elfanie 0 #1 January 29, 2004 When I became a solo jumper...I always was nervous about chopping away. I had a cutaway during one of my tandems, and the thought of cutting away always made me nervous. Not that thought that it wouldn't work...but wondering if I would be able to identify a problem in a timely manner AND would I pull fast enough or fight a mal too long....and nervousness at actually pulling those sacred handles and whether I would make the right decision. I had a hard pull not quite a month ago...couldn't get the PC out (and tried hard enough that I actually flipped myself onto my back before barrel rolling while I chopped and pulled silver). the thing is...I barely remember pulling. I remember grabbing the hacky and yanking...remember LOOKING at that hacky thinking maybe my fingers were too cold or I didn't get a good grip, and remember yanking hard...I remember thinking that someone somewhere had at some point in the past said something about pulling with two hands so I did (I actually don't know why I did this...and this is what disturbs me at night, and this was the lesson I took away from this experience...ONLY TWO TRIES AT ANYTHING!) the next thing I remember was being on my back and an "OH GOD" feeling....then a huge JERK and I saw the silver D-ring in my hand and the feel of the metal sliding against metal as I was still yanking at it (something in me wanted it COMPLETELY OUT and GONE...and I litereally threw it away from me...like, if it wasn't all the way out the reserve wouldn't come out? even though it was already out?) and I remember looking up and thinking, "Oh gawd...that's a reserve parachute...I cut away...uhh..." and just...trying to get my mind back and fly safe with the sole goal of getting on the ground safely (I had no idea what size reserve I was flying at the time...so I flew that thing the way I would a parachute half it's size...as in, very conservative, feeling it out...getting to know her) On the ground, someone told me that I wouldn't be nervous about cutting away now because I'd experienced it. Heh. right. I still think about it...wonder about it...and have the same nervousness I had before. Will I identify a problem fast enough? Will I cut away? In a way I wish I could remember more of the actually pulling of the handles. My husband (also a jumper) said that there's a good chance that the reason I don't remember much was because I didn't have to think about it, so I didn't. I'd made the decision when I FIRST started jumping that if something went wrong...this is what I would do. So all of the decisions to be made at that point were made months and months ago on the ground...so that's what I did...that which I decided to do months ago. It didn't calm my nerves, though. I still wonder....what if. What if I get a streamer...or a PC in tow..or baglock....will I recognize it, and in a timely manner? Will I execute EP's fast enough? tell me I'm not alone? Is this something anyone else thinks about? There was even a part of me that was nervous about cutting away because of what people on the ground would say! As in...I don't want to chop when I shouldn't. When my JM came up after I landed and asked what happened and I said "Hard pull, couldn't get the PC out.." he grabbed the hacky and yanked and said, "Yup...that's a hard pull..." I was as relieved as I was when I landed...I was so SO glad that it was "the right thing to do" because I am nervous about chopping and landing and having someone say, "WHY did you do THAT??" Again...tell me I'm not alone...or crazy? I talk to some people and they act like chopping is no big deal.."If it doesn't work, F--- it, I'm chopping.." with a shrug. And I see videos of people chopping and they are like, "Whoo hooo!!!!!!" like they are happy/excited and it is a cool thing they are under a reserve. Me? I was...not quite so enthusiastic. I was VERY serious under reserve...not 'having fun'. What are your experiences with reserve rides..? And did you have any feelings about it before you did it? afterwards? did your feelings change? Am I crazy? -------------------------------------------- Elfanie My Skydiving Page Fly Safe - Soft Landings Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveNFlorida 0 #2 January 30, 2004 I have never flown my reserve, but I don't think you're wrong to be nervous. Don't worry about what people will think if you chop. I can't say that I don't... I know i'd hear shit, but you can't worry about that when your life is at stake! If you're nervous about not having enough time, or not using your time as wisely as you think you should... maybe pulling a bit high until you feel more comfortable would help. Take care, and try not to worry so much. You did the right thing the first time... chances are you'll do the right thing the second time, too:) Edit to add: Also, practice your emergency procedures before every jump and on the plane. I always practice my emergency procedures on the plane. I think it will help if I get into a situation. Angela. