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Selecting the Right Canopy
Wing Loading
A Classic can be safely jumped at a wing loading as
low a 0.50 pounds per square foot (.50 lbs/sq ft) and as high
as 0.90 pounds per square foot (.90 lbs/sq ft). The desired
wing loading range for accuracy is 0.65 to 0.75 lbs/sq ft,
and the optimum wing loading for accuracy is 0.70 lbs/sq ft.
The table below shows the recommended size Classic for
use in the precision accuracy event, based on the weight of
a jumper fully geared (ready to climb into the aircraft).
Subtract about 30 lbs (14 kilo) from the weight shown in the
table to compare your body weight to the recommended canopy
size.
Unusually light or heavy jumpers will find they fall outside
the recommended accuracy wing loading range. The Classic
will perform very well for non competitive purposes at
weights within the safe min/max range. (* = This size available
in lg97)
Fully Equipped Weight:
| Kilos |
Pounds |
Size |
| 65 |
143 |
218 |
| 66 |
145 |
218 |
| 67 |
147 |
218 |
| 68 |
150 |
218 |
| 69 |
152 |
218 |
| 70 |
154 |
218 |
| 71 |
156 |
218 |
|
72
|
158
|
218
|
| 73 |
161 |
238 |
| 74 |
163 |
238 |
| 75 |
165 |
238 |
| 76 |
167 |
238 |
| 77 |
169 |
238 |
|
78
|
172
|
238
|
| 79 |
174 |
259 |
| 80 |
176 |
259 |
| 81 |
178 |
259 |
| 82 |
180 |
259 |
| 83 |
183 |
259 |
|
84
|
185
|
259
|
| 85 |
187 |
270 |
| 86 |
189 |
270 |
| 87 |
191 |
270 |
|
88
|
194
|
270
|
| 89 |
196 |
281 |
| 96 |
211 |
304 |
| 97 |
213 |
304 |
| 98 |
216 |
304 |
| 99 |
218 |
304 |
| 100 |
220 |
304 |
| 101 |
222 |
304 |
| 102 |
224 |
304 |
| 103 |
227 |
304 |
|
104
|
229
|
304
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Note: See the graph, next page, for further guidance.
Choosing the right sized canopy for the accuracy event is
part science, part art. Many personal factors can drive your
decision. The wing loading table on the previous page is a
good place to start. The recommended sizes are based on experience
in the field with a wide cross section of accuracy jumpers.
Another way to evaluate the right sized Classic for
you is the graph below. Find your weight on the left
margin, and draw a straight horizontal line across the graph.
Study where your line intercepts the "heart of the envelope"
for one of the canopy sizes . . . that's probably the correct
size for you.
For example: You weigh 68 kilos, or 150 lbs, "dripping wet"
out of the shower. To enter the graph, add 14 kilos, or 30
lbs, for your gear: 68 + 14 = 82 kilos, or 180 lbs. Now draw
a horizontal line across the graph. It most nearly crosses
the "heart" of the optimum wing loading for a 259 sized Classic.
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