Articles & More at WVB.net

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.

How can you put a limit on learning more? The next section may contain that one little bit of wisdom that changes everything.

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.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest site: Power Copy Club to claim your FREE membership!

Parachuting

If you’re seriously interested in knowing about Parachuting, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about Parachuting.

Parachuting is an exciting recreational activity. Apart from that there are also courses to enable you to engage in different parachute sports. There are many parachute schools in the world. Most of them have state of the art facilities, equipments and licensed trainers that will be there when you make your first jump. There are different course available for newcomers. The courses will depend on levels of difficulty.

Newcomers can choose to enroll in different courses. Graduate students can then decide if they ant to pursue skydiving more seriously and compete in a sport. Most of the time graduates become enamored with the activity and become competitors or instructors. Other people who wish to just experience the thrill of it can book for tandem jumping.

Parachute school

Parachuting became a popular sport when parachutes became safer for public use. Many enthusiasts would meet in a drop zone and later on skydive. Due to the thrill and excitement it provides it gained popularity among the masses. Enthusiasts who wish to push the limits of extreme sports created skydiving, along with its many variants.

Parachute organizations would host events and competitions which were held in local, national and international levels. This in turn initiated the start of parachute schools who offer training and courses.

There are many parachute schools scattered all over the globe. Their courses are pretty much the same. There are courses available for serious skydivers who want to pursue a sport or want to get a license as an instructor.

So far, we’ve uncovered some interesting facts about Parachuting. You may decide that the following information is even more interesting.

These schools are popular for thrill seekers. It’s not an intensive course but you will still receive lessons from your instructor that could take 30 minutes to 1 hour. This course is called tandem jumping. You will be jumping with your instructor in a dual harness. The whole jump, from take off to landing takes about 25 minutes.

You will free fall in 40 seconds and 5 minutes under the parachute. Your instructor will deploy and control the parachute for a safe landing. The student doesn’t really need to do anything except enjoy the scenery.

Other courses are accelerated free fall and static line jump. In static line jump the trainee jumps from 3,500 feet and their parachute is automatically opened. Trainees will have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and provide light landings. The accelerated free fall is much more intensive than the first two. The ground training takes up to 6 hours. Trainees have to go through 6 levels.

A trainee will jump out of a plane from 13,000 feet with two instructors. Unlike tandem jumping the instructor will be by your side and you have your own parachute. The instructors then will use hand signals to communicate with you that was taught during ground training. After 4 or 5 minutes you will deploy your own parachute and land with radio assistance.

Both of these courses serve as an entry to a progression system. This system classifies trainees according to their experience. These categories have 8 levels. The first one is completing a basic training course and the last is becoming a qualified solo skydiver. The duration of free falls and altitude gets higher as trainees progress.

These levels are different from accelerated free falling though so you must take that course first. Trainees may also have to make consolidation jumps before entering category 8.

I hope that reading the above information was both enjoyable and educational for you. Your learning process should be ongoing–the more you understand about any subject, the more you will be able to share with others.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, still having the Free Adsense Templates available for instant download

Parachuting

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.

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.

It’s really a good idea to probe a little deeper into the subject of Parachuting. What you learn may give you the confidence you need to venture into new areas.

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, still having the Free Adsense Templates available for instant download

Parachuting

Imagine the next time you join a discussion about Parachuting. When you start sharing the fascinating Parachuting facts below, your friends will be absolutely amazed.

After World War I and II parachutes were used for different purposes. Pushing the limits of extreme sports, new variants of parachuting was created. The origin of skydiving in uncertain but its popularity later on led to different sports and events around the world.

Others engage in this activity for thrills, while serious skydivers join competitions around the world. Parachuting sports are also included in the Olympics which made it not just another recreational activity for adrenaline junkies. Parachute skydiving comes in different variants.

Most of these variants are still related to skydiving with certain modifications. Parachutes come in different designs which make them accessible for different uses. There are many Parachuting organizations that hold events for their members.

Parachute skydiving

There are many sports that are related to parachuting. Most people are aware of skydiving as a recreational activity an extreme sport. However there are also other variants that parachute enthusiast engage in. Most of theses sports involve a lot of skill and requires proper training. They test the ability of the pilot to control their parachutes at different levels.

One of the variants is the Accuracy landing. The main objective is to land as close as possible to a target. Teams are composed of 5 members that compete in 8 rounds. The members of the team jump together from 2,700 feet to 3,300 feet. Each member should land as close as possible or exactly dead center of the target. The score is measured from the dead center in meters. Scores are added each round. They considered as individual and team scores.