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dgskydive 0 #3 January 30, 2004 Quote"WHY did you do THAT??" Tell them to kiss your ass. You had a problem and you dealt with it! That is all you should worry about. Sounds like you will be fine. Your body went into auto pilot and did what you needed it to do. Sounds like you got trained right. After my first (and only) cutaway I was nervous everytime I pulled for the next month or so. You will be fine. Nerves are good for ya . They keep you on your toes!Dom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elfanie 0 #4 January 30, 2004 Quote If you're nervous about not having enough time, or not using your time as wisely as you think you should... maybe pulling a bit high until you feel more comfortable would help. Oh yes...I do pull high. Interesting thing is...normally I pull around 4500-5000 feet. This jump I was very squirrely and nervous (had several people comment about me being nervous, and even I said, "I don't know, I haven't felt like this since my first AFF jump"...and was telling everyone that I was going to pull "VERY high..so stay away from me...I'm pulling VERY high, like 6K!" When I tracked off...I look at my alti and was at 6500 and I thought 'screw it' and waved and began my pulling attempts. the thing that makes me twitch is the fact that I lost about 3500 feet. I waved at 6500....and when I first looked at my alti under reserve I was right at 2000. That's a lot of altitude to lose. (and quickly) (edited to add...I think this is an enormous source of my insecurity. the fact that I know that I lost 3500 feet, and how quickly it seemed to happen...and what would have happened if I'd started pulling much lower than I was....I don't find this fact comforting at all. the ONLY comfort I get from this is the idea that NOW I know how fast it happens, and next time I will be quicker, because of a better understanding of how fast it happens!! I hope....) Quote Edit to add: Also, practice your emergency procedures before every jump and on the plane. I always practice my emergency procedures on the plane. I think it will help if I get into a situation. Angela.] Oh yes...yes yes...I do, honestly...over and over again... That's why when it came time to do them..I just sort of went into robot mode and just DID them, without thinking. There was not even a millisecond of fumbling and looking for handles or thinking of which handle to grab...just did it. Practicing those EPs...yes yes...do those every single time I put my rig on...multiple times...yup yup yup. -------------------------------------------- Elfanie My Skydiving Page Fly Safe - Soft Landings Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dgskydive 0 #5 January 30, 2004 QuoteAlso, practice your emergency procedures before every jump and on the plane. I always practice my emergency procedures on the plane. I think it will help if I get into a situation. Try feeling for them in freefall as well. They tend to shift in freefall and under canopy. I even touch mine during a track from time to time just see wear they are. Some times I may even look and reach (not grap) during deployment. Just to see wear they are. Good practice.Dom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Newbie 0 #6 January 30, 2004 i think i know where you are coming from, and i think with experience things like this will become calmer in our minds (i'm just starting out too, and the idea of cutting away is exactly like what you described - far from a "woohoo!" moment). When i was first learning, after like the first couple of jumps, and especially after my first tandem, i had this weird paranoia about the leg straps not being able to hold me in place or keep me attached to the rig etc. It just felt almost too flimsy to hold me in place. With more jumps you realise that this is just because you don't know your gear and as you get to know and understand it, you become less nervous about the things that initially bothered you when you start out. I don't like to give advice, so this is just my opinion and how i feel personally, i just feel that good skydives are only possible if my mental state is calm and peaceful and i'm happy and confident i can handle myself in any situation i might find myself in. I would say that if this "losing altitude" thing bothered you as you have described, stay pulling high for now. Just make sure that you tell manifest and the load how high you intend to pull when you sort out the exit order so whoever is after you (if anyone is) knows the deal. You might like to think about a CYPRES too. It's not guaranteed to save you, but it will try to protect against human error that ALL of us are capable of making. I have one, and while i would NEVER rely on it, it provides a certain peace of mind because i know i am not infalable. "Skydiving is a door" Happythoughts Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elfanie 0 #7 January 30, 2004 Quote I would say that if this "losing altitude" thing bothered you as you have described, stay pulling high for now. Just make sure that you tell manifest and the load how high you intend to pull when you sort out the exit order so whoever is after you (if anyone is) knows the deal. Yes...I was waving at 5.5 and pulling at 5K for several jumps after that. I've weaned myself back down to 4500 now..and everyone always knows where everyone is pulling..