rynodigsmusic 0 #1 July 9, 2006 Are there certain canopys that are more prone to a collapse?? People keep saying in the "collapse" threads that there are "bad canopy designs" that could be the cause, but they never specify the canopys that they are talking about, nor do the mention some of their specific factors that were involved, i.e buildings or trees or turbulent or high wind conditions. I evaluate the winds before going, but I notice that sometimes I do not, prime set up for a collapse if I was flying a light loaded wing with a "bad design" apparently. Personally if I was a rep and was selling a canopy that was prone to collapse.....well I simply would not do that. In fact, I would do everything I could to make sure everyone knew that it was. My personal belief is that I think the manufacturers of todays canopys are extremely busy in terms of design and safety that for someone to say one was more prone to a collapse than the other would be more of a personal issue...but, if I am wrong and there are canopys out there in the 1:1 category that are more prone to collapse, now would be a good time to hear about it (before I purchase my first canopy, thinking about the pilot) Sorry about the length of the thread, but if you help me, chances are I will help someone else. Also, they mention light wing loadings. How light are they talking about??? You would think that a 1:1 would not be considered a dangerously light wingloading as most people I talked to did alot of very safe skydives on that load preparing for the ever sought after "downsize" Just trying to get some knowledge....Ryan"We didn't start the fire" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bob.dino 1 #2 July 10, 2006 QuoteAre there certain canopys that are more prone to a collapse?? Probably, but I don't know enough to comment. QuoteAlso, they mention light wing loadings. How light are they talking about??? You would think that a 1:1 would not be considered a dangerously light wingloading as most people I talked to did alot of very safe skydives on that load preparing for the ever sought after "downsize" 1:1 is not a particularly light wingloading, and it's definitely not dangerously light. It's a damn good wingloading and it's where I spent my first 450-odd jumps. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #3 July 10, 2006 QuotePersonally if I was a rep and was selling a canopy that was prone to collapse.....well I simply would not do that. In fact, I would do everything I could to make sure everyone knew that it was. Then you would not own a company long, or work for a company. There are several cases of canopies that were not stable. But the companies almost to a one found a reason to claim the canopy was fine. Case in point Nova. Made by the now defuct Glide Path. It was beyond a doubt the best canopy out when it was released. However, once they got out of trim they tended to fold up. First only in bad turbulance, but as they got more out of trim, they got worse. Add in manufactoring tolarances between the different canopies and you had "Good" and "bad" Novas. The company after many deaths finally grounded the line. The last death that I can recall was in Zhills and the locals burned the canopy they were so pissed. Then the company came out with a press release saying the canopy was fine....then they closed the doors and Glide Path went out of business. The next day Flight Concepts opened their doors. Same building, same people, most of the same designs. Just like Firestone denied a tire problem till it was proven, expect canopy makers to do the same. It is one reason that I am on this website. There is plenty of bad information out there. Quotebefore I purchase my first canopy, thinking about the pilot The pilot is fine. QuoteAlso, they mention light wing loadings There are people out there that will tell you that a light WL is dangerous. Well, there are people out there that will tell you that anything other than a 2.1 loaded Xbraced is dangerous. Some will say you need a high WL to avoid turbulance....Turbulance affects 747's and they have a higher WL than any canopy will. The only problem with a light WL is windy days. And those are only due to forward penatration, not collapse. On windy days, don't jump. It makes everything harder anyway. Of course take anything form this site and talk to an instructor that knows you and you trust."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,000 #4 July 10, 2006 > Are there certain canopys that are more prone to a collapse?? Yes. The Nova was much more susceptible to collapse than most other canopies. I still have a fairly-new Nova 150. It flies great in smooth air, but I wouldn't want to jump it during the summer in Perris. >You would think that a 1:1 would not be considered a dangerously light wingloading . . . Depends on the canopy. A 1:1 loading on a Sabre2 should be no problem. But I've loaded Stilettos at under 1:1 and they didn't react well to turbulence. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rynodigsmusic 0 #5 July 10, 2006 Thanks yall. Much appreciated!! Thanks for the time and honest responses. More are always welcome..."We didn't start the fire" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
