Re: [debaucherordrgz] Pilot chute size and heading performance
it doesn't matter at all which alti you jumped from - it's your airspeed - thus your delay that makes the difference.
36" for a 220 canopy at terminal (9sec+) is just fine. It's also fine even if you are a good tracker or using a WS. Many people have used a 32" and are still here to confirm that.
a large PC crates more drag, and thus in theory is more likely to destroy your packjob on the way to linestrech.
This is the way I understand deployment happens :
PC is thrown
PC has enough drag to achieve bridle stretch
It pops pins/pulls velcro
as you fall away from your PC, the packjob is extracted.
the larger the PC - the higher the drag, thus the bigger difference between your airspeed and PC airspeed - resulting in faster linestretch, and subsequently a more chaotic opening.
a 38/42 obviously work fine as far as getting you open, but they stress the bridle attachment point more, and are going to give you harder openings. I have done all sizes from 32-42 to terminal and I believe the 42" felt harder. Also while goign terminal, you would hate to have a premmie - and having a smaller PC allows for it to be tucked away more in the BOC, not to mention most smaller 38 and smaller PCs mostly made with external PVC handle, as opposed to majority of 42s only made with no handle or a cordura disk, which sticks out way too much for my liking at high airspeed jumps.
Good morning to you too.
