🚀 go-pugleaf

    > I've heard of at least one instance of a jumper-induced
    > malfunction of a square.  I think it happened at the World Cup
    > RW meet in Z-hills.  The jumper was fooling around up high
    > with deep stalls, flying backwards etc.  While pitching the
    > canopy forward the pilot chute flipped over the leading edge and
    > wrapped around some lines.  The canopy was distorted enough to
    > be unflyable and the result was a cutaway.
    >
    > I've noticed in backwards flying that my pilot chute dances
    > around the leading edge.  I still enjoy flying backwards,
    > but I'm careful not to pitch the canopy violently just
    > in case.
    >
    > If you have a long pilot chute bridle I would advise avoiding
    > violent stall recoveries and flying backward below cutaway
    > altitude (for me that's a grand).
    >
    > I think a good riser spiral or downplane is the best way
    > to get pee in your pants :-)
    > -- 
    >
    > Made in New Zealand -->		Brent Callaghan
    >				      AT&T Information Systems, Lincroft, NJ
    >				      {ihnp4|mtuxo|pegasus}!poseidon!brent
    >
    >				  (201) 576-3475

Excellent point Brent. That certainly is a potential risk, especially
with long bridals.  I admit that I don't do this often -- but it sure
is a great ride.

Actually, I'm relatively conservative in my canopy flying.  I don't recommend
doing much of anything besides preparing to land under 1000'.

I haven't ever done a down plane (I've done some CRW -- was in a 9-stack --
but I've elected to avoid CRW these days), but they do appear fun and safe
if done high enough off the deck.  However down-planes seem to be a favorite
low-bird stunt -- I wince when they bring 'em down till you can see the whites
in their eyes.  Anyway, do you (or anyone) know how much stress & pressure
down-planes put on a canopy?  Have you heard of anyone having canopy problems
while in a down-plane?  I haven't --  was just wondering ...

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Dane Meyer  Texas Instruments

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