Aging control
Fabric strength, porosity and trim are 3 things to watch for the life of your parachute, especially when it is aging. These three elements, independent of each other, can undergo perceptible variations to modify the performance of your canopy to the point of making it dangerous for yourself. Indeed, UV exposure, humidity, a large wing loading, but also the nature of the drop zone, are all external factors that will affect the aging of your equipment.

The control protocol put in place in my workshop ensures that the canopies (reserve and main) are always able to perform their function, regardless of their age while respecting the limitations of different manufacturers.

This protocol is articulated around these 3 poles:
  • Porosity control:
A complete "map" of the canopy is made with a minimum of 18 measurement points for a main and 75 for a reserve. The porosity is measured using a MK2 porosimeter developed with the Swiss company JDC. This is particularly suitable for zero porosity and low porosity fabrics used in the manufacture of parachutes.
  • Control of fabric strength :
The ability of a fabric to withstand the various over-pressures generated by the opening, or a setting on speed is a guarantee of safety and must be controlled. Indeed, the fabrics of the same canopy, depending on their color, do not care in the same way and may, depending on the case, have a degradation such that they do not resist these over pressures.
  • Trim control:
Obviously the performance of a canopy are also related to the trim thereof and the physical state of the lines. It is therefore important to associate this criterion with the two previous ones in order to have a global image of the controlled canopy and to take a decision adapted as to its becoming.

You want to have your canopy checked or want more information about the protocol, contact me.
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