pegasus 0 #1 September 7, 2003 here's the deal... I recently bought my first new canopy ( a Triathalon 160) My sig other who is a coach, & static line /IAD instructor says he doesnt want me jumping it yet b/c I am not ready. I am currently jumping a SR-71 170 made by PISA. I am 5'2, 117 lbs and have 22 jumps. My in air canopy control is great, but my landings are still a bit hinky (but not bad) I have had several other instructors who have many years in the sport tell me I would be fine. What is your opinion? Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #2 September 7, 2003 You're seriously expecting us to second guess someone that cares about you, has seen how you handle yourself under canopy and is an instructor? If, he were pushing you to jump a SMALLER canopy, I can see where we might be opposed to him, but if he has seen you land, is your significant other AND is telling you that you shouldn't downsize yet . . . geeze! . . . follow his advise!quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #3 September 7, 2003 First of all, you do not have to live with one of us so what to you care what we think? You do or should care what your S/O thinks. If your landing are just so so, why the rush to change canopies. In air flight is not where you will get thumped, landing is where it turns from air to dirt. jmo. SparkyMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sundevil777 102 #4 September 7, 2003 Not much difference in size (170 vs. 160). I would have thought the triathalon might have easier landing characteristics for the novice. I agree with Quade's reply, we should not contradict you S/O, however at your wingloading the SR-71 should be very easy to land. Perhaps it is not flying well (worn out/bad line trim/etc.) and the new canopy would in fact be better.People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drenaline 0 #5 September 7, 2003 Ask another more experienced instructor at your DZ for a second opinion. I don't know much about the triathlon but the difference in wingload is not that much and you will still be in the "safe side" wingload. I am still a kindergarden skydiver with only 140 jumps so take all I said with a bunch of salt. HISPA 21 www.panamafreefall.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hookitt 1 #6 September 7, 2003 If I recall the sr-71 is a falcon copy with flat suspension lines. The SR-71 is known for rapid openings and not so good flight characteristics. I've seen them in action and they were something else to watch open. I must admit I forget if they are ZP or F-111.. (any body out there familiar with the SR-71? ) I agree with the Previous posts but have a suggestion. Hand your SR-71 over to your significant other or someone of your choice. Have them jump it, then have them jump the Triathalon for a comparison. It's entirely possible if you're under a different airfoil the landings may be more manageble.My grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pegasus 0 #7 September 7, 2003 the ar-71 is a ZP, it does have VERY crisp openings, then only way I have found to have a somewhat gentl opening is to have it packed A) w/o the brakes stowed or B) by pyscho packing it. I did not come here to question my S/O, I know he loves me & only has my best interest in mind. However he & another instructor at our dz got into a friendly heated debate over this very thing. The other instructor is an I/E as well as a S & TA. HE thought I would be fine, so I am just looking for further opinion. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Danl 0 #8 September 7, 2003 Why not set a goal and reach a deal? Something like, "Darling, when I stand up 5 in a row on the old rag, will I be ready for the tangerine flake streamline baby? Blue skies and home brews, Dan'l Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riddler 0 #9 September 7, 2003 QuoteIt's entirely possible if you're under a different airfoil the landings may be more manageble. Hookitt is right. I have a Lotus 150 that lands better than my Triathalon 190. The others are also right - there's no rush to downsize at all. Finally, you are the pilot in command and the one taking the risk. The rest of us are just trying to help you understand the risk. Skr always tells me "You don't know what you don't know. If you can get to the point where you at least know what you don't know, you're just beginning to understand." (or something like that). Truth is, you won't know until after you make the mistake (and maybe hurt yourself ) - no need to rush getting hurt. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #10 September 7, 2003 QuoteHE thought I would be fine, so I am just looking for further opinion. Based solely on your body weight and number of jumps I'd say a Tri 160 would likely be a good canopy for you, but I've never seen you land and I don't know where you jump. Have you asked your boyfriend why he doesn't think you're ready for it yet? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
