Impossible dream?

[w4p2 0]

HI

I am just entering the sport, starting on S/L course in a weeks time. Despite of my inexperience, and probably largely due to it, I have a dream that might be impossible. I would like to to dive like a hawk and soar like an eagle.

In discussions and opinions that I have followed on this site the apparent consensus is, that skydive is over when you deploy the canopy. ( I sure know that one has to land, but you understand my point).Is this really the case?

It is also apparent, that the more experienced the skydiver is, the smaller is the canopy. Does it have to be?

I look forward to the freefalls.... in due time, but I would be equally interested of rather high pull outs and long canopy flights....even possibilities of finding
uplifts and termiks for gaining, rather than loosing altitude.

Is this possible and if so, what would be proper canopy size, type and make for 220 lb lad?

What kind of decent ratio would be taking about?

What are the potential problems with large canopies
when compared to the smaller ones......

and finally....if I do not manage to post this bloody mail with reply possibility, could someone open a new thread for for discussing the above matters.

Your experience is highly appreciated.

Safe landings: JL


***

[skybytch 273]

Quote

that skydive is over when you deploy the canopy

Nope, the skydive isn't over until you're back in the packing area.

Lots of people enjoy the canopy part of the jump as much or even more than the freefall.

Quote

It is also apparent, that the more experienced the skydiver is, the smaller is the canopy. Does it have to be?

Nope. You can jump higher wingloadings (smaller canopies) as you gain more experience, but you don't have to. There are lots of very experienced jumpers out there flying wingloadings of 1.0-1.1.

[AggieDave 6]

For some, a very very fun part of the skydive STARTS once you deploy the canopy...

Oh, and listen to Lisa, she speaks gospel.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[Push 0]

One of the owners of my home DZ has over 6000 jumps. His canopy is 300+ square feet, an accuracy ParaFoil.

-- Toggle Whippin' Yahoo
Skydiving is easy. All you have to do is relax while plummetting at 120 mph from 10,000' with nothing but some nylon and webbing to save you.

[billvon 2,991]

> but I would be equally interested of rather high pull outs and long
>canopy flights....even possibilities of finding
>uplifts and termiks for gaining, rather than loosing altitude.

If that's your thing, perhaps you might think about pursuing paragliding. The wings paragliders use fly like skydiving canopies but are built for the flattest glide possible (8 to 1 instead of a measly 4 to 1 that you get with a skydiving canopy.) You don't even need an airplane to launch them from - you footlaunch them from hills.

Here is one company that makes paragliding wings. Ozone is another one.

>What are the potential problems with large canopies
>when compared to the smaller ones......

Paragliders are about the same size as 'beginner' parachutes (240-280 sq ft) but are more finicky to fly since they sacrifice some stability for efficiency. The other alternative is to skydive with a canopy with exceptionally good glide, like a larger Stiletto. They are a bit less stable than smaller Stilettos but not too bad unless you get significantly below 1:1. Hook and I have been discussing ways to "retrim" a skydiving canopy in flight to achieve better glide ratios, but nothing yet.

[w4p2 0]

Thanks for your reply
Paragliging was what I was looking for for long time.
The problem is, that from my future main DZ u must drive roughly 500 k to get to areas where hill starts are worth the trouble. They probably use winch starts at flatlands the same way as with the gliders,
but that I find unatractive. Also the available training is limited so I am going to pursue my goal with skydiving.

I am sure, that the goals might change as experience cumulates but right now I am looking for
nice dives and long rides.

Cheers: JL

***

[w4p2 0]

tx 4 reply

Any information of the glide ratio achieved or control probs encountered?

Cheers: JL

[nicknitro71 0]

Free falling is not just falling per se. You fly your body. Although it is usually no longer than 60-70 seconds/skydive. If it is fly time you want you got three options:

-CRW

-Paragliding

-Hang-gliding

I tried paragliding and did not get hooked. I am a hang glider pilot thought and I love it. IMM hang-gliding it is the purest form of flying and it is safer than paragliding.

Try all of them and see.

Memento Audere Semper

903

[poohbeer 0]

why not dress him up in a birdman suite? flying in freefall

------- SIGNATURE BELOW -------
Complete newbie at skydiving, so be critical about what I say!!
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

[andy2 0]

this is a bit like a beginner telling a beginner to do, well thats exactly what it is

---------------------------------------------
let my inspiration flow,
in token rhyme suggesting rhythm...

[Casch 0]

hehe, this is just another beginner, but yeah a wingsuit presents much more dangers if you don't have the skill/experience to mitigate them. It alters the pull sequence, complicates emergency procedures, and if you don't have the flying skills already, good luck trying to fly one

[Push 0]

I'm not sure what the glide ratio of the Foil is, but there shouldn't be too many control problems. It's designed to be as predictable and accurate as possible, and that's what he uses it for - competitive accuracy. It probably isn't what you really want though

If you want to fly, try skydiving, hang gliding, and paragliding. Make sure that, at least with skydiving, you try a few jumps and not just one. You have to get to the point where you realize that you're not just falling, that you're flying through the air, that you're in control. If that still doesn't bake your noodle, move to another sport, because all of these sports are very expensive to get into. Finally, have you considered learning to pilot an airplane, like an ultralight?

One of my instructors flies a wingsuit and he's really into it, but it requires a lot of experience to do safely.

-- Toggle Whippin' Yahoo
Skydiving is easy. All you have to do is relax while plummetting at 120 mph from 10,000' with nothing but some nylon and webbing to save you.