2005 CF World Record
Big Formations/Fast Formations
(Speed is our friend!)


Canopy Formation record camps in 2002 and 2003 proved to be far more successful than we could have imagined, not only from the safe completion of the planned formations each year but also from the knowledge that was gained during these events. One of the most important things that we have learned is quite simply fast flying formations are typically healthy and therefore safer than a slower flying formation. The trick is how to engineer and build a fast flying healthy formation.

In order to keep the formation flying fast we will continue to implement the prescribed wing loading, line sets, sliders and jumpsuits that we used at the 2003 event as described at the end of this article, however we will also be implementing several other items that will help keep the formation flying fast and help improve our breakdown and starburst methods. (On and engineering note, we have increased the size of the people and canopies in our base which will greatly improve the solidity and glide ratio of the formation.)


Items that will be required of the 2005 world record attendees:

Kill Cones (or a deployment bag with a #8 grommet)
To continue to decrease drag or oscillations it will be necessary to have a kill cone or a deployment bag with a #8 grommet. The kill cone, which is simply a round piece of fabric with a #8 grommet in the center, will cover the pilot chute after opening and keep it from inflating. This inflation causes a slight amount of drag and can also cause the canopy to slightly oscillate. If this happens to a large number of canopies the additive effect can have some very serious adverse effects on the formation. (The deployment bag with a #8 grommet does the same thing.)

Sliders
In an effort to keep the formation as quiet as possible we will be requiring mesh or X sliders for this event.

Spider Sliders (also known as X sliders)
In an effort to speed up the center area of the formation we will supply some of the people with a spider slider once their position has been chosen. (If you have any additional spider sliders please bring them with you to the event.)

Mesh Sliders
Everyone else is required to have a mesh slider with the leading edge folded to reduce vibration. It is an easy 1 minute modification. Fold the leading edge tape in half at the center and sew at an angle towards the grommet tapering to no fold then back to the center and on to the other corner and back to the center. It's that easy and makes the slider totally quiet.

Radios
This year we will be transmitting the complete, breakdown, and/or starburst with radios. Therefore each person will need to have a helmet equipped with a radio and earpiece/speaker. The radio should have the following specifications.
1) 22 channels X 38 "Privacy Codes"
2) Headphone/Earphone jack
3) Keypad locking feature
4) No more than a 6 Mile Range


Items that were required of the 2003 world record attendees:

Wing Loading
This year we will be using a wing loading of 1.300 - 1.375 lbs/sq ft. Wing loading is calculated by dividing your total exit weight by the size of your canopy. The following chart gives the appropriate exit weights for the given canopy sizes. If you fall between the shown weights of 2 different canopies then it will be necessary to wear some weight to get you in the range of the next size up canopy.

Canopy Min Max
Size (Lbs) (Lbs)
113 147 155
126 164 173
143 186 196
160 208 220
176 229 242
193 251 265
218 283 299

Line Sets
Performance Designs has spent many hours working with us do determine what line sets work better for building large canopy formations. We are also currently testing ways in which we can speed up the formation in order to maintain its health and avoid cupping.

Following are the requirements for line sets:

We will be using PD's Sequential line set trim!
Line lengths for the given sizes are listed in the chart below.

Canopy Line
Size Length (feet)

113 8
126 8 1/2
143 9
160 9 1/2
176 10
193 10 1/2
218 11


Jumpsuits

In an effort to keep the formation flying as fast as possible jumpsuits will be required. The specifications for jumpsuits will be as follows:

1) No grippers or RW booties
2) Nylon front
3) Spandex on sides and back to keep the front pulled tight
4) Spandex arms
5) Reinforced knees and seat (if desired)


In closing I would like to stress that we are continuing to do everything we can to keep the formation flying as fast as possible, as this will help keep the formation as healthy as possible. We will continue to try and minimize our risk while building large canopy formations as we work towards our goal of a 100-way in the future.

Best Regards,
Chris J. Gay

To download a Microsoft Word document containing the above items that we will be requiring of all the world record attendees, click on the following link: 2005CFWREquipment.doc