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Parachute Games and Sports, from the Innocent to the Extreme

March 23rd, 2010
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Do you ever feel like you know just enough about Parachuting to be dangerous? Let’s see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from Parachuting experts.

The use of parachutes for military purposes has been long gone. Although the military can still use it for their own tactics, they are popularly known for extreme sports and children’s games. The use of parachutes has changed along its development. They can now be used by ordinary civilians for recreation.

Most of the time, they are used in extreme sports. A thrill opted for adrenaline junkies and curious people who have enough guts. Sky diving is not the extreme sport. There are different variations of parachute sports and games nowadays.

Parachute sports are also included in the Olympics. There are many events held for enthusiasts and competitors. They are also included in X games, an event that hosts extreme sports including skateboarding and snowboarding.

Parachute games, from mild to extreme

There are many parachute games for children. Different variations have been made and usually involve children that foster cooperation rather than competition. This includes parashuffle, paraswap, parasight, paraseek, paraball, lucky 7, round the plughole, and shoe shuffle.

Adults tend to take things into a more extreme level. People often engage in extreme sports for excitement and to be able do something different than the usual routine of everyday living. There are many sites to engage in parachute sports. Resorts offer parasailing. There are also skydiving clubs that you can join to undergo training. You can choose to make tandem jumps or get a skydiving course.

I trust that what you’ve read so far has been informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.

Safe and milder forms of parachute sports are paragliding and parasailing. The first one is a competitive sport while the latter is recreational. A paraglider is a free flying type of aircraft that is launched by foot. Parasailing is wherein a person is towed behind a boat while being attached to a parasail. Paragliding does involve some degree of risk but not as dangerous as the following sports.

An extreme sport variant is the speed skydiving. Unlike the conventional method these one entails a skydiver to jump from an aircraft 13,000 feet above ground. The skydiver accelerates vertically in a head first position into a predetermined measuring zone. The measuring zone begins from 8,850 feet up to 5,570 feet. Altimeters are attached to participants during their jump to measure their average speed as they go through the measuring zone.

Skysurfing on the other hand, as the name suggest uses a board similar to that of a snowboard. The board, which is attached to the skydiver’s feet, enables him or her to do different stunts. Skydivers can land while the board are still on and slide on the ground or kick it off before landing. Skysuring can be very dangerous and only experienced skydivers engage in such sport.

BASE (Buildings, Antennas, Spans [bridges], and Earth [cliffs]) jumping involves jumping off of fixed objects. This is very dangerous because if the parachute is not deployed at the right moment the jumper will die. Base jumpers need to have sharp reflexes because they don’t have enough altitude to free fall.

They need to deploy their parachutes at the right moment because if it’s too late may lead to a bad landing that can cause grave injuries. They should also be skilled in parachute packing to make sure that it will deploy correctly and in controlling their canopies for a harmless landing.

Parachute sports can be exciting but it does involve a lot of risk. If you are interested it’s best to start with the basic and apply for a skydiving course.

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Parachuting

Powered Parachutes

March 7th, 2010
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Are you looking for some inside information on Parachuting? Here’s an up-to-date report from Parachuting experts who should know.

Skydiving is a popular extreme sport. However for some jumping out of a plane with only a parachute to save your life can be too risky. Although parachutes today are more stable and safer than they were decades before, fear of heights and faulty parachutes always haunt the mind and nerves of any first timer.

Wrong timing and faulty equipment can cause you falling to your death from thousands of feet in the air. Fortunately there are other options for those with faint of heart.

Fortunately powered parachutes were created. They provide a better and more controlled landing. This is a good alternative for those who are afraid of heights and don’t want to jump off a plane. Compared to skydiving they are far safer and very easy to learn.

Powered Parachutes

It’s a parachute equipped with motor and wheels. It can carry one or two passengers. It’s also considered as the most inexpensive motorized air vehicle. A new one person powered parachute costs about ten thousand dollars. A top notch two-seater on the other hand costs about fifteen to twenty thousand. A motor scooter can also be converted which costs around six thousand.

Its airspeed is twenty five to thirty five miles per hour (that’s forty to sixty kilometers per hour) and can fly of up to one thousand five hundred feet. It can also go as high as eighteen thousand feet. The world record for the lowest flight is 10 inches. It can support up to five hundred pounds. One person variants don’t need a license to operate. They can be learned in five to seven days by an average student. They only need one hundred feet (thirty kilometers) of land to be able to take off and land.

