MAN-0012 Rev. I
P a g e
| 9
BASIC INSTRUCTION FOR LOW WING LOADINGS
The following is intended to be a supplement to proper instruction on the use of this parachute
from a qualified and appropriately rated instructor. This is not a course of instruction.
In the event of the deployment of your ram-air reserve, check your altitude. If there is sufficient
altitude, prepare your canopy for flight as follows:
•
Release the brakes. On most systems this is accomplished by pulling down on the toggles.
Note that if only one brake releases, the canopy will enter a turn. Depending on the size
and wing loading the turn can be quite fast. In the rare event that there is difficulty releasing
one of the brakes, the turn should be stopped by continuing to pull down the side that
released until the turn stopped.
•
If necessary at this point, the slider may be pumped down by pulling both toggles down to
your waist and holding them there for few seconds and then raising them back up. If any
cells are closed, this action should open them. You may have to repeat this action two or
three times.
Again, perform the above procedures only if there is sufficient altitude. It is better to make
a smooth flared landing with collapsed end cells than to land while pumping the toggles to
clear them.
•
Next look for the best landing area you are sure you can reach. Keep in mind that your
reserve may not glide as far as your main parachute. Your opening altitude will probably be
lower than normal under your reserve. The sooner you look for a landing area the more
places you will have to choose from. Immediately turn toward your intended landing area.
•
If there is enough extra altitude after reaching the landing area, try some practice flares in
the air. Note the control range and how the canopy stalls. If you flare too much you may
stall the canopy and hit the ground unusually hard.
Always fly a conservative approach for a first-time landing on any canopy. Set up your final
approach to landing higher than normal. Avoid turns close to the ground. Remember this canopy
probably flies very differently than the one you are used to. It may lose a lot more altitude in a
turn than you expect. Try to land into the wind. However, it is more important to not be turning
on landing. It is recommended that all turns be completed by 200 feet above ground level.
TIPS FOR FLYING AT HIGHER WING LOADINGS
These are some highlights to help you be better prepared before you receive instruction on the
use of this parachute.
Since flying at high wing loadings is advisable only for highly experienced jumpers, this section
will cover only those areas often over looked by experienced jumpers. Chances are that finding
yourself under your reserve will come as a bit of a surprise. It is important fly toward your landing
area while attempting to become accustomed to the canopy as soon as possible.
The smaller reserves may have a shorter control range and a sharper stall than you are used to.
Therefore several practice flares should be performed, altitude permitting. This will give you a
good idea of how long the control range is, and how far you may pull the toggles without stalling
