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The question I have is "does a pca jump change the recommended pilot chute sizes for jumps in the 250' range? Is a 46" unvented significantly superior to a 42" pilot chute? I have seen the charts that show 02 second 46" 2-4 sec 42".
And before I am asked, no I am not trying this alone, or without a mentor. Just want to hear more then one point of view.

"When in doubt, go big."

The PC is there as a back-up in case something goes wrong.
If something goes wrong, you may want to have all the drag you can.

I have a dedicated 48" PC for SL(/PCA) jumping.


/Antti

I my self jump a 46" on 300' and lower, 300' up 42"

I think the answer to this question
hinges on other variables such as:

1) How experienced is the guy or gal
holding your bridle at doing PCA's?

2) What is the landing area? Grass?
Or concrete, asphalt, active roadway?

3) Are there obstacles directly below
the exit point that must be cleared?

From an antenna into open grass I
personally would use a 38" PC or
whatever was already on the bridle.

From a solid object with obstacles or
small LZ or concrete, then a 48" PC.

If you're doing a PCA from that height in the first place, surely there is a good reason why you want the canopy to open as quickly as possible?

Following on from that, I would think that something like a dropped PCA (very low airspeed, very low initial snatch force) would be exactly the situation where the extra area of a 46/48 would be a benefit.

The PC size doesn't really have anything to do with the size of the object, but more so the delay you will be taking.

but considering they are doing a pca they are planning on taking a short delay so if they mess it up the bigger the better most likely
if it ends up relying on the pilot chute they are taking a longer delay than planned anyways

Absolutely.

Most jumpers use their biggest PCs infrequently anyways, so why not spread the love around as far as wear-and-tear is concerned... I like to give my 42 a much needed rest. :)

whatever was already on the bridle

Ok. Thats some funny shit right there.