nessvegas 0 #1 August 29, 2005 What do you all think a good range is for a new jumper, working on their "A"? I am curious to hear the different responses as to why. Assume average canopy newbie skill. I am 6'3" 220-225. I have heard thoughts from experienced jumpers saying 190 main (uh...no thanks) all the way to a 260 (that seems big to me?). This does not need to be specific to me, just wing loading figure and why you think the way you do.....Thanks _________________________________________ I married the right one......it just took me 2 times! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #2 August 29, 2005 Your instructors are your best avenue for this advice. They are the ones that will have seen your performance under canopy and can evaluate your skill much better than someone off the internet. With that said, here is a guide with a lot of good info in it. 260 would put you at about a 1:1 loading out the door. You have to take into account the weight of your gear, not just your bodyweight. Some very big names in canopy control courses (Brian Germain comes to mind) recommend no more than 1 lb/square foot for the first 100 jumps, if memory serves....Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimmytavino 16 #3 August 29, 2005 . . . . ................... 1 : 1 ............. Zero P.... for sure.... I'd stay away from Large, tired F111 canopies, The type which are often available to those who might purchase "non new" gear. Your size + No wind = lousy landings > on F111 skyidve softly skydive often skydive with friends Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tonto 1 #4 August 29, 2005 Surface elevation and density altitude should also be considered - along with the wing loading on your reserve. Here in South Africa, where many DZ's are hot and high - we have a mandated 1:1 wing loading until 100 jumps. tIt's the year of the Pig. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelpdiver 2 #5 August 29, 2005 At about 5lbs lighter, I did the process up till the A on a 265, mostly the Falcon (f-111). Esp at Vegas in the heat, bigger will be better. But hopefully you don't have the problems of availability - I could usually find student gear in the 260 size, but harder to find sport gear, even at the 230 size. My first drop to a 220 came when that was all they had. It turned out to be 'ok' but it's a poor way to determine so. Ultimately it does become specific to you, and consultation with the instructor types at your DZ. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GravityGirl 0 #6 August 29, 2005 What type of canopies are available for you to jump at your DZ? It MAY be that you can jump a 250 or 260 until you are ready for a 235. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peace and Blue Skies! Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,991 #7 August 29, 2005 >What do you all think a good range is for a new jumper, working on their "A"? Whatever size you are used to. Downsize gradually from there _after_ you have learned all you can about the canopy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EvilLurker 2 #8 August 30, 2005 The smallest canopy I jumped as a student was a Falcon 215. I bought a PD 210 (almost new, not a ragged out main) as my first rig and jumped it for 80 jumps, then downsized to a new 160 Triathlon. I was about 180 out the door at the time. I'd say you should add about 30 sq. ft. for the weight difference, minimum. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
