1300 E. International Speedway Blvd • DeLand, FL 32724 USA Tel: +1.386.738.2224 • Fax: +1.734.8297 • www.performancedesigns.com Frequently asked questions: 1. I’m just starting out with accuracy. What do I need to know, and where do I begin? The Zero is designed to operate in the slowest of flight regimes, so it’s a fundamentally safe, predictable canopy. However, since it’s designed for the most elite level of precision accuracy, you’ll find it’s unlike any student canopy you ever jumped, and totally unlike the faster, more maneuverable canopies you’ve probably jumped since getting your A­license. As a precision accuracy parachute, the Zero has a unique set of flight characteristics that take some getting used to. There are two important things that will be most noticeable. First is you’ll find steering forces are much higher than recreational parachutes (this is true for all accuracy canopies), so if you hear that the toggle pressure on the Zero is “lighter”, that would be in reference to other accuracy canopies, NOT in relation to a recreational sport canopy. Second, due to the nature of precision accuracy, it is extremely important not to attempt to load your Zero the way you may choose to load, for instance, a Sabre2. The nature of precision accuracy canopies, when landing on a tuffet, is to discontinue your forward movement when applying the brakes. Now here’s the important part, this input doesn’t necessarily discontinue or slow the descent of the Zero the way you may have come to expect from your standard ZP sport canopy. If you’ve never jumped an accuracy parachute before, seek professional instruction or get coaching from expert accuracy jumpers before you attempt accuracy with your Zero. In addition, read the Zero Owners’ Manual thoroughly. Give special attention to performance characteristics. 2. Should I pro­pack or side­pack my Zero? We recommend that you side­pack. See the Zero packing manual. 3. What harness/container do you recommend for shooting accuracy with the Zero?
MAN­033 REV.0 Page 1 of 9 1300 E. International Speedway Blvd • DeLand, FL 32724 USA Tel: +1.386.738.2224 • Fax: +1.734.8297 • www.performancedesigns.com In the U.S., several manufacturers make harness/container systems for accuracy, including Rigging Innovations Classic Pro 3.0, North American Aerodynamics Centaurus, Jump Shack Racer, and Sunrise Wings. In Europe, Parachutes de France (now a subdivision of Zodiac) and the German manufacturer Spekon make accuracy harnesses. We suggest you find experienced accuracy jumpers and ask them what they recommend. Your accuracy harness should have the 3­rings mounted high on the main lift web, so that you hang upright, not leaning back. Select a harness with diagonal straps or a container design that forces you against the chest strap and main support webbing (see figure 1, below). Figure 1 – Correct Harness Position: Not This This 4. What about the jumpsuit? The fabric should be snug from knees to ankles. No loose material blocking your view of the shoe. Many accuracy jumpers wear “short suits” in warm weather. 5. I understand accuracy jumpers use special shoes. Why? To hit a 2cm electronic dot, the heel of the shoe be sharp, with a small radius. The strike point should just be visible, not hidden under the heel cup and not protruding way out. Soccer shoes and racing flats (shoes with thin soles) generally make good accuracy shoes. Talk to an accuracy jumper and ask where s/he has his shoes modified. Northway Shoes in Pittsburgh, PA, and Da BootShop in Fayetteville, NC are two North American shoe shops that modify shoes for accuracy. A good shoe is to precision accuracy what a good putter is to golf. Make sure you have one that works for you! Modified thin­soled athletic shoe:
MAN­033 REV.0 Page 2 of 9 1300 E. International Speedway Blvd • DeLand, FL 32724 USA Tel: +1.386.738.2224 • Fax: +1.734.8297 • www.performancedesigns.com 6. What about toggles & gloves? Can’t I use the soft handles I’m used to? You can, but we recommend hard, hollow toggles with a slightly offset hole. It’s more comfortable holding higher brake forces, and provides superior ergonomics. Combined with thin leather gloves, hard toggles will provide the best "feel" when piloting your Zero. An illustration of our custom toggle, available as an option:
MAN­033 REV.0 Page 3 of 9 1300 E. International Speedway Blvd • DeLand, FL 32724 USA Tel: +1.386.738.2224 • Fax: +1.734.8297 • www.performancedesigns.com 7. Any recommendations regarding glasses & goggles? You need 20/20 or better vision to shoot good accuracy. You should be able to see the pad at 1000 feet. If your eyes water excessively, wear goggles. Many top accuracy jumpers wear goggles through landing to reduce blinking on short final. If you wear glasses, you'll want to wear goggles on misty or rainy days. It's hard to see through water spots! 8. I’m having trouble with excessive brake pressure, and I can’t seem to stop in full brakes. Am I a weakling, or is there something wrong with my parachute? To a degree, high brake pressure is actually a desired characteristic of an accuracy parachute, so it’s a good idea to build up your arm strength. However, if steering forces still seem too high, then most likely you are above optimum wing loading (see the tables) and need to raise the nose. See “Fine­Tuning your Zero” for specific instructions. 9. I’ve never flown accuracy before. What kind of pattern should I fly with my Zero? Again, if you are new to accuracy, you should get professional instruction and coaching from experienced accuracy jumpers. There’s more to an accuracy pattern than the typical recreational pattern, where you are primarily concerned with merging with other traffic and landing safely in the same (sometimes even downwind) direction. As a start, here’s a diagram of the general accuracy pattern, with plan view and final approach angles. Figure 2 ­ Pattern and Angles:
