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Evelyn

Downsizing from a Pilot 168 - Pilot 148

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I'm 122 lbs. and wear 13 lbs. of lead. I've been jumping for just over a year. Following is my canopy downsizing progression:
PD 260 - 5 jumps
PD 230 - 22 jumps
PD 200 - 19 jumps
Pilot 188 - 3 jumps
Spectre 190 - 14 jumps
Spectre 170 - 37 jumps
Pilot 168 - 39 jumps
Sabre 2 170 - 11 jumps
I've been demoing gear from Square One and am getting ready to buy, but before I buy I want to demo the Pilot 148. The Pilot is my favorite canopy so far. I like the openings, the landings and the way it flies. I'm happy with the 168 but feel I should try the 148 to see if I like it better than the 168 before I commit to buying the 168. I've taken a canopy control course and have read the downsizing checklist posted on dz.com. I feel comfortble downsizing to the 148, but want to know what to expect with the smaller canopy. I've been told that it will be faster but that my landings should still be good since I'd have more brake power with my flare due to the increased speed. Would like opinions from anyone and input from people who have downsized from a Pilot 168 to a Pilot 148.


Life is either a daring adventure or nothing ~ Helen Keller

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I've been told that it will be faster but that my landings should still be good since I'd have more brake power with my flare due to the increased speed.



I think that's a load of crap.

The smaller canopy, just before you add that final input to come to a stop, is going just as slowly as the larger canopy would. That statement is right up there with "you have to hook it to land it", I just don't buy it. I guess it's half right - it will certainly be faster.

-
Jim
"Like" - The modern day comma
Good bye, my friends. You are missed.

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The smaller canopy, just before you add that final input to come to a stop, is going just as slowly as the larger canopy would


So my 120 goes just as slow as the student 230???

This is incorrect. The smaller canopy is loaded higher and will therefor be faster (foward speed). If you meant it has the same "slow foward speed" at the end of the flare, well, maybe, depending on the flare.

What is meant by brake power is somewhat unclear to me, but as the smaller canopy has shorter lines, it will also be more responsive due to the shorter leverage.

Numberswise the 148 will put you to a 1.001 WL, compared to the 0.89 on the 168 from your profile, which should be alright for your jump numbers.

BUT: I don't hold any instructor/coach/whatever ratings, so
Check with your instructors/experienced people to see what they have to say to your landings.

Interesting read: "Wingloading and it's Effects".
The mind is like a parachute - it only works once it's open.
From the edge you just see more.
... Not every Swooper hooks & not every Hooker swoops ...

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Thanks for your comments. This is why I posted this, to get other input. But being a newbie, I don't quite understand your answer. So how will my landings differ on the 148 from the 168?


Life is either a daring adventure or nothing ~ Helen Keller

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Thanks for your comments. This is why I posted this, to get other input. But being a newbie, I don't quite understand your answer. So how will my landings differ on the 148 from the 168?



In full glide, you will be moving faster. More speed gives more lift. So, despite the smaller canopy, the added airspeed will provide a good flare response for planing out. After you plane out, as you are losing speed and continuing to flare/slow down, the 148 will stop flying at a higher speed than the 168. This simply means that you cannot get the speed quite as low, and will probably have to run out more of your landings, if there is no wind.

It sounds like you have been doing the right things with your canopy progression and canopy control school. Not knowing you, I don't know what level your skills are. If you are uncertain about which canopy to buy, someone local who knows your skills should be consulted. Square1 has some good people. I would trust JP's opinion in the matter.

Be sure to demo that 148 on a day with very little wind. If you could jump it a couple of times with some wind, then again with little or no wind, that would be best.

Edited because I misspelled "it"

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Square1 has some good people. I would trust JP's opinion in the matter.



Thanks!

Evelyn, feel free to ask the store staff or myself when I'm there on the weekends to watch some of your landings and see if you're ready. Sounds like you might be.....
----------------------------------------------
You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

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