*nodsnods* Quote You might like to think about a CYPRES too. It's not guaranteed to save you, but it will try to protect against human error that ALL of us are capable of making. I have one, and while i would NEVER rely on it, it provides a certain peace of mind because i know i am not infalable. I have a cypres...and did in the rig I was jumping (which wasn't MY rig, which is what I jump now). Honestly, the cypres never entered my mind until my husband mentioned it to me late that night. I just truly didn't even think about it...not even once. but now I also have a dytter in my ear that I have set to 3K (which is where, "if you don't have something over your head, you need it NOW" is for me) I dunno...maybe I am slightly nuts... -------------------------------------------- Elfanie My Skydiving Page Fly Safe - Soft Landings Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveNFlorida 0 #8 January 30, 2004 I just wanna add that I am told a cypres will not save you after a main deployment. That is what Brian Germain said. I'm not sure if it really won't save you, or if it just should not be expected to, but either way... i'd not be counting on it after pulling my main. Matter of fact, i'd be hesitant to think about it at all. It pulls your reserve very low. You could still get into trouble if your cypres fires your reserve. Try to forget that it is there. Also, I understand about losing so much altitude. But, now you know, and so, 2 trys then emergency procedures. Also, you should constantly check your altitude. Pull... nothing, check altitude, try again... pull nothing... check altitude... execute emergency procedures accordingly. I got into my own situation a while back. Instead of not knowing my altitude, I reasoned that I had enough. I got out of line twists at 900 feet. Need I say more? Keep altitude aware. Know your emergency procedures. Before jumping, know the altitude at which you will execute them regardless of situation (hard deck). Stick to the plan. Angela. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkySlut 0 #9 January 30, 2004 QuoteI had a hard pull not quite a month ago...couldn't get the PC out (and tried hard enough that I actually flipped myself onto my back before barrel rolling while I chopped and pulled silver). the thing is...I barely remember pulling. I remember grabbing the hacky and yanking...remember LOOKING at that hacky FYI...If you didnt already know, You probably flipped over on your back because you looked at your hackey. If you stand up in a normal arched position and then mimic looking at your hackey...see what happens to your arch...it goes away, probably causing your instability problems. Keep your head up, it will help you keep yourself square in the harness and stable. That should be your first step (other than packing techniques) in avoiding cutaways. As far as your cutaway and people giving you crap...screw em. you saved your life, good for you. You are the only person that could make that decision. There are always woulda, coulda, shoulda's... I digress.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elfanie 0 #10 January 30, 2004 Quote FYI...If you didnt already know, You probably flipped over on your back because you looked at your hackey. If you stand up in a normal arched position and then mimic looking at your hackey...see what happens to your arch...it goes away, probably causing your instability problems. Actually, what caused me to flip onto my back was grabbing and yanking with both hands. Might have been due to body position to get my left hand over onto my right wrist...or it could have been the very hard yank which rotated my hip and caused a barrel roll... but looking at it caused me to turn slowly...didn't cause me to flip. the two handed yank is what flipped me... Quote As far as your cutaway and people giving you crap...screw em. you saved your life, good for you. You are the only person that could make that decision. There are always woulda, coulda, shoulda's... I digress.... Nobody gave me crap this time (except one person commented on me tossing the handles..but it was a light hearted comment and he got VERY serious when I said, "I did was I was trained to do.." and he said very seriously, "absolutely..and good for you!") it's not that I got crap..it was the fear of getting crap. And you're right..it shouldn't matter what others think, I'm the only one in the sky with the rig and I should just do whatever it is that needs to be done....you're right....and I'm trying to feel that way because I know it's the right way to feel... -------------------------------------------- Elfanie My Skydiving Page Fly Safe - Soft Landings Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkySlut 0 #11 January 30, 2004 Actually, what caused me to flip onto my back was grabbing and yanking with both hands.*** Yep, that'll do it too... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boxingrrl 0 #12 January 30, 2004 Oh, girl-- I did cutaway a parachute that I probably didn't have to on my 33rd jump. The instructors, for the most part, were very reassuring, and supportive of my decision. One, though, made me feel like an ass for having done it, so I understand your anxiety. The bottomline for me, though, was that at 33 jumps, I didn't think I could safely land the canopy, which was turning, closed on one end, and had a knot in one brake line that prevented me from being able to use the toggle. I don't regret having done it, nor having had the experience. (never finding the freebag or the handles is another story...) While it was happening, I was in that hyperaware state-- checked altitude, executed procedures-- just like I was taught. You obviously have yours down pat-- just like you were taught. Give yourself some credit for doing the right thing. Having a dytter is never a bad thing, as far as I'm concerned. I hope that it gives you some confidence/comfort. I think that having had the experience will make you more altitude conscious and aware, should you ever have another problem. You will identify it. You will know that it's happening. And you'll deal with it... you've obviously been trained well. You're going to be OK. I'm with all those in favor of a slight case of nerves... so much better than overconfident and complacent. