Leaderboard

Tests have been done over the years but little by individual jumpers as opposed to companies. Just whipping this post off: While GPS data is easy to get these days, you would still need to do some analysis to get good data out of it. It is hard to find "no wind" conditions all the way up to altitude, so you are going to have to take data acquisition runs in different directions, ideally up and down wind, to help calculate out the wind's effect. Plus, for any observed rates of descents and airspeeds, you'll want to do all your tests in similar conditions to avoid density altitude effects messing up your numbers. At least if you measure on a similar temperature day (across the air mass and not just on the ground), and at similar altitudes, you could compare canopies, even if they are not the 'proper' numbers as one would have for an airplane. That is, airplane flight data is always adjusted to be what it would be at sea level, International Standard Atmosphere conditions (29.92"Hg, 15 deg C), that sort of thing. So if measuring canopy speed and rate of descent at 6000' on a hot summer's day, it'll be faster than if measured at 3000' on a cooler day, in a predictable way. If all this goes over one's head, then one isn't ready to do accurate comparisons of flight characteristics of different canopies. ... Still, it can be fun to go up and get a little data just for fun, comparing different canopies for some rough numbers. Back 15-25 years ago I did a bit of data collection on a few canopies of the era, using a calibrated anemometer, electronic variometer, and a whole bunch of data reduction (analysis) to take into account density altitude effects. So the canopy types are a bit old now! -- and I'm not including modern competition style swooping canopies like a Leia or Valkyrie. This is a very quick summary that I used in a canopy flight course I have sometimes given, to give people some "rough numbers": From my testing. (These numbers have been adjusted to sea level standard conditions... because that's how it is done in aerospace engineering for comparing airplanes in a standardized way. On a typical summer day at a typical dropzone, at a typical height above sea level when flying one's canopy, the air density will be somewhat less. The Glide Ratio won't really change, but the Airspeed and Rate of Descent will be a little higher.) - Glide ratio typically: (brakes off) 3 student canopy 2.5 medium modern ZP canopy 2.1 small canopy In partial brakes, my Icarus FX 88 at 1.9 loading went 2.1 to 2.8! (lowered the rate of descent a lot, while only moderately reducing the speed) (While big F-111 canopies might just get less glide angle with brakes, with less effect on their already slow descent rate) (Sabre 1 135 when adding brake: got only bit better glide ratio with a bit of brake, then a lot worse as one got into heavy brake). Different designs could be more efficient… e.g. a special experimental high glide ratio 11 cell 170 from PD over 20 years ago that I jumped = 4.5 glide ratio in slight brakes - Airspeed: (Bit more than Forward speed horizontally) 25 mph student canopy 46 mph small crossbrace @ 1.9 loading (Icarus FX) But: Deep brakes only 25 mph - Sink rate: 800-1000 fpm big canopy (13-17 fps) for students or novices (On the lower side of that for modern ZP student canopies compared to ones like F-111 Mantas) 1300 fpm Sabre 1 135 @ 1.25 loading 1750 fpm (29 fps) small crossbrace @ 1.9 loading (Icarus FX) In brakes any of those down to only 750 fpm (So one can have the case of an instructor under a crossbraced canopy, maybe not a modern competition style one, being able to almost stay with a student or novice flying full speed under their rental canopy.) Note that glide ratios are only partially affected by the design of the canopy itself. Certainly a fat Parafoil with giant nose openings will be draggier than a modern highly elliptical swooping canopy with small nose opening and crossbraces for holding the shape well. Much depends on the trim the designers have chosen, nose up or nose down. That's why many swoop canopies are so 'ground hungry', trimmed nose down for more speed to use for a long swoop & flare, not just floating around in the sky. Another big factor is jumper size relative to the canopy. Scale the same parachute design down, and keep the same sized jumper under it, and now that jumper is in effect a larger draggy object below the canopy, dragging back from under the canopy even more as the speed increases with a smaller canopy. I saw some manufacturer test data way back that certainly showed the effect: Same canopy design at the same weight had a much worse glide ratio as it scaled to smaller and smaller sizes. - The PD info in a youtube video that BMAC posted is good, comparing a Pulse and Katana 150 at the same loading. Note that it looks like the data hasn't been adjusted to sea level standard conditions -- it is just the data they got that particular day and speeds would be slightly faster than in my type of data. Still a great comparison -- You can see how with brakes set, the Katana and Pulse are only somewhat different. Pop the brakes and now the Katana is super ground hungry in comparison.

Wanna bet?

