Hooknswoop

Here is my article from Skydiving Magazine, minus the figures; Flat Tracking Tracking is a maneuver by which a skydiver can add significant horizontal movement to the vertical descent of free fall. It is used to gain separation from other skydivers making it safe to deploy their canopies without risk of collision. Flat tracking is the further refinement of tracking, gaining more horizontal distance for the same amount of altitude lost/used. The more horizontal distance skydivers can achieve by tracking between the break off and pull altitudes, the safer they are. With the proliferation of very small, highly loaded, ultra high performance canopies, horizontal separation has become more critical. Canopy performance has out-paced tracking skills, especially as the median experience level of pilots flying their first high performance canopy declines. Instead of a skydiver piloting their first small, fully elliptical canopy after refining their tracking abilities over five hundred or more skydives, some skydivers are flying these canopies with less than one hundred skydives. In some cases, their tracking skills may not be up to the task. Body position and stability at opening are more important on high performance canopies, with even a slight turn or unevenness capable of creating line twists. This is sometimes not completely understood by lower experienced skydivers. The higher potential for line twists on opening combined with less than adequate tracking skills and high performance canopies creates a potentially dangerous combination. Ensuring sufficient separation at pull time starts with setting a break off altitude high enough above pull altitude to give everyone enough altitude to track. Plan your break off altitude for the worst case scenario by starting at the highest pull altitude in the group and working backwards. Add enough altitude to that altitude for tracking, based on the size of the group. The larger the group, the more altitude that is necessary to be set-aside for tracking. Then add in enough altitude to allow enough time for the two highest performance canopies in the group to kick out line twists, while flying directly at each other, and turn away without a collision. On the flip side of the coin, a very experienced skydiver, due to complacency from an adequate track and separation for the larger, lower performance canopies they have flown for years, over thousands of skydives, is no longer sufficient for the new, high performance canopy they recently purchased. This is not to say their canopy control skills are not up to the task, but the ability to flat track is a critical component to safely flying high performance canopies. Also, it can be difficult for a highly experienced skydiver to admit that their tracking skills need improving to keep the same safety margin they had with their previous, larger canopy. Flat tracking achieves more horizontal separation by slowing the skydivers fall rate and by creating a low-pressure area near where he reserve pilot chute sits on the back. This low pressure acts as lift, the same way lift is created over the upper surface of an aircraft's wing. Slowing the fall rate and producing lift both decrease the steep-ness of the track, increasing the distance covered for the same amount of altitude used. Creating the low-pressure area is done by mimicking the shape of an aircraft's wing. In a flat track, as seen from the side, the upper surface of your body should be shaped similar to the upper surface of a wing. To get a good experience of this body position, get permission from the owner and/or pilot of a twin otter first. Explain to them what it is you want to do and have them show you how to climb up on top of the wing without damaging the aircraft. Then lay on the wing facing forward with your chin even with the leading edge of the wing. Matching the curve of the wing in free fall generates lift, producing a flatter tack. If a twin otter is not available, find someone to coach you and stand next to the wing tip of your DZ's jump ship and assume the flat tracking position. Have your coach use the curve of the wing as a guide to adjust your body position to resemble the curve of the wing. Slowing the fall rate is achieved by presenting as much surface area towards the ground as possible, "cupping" air. De-arch slightly, tighten the abdomen muscles, point your toes, completely straighten the legs, and shrug the shoulders as far up towards the ears and down towards the ground as possible. Tightening the leg straps on the harness too much will restrict the shrugging of the shoulders, decreasing/limiting flat tracking performance. Of course, do not wear your leg straps so loose as to compromise safety. Booties on your jump suit improves the initial acceleration of tracking by providing heading control and increases the maximum horizontal distance of a track. A diving track gains horizontal distance and gives the tracker a sense of security and correct performance from the increase in speed he/she can readily feel. This feeling of security is false, as the tracker could gain more distance using a flat track, and therefore more separation, while feeling less speed. Jumper "A" and "B" both track for 2000 feet, but because jumper "B" can flat track, he moves farther horizontally than jumper "A" does in a diving track. Turning away from the formation and diving at break off to generate speed and then into a flat track is not the best technique to gain the maximum separation. Again jumper "B" will out distance jumper "A" with a flat track. Jumper "A" will arrive at pull altitude before jumper "B". On every skydive you are presented with an opportunity to practice, experiment and refine your tracking. Never be satisfied with your track, always strive to improve it. If you are going to spend an entire (or good percentage of a skydive tracking, let manifest, the pilot, and everyone else on the aircraft know your intentions. Generally trackers exit last, tracking perpendicular to the jump run for 9 seconds and then turning back in the direction of the drop zone, paralleling the jump run. This should leave plenty of separation from other jumpers. Exiting after a large group may require a longer track perpendicular to jump run before turning to parallel. Make sure, regardless of your position in the exit order, that you do not track over the top of any skydivers exiting before you, or track up under any skydivers that exited after you. Flat tracking is a survival skill. The sport has recognized the need for more advanced canopy piloting training to curb the growing number injuries and fatalities associated with high performance canopies. Flat tracking training must keep pace with canopy development. The ability to flat track is important even for skydivers that don't fly high performance canopies. Awesome canopy piloting skills are worthless if you in a canopy collision on opening. Hook