So far, we’ve uncovered some interesting facts about Parachuting. You may decide that the following information is even more interesting.

Blade running involves participants flying down a mountain and making their way through slalom courses using their parachutes. Pilots use a different kind of parachute that gives them more speed. These parachutes have smaller surface areas. This requires a lot of ability in canopy control. It’s a winter sport which is a cross between slalom skiing and skydiving. Its inventor is hoping that it will get featured in the winter X games.

Canopy formation is another variant wherein participants built formations. This is done by flying their own parachutes close to each other and docking on their teammate’s parachutes. This may sound easy but it takes a lot of coordination and timing to be able to complete a formation.

If one of the team makes a mistake, the formation will break. Free falling is does not offer much time too and members should be very well coordinated and organized to be able to accomplish a good formation.

Freeflying is another form of skydiving wherein the skydiver makes different positions which increases speed. This enables the skydiver to perform different routines and formations. Besides the conventional belly-to-earth position, they also do sit flying, back flying, head up or down flying, and side flying. This can be dangerous because they increase the speed of the skydiver. Participants have to make the box position at the right moment to slow down and be able to deploy their parachutes.

These are some of the variations of parachute skydiving. They often range from potentially risky to extremely dangerous activities. Participants should take their corresponding courses undergoing any type of parachute sport.

After all, if anything fails while you’re up in the air you can fall down to your death. There’s a difference between taking a risk and inviting danger.

Now that wasn’t hard at all, was it? And you’ve earned a wealth of knowledge, just from taking some time to study an expert’s word on Parachuting.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, still letting you get Free Adsense Websites – every month!

Parachuting

Who doesn’t enjoy a skydiving exhibition? The formation and techniques that experienced skydivers do as they jump, free fall and slowly descend can be breathtaking for the average spectator. If it is exciting for the audience, then it is no doubt twice as exciting for the skydiver himself.

But while most skydivers focus on perfecting their skills and using the best and latest equipment, some of them neglect another important aspect of skydiving. This is the parachuting gear.

The basic parachuting gear is the jumpsuit. Others use a wing suit. Any skydiver will tell you the importance of a jumpsuit. Imagine if one wears jeans and a tank top during a dive. The clothes would well be torn into pieces because of the pressure from the winds. A jumpsuit protects you from the winds, sun and other elements.

It also protects you as you land. Not all landings are perfect. Others land on their back, or your parachute can be caught in a tree, causing you to bruise against the branches. A good jumpsuit must be able to protect you from scratches, cuts and bruises.

Aside from the jumpsuit, other pieces which a skydiver must have include protective gear. Helmet, padding and spinal protector are just among the few gadgets that you must wear. Choose the gear that would best suit you.

In choosing the right gear, choose one which is made of some durable material, one that does not easily tear or break when exposed to heavy winds. It must also be heat-resistant and waterproof.

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

Also, make sure that the suit fits you well. A suit that is too tight restricts your movement, aside from the fact that it may break or tear upon pressure. One that is too loose may also open easily when subjected to strong winds.

There are some sports shops or specialty shops which sell these types of apparel. You may also visit some websites and make an online purchase. Seek advice from your trainer or other professional skydivers as to which apparel or style is better in terms of performance and cost.

If you want a perfect-fitting jumpsuit, you can have it tailor-made. There are some tailoring shops which specialize in making skydiving gear. Although this may be a little more costly than the ready-made ones, the comfort that a perfect-fitting jumpsuit brings to the user is priceless.

While a new jumpsuit may be ideal, for those who are in a tight budget, there are also used materials that you can find. Ask the sales person from your local sports store or some specialty shop if they have any second-hand apparel for sale. Or your new friends in the skydiving club may have some extra gear that they can sell to you.

Because of the forces of nature that a skydiver is exposed to, it is therefore important to invest on some hard-wearing parachuting gear. The gear need not be expensive. The important thing to consider is your comfort and your safety. The gear must be able to protect you as you go through the experience of skydiving.

And it must be comfortable so that you will enjoy the experience. Otherwise, all the skydiving lessons and practice that you did will be put to waste if you don’t wear the perfect gear during the dive.

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, still letting you get Unlimited Web Hosting from ONLY $1/month

Parachuting

Imagine the next time you join a discussion about Parachuting. When you start sharing the fascinating Parachuting facts below, your friends will be absolutely amazed.

Anyone, except the agoraphobics maybe, have at sometime dreamt of flying. A few of us have followed this dream only to find out that flying an airplane is more like driving a truck.

