newb question

[bullin82 0]

I found the wing load calculator but im not sure what is a good wing load for a student. basically all i ever see is numbers like 1:1 and i really dont know what they mean so i figure ill ask here and get laughed at quick. thanks for any help.

[PhreeZone 15]

Wingloading is the total exit weight divided by the square footage of the canopy expressed as a ratio. If you are fully geared up and your total weight is 170 pounds and the canopy is 170 Sq Feet then it is 1 pound to 1 Sq Ft or 1:1. Your typical student rig, jumpsuit, helmet, etc all weighs about 30-35 pounds so add that to your body weight and then divide by the size canopy.

Your average male is about 170 lbs and the gear is around 30 so that is 200 pounds exit weight, typical student canopies are 210-260 so your wingloading might be from .95:1 - .76:1.

Experienced jumpers might have a wingloading of 1:1 all the way to 2.5:1 or higher.

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[GLIDEANGLE 1]

Phreezone's answer is excellent.

Here is a great intro to wingloading:

http://www.uspa.org/SIM/Read/Section4/CategoryC/tabid/239/Default.aspx#921

The choices we make have consequences, for us & for others!

[bullin82 0]

great thank you both for the help

[darrenspooner 0]

'stupid questions' save lives. Not having the balls to ask will get you hurt

[thedude325 0]

There's no such thing as stupid questions, only stupid people.....

[JohnMitchell 14]

Quote

There's no such thing as stupid questions, only stupid people....

you'll make a great instructor someday.