Canopy Formation record camps in 2002, 2003 and 2005 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 2003/2005 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.)

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.)

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.)

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 for the event will be furnished by the committee. They also will come with a standard ear bud type headset. You may bring your own ear piece or headphone mounted inside your helmet. The plug must be the standard 3.5 millimeter STEREO plug. (the mono plug will not work at all) You will also want to think about how to mount the radio to yourself.

          

                         Wing Loading 1.30                 Wing Loading 1.375
                         Minimum Exit Weight            Maximum Exit Weight
Canopy Size           (pounds/kilos)                        (pounds/kilos)

        113                     147/66                              155/70
        126                     164/74                              173/78
        143                     186/84                              197/89
        160                     208/94                              220/99
        176                     229/103                            242/109
        193                     251/113                            265/120
        218                     283/128                            300/135

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.

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