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZoneRat 0 #13 January 30, 2004 >>>I still think about it...wonder about it...and have the same nervousness I had before. Will I identify a problem fast enough? Will I cut away? <<<[HR] Ya know... It's not really important to figure out what the problem is. Do that on the ground afterwards. Is is square? Stable? Steerable? No? ok. If you feel like messing with it, you have until your hard deck to get it that way. or... just cut it if you think it might not get right. What'd that take? 1 second or so to look up at the problem? A couple more to cut and deploy? Give or take... Should you ever mal again, you'll do the right thing. Have faith.“There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophies.” Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kramer 0 #14 January 30, 2004 Stephanie, nice post. I have a lot less jumps than you, so take my advice as a grain of salt. Don't be afraid or nervous about having a malfunction or cutting away. It's part of the sport. I have had moments in time where I thought I was going to have to cutaway, but I stayed calm, examined my situation, and dealt with it how I had been trained to deal with it. It's no biggy. Cutting away isn't the end of the world, most anyone with over 500 jumps or so has probably cut away at least once. Odds are, it's going to happen to you someday. Just look up, realize you have a problem, look at your handles, and pull em like you were trained to do. Piece a cake. -Kramer The FAKE KRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMER!!!!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phillbo 11 #15 January 30, 2004 Stephanie, I was there when you chopped and on the next load with you when you were nervous. You did FINE !!! Do not second guess what you did or if you will be able to do it right again! I saw Josh give the PC a tug and the realization on your face that you did the right thing when he confirmed a hard pull. You landed that reserve better than I land my main most the time . You did more damage when you PLF'd the tarmac during AFF.. Your cool. Don't be nervous. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elfanie 0 #16 January 30, 2004 ACK! This is the risk of knowing someone on the boards... QuoteStephanie, I was there when you chopped and on the next load with you when you were nervous. You did FINE !!! I can't remember, Phil....were you on my cutaway jump? it was just really strange now I felt - something - that made me nervous before that jump. (if you were on the plane that run...did you notice how many times I touched my handles before exit?!?) I did fine...but the nervousness is still there. Not nervousness about the jump, really... just an underlying nervousness about my competancy. Will it be there when needed.... Quote Do not second guess what you did or if you will be able to do it right again! I saw Josh give the PC a tug and the realization on your face that you did the right thing when he confirmed a hard pull. Yes! Oh gosh that was a source of relief for me. but then I start rationalizing my way into nervous-mode again. "Ok..so I dealt with a hard-pull....that's an easy decision...I needed something over my head. But what about a PC in tow?? I don't watch deployment, just wait for the jolt upright....so....what if I wait too long for it? What about a streamer....will I realize that it's not opening fast enough? Will I wait too long thinking it's just snivelling??" I guess I should take comfort in what everyone says...which is that nervousness can keep you on your toes,and it's complacency that is dangerous. Quote You landed that reserve better than I land my main most the time . *lol* that's not true. You don't land too badly most of the time.... Ya know, you and I are going to need to jump together sometime. (heck, if I can keep up with BRIAN [bsoder], I can keep up with YOU! ) Quote You did more damage when you PLF'd the tarmac during AFF.. Oh...ugh....don't remind me... You notice that was the last time I landed on the tarmac!!! (and that wasn't just an AFF jump...that was my level 2 jump, and was the FIRST time my family had ever seen me jump!! That sucked!) You coming out this weekend? (you can PM me if you want so we don't hijack this thread. *grin*) -------------------------------------------- Elfanie My Skydiving Page Fly Safe - Soft Landings Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phillbo 11 #17 January 30, 2004 Your chop was on the load just as I was getting to the DZ.. You landed so nice that I did not even know it was a reserve ride. My first jump of the day was your "shiver" jump Don't second guess yourself. I'll jump with you as soon as I am cleared to ... I may be the old, fat, bald guy at the DZ but I'd have to really work to keep up with the Big Guy I'll be out of pocket this weekend but hope to jump in a couple