sebastian video

[LyraM45 0]

hahaha....I actually found this thread before him!

We didn't have much access to internet while on vacation and I think Matt was going through wingsuit forum withdrawl.

Apologies for the spelling (and grammar).... I got a B.S, not a B.A. :)

[IslandGuy 0]

Thanks for the clarification and answers. It does bring to light the importance of understanding the individual roles and responsibilities that I think many of us who fly in groups on a regular basis automatically assume.

Starting with the base, it's the base's responsibility to set a constant fall rate/flight speed, navigate, see and avoid traffic (aircraft, open canopies, etc.), and signal break-off, not to look out for other flockers.

The rest of the birds are either in the formation or out of the formation.
If they are in the formation, their responsibility is to fly their slot, not look out for other flockers.
If they are out of the formation, their responsibility is to look out for other flockers (including the designated cameramen) and to get to their slot while avoiding traffic conflicts and collisions.

As Matt said "it would be semantic to argue whether you were moving toward the base or the base was moving toward you". Regardless, if you are not in the formation, then it is your responsibility to fly clear of it or approach it cautiously to get to your slot. If the formation is flying at you, then you get out of the way. I can think of no exceptions to this.

Another good point is apparent closing velocities. Judging this accurately can be difficult at the beginning and so makes it so much more important to make your approaches slow, err on the side of caution. IMO, this is one of the more important reasons for the 200 jump rule. By 200, one usually has enough exposure to judging relative motion in 3 dimensions (in RW or freefly, canopy flying, and landing) that it is possible to make the transition to wingsuits safely.

Again, thanks for sharing your experience with us all.

Play like your life depends on it.

[OmarPR 0]

"Omar...you up for some more sweet "small-ways"???
I miss flying with you bro...and Matt's video from last summer brought back some very nice memories...let's go fly some Acro! "

Dude, you know the answer to that.

PS
"what Omar said!!!! "

What? I didn't say anything. Are you trying to get me into something here too?

WINGSUIT ACROBATICS team O zone
ZF#5 , HISPA#70
Blue Skies...
...Big Fat Clouds

[ziboulateur 0]

Thanks for all the input guys.
Good points, good thoughts.
Lets be safe out there and not take safety for granted.
Look, think, read this forum, have safe fun.