Transcript Canopy Collisions - U.S. Parachute Association (USPA)

A USPA Safety Day Presentation
(OK, NOT Practical)
150 feet
150 feet
3 Seconds
300 feet
To obtain 300’ separation between jumpers in a
4-way, need to track 212 ft from the center so
the individuals’ columns of air don’t overlap.
3 seconds after opening
there could be canopies
anywhere in an area
724 ft in diameter. Each
group needs its own
column of air.
724ft
The corresponding area for an 8-way is more
than 1,000 ft. across.
900 feet bare minimum
4-way group
8-way group
(Direction of ground winds will also play a large role in separation requirements)
Inserting a separation chart near the door of the aircraft can help
provide guidance to jumpers for the necessary amount of time required
between groups.
Landing Area
Wind Direction
Wind Direction
Canopy Collision Fatalities
1999-2014
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Thanks to Professor John Kallend for use of his separation formulas!