Right, the revised drawing is more accurate. With tension on the line, there wouldn't be any space between the suspension and tailgate line. Sure. I wonder if manufacturers should make the tailgate installation this way............ Hook

Tom- What do you think of running a length of Dacron in and out of the "C" line to make multiple locations for the tail gate depending on brake setting and allws for steering line shrinkage? Edit: Would this be a problem for slider up deployments? Hook

3309:14 Line-overs, bag-locks, and spinners, oh my! Hook

I haven't tried any Teflon based lubricants, so I don't know. The Ace Pure Silicone Lubricant was recommended by Mr. Booth. I went and bought a can and it is amazing. It cleans the cables and leaves behind some slick silicone that is dry. It doesn't attract dirt and seems to keep the cables cleaner than using nothing at all or any other lubricant that leaves an oily film behind. I have tried a bunch of different lubricants and this stuff beats them all by far. Hook

Ace Pure Silicone Lubricant, even when new. Eliminates the pull force issues if used every 30 days along w/ massaging the 3-rings and metal, capped, tacked riser inserts. Hook

TBD. A card, similar to the USPA membership card that is already carried, wouldn't put any undue inconvenience on a jumper. A logbook endorsement won't work, as the jumper may get a new logbook and the endorsement is in the old one. A DZ can already access the jumper's information on the USPA's web site and adding any waivers shouldn't be too difficult. And letting you jump a canopy that you shouldn't means they are not doing their job. If they don't want the responsibility, they shouldn't be S & TA's. That is part of the job of a Safety and Training Advisor. If it is, then there is a problem w/ the S &TA and it should be brought to the attention of the RD. I am not counting on this. I am an I/E, I'll sign off on the waiver, just show me you can handle it. Hook

Sparky is correct, I was refering to mini-risers. As many as 1100/year. Then keep using them. How long between replacing components is irrevelent. number of jumps and condition is all that matters. Rapide links should be lock-tite'd and marked with a stripe or spot of nail polish. Doing all that takes longer than Slinks. PD makes slider stops for slinks. Definately gotta go with what you feel comfortable with Hook

Proposed BSR WL limits, grand fathering current jumpers in with options to exceed limits through waivers, canopy training or testing out. A license - 1 psf max B license - 1.1 psf max C license - 1.3 psf max D license - no limit One DZ's policy (no exceptions………..): WING LOADING FOR THOSE WITH LESS THAN 500 JUMPS NOT TO EXCEED 1.3 ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM WING LOADING 1.5 Another DZ's policy (no exceptions………..): Maximum Allowable Canopy Wing Loading for Skydivers Jump Range Max. Wing Load allowed Non-licensed 0.8 21 to 100 1.1 101 to 200 1.3 201 to 400 1.4 401 to 600 1.5 601 to 800 1.6 801 to 1,000 1.7 Over 1,000 Use Proper Judgment Is it? That is exactly what we are trying to do………… Hook

