tsbrookes

I have seen this happen once. Not entirely sure of the circumstances (e.g. bad pack job or poor opening) but it appeared to be a similar issue with the slider getting caught in the c/d lines but not inducing a spin. Not entirely sure of canopy or wingloading but the pilot kept it and didn't get the greatest flare out of the canopy and broke a leg and suffered some other injuries as a result. I wouldn't anticipate the collapsible slider being a huge issue normally given that these appear to be standard on a lot of chutes and there have probably been a lot of jumps with only a small number of issues related to the slider. I have seen more issues with freefly tubes etc caught in sliders/lines and causing problems for the pilot. I'm not a rigger and only have 2 years in the sport and roughly 130 jumps. I haven't heard of this beng a significant issue but others may be able to provide more info.

I'm not sure about the transport options. Your best bet is probably a taxi from the nearest train station. I don't know too much about the public transport system as I drive and don't live in the Newcastle area.

Your options are: Skydive Maitland which is at the Maitland airport in Rutherford. This is where I jump. There are a core group of 20-30 people who are great and look after each other. I am just off of student status and have never jumped elsewhere. Fun jumpers slot in with the tandems and there are fun loads when there are no tandems. It is run by Jay and Mel who are both really friendly and willing to help. The other option is the Newcastle Sports Parachuting Club which is out at Elderslie. This is about 20 min or so from Maitland and I think is further from Newcastle than Skydive Maitland. I think Elderslie is focused more on fun jumping but I have never been there. Both have good websites so check them out. Good Luck.