However, other people sought other avenues of flying like skydiving and parachuting. Well if you are still contemplating this dream, you might consider driving a car in the sky.

Powered parachute is more like maneuvering a family car above the land, only you have flexible wings. It is a recreational activity which combines parachute wing technology with an engine.

Advantages of getting a powered parachute:

It requires no license ? You surely have to train for several hours on how to operate this kind of parachute but you don’t have to earn a considerable amount of experience or pass a number of qualifications before you are able to drive one like this. In fact, there is no need to get a pilot’s license since this machine is classified as an ultra light vehicle.

It is relatively inexpensive ? When compared to jets or airplanes, it is doubtless that this type of parachute is a lot more inexpensive. The price of a parachute like this usually runs around the price of family car. The regular maintenance is such that you would not pay more than $1,000 a year. Also, it runs on premium auto oil.

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.

It is convenient ? Unlike other powered aircrafts, this parachute does not need a runway to take off from or to land on, and a considerable stretch of smooth field will do.

It is easy to operate ? Its popularity could be largely attributed to how easy it could be operated. If you are a car driver, chances are you could learn to drive this one too.

It is safe ? The sports type of parachuting, while categorized as an extreme sport, does not necessarily mean that it has high injury or fatality rate. In fact, there are only around 30 plus people in every 100,000 who die in this type of sports. The same is true when in powered parachuting. In fact, this is the safest aircraft used in recreation available.

The deployment of the canopy is not really a problem since the aircraft would not leave the ground if this does not open, the aircraft does not stall and it is fairly stable due to the pendulum effect of the hanging cart. In case the engine dies, the aircraft was designed to glide safely to the ground.

It provides the experience of flying ? Not everyone has the money to rent his private jet or to fly his own airplane but anyone who has the capacity to buy a second or a third car could buy an aircraft that will let him explore the sky. The handler can fly as high as the engine allows and as low as “just above the ground”.

You could fly at around 10,000 ft and glide down or just hover around the treetops to indulge in the view down below. Top this with the constant speed of 30 mph which will allow you to enjoy the experience without worrying too much on whether you are going too fast or too slow.

Power parachutes have their inherent advantages which were designed exactly for people who once dreamt of flying. If you can’t tolerate the adrenaline rush of sky diving or BASE jumping, perhaps this recreational aircraft could be a good choice for you.

If you’ve picked some pointers about Parachuting that you can put into action, then by all means, do so. You won’t really be able to gain any benefits from your new knowledge if you don’t use it.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, who just joined this Free Website Traffic generation site

Parachuting

We all know what parachutes are for. They are very to make as a science project. However the science behind a parachute is not as easy as you think. There are key factors that you have to consider. Experimenting may take a bit of patience if you intend to study them seriously.

They came in different sizes and designs. For a parachute to able to work in real life, actually takes accuracy and extra caution, after all lives are at risk.

Modern designs have come along way compared to their earlier forms. The very first modern parachute was invented in 1783 but there were also earlier forms. Several individuals have dared to take the leapt to test their designs. Some were successful but some lost their lives due to poor designs and setbacks.

Science behind the parachute

The earlier forms were made of fabric and wooden struts. Most of these were conical shaped. At that time the parachute was only intended for entertainment. It was later on conceived as an escape device two years after the modern parachute was invented.

It was used to get off a hot air balloon. Later developments lead to the use of silk, vented parachute and knapsack parachutes. After successful jumps it was then used in the military during World War I and II.

Nowadays it is more popularly used for extreme sports such as skydiving. The main idea behind it is that the parachute slows down a falling object. It does this by creating a drag or air resistance. When the parachute canopy is deployed the air molecules move farther out creating drag. The more drag that is created the slower the object falls down.

Sometimes the most important aspects of a subject are not immediately obvious. Keep reading to get the complete picture.

The drag or air resistance depends on the surface area of the object. Parachute canopies have large surface area which creates enough drag for its passenger. Shapes also have an effect on the efficiency of the parachute. Modern designs have rectangular or tapered shapes.

Tapered parachutes are in parachute sports. They have more fabric cells to enable more control and speed. Rectangular ones on the other hand are used for recreation. The safer and more frequently used in training programs for students.

Parachutes must also be packed correctly for it to deploy properly. If the canopy deploys too quickly it may rip and/or hurt the skydiver. The canopy may get tangled with the lines or does not inflate. The lines may also break. Due to this sliders were added in Ram air parachutes to slow down the opening of the canopy.

