MAN-0012 Rev. I Page | 8
WING LOADINGS ABOVE 1.4 LBS/SQ.FT, AND BELOW THE MAXIMUM SUSPENDED
WEIGHT:
This is a very high wing loading. Turn rates, forward speed and rates of descent will all be very
high. A very high experience level is required to get an acceptable landing, even under ideal
landing conditions. The control range may be very short, with stalls happening very abruptly and
with little warning. This situation can be very dangerous. Performance Designs advises all jumpers,
regardless of experience, that it is safer to choose a lower wing loading than this level. However,
Performance Designs recognizes that there are some individuals that have a great deal of
experience and skill flying a main parachute at this wing loading, and are determined to use
reserves in the same wing loading. While this is legal (if the conditions below are met), it is very
hazardous. Most jumpers are not capable of handling this situation. At a minimum jumpers must
meet the following requirements:
At least 500 ram-air canopy jumps and at least 100 jumps on a ram-air canopy that is no more
than 15% larger than the reserve parachute
-OR-
Have an endorsement in their log book from an instructor who has the proper ratings issued to
them by their countries governing association stating that:
• The jumper has been given a course of instruction in advanced canopy control.
• The maximum wing loading the individual has demonstrated that they can safely handle.
• The wing loading for the reserve parachute must not exceed the maximum demonstrated
wing loading
Many National Aero Clubs have wing loading and experience limitations that must be met for you
to be legal. Even if you meet the level requirements this can be a very dangerous situation. The
landing conditions, weather, or your skill level may make this even more dangerous. Severe injury
or death may result. Also keep in mind that if you are rendered unconscious and an AAD opens
your reserve, it is very likely that you may suffer severe injuries or death due to an uncontrolled
landing. For these reasons, we recommend that you get a canopy with a lower wing loading.
The absolute maximum suspended weight for the canopy is the absolute legal limit.
There are no situations where it is permissible to exceed the maximum suspended weight for the
parachute. Structural failure may occur if you exceed these limits. By exceeding the absolute
maximum suspended weight you risk serious injury, death, equipment failure, and FAA violations
or fines.
FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS
This section is intended to give you some hints on how to fly your reserve. This is not a substitute
for proper training. Performance Designs recommends that you obtain proper instruction on the
use of your parachute system before using this canopy. In the U.S.A. you should use a United
States Parachute Association rated instructor. Other countries have similar associations for
approving instructors.
Even if you are familiar with ram-air parachutes, including Performance Designs canopies, your
new reserve parachute may handle differently. Like most 7 cell main canopies, the PD 7 cell
reserves generally have a higher rate of descent and a lower glide ratio than most 9 cell main
parachutes at smaller wing loadings.
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