1. What is Wing Loading?

Wing loading is a measurement that relates a skydiver's total weight to the area of their parachute. It's expressed in kilograms per square meter (kg/m²) and significantly affects parachute performance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the wing loading formula:

Where:

• \( WL \) — Wing loading (kg/m²)
• \( weight \) — Total weight including jumper and gear (kg)
• \( area \) — Canopy wing area (m²)

Explanation: The formula calculates how much weight each square meter of the canopy must support during descent.

3. Importance of Wing Loading

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total exit weight (body weight + gear) in kilograms and canopy area in square meters. Both values must be greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical wing loading range?
A: Beginners typically use 0.8-1.0 kg/m², intermediates 1.0-1.4 kg/m², and advanced jumpers may load 1.4-2.0+ kg/m².

Q2: How does wing loading affect performance?
A: Higher wing loading increases descent rate, makes canopies more responsive, but reduces recovery time from errors.

Q3: Should I include my gear weight?
A: Yes, total weight should include your body weight plus all gear (harness, container, parachute, altimeter, etc.).

Q4: How does wing loading relate to canopy size?
A: For the same weight, a smaller canopy will have higher wing loading. Jumpers often downsize as they gain experience.

Q5: What's the maximum safe wing loading?
A: This depends on skill level, canopy design, and jump conditions. Consult with experienced instructors before increasing wing loading.