If you don’t have accurate details regarding Parachuting, then you might make a bad choice on the subject. Don’t let that happen: keep reading.

They are safer than conventional fixed wing aircrafts because they are more stable, few control inputs and less stall resistance. They can be controlled by engine or moving its steering bars. The engine controls the rate of vertical climb while the steering bars cause deflection which initiates horizontal turns.

Landings are relatively safe as long as the pilot as has a suitable landing site. They often have square wings which are more stable, resistant to stalls and chute collapse. Other designs have elliptical wings which have more air cells than the square winged variant. Most collapses are due to pilot and error.

The only setback is weather conditions. They cannot be used when wind speeds are ten to fifteen miles pre hour. Other hazards include rotors and wake turbulence crated when other aircrafts are passing by. The pilot must also avoid obstacles such as power lines, trees, and other things that can be found in low terrains.

Powered parachutes fly near the ground so it’s much safer to fly upwind of obstacles. They cannot be forced to land on water because the pilot gets tangled with the parachute.

They can be used for photography and great for sightseeing. They are also used by flight organizations such as ELLASS (Emergency Low Level Aerial Search and Surveillance). It’s a search and rescue organization. They only need small airports, yard strips and mown hay fields for take off and landing.

Powered parachutes are good alternatives for those who prefer to stay close to the ground. They can be easily learned and safe for anyone.

Is there really any information about Parachuting that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO to claim your $1 trial membership!

Parachuting

Parachute Games and Sports, from the Innocent to the Extreme

December 14th, 2009
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When you think about Parachuting, what do you think of first? Which aspects of Parachuting are important, which are essential, and which ones can you take or leave? You be the judge.

The use of parachutes for military purposes has been long gone. Although the military can still use it for their own tactics, they are popularly known for extreme sports and children’s games. The use of parachutes has changed along its development. They can now be used by ordinary civilians for recreation.

Most of the time, they are used in extreme sports. A thrill opted for adrenaline junkies and curious people who have enough guts. Sky diving is not the extreme sport. There are different variations of parachute sports and games nowadays.

Parachute sports are also included in the Olympics. There are many events held for enthusiasts and competitors. They are also included in X games, an event that hosts extreme sports including skateboarding and snowboarding.

Parachute games, from mild to extreme

There are many parachute games for children. Different variations have been made and usually involve children that foster cooperation rather than competition. This includes parashuffle, paraswap, parasight, paraseek, paraball, lucky 7, round the plughole, and shoe shuffle.

Adults tend to take things into a more extreme level. People often engage in extreme sports for excitement and to be able do something different than the usual routine of everyday living. There are many sites to engage in parachute sports. Resorts offer parasailing. There are also skydiving clubs that you can join to undergo training. You can choose to make tandem jumps or get a skydiving course.

Knowledge can give you a real advantage. To make sure you’re fully informed about Parachuting, keep reading.

Safe and milder forms of parachute sports are paragliding and parasailing. The first one is a competitive sport while the latter is recreational. A paraglider is a free flying type of aircraft that is launched by foot. Parasailing is wherein a person is towed behind a boat while being attached to a parasail. Paragliding does involve some degree of risk but not as dangerous as the following sports.

An extreme sport variant is the speed skydiving. Unlike the conventional method these one entails a skydiver to jump from an aircraft 13,000 feet above ground. The skydiver accelerates vertically in a head first position into a predetermined measuring zone. The measuring zone begins from 8,850 feet up to 5,570 feet. Altimeters are attached to participants during their jump to measure their average speed as they go through the measuring zone.

Skysurfing on the other hand, as the name suggest uses a board similar to that of a snowboard. The board, which is attached to the skydiver’s feet, enables him or her to do different stunts. Skydivers can land while the board are still on and slide on the ground or kick it off before landing. Skysuring can be very dangerous and only experienced skydivers engage in such sport.

BASE (Buildings, Antennas, Spans [bridges], and Earth [cliffs]) jumping involves jumping off of fixed objects. This is very dangerous because if the parachute is not deployed at the right moment the jumper will die. Base jumpers need to have sharp reflexes because they don’t have enough altitude to free fall.

