EAerodyne 0 #1 February 15, 2007 During the recent PIA symposium, in Reno NV. Aerodyne Research signed a licensing agreement with Bill Booth to install the Skyhook on the ICON. Aerodyne's technical team will meet with Bill Booth in the next 10 days to discuss the complexities (if any) of fitting the Skyhook to the ICON. Aerodyne has been working on a similar concept up until now, but feels that with the skyhook already having become a marketable and tested product, that licensing the skyhook from Bill, is an easier and more cost effective solution. I am very proud to announce the coming of the skyhook to the ICON, and would like to thank Bill Booth for his efforts in making this happen. Bushman Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkymonkeyONE 4 #2 February 15, 2007 Smart move, Bushman. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bob.dino 1 #3 February 16, 2007 Will retrofits to existing Icons be possible, or has that been determined yet? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougH 270 #4 February 16, 2007 I hope that there will be retrofits too, but I won't get my hopes up. I don't think the Javelins can be retrofitted now that they are putting skyhooks in new containers, right?"The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall" =P Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MotherGoose 0 #5 February 16, 2007 Congrats . . . this will only improve business for Aerodyne. I've been considering a rig from Aerodyne, and this definitely gets you brownie points. I've heard nothing but good things about Skyhook and I've seen the test footage, its pretty amazing. One little bit of info has escaped me though, and I did not want to start a whole new thread . . . Does the Free Bag generally stay connected to the "cutaway" main or do they end up separating once they are loose? Sorry if this hijacks the thread, I hope there is an easy response. You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bob.dino 1 #6 February 16, 2007 Usually stays connected. Do a seach for posts containing "skyhook" by "billbooth". He laments the loss in income he'll be suffering as a result of selling a lot less freebags! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IanHarrop 42 #7 February 16, 2007 Glad to hear this. Are magnetic riser covers next?"Where troubles melt like lemon drops, away above the chimney tops, that's where you'll find me" Dorothy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnny1488 1 #8 February 16, 2007 Im gonna guess no. You would have to really re-work the icon's riser cover system to integrate the collins lanyard. I imagine they are going to go to the same style floating reserve pin cover and riser covers to make the skyhook possible. But that's just my opinion from what i see the skyhook needing to function. Johnny --"This ain't no book club, we're all gonna die!" Mike Rome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pinkfairy 0 #9 February 16, 2007 This gets me excited! I look forward to hearing more news about this! Relax, you can die if you mess up, but it will probably not be by bullet. I'm a BIG, TOUGH BIGWAY FORMATION SKYDIVER! What are you? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phoenixlpr 0 #10 February 16, 2007 Quote This gets me excited! I'm wondering why. Its a promise for the future. Or have I missed something and someone promised retrofit already? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EAerodyne 0 #11 February 16, 2007 QuoteWill retrofits to existing Icons be possible, or has that been determined yet? At this point I am not sure we will be able to offer a retro fit, due to the change of the RSL to the other side, as well as the work we may have to do with the collins lanyard. Although we expect we will have less work to do on fitting the skyhook to the ICON than Sun Path had, we at this point are not sure we will be able to offer a retro fit in the field. We maybe able to offer it as a factory retro fit option, but this will have to be determined still. Thanks for the positive questions and feedback via PM to all those that have written to me. I appreciate hearing what the riggers in our community have to offer. Kind Regards Bushman Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joellercoaster 6 #12 February 16, 2007 Fantastic. Not shopping for a new container this season, but when I do, I now know what it'll be without even having to think about it.-- "I'll tell you how all skydivers are judged, . They are judged by the laws of physics." - kkeenan "You jump out, pull the string and either live or die. What's there to be good at? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkeenan 14 #13 February 16, 2007 This certainly reinforces the concept that, "Booth invents gear innovations, all others simply copy them". At least this way, Bill gets paid for his ideas, rather than getting ripped off by the copycats, as he has for years. Is Bill Booth really God? Probably not, but he looks a lot like Moses. Kevin K._____________________________________ Dude, you are so awesome... Can I be on your ash jump ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougH 270 #14 February 16, 2007 Quote Although we expect we will have less work to do on fitting the skyhook to the ICON than Sun Path had, we at this point are not sure we will be able to offer a retro fit in the field. We maybe able to offer it as a factory retro fit option, but this will have to be determined still. Well I certainly hope that a factory retrofit will work out. I know I would be sending back my rig, and almost all of my friends who own and ICON would do the same. I think you would have the demand for the service, I just hope it is technically feasible. "The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall" =P Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #15 February 16, 2007 Sorry to disappoint you, but only the most recent Javelins can be retrofitted with Skhooks. The process includes removing some of the stitching that attaches the reserve pin cover to the backpad, etc. to allow access for a Collins lanyard. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflyfrog 0 #16 February 16, 2007 I have an Odyssey built in December '06. Will it take the retrofit? How much is that? Is it something that can be done by a master rigger or only the factory? Thanks... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JerryBaumchen 1,422 #17 February 16, 2007 Hi Rob, At their Q&A on Friday morning Derek said that they could not retrofit a Jav. A little banter about car repair by lifting the radiator cap and driving a new car under it & VOILA, repaired. However, you owners might just check with Sunpath and get the A-1 official answer, Jerry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougH 270 #18 February 16, 2007 QuoteSorry to disappoint you, but only the most recent Javelins can be retrofitted with Skhooks. I am not disappointed, I don't own one, but I think you might be misreading my comments."The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall" =P Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #19 February 17, 2007 QuoteThis certainly reinforces the concept that, "Booth invents gear innovations, all others simply copy them". Bill is good for sure, but he is not the only innovator in this industry.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RIGGER 0 #20 February 17, 2007 Only Javelin h/c ordered with the skyhook will have the system. Any Javelin mfg. before can not be retrofit for the skyhook. The Javelin with the skyhook have some changes that the old rigs does not have. Was great to see you all at the PIA 07. Safe Rigging !!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wuffo 1 #21 February 17, 2007 Hey, I thought there was some sort of mandate out there about... schlomo no mo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KellyF 16 #22 February 20, 2007 Hey now, Shlomo was providing accurate information, and he often brings up great points for discussion that lots of people (including myself) often overlook. Let's not discourage his input on something like thisVSE on Facebook Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boozy 0 #23 February 20, 2007 So when can I expect to see Mirage offering the skyhook? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pinkfairy 0 #24 February 23, 2007 QuoteQuote This gets me excited! I'm wondering why. Its a promise for the future. Or have I missed something and someone promised retrofit already? Even if it can't be retrofitted into my brand new Icon, it will almost certainly be available when I order my next rig. Skyhook would be great, but I couldn't afford a vector when I ordered my rig, and I doubt I'll buy a vector in the future, so it's fantastic to have that option on the rig I want and can afford.Relax, you can die if you mess up, but it will probably not be by bullet. I'm a BIG, TOUGH BIGWAY FORMATION SKYDIVER! What are you? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hollister 0 #25 April 6, 2007 When can I order an Icon with the Skyhook. Hopefully soon! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