Readily accessible isn't the same as having the time to hunt it down. I've been hawking over this for the past year and still stumble over new information. Most middle-income families spend their day, getting the house cleaned up, the kids dressed, ready for school, throw in a load of laundry, breakfast, work, homework with the kids, TV, dinner, dishes, rotate the laundry, fold the clothes, kids ready for bed, showers, time with S/O comes around 9:00 PM. Rinse/Repeat. IMO we can do a better job of communicating the message WHYs other than - well, if you go do it, we'll put you in the million dollar lottery.

I have a number of friends who are, shall we say, willfully ignorant. In other words, if you address their issues, the goalposts move, because, they just aren't going to get the vaccine. Some of them had friends who died of COVID, and/or were in the "take this seriously because it's real" camp. But they're also proud Trump conservatives, and have modified their views "appropriately." Even took down the FB posts that I saw early on. Oh well Wendy P.

BIGUN chuckles. I was informed by the youngest sister two days ago that our other sister went to the ER and was diagnosed with COVID Pneumonia. Huh? Did you guys not get the vaccines and if not, WTF? No, they did not. Why? So, we had a good long talk. For most, it's a very do it; don't do it discussion depending on your circle. They live in a rural state, in a rural area. The most in-their-face information from that circle has been - 1) Not approved, 2) Long-term effects (now we have the myocarditis pointing, see! see!). In Maine, eight people have died with COVID after having received the vaccine. Whoo boy, this is going to take longer than I thought. I've been reflecting since our conversation as to why? There are commercials that just say, "Get the vaccine." But, not the WHYS. So, let's address the "WHYS" of getting a vaccine. 1. Those eight in Maine were in their 80s and yes, they died WITH Covid, but that doesn't mean they died because of COVID. Big difference. 2. Common sense would dictate there've been 2.2 billion vaccines administered with very few side effects. But, there's always been adverse reactions. And, there always will, but the adverse reaction to COVID is >600,000 dead in the US alone. More than all the wars since 1900 COMBINED. Since administering the Vaccine - look at the numbers. We are NOT where we were last year at this time. Check out the 1point3acres website (which has vaccine numbers) or Johns Hopkins and drill down to your county and see what the vaccine has accomplished just in your area. 3. Not Approved/Emergency Use - https://getvaccineanswers.org/question/vaccine-safety?gclid=Cj0KCQjwk4yGBhDQARIsACGfAeuf0was_X1oYvLJlwe56D7_jblY_IUQtipeVlebhbDhFtujAVMCP70aAh70EALw_wcB 4. But, they won't allow it in kids yet - One of the best all around educational materials for this I've found is: https://www.dailybreeze.com/2021/05/30/final-frontier-covid-19-vaccines-coming-soon-for-young-children/ 5. But I've had COVID, so I'm protected - Yes, for now. But, that will wear off by fall and it does not protect you from this new Delta variant. The bottom line for us is, we need to stop calling them stupid and realize they're just ignorant of the facts and the competing messages in the world. Treat them like skydiving students and educate them, so they can educate others. Kinda like skydiving - the message from their circle is only 1) great experience, or 2) I know someone who died/injured, don't do it. Most of them are a two income family, with kids, and other factors pulling on them - in life. We can send a better message than "Stupid for not doing it." Sis is fine. One day of oxygen, steroids, plasma and antibiotics turned it around in 24 hours.

Circling back... The fluctuations/oscillations increased AFTER the test sled/weight left the stairs. This indicates that Cooper left right before the crew reported increased oscillations at 8:11/10. Rataczak said: 'That's just the way It was 8:10 p.m. Nov 24.' The confusion is the post event rationalization by the crew to distinguish the increase in frequency and magnitude of the oscillations by using the term "pressure bump". Minor oscillations/fluctuations were there for some time prior to the crew message, they just increased in frequency and magnitude. The crew did not comprehend what was going on at the time but reported the "pressure bump" in retrospect. The sled test showed that the oscillations/fluctuations INCREASED AFTER the weight left the stairs NOT BEFORE. Also, the stairs retracted to within eight inches of closed. and Three subsequent 727 bailouts also exhibited the same rapid fluctuations. This means Cooper did not jump over/near the Columbia River and the FBI got the LZ correct as far south as Battle Ground. FBI p# 23113 ..dropped off while a chase plane photographed its trajectory as it parachuted to the ground. “As the load left the stairway it re-tracted to within eight Inches of closing, then dropped back down. The result was a marked fluctuation In the cabin air pressure which caused the crews ears to pop and registered a rapid change In the rate of on instruments In the cockpit. "Rataczak said: 'That's just the way It was 8:10 p.m. Nov 24.' Only the crew dtdn't know what it meant then. They didn't know be had bailed out until they landed at Reno and found the plane empty.” The same rapid fluctuations in air pressure were noted in three bailouts from 727 airliners in the next few months, before the FAA ordered all rear doors rigged so they could not be opened in flight.

