Monthly Archives: June 2017
Beginner Tips – Low U-Turn (part 2)
Now consider the pitch angle of the dome, which is often confused with the angle of attack. This is the pitch angle that is set by mutually adjusting the length of the lines. The canopy pilot can also change it in flight by pulling the front or rear free ends of the suspension system. Pulling the front free ends changes this pitch angle, but not the angle of attack. With a larger negative pitch angle, the dome will gain a greater vertical speed, but the direction of the relative flow remains practically unchanged, with the exception of the moments when this maneuver begins and leaves it. Continue reading
Beginner Tips – Low U-Turn (part 1)
Starting from the very first jumps, skydivers are taught that a low U-turn is one of the main causes of parachuting accidents. When turning, the vertical speed increases, and when exiting it, it goes into horizontal. One must be very careful in controlling the energy of the U-turn in order to avoid a collision with the ground. It doesn’t matter if the U-turn was the result of improvisation or a pre-planned maneuver, if contact with the surface occurs before the dome returns to normal, it can cause serious injury or death. Continue reading
