A moist canopy will fill, (open), faster since the effective porosity
of the fabric is reduced. That sounds like a good thing, and it is,
unless you are making a terminal velocity opening. There are two
categorys of emergency parachute, low and hight speed. The breakoff
speed is 150 MPH. Gliders don't need the faster, more expensive
system, but if you delay the opening past the 150 speed, you become a
test jumper.


On 23 Apr 2004 03:59:34 -0700, (Andy Durbin)
wrote:

Bill Zaleski wrote in message . ..
It is an industry standard best practice and can be found in most of
the military and civilian documentaion. The word "thoroughly" as per
the FAR's implies just that, and is not necessarilly an interval
specifically specified by the manufacturer. I have known and worked
with Ted Strong for over 20 years. He will tell you 8 hours minimum.
Opening (fill) time of the canopy varies with moisture content of the
fabric.



How does the opening time vary with fabric moisture content? Does it
open faster dry or moist?



Andy