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WING LOADING DESCRIPTIONS
This section describes how canopies typically perform at various wing loadings. Since your recent
experience will affect your frame of reference, this section is only a general guide. It is still
preferable to compare the wing loading of your new reserve to the canopy you have been jumping.
WING LOADINGS LESS THAN 0.45 LB/SQ.FT:
The parachute is too large for you. The canopy will fly very slow, and may not have sufficient
penetration, even in light winds. Turbulence will have a greater influence on the canopy. Light
turbulence or wind gusts that canopies with higher wing loadings fly through easily may be
sufficient to stall or collapse your canopy. We recommend that you do not use this canopy if the
wing loading is below 0.45.
WING LOADINGS BETWEEN 0.45 AND 0.7 LB/SQ.FT:
This is a lightly loaded parachute. This is a good area for low experienced jumpers, for ultra
conservative jumpers, and pilot emergency systems since they may be used by a pilot with very
little training. The canopy will be relatively slow and docile. It will be easy to land and will not
require the very precise flare timing and technique that canopies at higher wing loadings require
to get an acceptable landing. However, proper instruction in the use of this canopy is required.
When jumping at this wing loading, you will be more limited as to wind speed, wind gusts, and
turbulence than jumpers using canopies at higher wing loadings. Even if other jumpers are
jumping, the conditions may not be safe for you to jump.
WING LOADING BETWEEN 0.7 AND 1.0 LB/SQ.FT:
This is a lightly to moderately loaded canopy. If this is a higher wing loading than you are used
to, the canopy will fly and turn faster than you are used to. It will require more skill to land well
but in most cases is more than forgiving enough for student and novice use, particularly in larger
canopy sizes. Errors in flaring technique that were unnoticeable on a larger canopy will be more
noticeable on this one.
WING LOADINGS BETWEEN 1.0 AND 1.4 LB/SQ.FT:
This is a moderately to highly loaded canopy. The skill level required for this wing loading range
varies greatly depending on the canopy size needed to achieve this wing loading for a particular
body weight. The largest reserves that we make are suitable for novices in the moderate end of
this range. However on the smaller canopy sizes, high experience level is required to get an
acceptable landing, even under ideal landing conditions. If this is a higher wing loading than you
are used to, the canopy will fly and turn very fast. A precisely timed flare will be required to get
the rate of descent to an acceptable level. Your forward speed may be higher when you actually
land. On the smaller canopy sizes, a stall may occur at a higher flight speed than you may expect.
It will be more difficult to land this parachute in confined areas or at high altitudes. Be sure your
skill level is up to the demands of this situation.
Because the skill level required will vary from smaller to larger parachutes at a given wing loading,
please consult the Warning Label and the Wing Loading Chart for additional information to help
you choose the best reserve for your weight and experience level.
