Canopy Collisions

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A USPA Safety Day Presentation

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(OK, NOT Practical)

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150 feet
150 feet
3 Seconds
300 feet

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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.

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900 feet bare minimum
4-way group
8-way group

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(Direction of ground winds will also play a large role in separation requirements)

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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.

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Landing Area
Wind Direction

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Wind Direction

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Canopy Collision Fatalities
1999-2017
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
1999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017
Thanks to Professor John Kallend for use of his separation formulas!