Jeth 0 #1 June 27, 2005 So I had an awesome weekend of jumps. Most of my landings were okay, but I did 2 that weren't so good. First one was WAY off-dz in a corn field. I had to go cross-wind to avoid some trees. As I touched down I made sure my feet and knees were together and I rolled it out. Except a tiny scratch on my hand from the corn husks, I got up totally fine. Thats good cuz I had a long walk back. Later in the day I mis-judged the wind and turned too soon on final, so I overshot the landing field and was on a direct course with the taxiway. I thought to myself "this is gonna hurt". I did a full flare and PLFd. I slid a little on my back, but my rig and my body suffered no damage. I was fine! I almost couldn't believe that I'd just landed on concrete and didn't even feel a bump. The reason I am telling this story is because I know I would've had some serious scrapes if not broken bones had I not landed the way I did. On my jump #10 I landed somewhat downwind and I didn't complete my flare. I knew I didn't want to butt-slide cuz I was going so fast, but I didn't really know how to PLF. My legs were not together when I came down and as a result I tore my MCL and was out for 4 months. And that was on grass. After I got better I practiced PLF's a million times, but I was always worried about actually doing it under canopy. But I am happy to report -- IT DOES WORK. So please learn how to do a proper PLF. Even if you butt-slide your landings now, there will be day when you can't do that and then you'll be in a world of hurt. If you practice the PLF it will hopefully just come easily when you need it most. Also, be sure to complete your flare. I didn't, and I paid for it. Now go out there and have some fun! p.s. DISCLAIMER -- I am not trying to give advice or replace any advice from instructors. I am just speaking from my meager experience and I just thought I'd throw it out there in case there are other students who don't PLF."At 13,000 feet nothing else matters." PFRX!!!!! Team Funnel #174, Sunshine kisspass #109 My Jump Site Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,444 #2 June 28, 2005 (Wendy runs up and plants a big sloppy kiss on your cheek) Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Devious 0 #3 June 28, 2005 The PLF saved me on AFF1. I flared from about 25-30 feet. Not a good thing. Other than a little sore heels, all was good. -------------------------------------------------- May the skys be blue, but never your balls!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeth 0 #4 June 28, 2005 QuoteThe PLF saved me on AFF1. I flared from about 25-30 feet. Not a good thing. Other than a little sore heels, all was good. Yep, I think every student starts out flaring way too high (I know I did). Oh wait, I take that back -- there are a few perfect people who do it right and stand up their first landing. Well for the rest of us -- PLF's will save your ankles and tailbones. "At 13,000 feet nothing else matters." PFRX!!!!! Team Funnel #174, Sunshine kisspass #109 My Jump Site Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