They need to deploy their parachutes at the right moment because if it’s too late may lead to a bad landing that can cause grave injuries. They should also be skilled in parachute packing to make sure that it will deploy correctly and in controlling their canopies for a harmless landing.

Parachute sports can be exciting but it does involve a lot of risk. If you are interested it’s best to start with the basic and apply for a skydiving course.

There’s no doubt that the topic of Parachuting can be fascinating. If you still have unanswered questions about Parachuting, you may find what you’re looking for in the next article.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO and make sure to claim your $1 trial membership!

Parachuting

Thrill Seeker’s Guide to the Right Parachute

December 3rd, 2009
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In today’s world, it seems that almost any topic is open for debate. While I was gathering facts for this article, I was quite surprised to find some of the issues I thought were settled are actually still being openly discussed.

Parachutes are essential for skydivers, either for recreation or competition. Although skydivers across the globe are trying to land without one, this feat is not proven yet. There are many variants in parachute designs and sports.

Most enthusiasts know what they need including safety guides since they are trained. However newcomers and thrill seekers are not that aware. Before you decide to try an extreme sport you have to follow safety guides to prevent anything from going wrong.

Landing looks pretty easy for any veteran. However for a newcomer, it’s not as good option to be complacent. Selecting the right parachute will depend on what extreme sport you decide to pursue. Modern designs come in different variants and some are personalized.

Picking your parachute and buyer’s guide

The right will depend on what type of sport you embark on. The main difference lies on the canopy and the overall design of the parachute. If you plan on taking it easy you can start with skydiving or parasailing. Newcomers can enroll on skydiving clubs that will teach you the basics.

Parachutes used for skydiving are called Ram Air. They are equipped with parafoils that make them safe and easy to control. They also have two sheets that provide high pressure for better direction and stability. Parasailing on the other hand uses a parasail. It is a ParaCommander type of parachute which is a variation of the round parachute. It has suspension lines attached to the apex of the canopy.

See how much you can learn about Parachuting when you take a little time to read a well-researched article? Don’t miss out on the rest of this great information.

Ribbon and ring parachutes are used in speed skydiving. They are made to deploy at supersonic speeds. The canopy is ring shaped and the ribbons spread under extreme pressure. The canopy has a large hole in the center to release pressure.

The most common type of design among newcomers is the Ram Air parachute. Ram air parachutes can either be rectangular or tapered. They are very stable and usually used for recreational skydiving and courses. Rectangular ram air parachutes are also used for BASE jumping, canopy formation and as reserves.

BASE jumping is extreme dangerous though because you have to jumped from fixed objects. BASE stands for building, antenna, span and earth. Antennas can be towers that are uninhabited, spans can be bridges or arches, earth are cliffs or other natural formations.

The size and shape of the canopy is also important because it affects the efficacy of the parachute. The size of the canopy depends upon its payload or passenger. You have to make sure the canopy has enough capacity for your body weight. Heavy weights need larger canopies and thicker lines or cords. The weight capacity can be founding the package. Make sure that your parachute will be able to support your descent.

Knowing all of this is enough. It’s better to take courses first before attempting to make a jump. Apart from having the right parachute you also have to make sure that they are packed right. If not the main canopy may not inflate or get tangled in the lines. If they inflate too quickly the lines may break and the canopy may tear.

Having fun is good as long as you know that you are on the safe side. Surviving a fall is rare even records prove that individuals were able to do so. Make sure you have done all the safety procedures and read all the guides.

Of course, it’s impossible to put everything about Parachuting into just one article. But you can’t deny that you’ve just added to your understanding about Parachuting, and that’s time well spent.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO and make sure to claim your $1 trial membership!

Parachuting

Powered Parachutes

December 1st, 2009
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Skydiving is a popular extreme sport. However for some jumping out of a plane with only a parachute to save your life can be too risky. Although parachutes today are more stable and safer than they were decades before, fear of heights and faulty parachutes always haunt the mind and nerves of any first timer.

Wrong timing and faulty equipment can cause you falling to your death from thousands of feet in the air. Fortunately there are other options for those with faint of heart.