weeks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMitchell 16 #18 January 30, 2004 had a hard pull not quite a month ago...couldn't get the PC out (and tried hard enough that I actually flipped myself onto my back before barrel rolling while I chopped and pulled silver). /////// Congratulations on saving your life. I say you've had a reserve ride now, but not a true cutaway, since the main never came out. Do you have a separate cutaway handle and reserve handle? Or is it all done with one handle on your rig? Also, the rolling on your back? Try putting your feet up on your butt and arching on the next cutaway. I have 8 or 9 cutaways, tandem and solo, and all of them very stable, even from the spinners. Also rehearse gripping the handles as you go back into your arch after the pull. Nothing gets you back in the air faster than saving the handles. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites elfanie 0 #19 January 30, 2004 Quote Congratulations on saving your life. I say you've had a reserve ride now, but not a true cutaway, since the main never came out. I'll agree with this. I had a true cutaway on a tandem ride...lineover....and yup, was definately different to feel that main release and you're in freefall again. Yikes. QuoteDo you have a separate cutaway handle and reserve handle? Or is it all done with one handle on your rig? I have separate handles... red pud for a cutaway and a metal d-ring for my reserve. Quote Also, the rolling on your back? Try putting your feet up on your butt and arching on the next cutaway. I have 8 or 9 cutaways, tandem and solo, and all of them very stable, even from the spinners. When I pulled my reserve...I was actually surprisingly stable. (at least, I think I was. I don't remember that well...I do know that I was belly-to-earth when I did...) QuoteAlso rehearse gripping the handles as you go back into your arch after the pull. Nothing gets you back in the air faster than saving the handles. TRUE THAT! As for saving the handles...thought didn't occur to me. quite the opposite...I wanted them GONE, and it felt like if they were in my hands they weren't truly gone. someone told me next time I will keep the handles. I'm not really anxious to findout. honestly...keeping the handles was the very last thing on my mind right then. In fact, on the ground when someone asked me where my handles were, I think I look at them with the biggest, "huh??" look...because they just kinda laughed and said, "She tossed them....." -------------------------------------------- Elfanie My Skydiving Page Fly Safe - Soft Landings Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites murphyka 0 #20 January 30, 2004 I know exactly what you mean about being a little nervous now that you have had a reserve ride. I had my first this past weekend on jump 50. I too have gotten some comments from people with really high jump numbers that I had plenty of time to work on my problem, but at the time, you just make that decision. I also got rid of my handles and was thinking, "you dumbass, you're supposed to keep them!" as I watched them disappear to the ground. Then I didn't care because it hit me that I had just cut away. Hopefully I will have my new handles in so that I can get back in the air as quick as possible and get rid of those jitters as well. I have to admit that I am going to be nervous. Here's to Blue Skies for the Superbowl! KimBlue Skies!!! Kimmy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites brothermuff65 0 #21 January 30, 2004 i had my first cutaway on jump number 10 with student gear (which at that time was a round main and a round reserve ) had a streamer. it let me know right away that i could save my ass if i needed to and sort of eliminated that little nagging thing in the back of your brain that wonders about that .hope this helps you outtill later have fun & love each other seeya mb65johnny gates Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites helldog 0 #22 January 30, 2004 Its amazing how your training just takes over isn't it?? Had a cutaway on jump 31...my brand new out of the box equipment. Master rigger set it up, Jumpmaster packed the main. 3 broken lines later I was looking up at them and the training just kicked in. The canopy was flying normally so being a new rig I checked red and silver quickly. Then went to do a controllability check. My arms got half way to the toggles when the left side of the canopy curled up and began spinning the canopy violently. I was supprised how quickly the g-force became noticeable. I quickly got to red and with considerable effort pulled. I was shocked how hard of a pull it was to get it off the velcro( and i'm 6'3" 210 pounds and in good shape). I have since learned to peal the velcro first. Before i could reach the silver my reserve was over head (RSL works really fast do you not have one???). And like you I wasn't screaming woo hoo. It was more like... OH Shit OH Shit..... Then relief.... Then the most cautious ride down i've had to date. The next 10 or so jumps on the rig I was uneasy with even putting it on...But now, after 45 beautiful uneventful openings I look forward to it. Congrats on your save and as always Blue ones Jim Hey looks like i'll be up there next friday afternoon, saturday and sunday... lets get that 8-way going! