1. What is Wing Loading?

Wing loading (WL) in skydiving refers to the total weight supported by the parachute divided by the surface area of the canopy. It's a crucial factor that affects the performance characteristics of your parachute.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the wing loading formula:

Where:

• \( WL \) — Wing loading (lb/ft²)
• \( \text{Jumper Weight} \) — Your body weight in pounds
• \( \text{Gear Weight} \) — Weight of your gear in pounds
• \( \text{Canopy Size} \) — Size of your parachute in square feet

Explanation: The equation calculates how much weight each square foot of your parachute must support during descent.

3. Importance of Wing Loading

Details: Wing loading affects opening characteristics, descent rate, maneuverability, and landing speed. Higher wing loading means faster flight and landings but requires more skill to handle.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your body weight in pounds, gear weight in pounds, and canopy size in square feet. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical wing loading range?
A: Beginners typically use 0.7-1.0 lb/ft², intermediates 1.0-1.4 lb/ft², and advanced jumpers may use 1.5-2.0+ lb/ft².

Q2: How does wing loading affect performance?
A: Higher wing loading means faster forward speed, steeper glide angle, and faster landings, but requires more precise control.

Q3: Should I include my rig weight in gear weight?
A: Yes, include all equipment you'll be wearing during the jump (harness, container, AAD, etc.).

Q4: How does wing loading affect openings?
A: Higher wing loading can result in more dynamic openings that need to be managed carefully.

Q5: When should I consider increasing my wing loading?
A: Only after mastering canopy control at your current wing loading and consulting with experienced instructors.