How much tailwind is too much tailwind?

[Neil UK]

Got to 150-200ft (roughly opening height) up our local 310ft freestander last nite and the winds were about 30mph. We decided to walk away as we weren't happy with the conditions. We then got discussing the "how much tailwind is too much" and what could the possible problems be? Anybody have any thoughts/comments at all?

Thanks

Neil

[Faber]

too much tail winds and a canopy set to open close to stall point could make a >,were i told. How ever i personaly only jumps in winds up to the point were the canopy will sink straight down while flying full speed against the wind. I never had any issues/problems on opening.However when i freefall lower stuff(sub 300ft) i always have less wind than i would tollerate on a jump from a higher exit/longer freefall.

I cant tell how many mph my limit is its a feeling thing if i feel more for a beer than the jump i better drink the beer im bringing in stead of jumping...

After all,the objects should stay there for a while...:P

[Rod]

Just got home from jumping a 300' freestander with similar, but not quite the same conditions as you mention.

10-12mph on the ground with gusts to 15mph. About 3/4 the way up, or where I am usually open, the wind was hard and steady 20mph at least.
I've jumped this tower in these windy conditions only a handful of times, maybe 6 or so, and on each one just as tonite, my main concern with the strong wind at opening altitude, is having to get back around into it just before landing. To the mucho experienced jumper this may not be a concern.
I haven't noticed any differences in my openings, yet, in strong tail winds. But from searching the threads on this topic, some say high winds can effect your opening.
I feel from 300' there is plenty time to get around, even with a strong push behind you, from the uppers to the ground winds, but I've experienced some not so pleasant landings as a result. On one occassion not being able to get it back around past 90, and landing sideways with a strong ground wind. My lack of experience I figure. But I've since learned to get on the rear riser about the same time I hear the canopy open.
The only thing that I fear now on the top platform with a strong wind, is when it's time to get the PC and bridle ready, especially on solos.
If you drop the PC, or it blows out of your hand, and you don't get the bridle real quick like, I guess your game plan may change a little.

Anyway, these are my thoughts and experiences so far. I'm big on knowing my limit and sticking to it.

cya
Rod

[Thor]

I've never tried a floater exit off an A, but I have jumped in some pretty stiff winds here in the midwest. Infact, just this weekend one of the guys with us on a local tower jump backed down because the winds were blowing at least 25mph and he wasn't comfortable. He had never jumped this tower before and it was megga dark with no moon, so I can't say I wouldn't have done the same thing if the roles were reversed.

The main question posed so far seems to deal with flying and turning the canopy around, but the main problem that I'm aware of (and have seen happen) in high tail or side winds is the potential for a line over or line twist type of malfunction. Even with a tailgate, a really strong tail wind can have a bigger impact on opening than body position or packing on jumps with low airspeeds like the ones listed in this topic so far. With the higher airspeeds gained by longer delays this probably isn't as much orf an issue, and I guess if you did a floater exit it would be more like the relative wind from a hop and pop type of skydive so that's probably another discussion all together.

That's my 2 cents.

837
http://www.donkandbonez.com

[Ferry]

I did a sideway floater exit few times from the tip of a crane, but never rear. What I do if we jump with strong winds is launch like 45 degrees off the windline and turn in freefall till 180. This can be done even on 1sec delay handheld, throw the pilot away halfway your turn. I like to make the turn to the left, because with strong wind the pilot leaves almost horizontal.
Opening into the wind feels good to me, like said above quick extraction and pressurisation. Other thing why I like it is from 300ft you can still do some delay, because you don't need altitude for turning your canopy into the wind. That kind of high speed turns, seeing the ground flashing by if it's not to dark and just finishing the turn before landing...

Ferry

[imported_Mac]

My local is a 315ft guyed A. I have jumped this in varying winds in varying directions. In my very inexperienced thoughts about this are the following:

The only time I have had bad off headings are with true tailwinds but rather strong, right between the wires. These included a 180 (with about a 1 second delay) and a 120 with complete twists (after a nice 2 second). Other winds I find - are generally going to try and open toward the wind in my small amount of experience............

I dont think I can say I will jump in XXmph winds or not - its a judgement call on the night in question - I have walked down from winds I have also jumped in on other nights for some mental state reason or another.

I am always spend some time making myself aware of the wind at opening height rather then exit height, but also I am aware that some gnarly $hit can happen when you have done something several times before! and that conditions can change at opening height on a solo whist you are kitting up!!!!

Be safe all!!!



Wind is strange............it also smells terrible after a a really good onion soup (ask my G/F):P

In the end I know #### - I just know what I am comfortable in jumping at the time in question - sometimes I jump and other times I dont..............