Know your wing loading.

Weigh up. Gear up. Check your canopy.

How to get an accurate reading

Gather all your gear

Step 1

Get all the jumping gear and clothing you'll wear for your skydive:

  • Rig (with canopy packed)
  • Helmet and goggles
  • Jumpsuit
  • Clothes, shoes
  • Life jacket, altimeter and anything else you carry

Weigh yourself with it all on

Step 2

Put everything on (or hold it) and stand on the scales to get a true exit weight. Then switch the calculator to "I know my exact exit weight" and type it in.

Can't weigh your gear?

Step 3

No scales handy? Leave it on "I don't know it" and use the sliders to add your body weight plus what you think your gear weighs. An estimate is fine for a rough idea, but a real weigh-in is always better.

Your numbers

Estimating? A real weigh-in with all your gear on gives a more accurate wing loading.
50 sq ft300 sq ft
Your wing loading
–lbs per sq ft

Guide only. Within your licence limit does not mean you are ready for that canopy, and downsizing needs instructor or canopy coach approval.

Which licence can jump it?
This is a guide onlyFitting within your licence limit does not guarantee you can jump that canopy. The canopy you jump is a combination of wing loading, experience and ability. Suggested jump numbers are general guidance, and the NZ licence limits always come first.
Downsizing needs approvalAny downsize needs the approval of an instructor or canopy coach. Taking part in proper canopy coaching and courses is the best way to progress, and can speed up your downsizing safely.

C and D licence wing loading is unlimited, but higher loadings should only be taken on with experience and caution.

Guide only. Wing loading = exit weight in lbs ÷ canopy size in sq ft. Always check with an instructor or your club and follow the canopy manufacturer's recommended weight range.

Licence limits.

Wing loading is measured in pounds (lbs) of exit weight per square foot (sq ft) of canopy.

Student

S
1.10lbs per sq ft

Maximum wing loading for students: 1.10 lbs of exit weight for every 1 sq ft of canopy.

Example: at a 90 kg (about 198 lbs) exit weight, the smallest canopy is about 181 sq ft.

A licence

A
1.25lbs per sq ft

Maximum wing loading for this licence: 1.25 lbs of exit weight for every 1 sq ft of canopy.

Example: at a 90 kg (about 198 lbs) exit weight, the smallest canopy is about 159 sq ft.

B licence

B
1.40lbs per sq ft

Maximum wing loading for this licence: 1.40 lbs of exit weight for every 1 sq ft of canopy.

Example: at a 90 kg (about 198 lbs) exit weight, the smallest canopy is about 142 sq ft.

C and D licence

C · D
No limit

There is no set maximum, but a higher wing loading should only be taken on with experience and caution.

Suggested experience by wing loading

Based on a general wing loading chart, adjusted so the bands line up with the NZ licence limits (Student 1.10, A 1.25, B 1.40 lbs per sq ft). The NZ limits are the rules and apply first. Jump numbers are suggested experience, not requirements.

This is a guide onlyFitting within your licence limit does not guarantee you can jump that canopy. The canopy you jump is a combination of wing loading, experience and ability. Suggested jump numbers are general guidance, and the NZ licence limits always come first.
Downsizing needs approvalAny downsize needs the approval of an instructor or canopy coach. Taking part in proper canopy coaching and courses is the best way to progress, and can speed up your downsizing safely.

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