LOL, I kow what you mean. http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=562640;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread It is revised at the bottom of the first page. Hook

Do you mean cell distortion or bulge distortion? The 8.75%, 11.5% and 20 % numbers come straight off Icarus's VX advertisement. Longer swoops because the crossbracing doesn't allow the non load bearing ribs to rise, shrinking the canopy, end cell to end cell. You land more square feet. Hook

What do you think of my 'canopy training idea' suggestion? Hook

A slider that separates into two pieces after opening by pulling on a cord. The cord is folded over and the bites are put through loops from one half that pass through grommets on the other half. Hook

I cant think of two reasons not put floppers out first: 1) They fall faster than belly fliers, which is the same reason belly fliers go before free flyers. 2) They tend to not have a lot of jumps and pull high, so it sets up a dangerous situation with a flopper going out ahead of a belly flier group, backsliding under them, then pulling high. The bottom line is plenty of separation between groups. Having the free-flyers help the floppers on exit spacing could help prevent them from leaving too early. Hook

You think that is out of control? Check out this from http://www.skydivekansas.com/policy_lic.htm "CURRENT USPA MEMBER PROOF OF JUMP CURRENCY CYPRES OR ASTRA AAD EXIT WEIGHT NOT TO EXCEED RESERVE LABEL ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM EXIT WEIGHT 254 LBS. WING LOADING FOR THOSE WITH LESS THAN 500 JUMPS NOT TO EXCEED 1.3 ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM WING LOADING 1.5 " Oh ya, Astra or Cypres mandatory and no hook turns. And there is absolutely nothing we or USPA can do about it. This type of policy will probably become more and more prevalent as DZO's don't want to deal with the hassle of telling someone "no" or the liability. The longer it takes to fix the problem, the more DZ's that will fix it their way, with policies like the 2 DZ's mentioned. If we don't stand up and fix the problem, more and more DZ's will take away the freedom to fly any canopy we wish. Hook

Great idea. This has been done at some level at different DZ's, but should be the standard. Hook

On the reserve, you don't have much choice, cut it or clear it. On the main it would be extremely difficult and if successful, leave you at low altitude, with one brake still set, possibly/probably in line twists, having to use the rear risers to steer and flare. If you take the time to try and don't suceed, you are low on altitude, still with a malfunctioning main. I tried it with an intentional cutaway rig. Even though I knew it was coming, didn't have to worry about altitude, even knew which line it was, I couldn't cut it. If you have a line-over on your main, get rid of it. Hook

Having done both, I think BASE jumping is more dangerous by far. Hook

The link didn't work, but I think this is what you are referencing: "Do to unfortunate circumstances we have to abide by this wing load chart. We will not give in to its contents, so please do not ask. Skydive Coastal Carolinas Maximum Allowable Canopy Wing Loading for Skydivers Jump Range Max. Wing Load allowed Non-licensed 0.8 21 to 100 1.1 101 to 200 1.3 201 to 400 1.4 401 to 600 1.5 601 to 800 1.6 801 to 1,000 1.7 Over 1,000 Use Proper Judgment" Hook

