Canopy not fully inflating on opening

[burtonjm 0]

Yesterday was the second time in four jumps this happened to me. Throw the pilot chute, snivel feels normal, and then once I'm in the saddle my canopy starts bucking. I looked up and saw that my canopy was not fully inflated. The end cells had little air in them and the rest of the cells were probably 50-75% inflated. The problem fixed itself when I released the brakes. Any idea what could cause this?

I am jumping a Spectre 190 loaded at 1.2. I've put about 40 jumps on the canopy since I got it and this weekend was the first time this happened to me.

This shit, right here, is OK

[piisfish 140]

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I've put about 40 jumps on the canopy since I got it and this weekend was the first time this happened to me.

HOW MANY JUMPS ON THE CANOPY BEFORE THAT ?

scissors beat paper, paper beat rock, rock beat wingsuit - KarlM

[burtonjm 0]

When I bought it, he said the high end estimate was 500. The fabric is much newer-looking than my friend's canopy which has 600 jumps.

This shit, right here, is OK

[Cueb 0]

line trim?

If the end cells aren't inflated you can help them with rear risers.

[piisfish 140]

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line trim? .

check the trim on the PD website, and measure your's . It can be part of teh problem.

what kind of pilot chute do you have ? how old ? did it function normally ?

scissors beat paper, paper beat rock, rock beat wingsuit - KarlM

[erdnarob 1]

I heard the big Spectre canopies are sometimes bucking like you describe. If this continues, see Performance Designs. It seems to me that you might have too much brakes and this can be the cause the bucking. For the benefit of everybody, come back to us when the problem will be solved.

Learn from others mistakes, you will never live long enough to make them all.

[riggerrob 643]

The simplest way to measure the life of a line set is to compare the A lines.
If there is more than 3 inches difference across the A lines, you are probably due for new lines.Most canopies are due for new lines when they have about 500 jumps.
The other factor to consider is steering line shrinkage, but that will require the assistance of a rigger who knows how to read trim charts. Different manufactures use different methods to measure steering line length.

Best to ask your local rigger to do a trim check.

[sffudapparel 0]

what they said jesse, check trim and brakes.

Dream my life, live my dream

[popsjumper 2]

You may want to hold off on offering canopy advice just yet.
He lists 85 jumps. He may have been taught something different.

My reality and yours are quite different.
I think we're all Bozos on this bus.
Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239

[burtonjm 0]

90 jumps after today! It didn't happen to me today, but I will check the trim and brakes next time I get a chance. Thanks for the advice guys!

This shit, right here, is OK

[fcajump 164]

#1. See your rigger to assist checking the trim, especially the brake set point.
#2. See your instructor for good advice.

I also jump Spectre's and one has a similar issue.
IF the brakes are set too deep on opening (as mine are) FRONT risers actually help the inflation during the opening if it is surging/bucking after 50%+ inflation. Note that this is opposite normal end-cell closure corrective action.

SO - with 90 jumps, MUCH better to have a better better behaved canopy than to be learning multiple advanced techniques. The Spectre is great, just get it trimmed correctly.

#3 - see #1 above.

JW


HOWEVER

Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

[PhreeZone 20]

A DZ rigger found with the assistance of a master rigger that the Spectres LST's were 2 3/4 inches shorter then factory spec so its opening in a near stall all the time. The canopy is also getting close to a need for a reline anyways so now the decision has to be made if he just wants the LST' and steering lines replaced for a few dollars now to get through the rest of the season and send it for a full reline over the winter or if a full reline needs done now.

My recommendation was replace the LST's and put another 100 jumps on it this year

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[fcajump 164]

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A DZ rigger found with the assistance of a master rigger that the Spectres LST's were 2 3/4 inches shorter then factory spec so its opening in a near stall all the time. The canopy is also getting close to a need for a reline anyways so now the decision has to be made if he just wants the LST' and steering lines replaced for a few dollars now to get through the rest of the season and send it for a full reline over the winter or if a full reline needs done now.

My recommendation was replace the LST's and put another 100 jumps on it this year

I'd echo your recommendation. If the LST don't do enough, then bite the bullet and do it sooner, but I'd try them first.

(to the newbies, and reminder to us all)
As with ANY canopy condition on any jump, check it at opening... if its not well behaved now, it won't be for landing... try the other one )

JW

Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...