Fortunately powered parachutes were created. They provide a better and more controlled landing. This is a good alternative for those who are afraid of heights and don’t want to jump off a plane. Compared to skydiving they are far safer and very easy to learn.

Powered Parachutes

It’s a parachute equipped with motor and wheels. It can carry one or two passengers. It’s also considered as the most inexpensive motorized air vehicle. A new one person powered parachute costs about ten thousand dollars. A top notch two-seater on the other hand costs about fifteen to twenty thousand. A motor scooter can also be converted which costs around six thousand.

Its airspeed is twenty five to thirty five miles per hour (that’s forty to sixty kilometers per hour) and can fly of up to one thousand five hundred feet. It can also go as high as eighteen thousand feet. The world record for the lowest flight is 10 inches. It can support up to five hundred pounds. One person variants don’t need a license to operate. They can be learned in five to seven days by an average student. They only need one hundred feet (thirty kilometers) of land to be able to take off and land.

You may not consider everything you just read to be crucial information about Parachuting. But don’t be surprised if you find yourself recalling and using this very information in the next few days.

They are safer than conventional fixed wing aircrafts because they are more stable, few control inputs and less stall resistance. They can be controlled by engine or moving its steering bars. The engine controls the rate of vertical climb while the steering bars cause deflection which initiates horizontal turns.

Landings are relatively safe as long as the pilot as has a suitable landing site. They often have square wings which are more stable, resistant to stalls and chute collapse. Other designs have elliptical wings which have more air cells than the square winged variant. Most collapses are due to pilot and error.

The only setback is weather conditions. They cannot be used when wind speeds are ten to fifteen miles pre hour. Other hazards include rotors and wake turbulence crated when other aircrafts are passing by. The pilot must also avoid obstacles such as power lines, trees, and other things that can be found in low terrains.

Powered parachutes fly near the ground so it’s much safer to fly upwind of obstacles. They cannot be forced to land on water because the pilot gets tangled with the parachute.

They can be used for photography and great for sightseeing. They are also used by flight organizations such as ELLASS (Emergency Low Level Aerial Search and Surveillance). It’s a search and rescue organization. They only need small airports, yard strips and mown hay fields for take off and landing.

Powered parachutes are good alternatives for those who prefer to stay close to the ground. They can be easily learned and safe for anyone.

Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO and make sure to claim your $1 trial membership!

Parachuting

Types of Parachutes

November 23rd, 2009
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In its basic sense, a parachute is neither made for travel and sports, it was created to increase safety while descending from a certain altitude. It is a medium to delay the pull of gravity from earth when deployed form higher altitude.

In short, it makes the dropping of an item, a person or equipment vertically or diagonally slower by reducing the amount of dragging force while maintaining a balance so that the item would remain safe until it reaches the ground. Early physicists have made use of this principle and newer develops in parachuting technology led to the creation of various types of parachutes.

Early types of parachutes

Parasol type- Though not strictly called parachutes, the parasols were commonly used by performers in China to create a slow falling effect onstage.

Conical parachute ? Possibly the earliest form of parachute is the conical shaped-parachute which appeared during 1470s in Italy preceding the design conceptualized by Leonardo da Vinci. As an escape device, this type of parachute was intended to allow people to get safely on the ground from burning buildings. However, there are no written records whether this parachute was ever used for that purpose.

Pyramid Parachute ? Another design by Leonardo da Vinci, this parachute was conceptualized in Milan during the early part of 1480. It was a canopy that is supported by light wood held by a square bottom frame.

Pack-style parachute ? This is the predecessor of all parachutes that are stored in casings these days.

Once you begin to move beyond basic background information, you begin to realize that there’s more to Parachuting than you may have first thought.

Round parachutes ? A basic drag device, round parachute is used in various settings like medical missions, cargo applications and military operations. While being described commonly as round in shape, the parachute actually resembles a dome or a jellyfish. This has been among the most popular type however; present-day parachutists don’t normally use this kind of parachute.

The earliest round parachutes were circulars with flat surfaces that made them unstable, thus causing a number of deaths and injuries on parachutists. To add more stability, military round parachutes were made parabolic or conical in shape.

There are two types of round parachutes- steerable and non-steerable. Like ram-air parachutes, non-steerable parachutes can’t be maneuvered to intended direction thus this type glides only to the direction of the wind lending no control to the parachutists. However, steering is provided through cutting large holes in the edges giving relatively partial forward speed.

