2001 Miller/Hake vs. Siesta Parasail
2002 Walker vs. Wedge Corp. (Sheraton Hotels)
2002 Straney vs AA Parasail
2003 Kim/Bae v. SeaBreeze Parasailing (Accident date Aug 07 1999)
2005 Baron & Paulo v. Sea Breeze Parasailing (Accident Aug 20 1999)
2005 Dana Fazekas vs. Greg Longnecker et al.,
2006 one (1) active case open
2006 Oberg vs.
2007 Ransier vs. Quick Marine (filed 2002)
2007 X-Treme Parasail, Inc., et al. Jody L. Martineaue
2007 Broward County States Attorney v. death of the Kraus sisters
2007 Wraya vs. Oberg
2009 Woodcock vs. NC Watersports
2010 White vs. Skyscreamer Parasail
(3) active cases not posted
Pro-Bono consultation with State and Federal authorities
Kiernan vs. Capistrano Beach
Paul Whipple vs. Adventure Guides Inc
Hendricks vs. Atlantic Parasail Inc
Meir vs. Sunset Parasail
Leslie vs. Just Chute Me Parasailing Co
Kiernan vs. Capistrano Beach Parasailing
Reddy vs. Miami Parasail co. (name unknown)
Testimonials
You’d probably like to know what law firms say about me, so here are just a few testimonials that I have received over the years.
>Myers vs. Beiswenger Ent… > We were in settlement negotiations for $200,000 before the court compelled your testimony which persuaded the jury to returned a 4.5 million verdict for our clients. Stuart Ratson - Stewart, Tilghman, Fox & Bianchi P.A. - Miami, Florida
>Swinehart vs. Holloway et. al... > Parasailing negligence in this incident would have been very difficult to prove without a reliable parasail expert. Manuel & Thompson P.A. - Panama City, Florida
>Fiser vs. Thomas…> As you know, I struggled with my partners to take this case on without your assistance. We are confident that with your support we will reach a fair settlement for our clients. Clifford Higby Esq. of Byrant & Higby - Panama City, Florida
>Knobloch vs. Parasail City…> Despite the strong evidence (i.e. video tape of the adverse weather conditions and towline snapping) would not have been sufficient to reach our settlement goals without your involvement. David Otto Esq. of Newman & Okum, PC - New York City
>Shaffer vs. Parasail City…> Your assistance in our case was paramount to our successful settlement. Roger Vaughan Esq. of Wagner, Vaughan & McLaughlin / Shaffer v. Parasail City - Tampa, Florida
>Raisner vs. parasail USA…> This case being over ten years old it was hard to decide our next move without your expertise. Fern Flomenhoft / Russo & Keenan - New York City
>Nicolas Fillis v. Luquillo Parasail…> This case never would have gone anywhere had you not agreed to help us. Even though our client was seriously injured, and ample evidence to prove negligence we did not feel the case would have survived in court and ready to accept the original offer until you agreed to join the team that resulted in a settlement 7 times the original amount for my client. Thank you. Richardo C. Rodrigus Esq. - Puerto Rico
>Walker vs. Sheraton Hotels… > It is important to note that the Defense was never able to qualify anyone in the industry as a "parasail expert" to refute your testimony. Also, the jury almost recited your testimony in the verdict. In summary, your testimony was not only helpful in winning this case, but reaffirms your position within the industry . Ralph Lotkin Esq. of Lotkin & Cochrin - Washington DC
