From: esj@eng.ufl.edu (Eric S. Johnson)
Subject: Re: Wing loading and Deland or Z-hills??
Organization: Engineering Computing Services - Univ. of Fla.
Date: Wed, 23 Dec 92 19:16:36 GMT

mandel@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu (Hector Mandel) writes:

>Is all this a combination of advertizing hype and
>engineering fudge factors?  Or is there a sound basis for the
>difference in loading factors given for various canopies?

Yep. Zero P simply holds its airfoil better then F111. The airfoil 
in combination with forward speed provides the lift required to set you down
soft. 

So, while you can land a 1.0lbs/sqft sabre safely, the extra forward speed 
provided by a higher wing loading (1.1-1.4 ish) will generate the lift
(especially at flare time) that you need to land safely. Landing such a wing 
loaded beast requires more "runway", due to a higher (air and) ground speed 
that you will need to bleed off during the flare. Landing technique for a 
heavy wing loaded canopy is usually to build up speed (hook turn, front riser 
dive) and recover into normal flight mode at some point AGL. The extra speed 
translates to lift, giving you a higher glide ratio in full flight for a few 
seconds. Then slowly add break toggle to maintain your glide across the ground, 
while losing air/ground speed. Increase your flare at the right time to come to 
soft tiptoe landing. Some folks call this swooping the canopy. Some folks 
call it stupid.

If your timing is wrong at nearly any point, you might hurt yourself. 

Note, a heavy wing loaded canopy does not "sink" well. Take away airspeed and 
boom all you got 135' of fabric over your head. If you are 200lbs with gear, the 
term "drop" is better then sink. 

In another message (Hector Mandel) writes:

>Hello again fellow netters !  I have a question.  I will be in Orlando, FL
>on January 9th and 10th, 1993.  I would appreciate advice on which DZ to visit;
>Deland or Z-Hills.  I've never been to either, so I'm wondering about prices
>and jumpships.  Thanks in advance.

Deland is a more "serious" DZ. The people there are working. The 4way teams 
work. The 40 way players work. The Blots guys work real hard. Everyone works 
hard, with specific goals in mind. This sometimes gives Deland a snotty 
reputation, but I think thats more hype then not. Just be prepared to get 
serious about your goals on a organized dive a Deland. If you screw up, you 
will get cut. Nothing personal, just the way they skydive there. 

Skydive City is more of a "fun" DZ. Jerry Bird and crew have a "pick up" 
organizer for nearly every load. They will get you on skydives compatible to 
your experience, and skydives that will push your talents. If you screw up, no 
big deal. Just buy the beer and get on the next pick up load. Or gather folks 
at your experience level and break off into a smaller group. But the goal is to 
have some low pressure, fun skydives.

Not to say you can't have fun in Deland, or be serious at SDC, but the above is
the general atmosphere of each.

Both SDC and deland have all the lift capacity you could want. FF express otters,
and other planes as needed. Prices are the same. Hell, I think a lot of the same
money is behind both DZ's. You choose your atmosphere. 

Ej

( I go to Deland with my 4way team every once and a while. I go to SDC less 
often, but always have a blast when I do. )

(Woulda said something about Pheonix/Zhills too, but I haven't jumped there 
a over a year (excepting a jump in during a round robin) so I don't realy know
what the atmosphere is like over there. They got a CASA though ;-)







From: artb@hplsla.hp.com (Art Bori)
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 1992 17:51:21 GMT
Subject: Re: 1ST JUMP QUESTION:THANKS !!
Organization: HP Lake Stevens, WA