of dz landings

[freeryde13 0]

i've had three in less than 200 jumps. they are kind of fun.....the exitement of finding a spot to land and everything. but the last one was in a 50' x 100' area surrounded by trees on three sides and i busted my ass landing. i don't know if it was a wind gust/rotor or a result of the multi corrections and half break stuff i did to land in the clearing and not in a tree.

all three times i jumped last out of the plane. the last time i sat with the pilot and in a polite way told him the jump before i was pretty far out . i asked him if he was gonna make two passes next time this time......well he didn't. i don't know if pilots get paid for each run and there fore don't want to do another pass or what.

ultimately i guess it's my responsibility to demand another pass if i don't like the spot. is that against skydiving etiquite? i've jumped at places where the jump light turns red and the pilot does another pass rutinely.

i am wondering things like..... am i indeed lading of the zone more frequently than most? if i demand a second pass to a reluctant pilot am i creating bad skydive karma? when is the next canopy control class around nyc ( thats not already booked? and any other suggestions or comments on things i'm doing wrong.

thanks

_________________________________________

people see me as a challenge to their balance

[flyangel2 2]

There are some DZs and some situations (big boogies) where a second pass is not going to happen.

I suggest talking to the DZO where you jump at and explain the situation to him. Bottom line, you are responsible for your own safety and if you don't like the spot, then don't get out.

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey

[davelepka 4]

Quote

all three times i jumped last out of the plane

All three times you had the luxury of taking your time in the door, determining your spot, and opening your parachute high enough to fly back to the DZ. Try it next time, it's fun.

[tombuch 0]

Off field landings happen on occasion. You are right, they can be fun, but they also carry an added risk and should be avoided. Please see Article 16 "Survival Strategies Off Airport Landings" on The Ranch S&TA web site at http://www.ranchskydive.com/safety/index.htm.

As for solutions:
1) Demand an extra pass if you need it. If the drop znone or pilot will not give you a second pass or otherwise assure you will be able to make it back, then find another drop zone.

2) Open a bit higher. CAUTION: Do not open higher unless you discuss the plan with the groups behind you.

3) Take an advanced canopy control class. I believe Scott Miller is conducting a course at The Ranch this weekend. There may still be a few slots available. Contact The Ranch directly at 845-255-9538. I'd suggest trying to get into the course on Sunday if there is space---the weather may be better by then.
.

Tom Buchanan
Instructor Emeritus
Comm Pilot MSEL,G
Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

[kelpdiver 2]

Quote

2) Open a bit higher. CAUTION: Do not open higher unless you discuss the plan with the groups behind you.

If he's last out at a one plane DZ, any problem with aff/tandem heights of 5-6k, unannounced?

[Feeblemind 1]

If you the last one in the plane you can hop/pop at 13k but I believe you need to advise the pilot if you plan on deploying above 8,000 MSL

Fire Safety Tip: Don't fry bacon while naked

[billvon 2,991]

>If he's last out at a one plane DZ, any problem with aff/tandem
>heights of 5-6k, unannounced?

All depends on traffic. At most DZ's it's not an issue if you are last out and not falling fast (i.e. you're not a head downer.) At some (i.e. Rantoul) the next load may have a problem with it. Rarely it may cause problems with descending aircraft; best to mention it to the pilot in such cases.