Square parachutes ? The cruciform design helps reduce oscillation. It is commonly used today by sport skydivers.

Ram-air parachutes ? For better control of speed and direction, ram-air parachutes allow the canopies to self-inflate. Like standard paragliders, ram-air parachutes are designed to hold, spread and lessen the tension of parachute deployment on terminal velocity.

Ribbon/Ring Parachute ? Specifically designed for supersonic speeds where ordinary parachutes would break down, this type often has a hole in the middle of the canopy to lessen the pressure as the parachute reaches the ground.

On some designs, the ring of the canopy is broken into a number of ribbons that are connected by ropes so as to allow more air to pass. The leaks in between the ribbons will diminish the pressure on the parachute so that breaking or shredding of the canopy is prevented.

These various types of parachutes are made according to the use they have and some are according to the technology the inventors had during their time.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO and make sure to claim your $1 trial membership!

Parachuting

Finding the Best Parachuting Equipment

November 21st, 2009
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The following article presents the very latest information on Parachuting. If you have a particular interest in Parachuting, then this informative article is required reading.

Undoubtedly, parachuting is among the most popular sports in its genre. Much of its popularity can be imputed to the portrayal of this dare devil sport in the movies and ads. But unfortunately, parachuting is no cheap sport.

Purchase of a brand-new complete set of equipment can really be very expensive, not to mention skydiving lessons, skydiving apparel, and the cost of an actual jump. That is why it is important to know where and how to find the best parachuting equipment for you.

The main part of your equipment is the chute system. A special backpack is used to keep two parachutes. While years ago, only one parachute is required, now skydivers are required to pack a second one in case the first parachute fails to open. This backpack has straps for your legs and chest.

You can also have an automatic activation device, a mechanism that triggers the opening of the parachute at a certain altitude if you fail to activate its opening. This fail-safe mechanism makes it an essential part of any parachuting equipment.

Generally, newbies are advised to use bigger parachutes. As one becomes more skilled, your parachute may be smaller and more responsive.

Now to purchase this equipment, there are two options for you. If you are seriously thinking of making skydiving a sport, then it is wise to invest in new gear. Or you may also purchase used ones which may be relatively cheaper but are just as durable as well.

You may not consider everything you just read to be crucial information about Parachuting. But don’t be surprised if you find yourself recalling and using this very information in the next few days.

You can browse through skydiving websites which also feature equipment for sale, or some other sites which support online purchases. Here you can see the different kinds of parachutes available. Some sites even compare the equipment by price and performance.

Some sites have forums for skydiving enthusiasts. You may post questions and read postings to give you an idea on which equipment to buy. Since these members are more knowledgeable because they are speaking through experience, it is wise to follow their advice.

You can also visit a sports shop in your locality. The good thing about visiting these shops is you are able to inspect the equipment prior to purchasing it. These stores may even put the equipment on sale or on discount during off-season. Ask their sales agents for more information on the different products.

One technique that professional skydivers do is to look for updates in the internet and then visit the local shop to personally check the equipment. Choose the best and latest equipment that you can find. Innovations in the materials used and the design make the new equipment more hard-wearing and effective than old parachutes. Also check for trends and new safety devices.

You can also purchase used equipment. Apart from the cost, another advantage of this type of equipment is that you are able to choose well by trying on different types before choosing one that you prefer the most.

Parachuting equipment, when properly used and maintained, can go a long way. Others would suggest on buying expensive gear, while others prefer buying the cheaper ones. Whatever equipment you will use, nothing beats proper inspection of your equipment before a jump.

And of course, you must know how to use them properly. Parachuting accidents can actually be avoided if one observes due diligence and gives full attention to detail.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO and make sure to claim your $1 trial membership!

Parachuting

A Brief History of Parachutes

November 18th, 2009
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The physics behind a parachute is easy to understand. But making real ones are far from easy. Making toy parachutes seem like a good idea for an easy science project but experimenting with different variations is not as easy as tying strings to a fabric. Making parachutes for use in real life takes a lot of risk and accuracy.

Before modern parachutes gave us the thrill of skydiving it took a lot of guts for early investors to design parachutes that actually work and not fall them to their death. The history of parachutes went through a lot of development and a few deaths.