OK, what we have so far: In the next 30 jumps to get to the "B" license, what canopy skills should USPA require a jumper to demonstrate/learn? Currently the requirement is "landed within 10 meters of target center on ten jumps" The jumper has probably transitioned to rental gear or there first rig at this point and may be demoing canopies. Definitely flat turns. I teach flat turns once a jumper has learned to fly a pattern and land safely. I want them to focus on those skills first before I add to it. Refine the accuracy requirements to include stand-up landings within 10 meters (32.8 feet) and a smooth, predictable landing pattern that "promotes smooth traffic flow and avoids obstacles"? How many? More rear riser turns with the brakes set (practice to avoid collisions after opening) and brakes released (practice in the event of a brake line failure)? How many? More front riser turns and dives? How many? Another review of turbulence? Refining the accuracy requirements, adding flat turns and reviewing the "A" license requirements, probably under a new canopy I don't think is too much. Opinions? For the "C" license, another 150 jumps, what do we add? The current requirement is: "Landed within 5 meters of target center on 20 jumps". Fairly good odds the jumper has either changed canopies again or has jumped someone else's canopy. How about a 2-hour or so class on canopy control? Refined accuracy requirements, land within 10 meters (32.8 feet) on 16 jumps, 4 for each half circle. 4 jumps landing within 10 m without over-shooting, 4 jumps landing within 10 m without under-shooting, 4 jumps landing within 10 m without landing to the right of the target, and 4 jumps landing within 10 m without landing to the left of the target. Which 'half' of the accuracy circle they were going after would have to be pre-declared? More flat turns, to include, a flat turn downwind to base, base to final, simulating being cut off in the pattern? More front riser turns and dives? More rear riser turns, brakes on and off? "D" license canopy control requirements ideas: The "D" is 300 jumps beyond the "C" license of 200 jumps. Current USPA requirement is "land within 2 meters {6.56 feet}of target center on 25 jumps." The jumper mostly likely has downsized at least once since earning the "C" license and has probably jumped several other canopies. How about: A 4-hour canopy control class covering canopy control skills, theory, and gear maintenance. Crosswind accuracy, within 5 meters of target center with a 90-degree crosswind, at least 5 mph wind, all stand-up landings, 10 times. First point of contact on landing, dead center of target, 5 times, standing up. Rear riser landing. Flat turn 90-degree at or below 500 feet. Double front riser approach (waiver-able). Rear riser turns, brakes on and off. 5 landings within 10 meters, standing up (or good PLF), pre-declared, consecutive. We are definately getting somewhere. Hook

Whatever the requirements for the "D" license, they would have to be easier than the PRO rating requirements to be accepted. The USPA PRO rating requires 10 pre-declared jumps, within 5 meters of target center, where if you miss one, you have to start over at #1. They all have to be stand-up landings and you have to stay within the 10 meter circle. Each of the accuracy landings would have to be pre-declared in order to get an "I", "I/E", or "S & TA" to witness the landing. But having to start completely over if they miss one would be too close to the PRO rating requirements. How about, for the "D" license, 3 stand up landings in a row, pre-declared (they don't have to be consecutive) within 5 meters. Miss #3 and start over at #1? Basically 3/10ths of the PRO rating requirements? Or maybe make it 3 within 10 meters? Is that in line with what you are thinking? Hook