MAN­033 REV.0 Page 4 of 9 1300 E. International Speedway Blvd • DeLand, FL 32724 USA Tel: +1.386.738.2224 • Fax: +1.734.8297 • www.performancedesigns.com SPOT I ND
NW
D OW
M AL
N OR
2500' PLAN VIEW E /BAS
FINAL ANGLE UP 300' 60° HIGH WIND 4M/S SLIDING FINAL 45° S­TURNS (1M/S) WIND@1000' WINDLINE 85°­90° (7M/S) OUT DOWNWIND HIGH WIND PATTERN 300' CIRCLE FINAL LOW WIND PATTERN BASE 150 350 WIND FINAL 300/350 0 300/300 1 250/300 2 200/300 3 M/S 150/300 4 100/300 5 50/200 6 25/150 7 0 LOW MED CONVERSION 1M/S= 2 MPH 7M/S= 16 MPH HIGH WIND A good pattern starts with a good spot. Unlike “green light” mass exits, on accuracy jumps, it’s important that you exit on the wind line and the right distance from the target; hence, you should know the upper winds, mid­level (3000 ft. to 300 ft.) winds, and surface winds, and make your exit accordingly. Almost all serious accuracy DZs throw out a streamer on the first load; a streamer drop always begins any significant accuracy competition. Once you’ve stowed your slider (put it behind your head) and released your brakes, you should maneuver (crabbing, S­turns, holding and running) so as to stay fairly close to the wind line. Don’t wear your arms out with heavy braking—keep your strength for final. Maneuver to position yourself for a wind check at about 1000 feet. The stronger the wind, the further upwind this check must occur—as much as 2000 feet upwind in high winds. On the wind check, face into the wind, flying in half brakes, and check your penetration. The Zero’s half­brake airspeed (your hands will be about "ear level") is approximately 6m/s (13 mph). Use this information to gauge the winds. For example, if your groundspeed is nil, then the winds you are facing are approximately the same. Consistently make this check and you will soon become proficient at estimating the winds you'll face on final.
MAN­033 REV.0 Page 5 of 9 1300 E. International Speedway Blvd • DeLand, FL 32724 USA Tel: +1.386.738.2224 • Fax: +1.734.8297 • www.performancedesigns.com Now turn downwind at half brakes. Start your base turn so as to end up behind the target on the windline and correct angle for the winds. Figure 2 lists "set up" points based on a starting altitude of 300 feet for your final approach. Depicted is the 45­ degree approach angle for nil/light winds—starting at 300 feet up and 300 feet out. If the winds are strong, you’ll actually begin your approach upwind of the target, sliding sideways to a steep position only slightly (25 feet or less) behind the target. 10. I’ve watched accuracy canopies; they seem to fly impossibly steep approaches. What are they doing, and why? What you have observed is the parabolic or "round off" approach. It evolved as a reliable way to safely achieve a steep arrival on target (you would never fly such a steep approach if your intent is a stand­up landing). A steep angle is best for accurate foot placement, i.e., it’s best for scoring effectiveness on the electronic scorepad. However, steep approaches are inherently dangerous. Don’t attempt one until you’ve received competent instruction and coaching and have demonstrated to both yourself and others that you are ready to “go vertical.” In general, the parabolic approach starts at a shallower angle (at 66% brakes), with the approach gradually getting steeper and steeper (and the brakes getting deeper), until at the end of the approach, the jumper ends up steep—but only when safely above the air/foam landing mattress! 11. I hear accuracy jumpers talking a lot about “the transition” . . . what’s that? "Transition" simply means transitioning down from your slight "overfly" glidepath, increasing your braking, steepening your angle, and aiming for the dead center dot. If you've flown your approach well, you'll arrive at 100% brakes, or very light sink. The canopy will remain stable, over your head, with no pre­stall "rock back" or acceleration. See figure 3, below:
MAN­033 REV.0 Page 6 of 9 1300 E. International Speedway Blvd • DeLand, FL 32724 USA Tel: +1.386.738.2224 • Fax: +1.734.8297 • www.performancedesigns.com Figure 3, The transition: @ 100' <in "power" zone @80% brakes @ 30' <100% brakes to light sink +5m 12. I’m inconsistent on my accuracy jumps. How do veteran accuracy jumpers do it? Planning and visualization. Start by planning your jump. Build your plan based on the conditions you observe at the DZ in the minutes before you jump, with an awareness of any trends (it’s getting calmer; it’s getting windier, etc.) Your plan should be specific and clear in your mind. Visualize executing it yet be responsive to unexpected changes. The process of planning is important: it prepares you, connects you to the here and now, and forces you to anticipate what might happen. Specific planning for a jump should begin about fifteen minutes prior to the jump, not earlier. If you fret for hours before a jump, you'll simply wear yourself out! How to plan? First, study the DZ: locate the target area, windsocks, flags, streamers, trees that reveal the wind, and so forth. Study terrain, note buildings and trees that will generate turbulence on particular approach wind lines. Pace out the distance to prominent features, and note where a 300' radius circle rings the target. Study the DZ map, learn the cardinal headings. Talk to locals about typical wind patterns and exit points.
