callmewhuffo 0 #1 September 20, 2003 hi guys, my husband is new to the skydiving sport and while im trying to be supportive, whenever i ask HIM questions it turns ugly. ive been reading as much as possible to educate myself on all aspects of skydiving, gear included. i think ive got a pretty firm grasp on the basics (as firm a grasp as a "whuffo" can have) but something i dont understand is what wing loading and canopy loading is. ive heard him talk about it, and it seems to be something that can affect things greatly. if someone could find the time to explain that to me id really appreciate it. thanks, and blue skies to all of you! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #2 September 20, 2003 Simply... The higher you load a canopy the faster it goes and the more reactive it becomes. Read the stuff on this page: http://www.performancedesigns.com/education.asp Specifically: http://www.performancedesigns.com/docs/wingload.pdfYesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
callmewhuffo 0 #3 September 20, 2003 ok, but what is the meaning of "loading a canopy" or "wing loading"? are they the same thing? thats where im confused. thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #4 September 20, 2003 As far as I know they are interchangeable terms. Wingloanding is defined as Exit weight (geared up ready to step out the door) / SQ footage.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,440 #5 September 20, 2003 They are sort of the same thing -- we'll say "he's loading his canopy at X:X" where X:X (pick any two numbers) is the wing loading. And it's a pity he can't share via questions -- I hope he understands you're just asking, and not challenging (well, unless you are challenging ). It's much better if you can share. Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
callmewhuffo 0 #6 September 20, 2003 i know its awful. in the beginning i didnt understand what his drive was to do it. i have no desire to leave the ground unless im buckled into a comfy commercial airliner in the AISLE seat lol. but we discussed it and i left it alone. and now, when i see his face after a jump, i have NO desire to challenge his decisions. its truly something he loves. but for whatever reason, he sees my desire to at least learn his sport as a challenge. anyways, off my horse. ok, so i read up and i understand that the loading is pounds per sq foot of the canopy. what i dont get is, how is that changed. if you weigh, say, 150, and you buy a sabre 2 170 (the one he has, arent you always "loaded" at the same weight? how can that vary on each jump? im so sorry if im asking the unanswerable question lol. maybe i just cant grasp what ive never done. but i just really want this to be something we can share in some small way. thanks again! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,440 #7 September 20, 2003 Usually your wing loading is based on your body weight and your canopy size. Unless he wears weights on a regular basis (which is unlikely if he's starting), going to the bathroom or eating a big meal just aren't going to make that much difference. He might be using the term differently from how most people do. If so, well, um, ya might wanna let him figure it out on his own . And, um, not be there when he does. By the way, if he weighs 150 and is jumping a Sabre2 170, that's an excellent wingloading and canopy for him to have at a fairly early stage. It'll last him for plenty of time learning and it's definitely hot enough for him to have fun. And, being just a little bigger, it'll forgive some mistakes. Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ruffles 0 #8 September 20, 2003 As long as he jumps the same size canopy and doesn't gain/lose weight, his loading will be the same. Lots of jumpers, as they they progress (and sometimes a little too quickly) buy a new smaller size canopy so they can get more speed and maneuverability out of their parachute ride. This increases their wind loading, thus they are "loading" their canopy higher. Its like giving your 16 y/o son his first new car. It starts out a VW bug, but then after a while he wants to drive a Mustang. One of the big controversies in skydiving right now is just how much driving experience do you need to safely drive the Mustang. Lots of people have been crashing and dying lately, so the wing loading thing is a hot topic. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
callmewhuffo 0 #9 September 20, 2003 thank you so much. ive been reading for weeks, and i debated for a while on posting such a silly question on here and wasting yalls time. you've been so helpful, and i HAVE been reading about deaths from wing loading, accidents, etc. and it was really freaking me out. i did my math and i can rest assured that he is "loaded" properly for his skill level. having talked to a few of you guys, and judging by the responses ive gotten from this post, i can understand why he wants to spend so much time with you guys. you're good people. thanks and blue skies to all of ya! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casch 0 #10 September 20, 2003 Because of your interest in the sport, and your thirst for knowlege (even though you will probably always land in any plane you take off in), and your supportiveness of your husband in this diverse sport, I think it's safe to say you are no Whuffo. Whuffo's are people that absolutely don't understand and think we have a deathwish. I don't see you as one of those people P.S. I hope someday you at least do a tandem so that you can have a taste of flight that obviously has your husband hooked, so that you will have just one more experience that you can both share. I do however understand your reluctance to do so, it's quite understandable Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andy2 0 #11 September 20, 2003 Have you done a tandem yet? Maybe consider getting trained and trying out skydiving. Sounds like theres a subconscious thirst to try it. Regardless if you like it that much or not at least you'll be able to relate more with your husband about it. I bet you try a tandem and then love it so much you go get trained properly. --------------------------------------------- let my inspiration flow, in token rhyme suggesting rhythm... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
schattenjaeger 0 #12 September 21, 2003 Yah, you should at least go tandem once or twice! If you really wanna understand this and why he does it, what better way?! Besides, it's more fun being on the plane with a scared tandemee (yes, I know I only have 3 jumps, but the latest one had me on the plane with a first-time tandem goer, and the conversation between her, myself, and my instructors, was entertaining) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
