Does your DZ display average wind speed? I know they watch it, but where should a newbie skip the load?

[Jib 0]

Behind the manifest counter is a digital gauge which alternates between max within the last 30 minutes and actual. At about 30 jumps, the DZO asked me if I was planning to jump when it was about 16mph. I said, "er, no?" He replied "good answer. 'cause you weren't going to anyway."

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the depth of his depravity sickens me.
-- Jerry Falwell, People v. Larry Flynt

[lawrocket 3]

Quote

Many of the Basic Safety Requirements (BSRs) outlined by the USPA are waiverable. The 14mph wind limit for students is one of them, if the DZ and surrounding area is free of obstacles such as buildings and trees students can safely jump at higher wind speeds. An instructor or safety and training advisor (S&TA) can show you if and what waivers may be in effect at your DZ.

Waivers may be in effect. And sure, you're instructor can say, "Ah, this is waiveable, and you can hack it, you've had no problems with canopy control, yadda yadda."

I've got a hard set rule - over 14mph means no jumpie for Jerry. I get that from the BSR's.

It's basic safety, and I'll take basic safety over complicated safety any day. Billvon's first rule - know your limits. His list is my personal jump gospel.

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[rider13 0]

In Canada CSPA DZ for students max is 15MPH winds

[BillyVance 34]

You should ask the S&TA or Instructor at the DZ. Also, if you see some skydivers skipping a load, especially those much more experienced than you are, take it as a sign to stay on the ground and watch the dumbasses who did go up try to land in the wind. I was a newbie dumbass once. 80 jumps, 25 mph+ winds gusting to 30+ at West Tennessee in mid 90's. Skydivers were still manifesting, so I thought it was okay, even though a lot were staying on the ground. Mullins dropped us out a mile upwind, and just as soon as I deployed, I knew I was in deep shit. Flying back to the airport, I wondered why I was flying faster than the cars on the highway below. Turned back into the wind, still going backward at a good 10 to 15 mph! Oh shit oh shit oh shit! Tried to sashay a bunch to get down closer to the ground as I neared the DZ, but not enough. Went straight past it facing the wind! Nothing but trees on the far side and getting dangerously low. I turn 180 and let the winds blow me at highway speeds to try and reach the field beyond the trees, just cleared the last treetop by 10 feet and promptly toggle turned nearly 180 back into the wind - WHAM!! right into a muddy field. Two moderately to severely sprained ankles, nothing else. I was jumping a Falcon 235 with an exit weight of 165. With that loading, I should not have been jumping in winds over 15 mph.

Nowadays I jump a Triathlon 120 loaded 1.5:1, and can handle 20-25 mph winds, but still prefer 15 or less.

Blue Skies
Billy

"Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban

[JoeyRamone 0]

Always do what your gut tells you. If you think it is too windy do not jump. Fools like to keep their mouth shut. Ask as many questions as you need to, no question is dumb.
Tim

[Michele 1]

I'd like to mention that the main size is a consideration, but also know what your reserve size is. Sometimes it's larger than your main, sometimes smaller.

You hope not, but you may end up under your reserve. I was taught to make my decision on my largest canopy - that if between my main and my reserve, one was larger, that's the gauge to go by.

Ciels-
Michele

~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek
While our hearts lie bleeding?~

[DanglesOZQld 0]

AVERAGE WIND SPEED!? BAROMETRIC PRESSURE!?! Possibility of landing awkwardly and missing a few days work!?! Canopy opening (HARD!) insurance?!?

If in doubt and a low jump number or even a high one ask someone with a bit of experience or an instructor or C.I even and make up your own mind! There are wind limits for a reason. Learn to respect them and that Mother nature can well.......be a mother when she wants to be!!! I put wind down as similar in nature in some ways at least to water in a river. Even on good days a little wind can make landing downwind of a building/treeline/mountainrange/whale carcus area HAZARDOUS! BSBD! -Mark.

IF IN DOUBT SIT IT OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"A Scar is just a Tattoo with a story!!!"