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How to Measure Canopy Volume

Since the 1980s, the Parachute Industry Association (PIA) has formally measured the canopy volume of hundreds of different parachutes. Because the process for measuring canopy volume is not precise and more of an art than a science, having a single source for canopy measurements is extremely helpful. However, in the event that a canopy volume measurement is needed and one is not available from the PIA, it is possible to measure canopy volume using PIA procedures. In order to follow the PIA procedures correctly, a large-volume, clear cylindrical chamber is required, in addition to a piston and flat, plate weights capable of fitting inside the chamber.

Things You'll Need

  • Canopy
  • Cylindrical chamber capable of accommodating piston
  • 70-square-inch piston
  • 140-pound flat plate weight
  • 70-pound flat plate weight
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Instructions

    • 1

      Strip the canopy of anything attached to it, including any deployment bags, risers and steering toggles.

    • 2

      Fluff the canopy.

    • 3

      Place the canopy in the chamber. Round canopies should be placed in the canister apex first whereas square canopies should be placed into the canister cylinder tail first.

    • 4

      Insert the piston on top of the canopy and add all 210 pounds of weight. Leave the weights in place for thirty seconds.

    • 5

      Remove all but 70 pounds of the weight. Let the weight stabilize for thirty seconds and then measure the displaced volume to the nearest 1/16th of an inch.

    • 6

      Repeat the measurement process at least five or six times. Throw out the high and low number and average the remaining numbers for a volume figure.


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