How many jumps can I get out of a Falcon??

[Spatula 0]

As you could see from my profile, I jump a Falcon 215. When I bought my rig (used) this canopy had just under 300 jumps on it. I've put approx 15 jumps on it.

Realistically, how many jump can I expect to get out of the canopy before it becomes shows signs of age (It's DOM is 2/92)? I obviously want to get a z/p canopy, but that won't happen for a while. To this point all the jumps have been great with the Falcon. Landings/flare has been fine.

What are signs of aging in an "f-111" canopy? Aside from line condition. Can you tell by inspecting the fabric, or when landing/flying the canopy?

Thanks!

[Spatula 0]

Whoops, wrong forum...can a moderator slide this over to the Gear & Rigging? Sorry about that.

[councilman24 37]

It's not landing like new now.

And a lot depends on environmental factors. Do you pack indoors, jump in the grass of the midwest or sand of arizona, how much are you loading it, etc.

But, if you like it now I'd guess that in a couple hundred more jumps you may start to notice. Depending on above issues, 600-800 total is a resonable life before it's pretty tired. But you'll get tired of it long before that.

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[Spatula 0]

Ahh, forgot to add those important factors.

Loading it @ 1.05
Jumping in "grass of Virginia" (Skydive the Point)
Packing indoors

Thanks for the reply.

[skybytch 273]

What Terry said.

You can approach the higher ends of those numbers if you make a point of keeping it out of the sun when you aren't jumping it. Sunlight is nylon's biggest enemy. Pack as soon after jumping as possible.

[Spatula 0]

I do for the most part. Usually last jump of the day I'm put the canopy (daisy chained) into a miltary gear bag and close it. Pack it at home the next day.

Well I'm glad to know I can use the canopy for a while and grow with it. My plan is to put about 100 jumps on it then grab something Z/P in the same ballpark (210ish). Thanks