The "B", "C", and "D" canopy skills requirements should build upon and review the "A" license requirements. Reviewing them is especially important if the jumper has downsized. I tell jumpers getting their first rig, or new canopy to go back and do all the "A" license stuff under the new canopy because it will perform differently. In September, the license requirements will change to: A license: 20 jumps B license: 50 jumps C license 200 jumps D license 500 jumps The Canopy skills for the "A" license (on the 2 page card) are: http://www.uspa.org/publications/form.pdf/ALicProfCard10-02.pdf {}= my notes 1. Plan and fly a landing approach pattern that promotes smooth traffic flow and avoids obstacles. 2. Demonstrate a stand-up landing 3. Perform a braked approach and landing {I don't approve of this requirement because of the potential for injuries from flaring from the half braked position} 4. {Doesn't exist on the card, typo, I guess} 5. Land within 20 meters of a pre selected target on at least five jumps {20 m = 65.6 feet} 6. Perform rear riser turns (brakes set and released) {one jump} 7. Above 1000 feet, perform a maximum-performance 90-degree toggle turn, followed immediately by a turn of at least 180-degress in the opposite direction (two times) 8. Above 1000 feet, perform front riser dives and turns (may be waived if insufficient strength) 9. Accurately predict the presence and effects of turbulence in the landing area USPA requires 9 different skills requiring a minimum of 6 jumps to complete, if multiply skills requirements are completed on the same jump, i.e. rear riser, stand-up landing, and accuracy for the "A" license. In the next 30 jumps to get to the "B" license, what canopy skills should USPA require a jumper to demonstrate/learn? Currently the requirement is "landed within 10 meters of target center on ten jumps" The jumper has probably transitioned to rental gear or there first rig at this point and may be demoing canopies. Definitely flat turns. I teach flat turns once a jumper has learned to fly a pattern and land safely. I want them to focus on those skills first before I add to it. But I think there should be more. Refine the accuracy requirements to include stand-up landings within 10 meters (32.8 feet) and a smooth, predictable landing pattern that "promotes smooth traffic flow and avoids obstacles"? More rear riser turns with the brakes set (practice to avoid collisions after opening) and brakes released (practice in the event of a brake line failure)? More front riser turns and dives? Another review of turbulence? Refining the accuracy requirements, adding flat turns and reviewing the "A" license requirements, probably under a new canopy I don't think is too much. Opinions? For the "C" license, another 150 jumps, what do we add? The current requirement is: "Landed within 5 meters of target center on 20 jumps". Fairly good odds the jumper has either changed canopies again or has jumped someone else's canopy. How about a 2-hour or so class on canopy control? Refined accuracy requirements, land within 10 meters (32.8 feet) on 16 jumps, 4 for each half circle. 4 jumps landing within 10 m without over-shooting, 4 jumps landing within 10 m without under-shooting, 4 jumps landing within 10 m without landing to the right of the target, and 4 jumps landing within 10 m without landing to the left of the target. Which 'half' of the accuracy circle they were going after would have to be pre-declared? More flat turns, to include, a flat turn downwind to base, base to final, simulating being cut off in the pattern? More front riser turns and dives? More rear riser turns, brakes on and off? "D" license canopy control requirements ideas: The "D" is 300 jumps beyond the "C" license of 200 jumps. Current USPA requirement is "land within 2 meters {6.56 feet}of target center on 25 jumps." The jumper mostly likely has downsized at least once since earning the "C" license and has probably jumped several other canopies. How about: A 4-hour canopy control class covering canopy control skills, theory, and gear maintenance. Crosswind accuracy, within 5 meters of target center with a 90-degree crosswind, at least 5 mph wind, all stand-up landings, 10 times. First point of contact on landing, dead center of target, 5 times, standing up. Rear riser landing. Flat turn 90-degree at or below 500 feet. Double front riser approach (waiver-able). Rear riser turns, brakes on and off. Hook

I agree, hence the flat turn, downwind to base, base to final, with accuracy requirements. They would have to be grand fathered in the sense if they have a "C" license before the change, they have a "C" license after the change, without having to demonstrate skills or take the training. If they want to get their "D" license, then they will have to take the training demonstrate the skills. This is the same as what will happen when the license requirements change in September. If you have 100 jumps and a "C" license, you won't lose you license and only have a "B" after the change. But you would need 500 for the "D" instead of 200. That is what I mean by grand fathering. I think now we need to start designing a proposal for the BOD. We need to design the classroom portion of the proposal and the required skills demonstration for the "B", "C", and "D" licenses. I threw out a couple of ideas, we need more. Either post'em or PM with ideas. Nightjumps is going to be working with my canopy course, but we need as many ideas and as much information as possible. Hook

After 8 years and 3300 jumps, I'm throwing in the towel, except for jumping w/ Skycat. Buying a new BASE canopy and going BASE jumping. If I could do it over again, I would never have become an Instructor. There is no way to avoid DZ politics and instruct at a DZ. Hook

A yard of material doesn't cost very much, $8.00 or so, and that is way more than is needed for a small patch. Para-gear or PD would both be good sources. Hook