tetra316

I have four weeks off in December (gotta love school for that one!) and want to get some advanced canopy coaching. My goal is swooping. What would be a good place to spend a week with either a camp or some specific hands on coaching? I've done a couple courses with Brian Germain and Wyatt but they were not really what I was looking for. Suggestions?

I'm looking to go digital, finally, and want to get a canon but not sure what kind or mp. The powershots or elphs? Also was thinking about 8mp or would 5-6 be pretty much the same if I'm not blowing up the pictures? Comments greatly appreciated

Around jump #40 I went up on a hop and pop load with three others who had several hundred jumps each if not more. We ended up being only able to get about 1800 due to low clouds. As we did a go around they were debating whether or not to get out. They decided to go for it, (pacific nw weather sucks in the winter). So watching them go I thought, well if they can do it so can I and I jumped. Of course I waited a few seconds to get stable before pulling like I had been taught for my clear and pulls . Boy did I get an earful once I landed for that one. Lesson learned: even if others with a lot more experience are jumping but seriously debating it before hand there's probably a damned good reason.

I took a 6'4" guy this weekend. I'm only 5'2". I'll post a pic once I download them. I thought it was quite comical

Yes that's true. PM him and I'm sure he'll give you the details.

Definitely freaky where they are actually showing him but have removed the tandem instructor.

0:5:1 Five awesome beach jumps and my first jump barefoot landing by the surf.

I think it's definitely better than nothing at all. I for one am glad that I did it as I know a little of what to expect when I actually experience a cutaway. Finding the handles which may not be in the same place, the sudden drop after you cutaway, trying to get stable (if altitude permits) and deploying another canopy. So you think nothing is better than something that may stimulate the real thing? Maybe it's not for everyone, probably shouldn't have stated that. Of course this is just my opinion.

That is a reckless statement. Intentional cutaways add more than just another layer of complexity to the jump. The risk of pilot error goes way up. The rig you described sounds like it is deployed by someone holding the bag as the jumper exits. This type of deployment gives 2 people a chance to screw up before line stretch. Both the jumper and the “jumpmaster”, for lack of a better word, should be experienced and have through understanding of the sequence. Another version of a cutaway rig I have seen is adding “D” rings to a sport harness and hanging a chest mount on it. This adds a load point and potential load path to the harness that it was not designed for. Without doing some sewing to the harness it is almost impossible to attach “D” rings to the MLW securely, they are free to move up and down the MLW. Even if a jumper has access to a “cutaway specific” rig I question the value of using one to “experience” what a real cutaway feels like. You will be hanging under a “good” canopy, have plenty of time to make your decision at a “safe” altitude. All your handles with right where they are supposed to be and you can see them. The canopy is not in a “malfunction”, spinning or whipping about. Everything is very calm. This type of jump is required for TSO testing and I find that they feel just like using a hanging harness with 12 to 14 inch drop built in. Nothing like what happens when a canopy turns to shit in the real world. jmo Note I said this is something everyone should try WITH the proper briefing. And no a second person is NOT holding the canopy. It is attached to the harness you are wearing under your rig via the three ring system. The canopy is packed like normal and put into a paper bag in our case. It is deployed as soon as you exit by throwing the bag. Similar to deploying a belly reserve from the descriptions I've read. As for the "calm" part, induce a mal. Like billvon said release one brake only or spin it up. We were jumping a stilleto 97 so very easy to do. IMHO this is closer to the real thing than the hanging harness as you actually release the canopy, go back into freefall then deploy. Sure it's staged but so is the hanging harness. Of course only those with enough awareness(of the extra handles) should be trying this so I guess I don't see the harm....it's educational. Just like actually landing in a lake then getting out of your harness. Or at least thats my opinion.

I think everyone who has access to an intentional cutaway rig should jump one regardless of experience. With proper briefing of course. I don't know what kind of setups the manufacturers make but a guy on our dz had one made for about $250 or so. Basically its just like a harness with out the parachute that has three rings. You attach a parachute then wear your regular rig over the harness. Cutaway system works the same as a regular rig then you deploy your main. I've done three and since I've yet to have a mal it makes for great training for one. Plus it's fun to see how bad you can spin it up. But of course you do have to be aware of the extra handles. edited for spelling

0:15:1 Had my first paid tandem video on Saturday with three more following that! And of course paid up on the beer

We're planning on jumping all day, but will only have one plane running.

Nope only one. We are still jumping this weekend into the farm. Nick, I think that's his name, is picking up the plane about 10am tomorrow.

Are all the self inflating ones activated by co2? Can you travel with the belts on the airlines?

Now that's what I was looking for!

Know of any online sites? Searching comes up with a bunch of self inflating camping pads

Anyone know where I can get a self inflating belt for beach jumps? The kind I'm thinking of was yellow and blue and looks just like a weight belt. I was told there is a store in Portland that sells them but can't remember where.

