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Parachutes: Skydiving, Types, Parachute Chord, Deployment And Safety
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Published: October 26, 2007
Despite its dangerous reputation, skydiving in reality is a very safe sport as long as participants are properly trained. In fact, according to GoldCoastSkyDive.com, skydiving enthusiasts are much more likely to be an automobile accident on the way to jump site than sustain injuries during the jump itself. To ensure skydivers experience the safest jump possible, they must have the proper parachutes.
Parachutes, also known as canopies, are available in many different types depending on the individual’s weight and experience. Novice skydivers should choose parachutes that have a small “wing-loading” ratio. Wing-loading describes the ratio between the skydiver’s weight and the canopy’s size. Measured in pounds per square foot, most beginning jumpers will find that parachutes with a 1.0 to 1.2 ratio will be the easiest to control. Beginners should also look for parachutes with a larger “aspect ratio.” The aspect ratio is the relationship between the parachute’s length and the parachute’s cord. In general, parachutes with larger aspect ratios have smoother rides.
Regardless of their types, all parachutes are made with durable materials, including woven nylon coated in silicone to provide an enhanced performance. These materials are used to create two layers of fabric that connect to form cells. Cells are small compartments that fill with high-pressure air that gives parachutes an airfoil shape.
The platform or shape of a parachute is another factor in finding the right skydiving equipment. Also known as Ram-airs, recreational parachutes can be divided into two categories: square or elliptical. Square parachutes, which are shaped more like rectangles, are easier for beginners to control because they fly much slower due their smaller wing-loading ratio. Elliptical parachutes, on the other hand, are tapered on either end and contain many small cells. The platform of these parachutes make them much more sensitive to skydivers controls and can maneuver sharper corners than its square counterpart.
For optimal safety, jumpers are required to carry main parachutes in addition to the reserve parachutes in case of rare malfunction. Each parachute is packed by certified “riggers” trained especially for this task. The main parachute utilizes the ripcord deployment system that, when triggered, pulls a close pin that releases the container with the canopy inside. In many parachutes, canopy deployment is very smooth; a piece of fabric known as the slider ensures that parachute chords spread slowly so that the jumper is not receive whiplash.
Although it has a deadly reputation, skydiving can be a very safe sport if people have the proper training and equipment. The variety of parachutes available indicates that safety is the top priority in skydiving.
Sources:
"Frequently Asked Questions." Gold Coast Skydive Centre. 2005. 25 Oct 2007. http://www.goldcoastskydive.com.au/faq.htm.
"Parachute." Wikipedia. 25 Oct 2007. 25 Oct 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parachute.
"The Lotus." Big Air Sports, Inc. 2007. 25 Oct 2007. http://www.bigairsportz.com/lotus.php.
Parachutes, also known as canopies, are available in many different types depending on the individual’s weight and experience. Novice skydivers should choose parachutes that have a small “wing-loading” ratio. Wing-loading describes the ratio between the skydiver’s weight and the canopy’s size. Measured in pounds per square foot, most beginning jumpers will find that parachutes with a 1.0 to 1.2 ratio will be the easiest to control. Beginners should also look for parachutes with a larger “aspect ratio.” The aspect ratio is the relationship between the parachute’s length and the parachute’s cord. In general, parachutes with larger aspect ratios have smoother rides.
Regardless of their types, all parachutes are made with durable materials, including woven nylon coated in silicone to provide an enhanced performance. These materials are used to create two layers of fabric that connect to form cells. Cells are small compartments that fill with high-pressure air that gives parachutes an airfoil shape.
The platform or shape of a parachute is another factor in finding the right skydiving equipment. Also known as Ram-airs, recreational parachutes can be divided into two categories: square or elliptical. Square parachutes, which are shaped more like rectangles, are easier for beginners to control because they fly much slower due their smaller wing-loading ratio. Elliptical parachutes, on the other hand, are tapered on either end and contain many small cells. The platform of these parachutes make them much more sensitive to skydivers controls and can maneuver sharper corners than its square counterpart.
For optimal safety, jumpers are required to carry main parachutes in addition to the reserve parachutes in case of rare malfunction. Each parachute is packed by certified “riggers” trained especially for this task. The main parachute utilizes the ripcord deployment system that, when triggered, pulls a close pin that releases the container with the canopy inside. In many parachutes, canopy deployment is very smooth; a piece of fabric known as the slider ensures that parachute chords spread slowly so that the jumper is not receive whiplash.
Although it has a deadly reputation, skydiving can be a very safe sport if people have the proper training and equipment. The variety of parachutes available indicates that safety is the top priority in skydiving.
Sources:
"Frequently Asked Questions." Gold Coast Skydive Centre. 2005. 25 Oct 2007. http://www.goldcoastskydive.com.au/faq.htm.
"Parachute." Wikipedia. 25 Oct 2007. 25 Oct 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parachute.
"The Lotus." Big Air Sports, Inc. 2007. 25 Oct 2007. http://www.bigairsportz.com/lotus.php.
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