MAN­033 REV.0 Page 7 of 9 1300 E. International Speedway Blvd • DeLand, FL 32724 USA Tel: +1.386.738.2224 • Fax: +1.734.8297 • www.performancedesigns.com You've "read" the DZ . . . now read the conditions. Observe low­level clouds, cloud shadow movement, jump plane drift and speed over the ground, the wind streamer, canopies in the air, and surface wind indications. Next, answer these three basic questions: A Where is the exit point? B. What is the average wind velocity at 1000 feet? C. What is the surface wind line and velocity? These questions inherently break your plan into three segments: A) Exit to your 1000' wind check B) 1000' to the base leg & turn to final C) Final Approach: from 300' to landing Now, think through (and visualize) how you plan to fly each segment of your jump. For example, you might say to yourself: A) "Exit to 1000': I will exit over the end of the runway, then face west while stowing my slider and adjusting my harness. I'll stay near the wind line, practice some light sinks to get in touch with my Zero, and then position myself upwind of the target to do my 1000' wind check. I expect to move forward steadily at 1/2 brakes, because the winds are only 2m/s. B) "1000' to my turn to final: After the wind check, I will turn downwind and fly past the target at 600' up, offset 300' to the right side (left pattern) then turn base leg and play my turn to final to set up for 2m/s winds, at 250 feet back, 300 feet up. C) "Final: No thermals on final expected, but if I do hit one, I will gently S­turn to lose any extra altitude I gain, then continue my approach. Watch for left slide in the transition (having seen some recent jumpers slide to the left of the pad and reach right). Fly smooth and deliberate at the end . . . focus on the dot!" For the last part of the approach, eliminate words and visualize your intended outcome. 13. Summarize accuracy jumping for me. Why might I enjoy it? Accuracy is a lot like golf, so if you like golf and/or enjoy watching golf tournaments, you will probably enjoy accuracy. Both sports are congenial, social games, yet both require moments of intense focus. Today, "par" in precision accuracy (using the 2cm dot) is about one centimeter per jump for elite competitions, and most major international meets are won below “par.” On a club or national level, 2 to 3 “cents” per jump still wins meets. When you start, just landing on the electronic pad is a worthy goal—like shooting high eighties in golf. Set an attainable goal at first, like breaking 100 in golf. Ten consecutive stand­up jumps inside a 10­meter circle is a worthy goal for an A­license parachutist jumping a Zero.
MAN­033 REV.0 Page 8 of 9 1300 E. International Speedway Blvd • DeLand, FL 32724 USA Tel: +1.386.738.2224 • Fax: +1.734.8297 • www.performancedesigns.com 14. Can you suggest any accuracy DZs and/or coaching opportunities? In Europe and Asia, there are many clubs that focus largely on accuracy, and during the European summer/fall season, there is a big or small accuracy meet almost every weekend. All in all, you won’t find it difficult to find a club that will welcome you into their fold. In the United States and Canada, learning accuracy is a little harder, as there are currently only a few active accuracy DZs. As a norm, many DZs currently have nothing to offer you. So where to begin? We would be happy to help put you in touch with the nearest “accuracy friendly” DZ. We’ve included some useful links at www.performancedesigns.com under the Zero product page for you to find more information about classic accuracy and how to get started in the discipline. Members of the US Accuracy team frequently conduct seminars at several different DZ’s during the year. Attend an accuracy training camp and you'll become proficient much faster. We’ve published some great “how to” material on our website and put up some accuracy videos as well so please stop by performancedesigns.com and check them out on the Zero page.
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