Also an email from Whit asking everyone to send a letter to our rep: Friends and coworkers, I call upon you to write a letter to our Fed Rep in Congress, Peter DeFazio. Currently there is no one to assist us in forcing Larry Richards to back off of his threat. I've sent you a copy of my letter to DeFazio which will hopefully aid you in what actually is the big picture. The points that we need to make are: 1. We need immediate intervention (assistance, aid) 2. Many jobs are at stake (can't pay our bills, there was no forewarning to this immediate job loss) or if you don't work there, you're family or friends are directly affected and it's of your great concern. Or, you are very worried of the indirect effects on the community (all the money the skydiving tourism brings to the local businesses) especially as this is peak skydiving season. Or you simply have witnessed the railroading (bullying) and are shocked/horrified. 3. Larry Richards, from the FAA in Hillsboro (list address and phone for DeFazio) 3180 NW 229th Ave., Hillsboro, OR. 97124, 800-847-3806 has intervened in a local legal matter that has nothing to do with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). You might touch on how Shrives and Humble have tried in vain to shut down skydiving even though this is a Federally Funded Airport which cannot discriminate against any aviation users. The important factors for DeFazio is "job loss" and "local business income loss". I know this requires alot of energy and time from you. Everyone greatly appreciates your efforts. Urban is running for city council and we're campaigning for a new Mayor. After that is secured we will have control fromt the inside and won't have to deal with these injustices in the future. Blue skies, send this to everyone you know. The most effective way if to flood his office with this outrage! Whitney

Here is a letter Whit sent to Peter DeFazio: Representative Peter DeFazio 151 W 7th Ave. #400 Eugene, OR. 97401 fax 541-465-6458 Mr. DeFazio, We need your immediate assistance in a matter concerning many jobs in Creswell, Or. Eugene Skydivers is a local business that has been in operation for 14 years at a Federally Funded Airport called Hobby Field. Since 1993 we have flown 30,000 operations and 75,000 skydives were made without any aircraft incursions or accidents involving skydivers or skydiving aircraft. Sinces 1995 Creswell has had 14 reported and 6 unreported aircraft accidents resulting in 3 fatalities, none of the above involving jumpers or jump planes. It is important for you to understand the statistics of our immaculate safety record because our opponents try to throw that out there as a stumbling block even though it is completely unfounded. 18 months ago, Shelley Humble, the airport manager, who has only been in the cities' tenure for one third the time our skydiving operation has been in existence, had a personal falling out with the drop zone owner. Since then she has escalated her personal issues involving the city manager, Mark Shrives. Shrives has been backed into a corner, involving Humble and an investigation of her illegal and unethical actions in her employment and has also chosen to involve himself in her personal dispute. This is the ultimate in small town politicking which has resulted in the closure of two skydiving operations this week. Shrives has forced the hand of Federal Aviation Administrator, Larry Richards, in Hillsboro, to become involved. Shrives, unable to successfully win his dispute locally has decided to fabricate a violation of FAR 105.23 ( Federeal Aviation Regulation) which states that we must have permission to land on city property. Eugene Skydivers has a longstanding lease with the city, with 20 more years to extend the lease if we choose, for the express purpose of "skydiving instruction and activities". The lease is a legal and binding agreement for skydiving, and has had no modifications, or revocations, since it's conception 14 years ago. Therefore, there is no violation of FAR 105.23 We would be happy to send you a copy of the lease for your review. Larry Richards, the FAA Mgr. has sent a letter to both businesses halting all operations, claiming "we could possibly be in violation of FAR 105.23 and that there is no set date of review." In other works, this could take years of investigation. This dispute is strictly a local matter and in no way should involve the FAA. Richards has single handedly made a decision that is costing our business $10,000.00 weekly and will have future damages for years to come. Eugene Skydivers has dozens of independent contractors that depend on this business to feed their families. The community is outraged by the ruling. All businesses are well aware of the benefits from the skydiving tourism, which attracts people from essentialy all over. Thrill seekers come from Canada, California, Idaho, Washington, and various foreign countries. It is cheaper for the Japanese to fly here to skydive than to jump in Japan. Many people plan their vacations around this event just like any other outdoor activity. We train military jumpers to aid in the HALO programs and world record holders. We know we have every legal right to use this Federally Funded Airport due to the Grant Assurances which do not discriminate between any aviation activities. We are also certain we will win this legal battle and there are other federal rulings of this exact nature that assure that, but what damages will we all financially suffer if this isn't immediately resolved? We ask for assistance in one mans' decision to revoke so many jobs. Thank you for aiding us. Whitney Harder Professional Skydiver USPA License D-19269 AFF I-2007 SL I-2007 PRO-115882

I'll be there and for the free breakfast too of course :)

So far the most I've done in a day was eight, out of a cessna.

I have and it makes perfect sense to me considering I do jump a 120 and not a student size canopy. Also I have tried single stowing and the canopy opens much too quickly giving a very hard opening (thanks for the pack job stu) making me think bag strip is a possibility. That's also why I double stow. Once in a while I still get a fast opening even double stowing. You did make me think the advice of being able to pick up my bag with the stows was more directed to me specifically then a general rule of thumb due the size of my canopy. You're right you wouldn't want to be able to pick up student deployment bags by the lines.

Also, if the lines needed to be stowed that tight, why do reseerve free-bags work? Why do tail pockets still work at terminal? Derek I was just following the advice of some very experienced reps. My understanding was that you want the line stows tight enough that they will not all release at once and being able to pick them up by the lines and not releasing the stows is a way to ensure that. of course if you were to pull with even a bit of pressure they will come undone, the point was that they won't come undone by just holding the bag up. I believe it was Vlad and Kolla who gave me the advice at the chicks rock boogie last year when I was demoing some canopies. By the way never though about double wrapping the bands through the attachment points then only single stowing. Will have to try that.

And what if the small bands are still too loose? I was told by pd reps that the bands should be tight enough that you can lift the bag off the floor by your lines and not have the stows come undone. Single stowing with small bands still leaves the lines too loose.

And how can you be sure of that..?