In the high desert where I live there are almost always high winds (20+ kts), mix that with the low forward speed, high descent rate, and slow maneuvering capability of a round canopy (a four line cut would improve maneuverability and forward speed, but do you know how to do that? and would you?) AND the rugged terrain, and you have a mix to get beat up in the best case on landing and much worse if it's not your day.

The ram air chute flies a rectangular pattern just like a glider and, as an experienced glider pilot, I'm completely comfortable that I can put it down very near to where I choose due to the higher forward speed, lower descent speed, and higher maneuverability of the square canopy. That, plus I took the initiative to receive proper training from a licensed jump instructor and I made a number of jumps to prove to myself that I can do it.

In the past I was always a bit nervous at the possibility that I may someday have to jump. Not so any more.

Regard Alan's article - since I haven't seen it, I'll only comment on your take from it: I agree that the round is more benign in low wind conditions and decent terrain but, for the *trained* individual, I'll take the ram air chute any day. Yes, if you don't know what you're doing, you can easily get into trouble with a ram air canopy. That's why the manufacturer, and my rigger were very insistent that I take ground training and make several training jumps before wearing my emergency ram air equipment.
On Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at 10:54:22 AM UTC-7, Dan Marotta wrote:
chuckle



I made a long reply to Jonathan St. Cloud regarding his questions.*
I had meant to post to the newsgroup so, Jonathan, if you see this,
please repost it to the newsgroup.* I don't have a copy...



Dan




On 6/23/2015 5:36 PM, Paul B wrote:



On Wednesday, 24 June 2015 07:12:02 UTC+10, JS wrote:


Paul, et al:
Would have thought everyone would want to get trained for and do a sport jump.
I made two "static line equivalent" square sport jumps before buying a PD235 from Silver Parachute. Great fun, added to 20 previous round chute jumps and 100+ hours of paraglider, which is a high aspect ratio ram air chute.
It's easy to land a square chute where you want to and on two feet. It's also better in high winds than the old round things.
A square chute is not better if you release the toggles then do nothing, ie: pass out. With the toggles released a square chute has a hands-off forward speed of about 25MPH.
Jim


Thank you all for your informative replies. I will follow up all the posts and links, but it does seem to me that a ramair is the way to go. Not that I have Dan M's problems, I fly over a flat land farming country (in Australia) and never that much wind. Not that I would not trade the scenery though. It would be my turn to be scared sh!tless .

Cheers

Paul





--

Dan Marotta