JustaBill 0 #1 May 22, 2004 I did a search and didn't find this question, not sure if I just didn't phrase the search right. Anyway, I'm about to finish up AFP and send in for my A license (Monday weather permitting) and I'm curious if you should do a separation track after a solo. And assuming you are facing 90 degrees from jump run already should you go ahead and make the 180 before you start the track?------------------------------------------------ I've done so much, with so little, for so long I'm now expected to do everything with nothing forever Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eeneR 3 #2 May 22, 2004 ER you dont HAVE to track.... You can if you want, just make sure you are going perpendicular to jumprun.... If you need more info Bill...call me ReneeShe is not a "Dumb Blonde" - She is a "Light-Haired Detour Off The Information Superhighway." eeneR TF#72, FB#4130, Incauto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rocketdog 0 #3 May 22, 2004 i agree with eeneR about the tracking perpendicular to the jumprun.... also, i remember being told that if you allow for appropriate separation, there is no need to track. i may be wrong as it's been awhile. see the world! http://gorocketdog.blogspot.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JustaBill 0 #4 May 22, 2004 I was just curious if it is good practice to get in the habit of doing a track at break off altitude for when I start jumping with others, or is it a waste since I really won't be able to tell how much distance I'm getting?------------------------------------------------ I've done so much, with so little, for so long I'm now expected to do everything with nothing forever Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #5 May 22, 2004 Quoteor is it a waste since I really won't be able to tell how much distance I'm getting? Tracking is a survival skill. Practicing it is never a waste. You can tell how much forward movement you're getting - just look at the ground. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,026 #6 May 22, 2004 Quotei agree with eeneR about the tracking perpendicular to the jumprun.... also, i remember being told that if you allow for appropriate separation, there is no need to track. i may be wrong as it's been awhile. The issue with solos, especially by new skydivers, is that they have no horizontal position reference so they may be backsliding or otherwise moving horizontally throughout the freefall without realizing it. This can eat up the separation.... 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
skr 1 #7 May 25, 2004 I think it's good to practice the breakup as a maneuver in it's own right. If for example you're pulling at 3,000 ft and allowing 1,500 ft of vertical for breakup you could start at 4,500, turn 180 from your imaginary group, track for 7 seconds, wave and pull and it would be about right. If you're pulling higher start higher. If you want to leave a little margin while you're learning this allow 2,000 ft of vertical, turn 180, track for 7 seconds, stop, check altitude and see how much altitude 7 seconds of tracking really used. It's helpful to get used to these intervals and also how the ground looks while you're doing it. For solos either direction away from jump run is OK, although where you are relative to target might make one direction better. I find it helpful to notice where I pull and where I open to learn how long my chute generally takes to open. Even with rental gear it's a good exercise. The more familiar you get with the bottom end the more comfortable you become. Skr Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DanG 1 #8 May 25, 2004 I definitely agree that practicing tracking for tracking's sake is a good idea. I only want to add that 7 seconds might be a bit long for newer skydivers. At normal freefall speeds, there is about 7 seconds between 4500 and 3000 feet. If you start counting when you begin your turn, 7 seconds is about right for when you need to pull. Unfortunately, what can happen is that a newer jumper will take three seconds to turn 180 and pick a heading, track for 7 seconds, and then give a big 3 second wave and reach. Now they are closer to 2000 than 3000. If you want to get a feel for how much altitude you burn for your entire breakoff sequence, practice it up high, starting with the turn, and ending with a true practice touch of your main handle. I think a lot of people will be suprised how much altitude they lose during their turn and wave off. - Dan G Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JustaBill 0 #9 May 25, 2004 Thanks guys, that really makes a lot of sense and I will definetely practice that next time I'm in the air.------------------------------------------------ I've done so much, with so little, for so long I'm now expected to do everything with nothing forever Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skr 1 #10 May 25, 2004 >want to add that 7 seconds might be a bit long You know, I was just thinking that when I suggested using 2000 ft for a bit of margin that maybe I didn't say that strong enough and maybe I should come back here and fix that ... Thank you. Skr Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frenchy68 0 #11 May 25, 2004 I have seen videos of my first and second attempts at tracking (AFF 6 & 7): I look more loke a heat seeking Scud missile than anything else. Since then, I have practiced tracking on every single solo jump (90° to JR). And I'd like to think that not only I, but the people I have jumping with lately, are glad I did. Cheers, Nick "For once you have tasted Absinthe you will walk the earth with your eyes turned towards the gutter, for there you have been and there you will long to return." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
