Sheenster303 0 #1 December 2, 2004 What makes a canopy harder or easier to flare? Does it have to do with wingloading, the size of the canopy, or a combination of the two? Is it easier to flare at a higher wingloading or is all about the size of the canopy? Like would it be a lot harder to flare a 280 at a 1:1 wingloading than a 150 at a 1:1 wingloading? I always thought that it had to do mostly with wingloading, but I'm sure that the size of the canopy has to be factor in there somewhere.I'm so funny I crack my head open! P.M.S. #102 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #2 December 2, 2004 What do you mean harder or easier? Do you mean the "sweet spot" is fairly wide in range, or that the canopy has a very low stall speed? Or do you mean the toggle pressure is light or hard? All of these things depend on a lot of factors, not just the wingloading. It has to do with the overall canopy design, the brake attatchment points and number, size of the canopy, suspended weight (not just wingloading, but overall weight) and a good number of other facters that are well beyond my knowledge. A PM to Brian Germain would most likely get you more information then you ever wanted. Be sure to be specific in your request.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sheenster303 0 #3 December 2, 2004 I meant mainly toggle pressure. I just couldn't think of the word for it when I was typing the post. I'm so funny I crack my head open! P.M.S. #102 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #4 December 2, 2004 Toggle pressure has to do with the overall design of the canopy as well as how much of the tail is being pulled down...wingloading has a little to do with it, but not as much as you'd think. Wingloading and speed resulting from the wingloading has more to do with the height of the flare point and the "power" of the flare then the pressure. I've jumped tandem mains that had lighter toggle pressure then some sport mains I've jumped, even. Drop a line to Germain, I'm sure he'll drown you with technical specifics and make your head hurt. --"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thermosnight 0 #5 December 3, 2004 Hi Sheena, You may want to take a look at www.performancedesigns.com and go to the Education section. There, you will find useful downloads containing factual information based upon the company's research and development, as well as contributions and articles from Scott Miller. Scott is a test pilot for Performance Designs (a canopy company) and also runs a Canopy School at Skydive DeLand (www.freedomofflight.com) here in Florida and I have yet to find a dissatisfied student! Some of this knowledge is freely available in the form of Adobe Files, but don't be too surprised if some of it does not make sense right now. I treated the whole canopy thing like a big cake - by taking little nibbles so I didn't get too sick I was speaking to someone else today about where to get information when they need it. What I have realised is the glut of information (and, unfortunately, mis-information) out there can be overwhelming for a student or other non-skygod. This website is a great lauching pad for self-development, but without wishing to judge or crticise anyone, I do sometimes cringe when I read something that is totally wrong or just plain misleading. Good luck, Sheena! I hope this post helps a little... Dave My favourite saying is under construction... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
