btvr 0 #1 September 17, 2007 Ok, quick question about canopy classifications. After comparing different canopy manufacturers web sites. There seems to be differences in what one mfg says to another. I'm referring to the wing loading suggestions. One says 1.1 wing loading is advanced and the other it's considered intermediate. 0.9 is novice. What ever the case may be, now comes the question. How many jumps is the cut off for each wing loading? How many jumps are novice at 0.9? intermediate at, let's say 1.1? Advanced at 1.2 and expert at 1.3 and up? I know each person must figure it him/herself out to each skill level and get advice from the people that know them. Now according to USPA licenses. A was basic at 25 or so and B was intermediate at 50. C is advanced at 200 which used to be 100 and D at expert or what ever at 500 which used to be 200. So what are some opinions on jump numbers for canopy classifications? There has to be a number that can be put on this some how. If not, then why don't the manufacturers just put the maximum weight limit? Thoughts? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,111 #2 September 17, 2007 > How many jumps is the cut off for each wing loading? 13 + cos(the number of jumps/2 pi R) * (number of jumps in the previous month/your rigger's age) Just kidding. There is no hard and fast formula that works for everyone. A good guideline are the Germain numbers, which are here: http://www.skydivekansas.com/resources/html/GermainChart.pdf >How many jumps are novice at 0.9? ?? Do you mean "how many jumps should I have before I load a canopy at .9?" If so, then keep in mind that it is NOT just the loading, but also the size. .9 at 200 lbs is not the same as .9 at 100 lbs. Let's say you weigh 160 lbs, and your exit weight is 180. Then, if you want to load at .9 (which is a 200ish sq ft canopy) you should have 60 jumps per the chart. >There has to be a number that can be put on this some how. If not, then >why don't the manufacturers just put the maximum weight limit? Because most people can make value judgements even if they don't have the formula in front of them. Can't stand up your landings? The novice column might be a good one to use. Miffed because you only came in 5th in the last IPC distance event? Expert might be a better choice. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grimmie 186 #3 September 17, 2007 Jump numbers are very deceptive when it comes to canopy skills. Some people have one thousand jumps...some people have ONE jump a thousand times. If you are looking to downsize or purchase an initial canopy, speak with your instructors and coaches that you have jumped with. Also discuss it with jumpers you have been on loads with that have good judgement. Also realize your own abilities. Enjoy, there is nothing quite like that first jump on a shiny, slippery new canopy! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
btvr 0 #4 September 17, 2007 Hey thanks for that link! That's almost exactly what I was looking for. It clears up a lot of confusion. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dragon2 2 #5 September 17, 2007 Some European (and other?) countries have rules about canopy selection (size/model/wingload) now, that might give you an idea too. Do a search for the Dutch rules, there are a few threads about those that explain our rules. ciel bleu, Saskia Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
