PD-Sillhouettes

[aeronator 0]

Anybody out there have any experience with a PD-Sillhouette? I have been having some real soft openings, but they have been all majorly off heading. I talked to PD and they sent me a packing video, although the only one they had was for a Sabre.
Just wanted to see what others thoughts were.

Thanks and Blue Skies!!!!

[ladyskydiver 0]

I've got a Silhouette 170. All of my openings except one have been really soft. And, they have all opened on heading for me. I ProPack my canopy, but it's also been packed a variety of ways, and has always been consistently on heading.

Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile.

[Hooknswoop 19]

Check your line trim. Compare the length of the lines that attach to the nose (the "A" lines). Also compare the length of your steering lines with the brakes set and make sure there are no twsits in the steering lines. When new they are all the same length. Spectra shrinks from the heat generated from the friction from the slider grommets. Eventually the line set is too far out of trim, resulting in un-desired opening/flying charateristics and the line set has to be replaced.

Hook

[AggieDave 6]

Do you tie the large rings of your 3-rings together when you pack? This helps keep your risers in line, and your lines symetrical. Why does this matter? Well, off heading openings can be one result of this.

Be very careful to pack everything evenly, if not, then you might have an off heading opening.

Also, are you tucking the nose into the packjob? that can give you off heading openings too.

Are you putting the canopy into the bag evenly? That can cause off heading openings.

Do you see the trend with my questions?

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

[JJohnson 0]

I had a 135....and I pack like man trying to get out of town before his mother-in-law visits...and mine opened great.

JJ

"Call me Darth Balls"

[aeronator 0]

Next time I'm out at the dz, I'll have to hang it up and check the lines. How many jumps do the spectra lines normally last? I bought the canopy used with about <150 jumps on it and so far I have put on about 25.

[Hooknswoop 19]

It can vary, but usually 400-600-ish. A 1 inch differnce wouldn't be notice-able on a 300 sq. ft. canopy, but very notice-able on a 79 sq. ft. canopy, so that makes a difference.

If you pro-pack, checking the line trim is easy. You don't have to hang it up, just make sure the links are even and put all the "A" lines in one hand and compare lengths. Get a friend to hold the rings for the steering lines even to check the steering lines.

Hook

[AggieDave 6]

Quote

150 jumps on it and so far I have put on about 25.

Usually a hell of a lot longer then that. As long as the canopy/lines haven't gotten wet or been exposed any sort of "odd" environment, a Spectra line set can last up to and sometimes beyond 400-500 jumps.

Then again, that's a generalization, actual milage may vary...

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

[billvon 2,991]

I have a 170 and have had great luck with it. Openings are _extremely_ consistent, on heading and reliably slow. And it will be useful if I ever want to jump in Kansas. (Sorry, crossthread post there.)

[aeronator 0]

I already checked the steering line length and they seem to be even. I just learned the merits of packing with a mat and tying the rings together. Unfortunately, it was the pack job right before I left, so I'll have to wait until the next time I get out there to test it out.
Plus side of the Sillhouette, it is the most forgiving canopy I could ever imagine flying. Doesn't mash me when I miss judge and flair a bit too high.

Thanks for the help.

[towerrat 0]

By all means you should have the canopy checked.If nothing else, have an experienced jumper( an instructor or some other highly experienced canopy pilot) take it for a ride.People with lower jump numbers often get caught up with watching the pilot chute leave their back.Bad body position on deployment can often lead to off heading openings and in more extreme cases line twist.If someone jumps your canopy and tells you it's fine, you must make a more concerted effort to stay in a stable, on heading, "box" position.My girlfriend had a hard time for the first few jumps on her new sabre2 135.There is nothing wrong with the canopy( she absolutely loves it now) but she had to be more vigilant on opening than on some of her previous canopies.give it a try and post the results.
Randy

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes!