Parachute Steering - NPI NATIONAL 360 Manual

PARACHUTE STEERING

Once suspended under the parachute canopy, your rate of descent will stabilize at
approximately 19 ft. per second with a 190 lb. (86 kg) body weight based on the National
Phantom 26' (Part No. 81001-2) or the National Phantom AeroStar 26' (Part No. 81001-20) in
your National 425 pack and harness assembly.
Your Parachute is circular in shape after it is fully open. There are three (3) mesh covered
drive vents located at the rear of the canopy - see diagram below left. The drive vents make
the canopy steerable and create an air speed of 5 mph to 12 mph (depending upon body
weight and altitude) in the direction you are facing.
The Parachute can be turned to the right by pulling down the right rear riser 6" to 12", the
same applies for a left turn. A rear riser can most effectively be pulled down by placing
fingers between suspension lines as they attach to the connector link on the end of the riser.
(See diagram above right.) The Parachute will continue turning until the rear riser is
released. It takes about 8 - 10 seconds to complete a full 360 degree turn.
Observe wind speed and drift while looking for the best available landing area down wind of
your present position. As a general rule, your glide angle is approximately 45 degrees to the
horizontal in light winds. Choose a heading to achieve a track across the ground towards the
landing area. At 100 feet above ground, turn into the wind and prepare for landing.
Emergency Parachute Manual P/N 81101-2P (Revised May 2004)
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