RichM 0 #1 May 9, 2003 Watching with sadness at the continual stream of injuries and fatalities caused by low turns, many just to get into wind. In many of these incidents it seems that landing off the wind line might have reduced the injuries. With the huge assumption that someone comfortable in their skill to land off the wind line is more likely to take that as an option in a difficult situation, I wondered how many of us have practised landing crosswind and downwind, and at what stage in our skydiving careers. I have 650 jumps and have landed crosswind and downwind on purpose, quite often as I like it Rich M Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Faber 0 #2 May 9, 2003 yes i have from 100 jumps and upward,good exercise to see how the canopi works under "unnormal"wind conditions..It also make it easyer to deside to land downwind if you are hanging on a shit.. Stay safe Stefan Faber Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brains 2 #3 May 9, 2003 I try not to make a habit of landing downwind, but i have done it on purpose. Crosswind quite often. Never look down on someone, unless they are going down on you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,027 #4 May 9, 2003 Just to clarify - I have landed both crosswind and downwind on a number of occasions when the designated landing direction was crosswind or downwind and that's the way we all had agreed to land. I have never deliberately chosen to do it when I had free choice of landing direction. It always seems to me that suddenly realizing that you are faced with a crosswind/downwind landing at 200 ft is a sign of poor situational awareness.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DYEVOUT 0 #5 May 9, 2003 I checked the first two. It wasn't really "on purpose", but my rookie ass was too low to turn - so I just dealt with it. Slid about 50 feet (standing up) on my downwinder, then fell on bum. No biggie. ----------------=8^)---------------------- "I think that was the wrong tennis court." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybeergodd 0 #6 May 9, 2003 I have done both cross wind landings and downwind landing on purpose. Coming back from a long spot and landing off site into a tight field. Both can be useful and prevent injury if they are done safely and consciously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nacmacfeegle 0 #7 May 9, 2003 "Just to clarify - I have landed both crosswind and downwind on a number of occasions when the designated landing direction was crosswind or downwind and that's the way we all had agreed to land. I have never deliberately chosen to do it when I had free choice of landing direction. " Like John says, most annoyingly at a well known UK boogie after being told off for landing into the wind.... -------------------- He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. Thomas Jefferson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BikerBabe 0 #8 May 9, 2003 I land crosswind on purpose practically every time I choose to land in the main landing area at Eloy. I could choose not to, but it's good practice (and a shorter walk!) If I'm not making it back to the DZ, I'll usually land downwind for fun if the winds aren't too raging. That's good practice, too. I have 730 jumpsNever meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sfc 1 #9 May 9, 2003 I find it a lot more fun to swoop crosswind and downwind. Although downwind at my DZ is a longer walk so I do not do this very often. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casch 0 #10 May 9, 2003 At Kapowsin during the spring and fall, the winds aren't very consistant. You might have a good 8-10 mph wind before take-off, but by the time you get to the ground you might not have anymore wind at all, or quite frequently it will change direction, I've seen it change 180 degrees. So yes, I've landed in all orientations to the wind. A few of them crosswinders were on purpose as I wanted to be closer to the hangar Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RichM 0 #11 May 9, 2003 QuoteIt always seems to me that suddenly realizing that you are faced with a crosswind/downwind landing at 200 ft is a sign of poor situational awareness. John, I agree, but it is happening to skydivers from all skill levels. Given that no amount of training can prevent brain fade, having a survivable option that you are comfortable in taking makes for a good back stop.Rich M Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RichM 0 #12 May 9, 2003 Quote If I'm not making it back to the DZ, I'll usually land downwind for fun if the winds aren't too raging. That's good practice, too. I'll admit that I wouldn't downwind on purpose off the dz. I'd rather have people and medics close by should my downwind landing become a fuck up of royal proportions Rich M Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RevJim 0 #13 May 9, 2003 I answered i have landed crosswind, on purpose, less than 100 jumps. I have more than 100 now, but I did the landings when I actually had less than 50.It's your life, live it! Karma RB#684 "Corcho", ASK#60, Muff#3520, NCB#398, NHDZ#4, C-33989, DG#1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ThighMan 5 #14 May 9, 2003 Yes both on purpose and pure stupidity as a low time jumper and then later on because the