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I understand your feelings, though I disagree with the logic. If you would like to discuss this further we can do it in some other venue (at least not this thread). Regards, Alexander. http://staticlineinteractive.com

The short answer is: the model is not perfect. The longer answer is, that there are multiple variables at play and the model must accommodate the steady state as well as the response to the inputs. This requires a compromise which results in parameters that produce overall behavior. By definition it is a mathematical approximation of the reality. As the model becomes better we'll see better results. In general, the goal of the simulator is to support the discussions such as this one. I was happy to see that it was brought up in the conversation. Regards, Alexander. http://staticlineinteractive.com

In a steady state flight, when nothing changes, there should be no affect of wind speed on descent rate. This is only true if nothing changes at all. At the same time, air density and temperature changes with altitude and these will act as changing inputs. It helps to think about the parachute and skydiver as two bodies. These bodies have different momentum (different mass) and different drag. When both bodies get the same additional input, their relative speed changes differently and this causes the canopy to surge forward or the skydiver to swing forward. This is similar to what is happening when we apply inputs to the canopy. These changes will affect angle of attack, which will affect lift coefficient and therefore the descent rate. I understand that this formula is for a fixed wing aircraft, but the principle still applies. See above. Gusts affect landings because they cause change in angle of attack more than they affect lift. Think of two bodies with different masses getting the same impulse applied to them. Thanks to Sinisa for letting me know about this discussion. Regards, Alexander. http://staticlineinteractive.com

I am the developer of the skydiving simulator for static line interactive. I am away from good Internet access right now. I will read the thread once I am back early next week. Alexander Regards, Alexander. http://staticlineinteractive.com

I'd love to come. I wrote Terry a few emails, but no response yet :( Regards, Alexander. http://staticlineinteractive.com

It seems that you have a good laptop, but the video card does not support all the features of the program. But it seems that you get it to work, which is good. Full version of the program has an option which allows you to have good landing all the times. This option is useful for practicing the pattern only :) Regards, Alexander. http://staticlineinteractive.com

I did not know there is AFF for round parachutes :) Regards, Alexander. http://staticlineinteractive.com

If the computer meets minimum specs for the game, then there is something funky going on. Could you send me more information? Regards, Alexander. http://staticlineinteractive.com

What do you think about giving a skydiving computer game as a Christmas present? For example, Force Field Accuracy for PC? Blue skies. Alexander.

That is exactly why there are so many simulators and other skydiving related software. First it must be economic to produce a product at all. Regards, Alexander. http://staticlineinteractive.com

Of course. Before you install the new version, make sure you know your serial number (it was in the email you get when you purchased the software, or you can find it by starting the program and clicking Help and selecting About page). Uninstall the previous version. Install new version. Enter your serial number. You are all set. Let me know if you have any difficulties. Regards, Alexander. http://staticlineinteractive.com

Hello, Landing Pattern 1.4 is released. Landing Pattern is designed to help the understanding of how different wind conditions affect the landing approach. Now it is possible to design and add your own virtual dropzone. There are video tutorials and step by step instructions. Check it out. Blue skies. Regards, Alexander. http://staticlineinteractive.com

FAQ thread has some answers about this issue. Regards, Alexander. http://staticlineinteractive.com

Hello, Landing Pattern 1.2 is released. Landing Pattern is designed to help the understanding of how different wind conditions affect the landing approach. Check it out. Blue skies. Regards, Alexander. http://staticlineinteractive.com

Hence this pattern should not be exercised. But if you are to land in the experience landing area, you'd have to use a different pattern. We live it up to students to see what each pattern is and they should discuss it with their instructors to figure out which one is good for them :) I believe in general it is not recommended to cross the runway under 1000ft, which means the whole pattern must be done on one side or the other. Regards, Alexander. http://staticlineinteractive.com