fcajump

In a world of ZP, swoops, and high speed canopies, the PD-9 cell is a sedan. This canopy will not win swoop contests (though it may have when it was first brought out), but it will consistently get open, get you where you are going, and set you down softly.

I loaded my PD-260 ~1:1 in keeping with my experience when I bought it (~30 jumps, in 1991). As a casual, conservative jumper, I enjoyed flying it ~400 jumps before getting a Spectre. I am now passing it on to a friend who is just off student status, and I have every confidence that she will find it just as reliable and predictable as I did.

Flight behavior is consistent from full flight to pre-stall. As a 9 cell, its stall buffet tends to be a side-to-side buffet before it starts deflating. Break turns are smooth and without allot of swing, full flight turns are more brisk and swing a bit. Flares are smooth and predictable. Loaded conservatively, this canopy is very forgiving.

As with most other F-111, very easy to pack (flat or pro).

Blue Skies,
Jim

For a conservative jumper the Spectre was a great choice.

Loading ~1.2
My experience: 900+, mostly on large 7/9 cell F-111.
Spectre Jumps: ~150

Full flight performs well, though certainly not the fastest thing on the DZ. Turns from full flight are crisp and responsive.

Slow flight, stable and steady with a wide range before stall. From slow flight to stall gives allot of warning before it fully stalls.

Deep break turns are smooth and without much (any) swing.

Can land in deep breaks or from full speed. Flare is predictable and smooth.

Fun canopy that can swoop, or sink... your choice.

Jim