landing direction was predetermined prior to take off. I survived and walked away. STOP doing LOW turns. Take your lumps (grass stains do come out) and learn from it.Airborne Blue Skies, No Wind Feet and Knees Together Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zenister 0 #15 May 9, 2003 as with BikerBabe (waves) I've landed crosswind many times at the main area at Eloy, and i was doing downwind H&Ps last weekend just for fun & practice. I've also done a few at the main area in Eloy when a swoop god with a tiny napkin set the pattern that wayThe army gave me a pretty good (and pretty instinctual) PLF, so i'm not really worried if i had to "roll one in". Its a much more appealing option than a hard low turn. 260 jumps ____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nacmacfeegle 0 #16 May 9, 2003 By the way Rich, if your gonna do some safety research you d better spel Safety bettr... A "saftey" is what us Scots call you southerners. -------------------- He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. Thomas Jefferson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #17 May 9, 2003 I voted no less than 100 jumps. However, should the situation arise where I need to do it, no problem. I know how to PLF with the best of 'em. Quote STOP doing LOW turns. Take your lumps (grass stains do come out) and learn from it. Please note the sig line. And, should you happen to get a downwind landing on film, video or in front of Michele or I, we will gladly issue DOD (Daughters of the Downwind) numbers to the chicks and DOD (Disciples of the Downwind) to the guys. We'd rather have people learn how to do a proper PLF and survive their landing than have people turning low. We've lost too many wonderful people from that. Let's start PLF'ing and taking the downwind or crosswind people...k? Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
beemertec 0 #18 May 9, 2003 The jumps I have done this on were in light wind conditions. I did it to practice in case I ever have to do it. I just wanted to know that I wouldn't panic. Of course I've also done a couple of unintentional downwind landings Blue Skies Steve Ok, so it's pink, but I'm secure in my manhood, and I still look cool coming in under it! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mouth 0 #19 May 9, 2003 I've taken a down wind or two before. It isn't my favorite thing to do but I CAN handle it if the need arises. -- Hot Mama At least you know where you stand even if it is in a pile of shit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #20 May 9, 2003 I land cross wind and downwind all the time, its fun. --"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blondeflyer7 0 #21 May 9, 2003 When I come in for my landing if I feel I am to low to do another turn sure..I even done that landed off got up and was excited about it.... It was in a dream I had about skydiving and it was the same exact spot I landed....yea freaked me out! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shotgun 1 #22 May 9, 2003 I had never purposely landed crosswind until I moved to Perris - in fact I thought horrible things would happen if I even tried But then I get to Perris and if you want to land on the grass there are only two directions you can land - north or south - and this is often a crosswind landing - so you get used to landing crosswind pretty quickly at Perris (unless you don't ever land on the grass). As it turns out, it's really no big deal at all (unless there are 20+ mph winds)... Now the downwinders are a different story - still no huge deal, but I usually end up landing on my rear with those (and I've never landed downwind except in pretty light winds)... So I have to agree with the purpose of the thread - landing crosswind or downwind is always a better option than turning low or hitting an obstacle! I've seen some pretty nasty downwind landings, but so far I've never seen anyone take an ambulance ride after one - usually just a bruised ego and a dirty jumpsuit Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #23 May 9, 2003 Quote I land cross wind and downwind all the time, its fun. My Eloy experience was awesome for getting in some cross-wind landing experience. And while I have landed downwind on a couple of occasions, I'd like to get to know my current canopies flare characteristics better (currently 44 of 45 stand up landings) before I intentionally start downwinding it on a regular basis. Our no wind landings here in CO are probably similar to your downwind landings in TX. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #24 May 9, 2003 I did not plan on landing cross wind, but I started my last run too low and would have slammed a planet before completing my turn into the wind. Most of the time, I try to lead by example, landing into the wind. If there is no wind, I land to the west. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #25 May 9, 2003 Perris is a good example of why people should learn to be able to land cross-wind. It REALLY pissed me off in the landing area to see someone cut diagonally across the grass. If everybody follows the rules, it can be so much safer, but all it takes is a couple of folks that are unwilling to pay attention and things can get ugly pretty damn fast.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