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites elfanie 0 #23 January 30, 2004 Quote Before i could reach the silver my reserve was over head (RSL works really fast do you not have one???). I have an RSL... funny thing is that after I landed and was in the hanger, I commented to my JM that, "I think my RSL deployed my reserve before I even got a chance to pull my D-ring..." he smiled and said, "you landed with your main on your back...your RSL did you no good." Uh...DUH! Didn't think about that! Quote But now, after 45 beautiful uneventful openings I look forward to it. Congrats on your save and as always Blue ones Jim But this goes back to my question.. were you nervous about how you'd perform in an emergency? And did your feelings change after your reserve ride? Were you less/more nervous about if you ever had to do it again how you'd respond? Quote Hey looks like i'll be up there next friday afternoon, saturday and sunday... lets get that 8-way going! You got it! (wait..do you mean this next weekend, the 30-1st? Or NEXT weekend as in the 6-8th? just want to know when to look for you...) -------------------------------------------- Elfanie My Skydiving Page Fly Safe - Soft Landings Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jumperconway 0 #24 January 30, 2004 Stephanie, First off, BEER! Glad ya didn't die. You did the right thing. I had my 3rd chop a few weeks ago on #1668 in 3 years on the sunset load on a Sunday. I wasn't able to get back in the air because of weather for a couple of weeks. Last friday I went to the dz just to pick up my jumpsuit and wasn't even thinking about jumping when the put the otter on a call. Last minute I decided to just go for a hopnpop. I didn't even grab my digitude. Riding up in the plane I got nervous not knowing if I'd get 2500 or 4500. I got to thinking about saddling in just under 1000' on my spinnig mal after dumping at 2000'. This was the most nervous I have been in a loooooong time. The hnp from 4500 was fine so I was now back on the horse that threw me. Went to SSM Sunday and on the second jump found myself in major line twists again! I was able to get the canopy flying straight after I grabbed my cutaway pillow and kicked out of it. The 5th jump of the day after deployment, I found myself on my back with a spinning line twist on a 27 cell loaded 2.2/1 again fortunately I was able to kick out before a grand. Story said, even with quite a few jumps you still can get nervous, fear keeps you allert. Be mentally prepaired for a mal on EVERY jump! Trust that your training and instincts will react as taught. I've never even looked for my handles before a cutaway, instincts put my hands on them! Also on my last chop I was too low to worry about getting belly to earth before going for the reserve and it opened great! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites rocketdog 0 #25 February 2, 2004 did you buy beer for that solo cutaway? Honestly, you did awesome.... when it's all said & done, YOU are the only 1 who has to fly that canopy (or lack thereof) *safely* to the ground. Lesson learned, glad you're alright & still jumping... screw those people see the world! http://gorocketdog.blogspot.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
elfanie 0 #19 January 30, 2004 Quote Congratulations on saving your life. I say you've had a reserve ride now, but not a true cutaway, since the main never came out. I'll agree with this. I had a true cutaway on a tandem ride...lineover....and yup, was definately different to feel that main release and you're in freefall again. Yikes. QuoteDo you have a separate cutaway handle and reserve handle? Or is it all done with one handle on your rig? I have separate handles... red pud for a cutaway and a metal d-ring for my reserve. Quote Also, the rolling on your back? Try putting your feet up on your butt and arching on the next cutaway. I have 8 or 9 cutaways, tandem and solo, and all of them very stable, even from the spinners. When I pulled my reserve...I was actually surprisingly stable. (at least, I think I was. I don't remember that well...I do know that I was belly-to-earth when I did...) QuoteAlso rehearse gripping the handles as you go back into your arch after the pull. Nothing gets you back in the air faster than saving the handles. TRUE THAT! As for saving the handles...thought didn't occur to me. quite the opposite...I wanted them GONE, and it felt like if they were in my hands they weren't truly gone. someone told me next time I will keep the handles. I'm not really anxious to findout. honestly...keeping the handles was the very last thing on my mind right then. In fact, on the ground when someone asked me where my handles were, I think I look at them with the biggest, "huh??" look...because they just kinda laughed and said, "She tossed them....." -------------------------------------------- Elfanie My Skydiving Page Fly Safe - Soft Landings Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
