FastRon 0 #1 March 29, 2009 Last jump was years ago- Like 1980... Had to quit due motorcycle wreck. New gear and such is a lot of mystery. What exactly is the wing loading number or where can I find info about it? My jumps were on ParaCommamnders and flat circulars-most recently?! on an old Strato Star (180 sq. ft. if I recall) I see some of the rules have appeared to change too. Square reserves were in their infancy. Doctor says my titanium knee will be no worse off for skydiving than snow skiing... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BIGUN 1,296 #2 March 30, 2009 Welcome back and yup, things have changed exponentially. I might encourage you to visit the Skydiving Trivia and History Forum and see if you know any of the "elders." As to gear. yeah, you're going to have a bit of a learning curve, but things have changed for the better in many ways. There's also a myriad of articles in the "Safety" tab above in the gear and equipment section.Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #3 March 30, 2009 Welcome to the forums! Here's an article you might enjoy reading from the PD website though. I've never jumped a round, but I'm sure it's going to be really different now and hopefully better! She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimmytavino 16 #4 March 30, 2009 your mention of Strato-Star,,,,,caught my attention... Yes. things have changed, but for the better.. The ram air, has proven it's reliability, as both a main, AND a reserve.... Not sure if your strato star had the Old and crazy reefing system,,,,, ( Probably did ) ,,, but you likely were deploying it, from a " pins into cones" container, and a 3 or 4 pin ripcord... That gear worked OK... But today a hand deployed, sliderized square. of the proper size , is a fine choice, providing one takes care, and LEARNS how to safely fly it. Wing loading,,,,,, is a Numerical formula, which factors total size of the canopy , in square feet, against total suspended weight, ( you & your gear ) ....in pounds..... A 200 lb weight under a 100 square foot canopy is 2.0 wing loading, and a 200 pound weight under a 200 square foot canopy is a wing loading of 1.0..... the higher the wing loading, the more one must be attentive to toggle inputs, and speed in turns, and overall canopy responsiveness and 'twitchiness'.... Higher performance canopy pilots will jump with a higher wing loading, than would a student or novice jumper... at first, you likely should strive for a W. L. of near or possibly UNDER. 1.0 your experience with flat circulars, ( cheapos) and para commanders, will serve you well, since you should already have a good sense for spotting, and for proper toggle inputs, while under canopy.... There is a lot to be learned or re-learned, but that is part of the fun and challenge..Adhere to the advice and teachings of your instructors and be happy that gear has evolved to the level it has... welcome back. jimmy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shropshire 0 #5 March 30, 2009 Welcome back to the sport ... a lot of things have changed (except gravity - so that wont come as a surprise) planes are faster - much faster but you'll also get a laugh from other stuff, like the kids are calling a jump from 5Grand a hop-and-pop -Have fun relearning (.)Y(.) Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dzolloyd 0 #6 March 30, 2009 A wing loading calculator can be found here: http://www.skydiveairtight.com/Wing%20Loading%20Calculator.htmlGET SOME, altitude! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