The modern parachute was invented by Louis-Sébastien Lenormand in 1783. However there are earlier versions of parachutes created by a few centuries earlier. Before the silk parachute was invented, there were basic designs built that worked in the same principles.

Parachutes, past and present

The earliest form was a cloak attached to wooden struts. It was made by an Arab Muslim named Arem Firman in the 9th century. He jumped from a tower in Cordoba and suffered only minor injuries. Parasols were used in China for entertainment. It allows entertainers to jump form high places and float to the ground.

Leonardo da Vinci also sketched parachute with conical designs. It served as an escape device to enable people to jump from burning buildings. In 1617 Faust Vrancic was the first person to be able to make a successful jump with a parachute.

Jean Pierre Blanchard developed his own parachute as a means to get off a hot air balloon. His first demonstrations were done with a dog as the passenger. He later on unintentionally put his invention to the test as he escaped from his ruptured hot air balloon.

Those of you not familiar with the latest on Parachuting now have at least a basic understanding. But there’s more to come.

In the 1790′s he made a parachute out of silk which were more stringer and lighter than previously used materials. Early parachutes were made of linen with a wooden frame.

Andre Garnerin invented the vented parachute in 1797 and made a successful jump using Blanchard’s design. The vented parachute improved stability during descent. Gleb Kotelnikov invented he knapsack parachute. It was popularized by Katchlen Paulus and Paul Letterman.

The first major use of parachutes was in the military. It was by artillery spotters and pilots. Unfortunately the parachutes were heavy and pilots were not able to use it entirely. The German Air Service provided parachutes to their pilots. Unfortunately there were many setbacks that most of the pilots died when using them.

Leslie Irvin was able to invent a parachute that can be used by pilots when jumping out of an airplane in 1919. The Irvin parachute became successful leading to the creation of the Caterpillar Club.

Experiments on parachutes were continued by several countries. It was then used in surprise attacks by dropping soldiers in enemy lines in World War II. The soldiers were called paratroopers. Airborne forces and crew were trained and equipped with parachutes.

Their designs were developed and improved over time. After the war parachutes were used in skydiving which is an extreme sport. The latest parachute is called Ram-air which has the same capability of a paraglider.

It enables its passenger to control the speed and direction of the parachute for a soft landing. It’s made of nylon and uses the latest technology to prevent tearing.

Those who only know one or two facts about Parachuting can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you’re learning here.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, owner of this site as well: Wealth Upgrade Club (click to claim your FREE membership)!

Parachuting

Jump without a Parachute

November 7th, 2009
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Have you ever wondered what exactly is up with Parachuting? This informative report can give you an insight into everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Parachuting.

The use of parachutes when jumping off a plane has been customary. It’s natural to rely on these devices to get you down on earth in one piece, even Evel Knievel used one. However some people are not thrilled by skydiving anymore. It was just a matter of time before someone pushed the limits of aerodynamics and parachute skydiving. Enthusiasts have found a way to jump off the plane without the use of parachute.

Using the flying squirrel as a model, skydivers are now attempting to disembark from a plane and land safely on the ground without a parachute. Many consider this as dangerous but tests are still being done around the world. The technology is still being developed and designers refuse to divulge their own idea due to competition.

Wing suit

Jumping off an airplane without a parachute is practically stupid but many skydiving enthusiasts are all competing to be the first one. Skydiving has been a common parachute sport today. Skydivers are willing to push the limits for a world record. Some skydivers have come up with their own design to enable them accomplish the feat.

Skydivers are attempting to land by using a wing suit without the use of a parachute. Wing suits are not new. A safer modern version has been created in 1990 by Patrick de Gayardon. Since then it has been put to use by enthusiasts with the aid of parachutes.

Using the wing suit and landing without the aid of parachute is almost akin to flying which has inspired many skydivers to push their abilities to the test. The trajectory is vertical as compared to the usual skydiving which is horizontal.

The information about Parachuting presented here will do one of two things: either it will reinforce what you know about Parachuting or it will teach you something new. Both are good outcomes.

The wing suit has nylon woven tightly between the legs, arms, and torso. This creates wings that get filled with air and produce lift. The suit allows forward movement and aerial maneuvers while slowing down to descend.

