brent@poseidon.UUCP (Brent P. Callaghan) (02/17/86)
Dane Meyer was interested in the strain imposed on a canopy
in a downplane configuration.
Although I haven't got any figures - my impression is that
the canopy loads are much higher than straight and level.
The canopy shudders and the lines moan when you're really
motoring. I'm not at all concerned about a canopy failure
though. After all, it has already been loaded to 5 G's or
so in slowing me from terminal. Also, the load factor is
limited by the strength in your leg grips.
I'm not exactly sure how low I've gone with a downplane
but its probably not under 300 feet. I've always got
enough altitude to turn into wind and land without hooking
it. Also, I don't want to have high airspeed from the
outswing in case there's some turbulence in the landing area.
Breakoff is determined by whoever goes first. It's often
determined by closeness to the landing area.
Don't think of taking a downplane under a grand unless you
you can accurately "eyeball" your altitude. It's important
to have objects on the ground as visual clues. The altimeter
is too distracting and innacurate.
--
Made in New Zealand --> Brent Callaghan
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