Parachute capacities and sizes and technologies are somewhat misunderstood
and subject to some interpretation. Newer designs are far more efficient
than older designs and even a 200 + pound pilot will be far better off
wearing a parachute that fits with him in his glider than a big bulky one he
leaves in the clubhouse because he can't fit into his already over gross
cockpit.
For an example, some 24 foot canopies have larger volumes and some 26 foot
canopies and so on...there are also different canopy designs that produce
different flight performances. Some manufacturers have more conservative or
optimistic ratings published. We can only use the data that is available to
us and a little common sense to determine what we are comfortable with, but
when you see a manufacturer recommending a very small canopy with a very
high capacity and another with a larger canopy with a far more conservative
recommendation you should also question for yourself how much of this is
sales pitch and how much is an absolute commitment to safety. Ask the
manufacturer if he has actually used his own rigs, how much does he weigh
and which models he would feel comfortable with offering to his fiancé or
his x-wife! )
tim


"Eric Greenwell" wrote in message
...
wrote:
What is this about round vs ram/square? I thought it was generally
accepted that ram/square give more control and lower descent rates,
but are less suitable for glider emergency chutes because they work
reliably only if you are the right way up etc. when you pull them.

Be sure to select a canopy type and size the matches your weight. Check
the manufacturer's charts or talk to them. I bought a Softie sized so I
was at the bottom end of it's weight range, giving me an impact speed
about like jumping off a table.

The wind and terrain will make a much bigger difference in your landing
the difference in descent rate between properly sized round or square
parachutes. A soft landing is likely important for someone doing 10 or 20
jumps a day, but not for emergency use.

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA
* Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly

* Updated! "Transponders in Sailplanes" http://tinyurl.com/y739x4
* New Jan '08 - sections on Mode S, TPAS, ADS-B, Flarm, more

* "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation" at www.motorglider.org