Yes i do have some pics & a vid of the Spit ride. Should I post them in this forum?

Maybe. But I'll bite. It sounds like the OP had a cutaway, where the RSL functioned as intended. But neglected to pull the reserve handle. He was (correctly) criticized for that and is wondering why. Soooo... You failed to properly execute the emergency procedures. They are written the way they are for a reason. People have died when they failed to properly follow the procedures. If you don't understand why you need to do things correctly every time, get with your head instructor, the S&T A, DZO or the TI/E that you got your rating from. Seriously, this is important.

From you post there's nothing to work out. The University doesn't require it. Equador does. I've had a Vaccine passport for over 25 years, they're not new or novel.

I don't shoot video, but as a TI over the years I have seen the student videos go from VHS to DVD to USB, to now they just post it online and send the student the link so that they can watch/download/share it as they wish. So, yeah, the student tandem skydive video is - in the cloud.

or a disc. or some other digital format!

This could be measured with GPS, flying a square pattern to average out the wind. Might be a fun project.

Outside camera is much better anyway, you get to see your own face when you realize there's nothing below you for 3km other than air . And it's likely still cheaper than the Spitfire ride.

Get the video. You will watch it over and over. Hopefully you have video of the Spits ride,,,and its posted somewhere?

Even if the camera isn't a snag hazard: a) national skydiving organizations often forbid cameras on less experienced jumpers (even if the person is strapped to an instructor) and b) there's no incentive for skydivers and dropzones to take away from their own revenues in providing video services to tandem students. It is what it is. Enjoy your jump. Hopefully you do get video. :-)

Most likely, no you won't be able to have it on you. Cameras are snag hazards and are reserved for experienced skydive with 200+ jumps If you really want a video, having a cameraman in front of you is a better option. You'll get the outside perspective and he will film all your reactions. You should contact the DZ where you will do your tandem to confirm with them.

In this case, on that particular platform, I'm fine with her going off script. And, just to be clear, I'd also be fine with a HS valedictorian going off script on any subject they are passionate about. The typical HS graduation speech wouldn't get this kind of attention. Even one that went off topic and onto a controversial subject. If it was something bigoted & hateful (as your anti-trans example), it would get a fair amount of criticism. Any HS valedictorian has worked long and hard to reach that goal. While I mostly doubt that a big part of that goal is to be able to stand up in front of a couple thousand people and tell them 'what's what', it's one of the privileges. I'd be more upset if the school had chosen to shut the mic off and silence her. That also goes for stuff I don't agree with. The actions by the American Legion to shut off the mic during the section of the speech that lauded the freed slaves who's actions were the beginnings of the current Memorial Day holiday were far, far more insulting and offensive (this was posted in the 'deplorables' thread a day or so ago).

So why did they have the gallows outside? There's a not very nice part of me that wishes those "tourists" had managed to get their hands on Pence. And it sure is funny how many "Back The Blue" Trumpettes don't seem to care about the attacks on the cops. OTOH, the FBI & Justice Department sure do care. Lots and lots of those 'tourists' are going to do time. Some are going to do a long time. There's no parole or 'good behavior' time in the Federal system.

Maybe you should read it then, and try to understand it.

The First Amendment is really quite simple. The applicable part is "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion." That means that the US Government, or any of its parts (including the Armed Forces) cannot specify a specific establishment of religion as a requirement for any position, power or right. Again, you can decide that you don't want to follow the First Amendment, that your religion is so important to you that you oppose it. Fine - get it repealed. Until then, follow the US Constitution.

You must be a very important man. It must be hard for you to avoid sounding as if you are full of yourself sometimes. It's a wonder you have time to come here and let us know how "unfit" we are. Thanks.

The protection of the First Amendment does indeed apply to all religions. If you offer a government job and you say "nope, only Christians can apply" prepare yourself for a successful lawsuit. You may dislike the US Constitution, but for a lot of us, it's pretty important.

You didn't actually read the story, did you? The job ad was for 'chaplain'. The application included the statement affirming Christian beliefs & practices It doesn't matter if 'all religions are the same' or not, although the Abrahamic faiths have more in common with each other than most adherents are willing to admit. The 1st A is pretty clear on this. Supreme Court rulings have made it even clearer. For a government entity to show favor of any religion over another is not acceptable. Your 'mechanic' analogy is so far off base, so irrelevant, that it's hilarious. Not terribly surprising, but funny none the less. And, as noted above, if the application included a requirement for the applicants to sign a statement affirming allegiance to Islam, the entire Christian/Alt Right universe would lose their minds. Do you remember when a mosque (actually a cultural center) was planned in NYC near the World Trade Center site? Do you remember the outrage? The lies? The hatred & bigotry? The lawsuits?