murphyka 0 #20 January 30, 2004 I know exactly what you mean about being a little nervous now that you have had a reserve ride. I had my first this past weekend on jump 50. I too have gotten some comments from people with really high jump numbers that I had plenty of time to work on my problem, but at the time, you just make that decision. I also got rid of my handles and was thinking, "you dumbass, you're supposed to keep them!" as I watched them disappear to the ground. Then I didn't care because it hit me that I had just cut away. Hopefully I will have my new handles in so that I can get back in the air as quick as possible and get rid of those jitters as well. I have to admit that I am going to be nervous. Here's to Blue Skies for the Superbowl! KimBlue Skies!!! Kimmy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brothermuff65 0 #21 January 30, 2004 i had my first cutaway on jump number 10 with student gear (which at that time was a round main and a round reserve ) had a streamer. it let me know right away that i could save my ass if i needed to and sort of eliminated that little nagging thing in the back of your brain that wonders about that .hope this helps you outtill later have fun & love each other seeya mb65johnny gates Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
helldog 0 #22 January 30, 2004 Its amazing how your training just takes over isn't it?? Had a cutaway on jump 31...my brand new out of the box equipment. Master rigger set it up, Jumpmaster packed the main. 3 broken lines later I was looking up at them and the training just kicked in. The canopy was flying normally so being a new rig I checked red and silver quickly. Then went to do a controllability check. My arms got half way to the toggles when the left side of the canopy curled up and began spinning the canopy violently. I was supprised how quickly the g-force became noticeable. I quickly got to red and with considerable effort pulled. I was shocked how hard of a pull it was to get it off the velcro( and i'm 6'3" 210 pounds and in good shape). I have since learned to peal the velcro first. Before i could reach the silver my reserve was over head (RSL works really fast do you not have one???). And like you I wasn't screaming woo hoo. It was more like... OH Shit OH Shit..... Then relief.... Then the most cautious ride down i've had to date. The next 10 or so jumps on the rig I was uneasy with even putting it on...But now, after 45 beautiful uneventful openings I look forward to it. Congrats on your save and as always Blue ones Jim Hey looks like i'll be up there next friday afternoon, saturday and sunday... lets get that 8-way going! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elfanie 0 #23 January 30, 2004 Quote Before i could reach the silver my reserve was over head (RSL works really fast do you not have one???). I have an RSL... funny thing is that after I landed and was in the hanger, I commented to my JM that, "I think my RSL deployed my reserve before I even got a chance to pull my D-ring..." he smiled and said, "you landed with your main on your back...your RSL did you no good." Uh...DUH! Didn't think about that! Quote But now, after 45 beautiful uneventful openings I look forward to it. Congrats on your save and as always Blue ones Jim But this goes back to my question.. were you nervous about how you'd perform in an emergency? And did your feelings change after your reserve ride? Were you less/more nervous about if you ever had to do it again how you'd respond? Quote Hey looks like i'll be up there next friday afternoon, saturday and sunday... lets get that 8-way going! You got it! (wait..do you mean this next weekend, the 30-1st? Or NEXT weekend as in the 6-8th? just want to know when to look for you...) -------------------------------------------- Elfanie My Skydiving Page Fly Safe - Soft Landings Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumperconway 0 #24 January 30, 2004 Stephanie, First off, BEER! Glad ya didn't die. You did the right thing. I had my 3rd chop a few weeks ago on #1668 in 3 years on the sunset load on a Sunday. I wasn't able to get back in the air because of weather for a couple of weeks. Last friday I went to the dz just to pick up my jumpsuit and wasn't even thinking about jumping when the put the otter on a call. Last minute I decided to just go for a hopnpop. I didn't even grab my digitude. Riding up in the plane I got nervous not knowing if I'd get 2500 or 4500. I got to thinking about saddling in just under 1000' on my spinnig mal after dumping at 2000'. This was the most nervous I have been in a loooooong time. The hnp from 4500 was fine so I was now back on the horse that threw me. Went to SSM Sunday and on the second jump found myself in major line twists again! I was able to get the canopy flying straight after I grabbed my cutaway pillow and kicked out of it. The 5th jump of the day after deployment, I found myself on my back with a spinning line twist on a 27 cell loaded 2.2/1 again fortunately I was able to kick out before a grand. Story said, even with quite a few jumps you still can get nervous, fear keeps you allert. Be mentally prepaired for a mal on EVERY jump! Trust that your training and instincts will react as taught. I've never even looked for my handles before a cutaway, instincts put my hands on them! Also on my last chop I was too low to worry about getting belly to earth before going for the reserve and it opened great! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rocketdog 0 #25 February 2, 2004 did you buy beer for that solo cutaway? Honestly, you did awesome.... when it's all said & done, YOU are the only 1 who has to fly that canopy (or lack thereof) *safely* to the ground. Lesson learned, glad you're alright & still jumping... screw those people see the world! http://gorocketdog.blogspot.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
