Leaderboard

Russ was a much loved jumper from El Paso who jumped at all the Ghoulidge Boogies in the 80's and early 90's passed away Sept. 20, 2020. He'd had numerous health issues and as many close calls as the proverbial 9-lives cat, but finally his time here expired. Gone, but never forgotten. R.I.P. old friend.

The difference is there, but it's not all that big. Overall, you're overthinking it some. But that's not entirely a bad thing. As you have noted, a mistake in this area can have serious consequences. Planform difference will likely be as much as the W/L difference. The 'responsiveness' still won't really be there. But that's actually a good thing. If you need more maneuverability to avoid, say, a canopy collision, then there were bigger mistakes that should have been avoided. OTOH, that 'maneuverability' can work against you, as in accidentally flying yourself into the ground doing some sort of avoidance move or simply reaching for the ground if you get hit by a gust at the wrong time ('unlearning' that response takes a while).

Another shot of Joe, down in the scrum around Wes Shiles.