Could it be possible that a high school valedictorian has more guts and brains than Greg Abbott?

Which is unconstitutional. (And you're wrong. The ad was requesting chaplains, the application form was demanding Christians) Yes, it's specifically unconstitutional. If you want to get sued. Guess what, they're being sued. You are living in a fantasy world. Not only would multiple Christians be suing, it would be the headline news story on Fox, OAN, Breitbart, NYP for months and they'd be billing it as the death America as we know it. And you would be in full agreement with them.

Yeah they are.

No, they would probably storm the Capitol.

It is a lawsuit that goes to the heart of the First Amendment, which some of us consider important.

The US military disagrees with you. A Rabbi working in a prison is a chaplain. An Imam working in a prison is a chaplain. A Bhikkhu working in a prison is a chaplain. It's a valid lawsuit resulting from a clear violation of the constitution.

Maybe if the previous administration took the word of the intelligence community about the threat of Russian cyber attacks seriously, this could have been prevented. Instead they decided to cozy up to Russia and deny that they were a threat. The previous cyber attack against Solarwinds was downplayed and denied by the administration even after it was proven that the Russians were behind it.

I was able to put a string of jumps on a Sensei 91 this weekend. For reference, my usual main canopy these days is a Comp Velo 90. Before that I had an all-sailcloth JVX 83. My exit weight is 205 lbs. All jumps were made with the PC attached normally (no RDS). I jump at a dropzone 5000 above sea level. General: When I got the canopy, I laid it out on the ground with my Comp Velo 90. This is pretty subjective, but it did appear that the two canopies were about the same size...if anything the Sensei was a little smaller. The A lines were 1.5" longer on the Sensei. Openings: Fantastic. Nicest opening x-brace I have jumped. Slow, smooth, no seeking, easy to steer with the rear risers. Front Risers: Riser pressure is higher than the Comp Velo, similar to the JVX - maybe a little lighter. The pressure builds up quicker than on the Velo, about the same as the JVX. Rear Risers: Pressure is similar to the Comp Velo, lower than the JVX. It seemed very reluctant to stall on the rear risers. I would say the rears have a little more power than the Velo but not as good as on the JVX. I did not have any problems with the transition from rears to toggles at any time. Toggles: Pressure is a little lower than the Comp Velo, way lower than the JVX. It floats very well in brakes and has good flare power. Control range felt similar to the Velo. Harness: The canopy felt less responsive to harness input than either the Velo or the JVX. Dive: I had to start my turn (a 630) about 200 feet lower than on the Comp Velo. The recovery arc is short...definitely shorter than the Velo, maybe even a bit shorter than the JVX. It feels like it builds speed very well. Performance: On most jumps I came out of the turn high due to the short recovery arc. When I did get the recovery arc right, it swooped really well...I don't have enough experience with it to say if it's the same category as the Comp Velo and JVX, but it felt like it had a lot of performance. Packing: This canopy was made of ZPX. It did pack up a little smaller than my comp Velo. Overall: I'd say it is a pretty nice canopy, definitely worth checking out to see if it suits you. No doubt some folks will want a longer reovery arc, but I'd say it makes for a nice flying wing if it fits your flying style. "Holy s*** that was f***in' cold!"

First impressions: comparison between sensei zp/x81 velo 79 and jvx 79 all without RDS and with 350lb hma. I put a few jumps on a zp81 and also a zpx 81. firstly the openings are very nice for a xbrace. I have jumped both canopies with camera equipment without a worry. my loading is 2.89. The front riser pressure is a little higher than a velo 79 and a little less than a JVX 79. The toggle pressure is solid making for very nice stopping power (easy to shut down). I would say definitely higher than jvx and similar to the velo. Recovery arc is shorter than a velo79 and very similar to a jvx 79. Speed times through the FAI course was faster than the JVX 79 and very similar to the velo (sometimes better sometimes worse). Distance. this canopy definitely went a little further than the standard velo for me. it is very comparable to the jvx, and I think with a full RDS it has competitive potential. Overall impression. I like the openings, the speed is nice, the distance is good but i would like to do the comparison with a full RDS on all canopies to get a better idea of any "hidden potential" All jumps were made over two days in similar conditions with all canopies in the same configuration with the same pilot: me. Remember flight characteristics are something that you have to get accustomed to no matter what you fly. they are not better or worse than something else just different. the best pilots are the ones that have mastered the flight characteristics of their particular canopy and therefore can put it where they need to, how they need to, when ever they need to. hope this helps.