Modern designs also have a rip cord and zero porosity technology. The ripcord enables the parachute to deploy correctly and the zero porosity prevents air from passing through the nylon fabric.

There are variations to the modern design because of parachute sports. BASE jumpers use a different design when compared to paragliders. Different designs play a role in the efficiency of the parachute.

All in all the efficiency of the parachute will depend in the materials, design and how it is packed. Reserve parachutes are also available when the main canopy fails. Let’s just hope that it will deploy correctly this time.

Parachutes are packed by their own skydivers and reserves are packed by riggers. The science behind parachute is important to make sure that you are informed on what is supposed to happen.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, who just joined this Free Website Traffic generation site

Parachuting

Parachutes have gone through a lot of developments and use. Its purposes are not just escape devices. After the World War I and II more developments to its design lead it to be used for other purposes such as sports and recreation.

Parachutes are safer than they were decades ago, which garnered the interest of thrill seekers and extreme sport enthusiasts. Although the parachute is the main focus, other accessories such as the pants are also equally important. Parachute pants have also been associated with the 80′s.

The pants are used to go along with the parachute. Other designs include jumpsuits and wing suits. The design depends on its purposes. Companies make different prototypes that can be used in different kind of sports. They are also associated with the clothing trend during the 80′s and MC hammer.

Pants for jumping and breakdancing

Parachute pants are made of ripstop nylon. This type of fabric is water repellent and lightweight. They have interweaving ripstop threads that are reinforced in a crosshatch pattern. This enables the pants to resist ripping or tearing. This type of fabric was also used to replace silk that were originally used in making parachutes in World War II.

Now that we’ve covered those aspects of Parachuting, let’s turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered.

These pants can be custom made and are made to fit the wearer. Companies have their own sizing system and use the customer’s measurements to make one. Typically, they have standard features such as elasticized waistband, crocodile closing system, zip front fly and Velcro knee reinforcements. They can be matched with a top.

They also became popular in American culture in the 80′s because of breakdancing. Breakdancers used nylon to make their own trousers and jumpsuits. This enables them to do fast and intricate routines that they call “downrock” without tearing their pants. It also decreases the friction to be able to do speedy moves. The use of nylon and its large baggy cut resembled parachute pants. It was then later on labeled as parachute pants.

They gained more popularity when they were used by hip hop artists. This time they were light weight, loose fitted, and styled with excessive zippers, folds and pockets. The baggy cut and folds creates a visual effect which enhances the rhythm of the dancer’s moves. The pockets are not really usable and are merely used to add another zipper or another superficial feature to the pants. They are designed with bright colors, neon patterns, and Middle Eastern prints which are different from its predecessors made by breakdancers.

These pants went out of style in the 90′s. They were rather mocked by people as an emblem of the era of excess which was the 80′s. They did make a comeback though but they were used by individuals in the Rave scene. Unlike before they became functional and the many pockets were put to use.

They have a zipper in the calf to vent the leg for cooling in hot dance floors or remove the lower part of the pants. The design and materials are similar to the ones in the 80′s but more usable. They were called “Phat Pants.”

Parachute pants, along with body position, enhance skydiving and play a big role when competing in sports. There are many companies that manufacture this type of clothing. They can also add drag and play a role in the aerodynamics of skydiving and other parachute sports.

Now might be a good time to write down the main points covered above. The act of putting it down on paper will help you remember what’s important about Parachuting.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, who just joined this Free Website Traffic generation site

Parachuting

If you’re seriously interested in knowing about Parachuting, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about Parachuting.

The parachute is the most important thing when you’re jumping off an aircraft. The idea of jumping without one is practically stupid. Other skydivers are still finding a way to land on the ground without one by using wing suits.

No one in there right mind would jump out of an airplane without a parachute but when your thousands of feet up in the air there is still potentials for danger. Something can go when you’re training, just for the thrill of it, or while in an airplane. Fortunately there are ways that you can survive without a parachute.

Airline disasters and failed parachutes can still happen. In this situation you’re free falling up in the air without a parachute to help you land safely. Skydiving may look fun in photographs, and the people look like they are having the time of their lives but real life isn’t always picture perfect. You don’t have to be paranoid but being mentally alert doesn’t hurt.

Unplanned freefall and survival

You are about to make the first jump in your life or finally put those skydiving lesson to use. Everything is going well. You have applied proper body position and are currently on free fall. Your fear starts to subside and realized what a fool you are for acting like a coward when your feet were on solid ground. You initiate the deployment sequence and then suddenly something goes wrong.