Jeb Corliss, a BASE jumper, have designed his own wing suit that he thinks will enable him to land without a parachute. Currently he is still testing his design but hasn’t made any attempts to actually land using it. The first test involved jumping out of a plane, making a 270 turn and then re-enter the aircraft.

Unfortunately the first test didn’t do well; he missed the plane and was forced to land with a parachute. He plans to get funding and make the first landing on a runway that he will also design. The design will borrow from principle behind Nordic ski jumping.

Another designer has also made her own prototype wing suit. Maria von Egidy cannot test the suit herself so she employs skydivers to test them for her. She is also looking for funding and is still working on a way to land the pilot safely.

The main problem with wing suits is landing. Pilots can slow down vertical descent by 30 miles an hour but they are moving 75 miles per hour forward. Even though a pilot can manage to slow down their descent any wrong movement can be fatal. Mr. Corliss plan is to slide down while von Egidy is planning to create a form of forward brakes.

For now landing without a parachute is still in the works. Individuals may have to settle themselves with skydiving for now before they can glide through the sky like a flying squirrel.

There’s no doubt that the topic of Parachuting can be fascinating. If you still have unanswered questions about Parachuting, you may find what you’re looking for in the next article.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, owner of this excellent site: Product Profits Club (click to claim your FREE membership)

Parachuting

All About Parachuting

October 26th, 2009
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Parachuting is, as they say, not for the weak-hearted. That is why it is considered as an extreme sport. While only a handful would actually try it, there are quite many enthusiasts who enjoy it just by watching skydiving shows and exhibitions. But exactly what does parachuting and skydiving entail? Where did it originate and why is it popular even up to this day?

Parachuting has been around far longer than we thought. It traces its roots back in 852 A.D., when Arman Firman, wearing a large cloak, crashed and landed after jumping from a tower in Spain. Most did not consider this as the first parachute jump ever made, since he was only wearing a cloak. While many tried to do the first jump, the first recorded jump was in 1797, when Andre Jacques Garnerin used a silk chute after jumping off a hot-air balloon.

As airplanes have become more popular, so has the parachute. During World War II, it was used by soldiers and airplane pilots during emergencies and to transport supplies and equipment in war areas.

Since then parachutes are popularly used in shows and exhibitions. Skydivers jump out of an aircraft flying at an altitude of about 4000 meters. They free fall for a short period until a specific altitude when they activate the parachute and cause their speed to decelerate as they land. Cords are used to control direction and speed, so they are able to land at a specific spot.

Together with the rise of its popularity is the invention of its many designs, all to make the parachute stronger and safer to use. The key is to slow down the opening of the chute and minimize oscillations and sudden jerk that parachutists often feel during descend. To allow more control, holes and slots are added to the canopies. Also, with the many different uses come different designs as well. There are designs for high speed and high altitudes, cargo and sport jumping. Parafoils are also added to provide ease in “flying.”

The information about Parachuting presented here will do one of two things: either it will reinforce what you know about Parachuting or it will teach you something new. Both are good outcomes.

Usually, first-time skydivers are strapped together with a professional or experienced skydiver, who activates and controls the parachute. But after experiencing a few jumps and mastering one’s flying skills, you’ll have the courage to jump on your own until you are hooked with the sport.

The sport may seem dangerous, but surprisingly, there are lesser fatalities now. With innovations and safety measures adopted in the US and in most parts of the world, fewer deaths and accidents have occurred in the past years. Among the safety measures is the requirement of a reserved parachute, which must be inspected by a certified parachute rigger.

Also, an automatic activation device or AAD is used to activate the reserve parachute at a specific altitude should the skydiver fails to activate it. Altimeters, both visual and audible ones, are also used to let the skydiver know the altitude he’s in during a jump.

Anyone can experience parachuting and skydiving, for a thousand and one reasons. But before doing your first jump, make sure that you learn the basics and safety measures that this dangerous sport demands. And as any professional skydiver or trainer may tell you, always remain calm and enjoy the moment.

After all, the thrilling, exhilarating feeling is what brings people to love this sport.

That’s the latest from the Parachuting authorities. Once you’re familiar with these ideas, you’ll be ready to move to the next level.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO to claim your $1 trial membership!

Parachuting