KevinP 0 #1 January 23, 2011 Hi all, I decided to blow off some steam and had some time, so I rode up from Sierra Vista to Eloy yesterday. The intent was to try to get some unscheduled tunnel time, but I couldn't swing it. They had an opening at 4:00, but I had to get back to do some work before that, so it couldn't happen. There were a couple of teams there. I saw Arizona Arsenal and a team from China. That's all I remember, but there may have been others. I was going to try to get the AA on video coming in. I was digging the synchronized landings, but I had to bail before they went back up. I hung out around the riggers watching them pack. I have watched several videos on youtube on packing and then seeing it in person made it make more sense. I spoke with one of the riggers (Sam) for about an hour. Good guy. He seemed talkative, and I'm inquisitive, so it worked out. But all of them (there were two girls and three guys, one on a unicycle Anyway, it was a great time. I was able to forget about the Army and reports and school for a few hours and hear that sound of the suspension lines cutting through the air on fast approach (I like that as much as the sound of 125mph wind at freefall). And I saw a cut-away. They were operating two DZs (the main one and then one to the southeast). It was one of the jumpers on the SE DZ. I watched them track away from what looked like an 8-way. I see canopies opening and one looked like it was struggling to open. I glanced away and then when I looked back, there was a white canopy where that one was and the main was floating down on it's own. Like I have read here, it's not a matter of if, but when. But the reserve did what it was supposed to and that jumper will continue to enjoy the sport. Sam, if you are here, thanks for chatting with me. And thanks to all those riggers who exhibited patience while I invaded your space. AND to all the jumpers.Sincerely, Kevin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfriverjoe 1,523 #2 January 23, 2011 I gotta agree with this. Even if I can't jump, just hanging out at the DZ is a good time (I'm not in AZ, but it's the same anywhere). Good people, relaxing atmosphere, a chance to learn something."There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #3 January 24, 2011 You can learn a lot about skydiving hanging out at a DZ. Sparky My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KevinP 0 #4 January 24, 2011 Quote You can learn a lot about skydiving hanging out at a DZ. Sparky Funny how that works, isn't it? Sincerely, Kevin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KevinP 0 #5 January 24, 2011 And apparently I misused some terminology. With a drop zone being the larger area, I suppose I should have said that there were two LA's or landing areas. The "main" one, directly to the north of the spectator area and then the alternate (?) to the south east of the spectator area. Sorry if that confused anyone.Sincerely, Kevin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ASTKU 1 #6 January 24, 2011 I read that thinking there might be a question..?..? I've met Sam and would agree he is a nice guy. Get your AFF on!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #7 January 24, 2011 QuoteI hung out around the riggers watching them pack... There are "packers", and there are "riggers". The guys you see packing main parachutes for other skydivers are most likely packers - no license or anything is required to be a packer. A rigger, on the other hand, is specially certified by the FAA after rigorous training. They pack reserve parachutes, and do other parachute rig maintenance. So you don't want to confuse the two. Calling a packer a rigger is giving him more credit than he probably deserves, and lessens the status of the true riggers. Glad you enjoyed hanging out and chatting - that's the best way to learn. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #8 January 24, 2011 Quote Calling a packer a rigger is giving him more credit than he probably deserves, and lessens the status of the true riggers. True, but in the case of Eloy, a good portion of the official packers at Eloy are riggers. You need a rigging ticket to have a packing concession at he DZ, which has 2 or 3 stalls. And Sam is a rigger. So is Coop (that crusty old brit ) if I'm not mistaking.Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #9 January 24, 2011 Quote Quote Calling a packer a rigger is giving him more credit than he probably deserves, and lessens the status of the true riggers. True, but in the case of Eloy, a good portion of the official packers at Eloy are riggers. You need a rigging ticket to have a packing concession at he DZ, which has 2 or 3 stalls. And Sam is a rigger. So is Coop (that crusty old brit ) if I'm not mistaking. Thanks for that info - didn't know that. I'm impressed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grimmie 186 #10 January 24, 2011 Coop just got his ticket. You have to have one to pack at Eloy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #11 January 24, 2011 QuoteYou have to have one to pack at Eloy. Unless it's changed this year, it' s not what I understand. You need to have one to own a concession, and then you can employ one or 2 others who dont need to have their tickets.Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #12 January 25, 2011 QuoteYou need to have one to own a concession, and then you can employ one or 2 others who dont need to have their tickets. I presume that's to cover them with the FAA rule that requires that parachute packers be supervised by a rigger, a rule that is very loosely complied with at most DZ's. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
