bmcd308 0 #26 September 5, 2002 Quotesomeone coming in to land on a night jump saw his shadow approaching, thought it was another canopy, and turned to avoid it only to hit the ground I saw a girl do this. Much better ourcome, but still very scary to watch from the ground. ---------------------------------- www.jumpelvis.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Iflyme 0 #27 September 6, 2002 Quotejust use 2 cars both pointing on angles toward the LZ, so that the jumpers would follow the light away from the vehicles to land into the wind. Agreed. Landing target is where the headlights from the two vehicles cross on the ground. A third vehicle in the middle is an additional, and unnecessary obstacle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #28 September 6, 2002 We put cars at one entire end of the LZ and light up as much area as possible with all the lights pointing at one spot (the peas). If anyone hits a car that means they would have hit the road and having a large landing area is nice for new night jumpers. We also turn on all the hazard lights to make the LZ easly seen from the air. Jumping at Grass strips does have its down falls, but not having night jumps.... unheard of Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jerm 0 #29 September 13, 2002 Is my DZ the only one that DOESN'T illuminate the field for landing? There are runway lights for finding the airport, but the landing area is largely unilluminated. Isn't lighting up the landing area kinda cheating? Landing without injury is not necessarily evidence that you didn't fuck up... it just means you got away with it this time Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #30 September 13, 2002 QuoteIsn't lighting up the landing area kinda cheating? On sport canopies?????....the field needs to be lit. If I'm landing a 350 Sq Ft. HALO rig, No problem. Half brakes and PLF. On my Stilletto....Half brakes...Biff...Owwww My femur!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Iflyme 0 #31 September 13, 2002 QuoteIsn't lighting up the landing area kinda cheating? Gee, that's like saying a wind sock is cheating ... lights help jumpers FIND the landing area, and help them land safely ... I don't see what part of that is cheating?!? Our landing area (Farmer McNasty' field) is near subdivisions, a village, and some small industry, but is kinda dark ... ya need to see the ground lest it come up and smite thee! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,452 #32 September 13, 2002 No comments on landing high-performance canopies (I've only landed rounds and 7-cells at night), but the biggest thing that helped on my DZ was to have everyone think about and prepare their lights ahead of time, and then have the preparations reviewed by someone else. Yes, it can be annoying to have some safety nazi tell you that your preparation isn't adequate. But in the long run, not being blinded by, or blinding someone else with, a strobe light is kinda nice. And having a consistent approach. It's nice to KNOW that the strobe light is on top of everyone's helmet, or behind them, or on a lanyard below them, or whatever. Gives you a much better idea of what direction they're going. I've never turned the strobe on in freefall; in fact, when we had a photographer, we coordinated carefully where he would be, so that we wouldn't be looking up when he used his flash. The pictures turned out great, too.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
Skyrose7 0 #33 September 15, 2002 yep, my night jumps are planned for this week. I am pretty excited, but nervous too. How is spotting at night? Oh, also, it won't even be at my dz, but at a nearby airport..little nervous...~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The mind is like a parachute--it works better when it is open. JUMP. MaryRose Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot90 0 #34 September 15, 2002 one thing I didn't see, our dz started doing, red light sticks on ur back side and green/amber on the front. that way you know which way a canopy is flying. Did my 1st night jump moonless. what a rush. In Sebastian on a full moon the light refected off the indian and sebastian rivers and the atlanic is wonderful, have fun and play safe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #35 September 15, 2002 QuoteHow is spotting at night? Oh, also, it won't even be at my dz, but at a nearby airport. If the airport has a lighted runway it should be pretty easy. Just make sure the landing area has some kind of recognizeable lights on it. Since this isn't your normal landing area make sure you go out there in the daylight earlier that same day to survey it. Make good notes of hazards and where you can land safely should you NOT make the landing area. Another good idea if you have the means is to get a look at the area from the air in the daylight. That will help you stay oriented when it's dark. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skyrose7 0 #36 September 16, 2002 actually, I went for a flying lesson at that airport, so I guess I got a good look from above. I feel a lot better than if I hadn't.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The mind is like a parachute--it works better when it is open. JUMP. MaryRose Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chief 0 #37 September 18, 2002 I thought night jumps were great. I vividly remember my first couple. They are a blast - to me. Know the DZ you are jumping. Stagger openings and make 2 passes. the second jump at night offers a great opportunity to be under canopy and take in the sights. Enjoy! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