In this situation your main canopy either fails to inflate, get tangled in the line or tore apart. Thinking back to your lessons, you deploy the reserve. Unfortunately the reserve does not work and you’re left pretty much free falling in the sky.

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 first thing that you have to do is to stop panicking and think. Skydivers get off the plane at 12,000 feet above the ground. During free fall you’re going at 125 miles per hour. At 125 miles per hour you’re going to travel at 12,000 feet in one minute.

You only have 60 seconds to come up with a plan. The next thing to do is look for something that may break your fall or at least reduce the impact. Look for a body of water and dive. Make sure that the water will be deep enough.

If there’s no water look for trees. Look for a conifer type of tree such as a redwood. If there are no trees and the suburbs loom ahead try to land on the roof of an RV or mobile home.

In other cases when an airline disaster strikes, there are also ways that you can survive the ordeal. It’s natural to panic at 35,000 feet, but don’t lose hope, because at 15,000 feet you will get your chance. First look for parachutes that may be lying around in the cargo hold or any piece of wreckage that’s flat and aerodynamically suitable.

In other cases you may still be in your seat while free falling. Get off and look for trees. A tree with an excurrent growth pattern is ideal. You can also use snow and steer yourself to land by putting your arms at your sides.

If those options are not available the last resort would be landing at your side so that 5 parts of your body equally absorb the shock.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, who just launched this URL Shortening Service, working exactly like TinyURL.com!

Parachuting

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.

It may not be much but making a parachute could be a very fun activity, both for the exercise of knowledge on aerodynamics , or maybe some things more about physics and just for the sheer fun of it. Also, it is a good alternative to common toys seen in the market today.

Introduction

A parachute is a device which uses the effect of drag to slow down its descent from high latitudes. It was invented by a man named Louis-S?bastien Lenormand during 1783 and is not used both for military and recreational activities. Its general design includes a canopy that is made of a lightweight fabric that supports the suspension lines and is supported by tapes. Similar materials are used in almost all forms of parachutes.

Here are three modifications on making a parachute.

Parachute Model No. 1

Materials needed:

A piece of lightweight cloth, preferably 30 cm sq (handkerchief, bandana or scarf could be used)
A weight (could be a small toy, a metal washer or any piece of small item that could give sufficient weight to the parachute)
4 pieces of 40 cm long strings

Instructions:

Using the overhand knot, tie each corner of the lightweight cloth. Afterwards, tie each string to the inner edge of the knot allowing the bulk of the knot to stop the string to slip off. Collect all strings in one hand and pull the center of the cloth using the fingers. Again using an overhand knot, tie all the ends of the strings together allowing, as much as possible don’t leave a space at the end of the strings.

Finally, attach the weight to the parachute. If you are using a washer, use a lark’s head knot. To test the mini parachute, try dropping it from shoulders’ height. Make the necessary adjustments to achieve better gliding motion.

Parachute Model No. 2

If your Parachuting facts are out-of-date, how will that affect your actions and decisions? Make certain you don’t let important Parachuting information slip by you.

Materials needed:

A polythene bag (I possible make use of a stretchy polythene bag)
Four one-foot long stings
A paper clip
Modeling clay

Instructions:

Cut a 12 by 12 inch sq from the polythene bag. Make a hole on each side of the square. Tie the strings to all sides of the hole, making the length of all strings as uniformed as possible then tie the free ends of the strings using an overhand knot. Attach a paper clip to the tied ends. Meanwhile, make a small model of a person using clay. Estimate the size as to the weight capacity of the parachute. Attach the person to the paper clip. Afterwards, cut a small hole at the center of the parachute about 1 by 1 cm in diameter.

To test the mini parachute, the handler should hold the toy on its plastic part and drop it from the highest elevation possible using a chair or a table. Refrain from using this toy outdoors since the wind would easily damage the parachute.

Parachute Model No. 3

Materials needed:

A handkerchief or a paper napkin
14 inch fishing line or strings
Markers or crayons for design
Cork

Instructions:

Make the necessary design, if using a paper napkin try to be a bit more careful while designing. Clip one end of the strings together then tie the other end to each of the side of the handkerchief or paper napkin, tie them tightly.

If cutting holes at the edges of the handkerchief is possible, it is recommendable to make a hole on each side and attach the strings to them. Next, tie the cork to the dangling end of the strings. Finally, test the parachute.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, who just launched this URL Shortening Service, working exactly like TinyURL.com!

Parachuting