fly67

Yeah Skydive AZ. I can ask experts for sure. Lately with a bit more (and changing) wind, even experienced jumpers are sometimes landing off and I've seen people heading for the e/w area crossing near or over the n/s area and vice versa. I guess it's situational regarding what's best. I was wondering if tightening/lowering the pattern is advisable (or not advisable).

At my DZ there are two landing zones, one east-west and one north-south, for which it is possible that standard box patterns (say 900, 600, 300) executed by two different canopy pilots could cross, especially with long down wind legs overshooting too far. In addition, in this potential overlapping downwind/base leg area, if a certain canopy enters the pattern without a downwind leg, it can be unclear if (s)he is heading towards one or the other LZs and will continue straight on by or turn on final. A few questions... - In the first case, pilots are flying the correct pattern for their individual LZ but could end up heading towards each other (or interfering with each other's pattern). Does it make sense to potentially lower the altitudes of the box pattern or at least the final approach turn (say 50 ft)? Any other suggestions here? - In the second case, if I'm the guy coming in without a downwind leg (i.e. straight-in final or only base to final), should I opt for whichever area is closest/has the least "crossing"? - What if I see someone who may be crossing my pattern but I can't tell what they are going to do? Slow down? Alter my pattern?

I just got a NeoXS too - good experiences for you guys?

You know the drill...read: http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/safety/detail_page.cgi?ID=47 http://www.bigairsportz.com/pdf/bas-sizingchart.pdf There is also the recommendation to not both downsize and change canopy model... only one variable at a time. According to Brian's chart the smallest you should consider is a 150 (since your exit weight is about 160lbs).