Mplatt

Here is a fabulous tribute page on FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/743510912365436/?fref=nf

He would also say "up and down, in and out depending on the sport"

The "D-ring" ripcord on the sleeve was Bob's signature invention for his "buddy jumping" system used on the Johnny Carson jump. He was using this on his students after the customary static line and dummy ripcord pull exits. After that you went on an awesome 30 second delay with Bob and just hoped you didn't screw up and he "zapped" you with a pull of that ripcord. This was Waaaay before AFF had been used to teach freefall. Bob was an innovative mind and creator of some of the early freefall cinematography techniques and equipment to name just a few. Anyone who knew Bob has a story to tell and some sort of twisted adventure to recall, even the WUFFOS loved him. Bob was extended family to me, my teacher and mentor. He and my dad, Milt Platt worked on some great projects and movies together over decades of skydiving. I remember my first freefall with Bob like it was yesterday. RIP Bob

Very tragic.......Charlie was probably real pissed off about the time he figured out WTF was going on. Sad shit!! read here: http://www.ntsb.gov/aviationquery/brief.aspx?ev_id=20140702X22950&key=1

Very sad news to hear this. When I hear the name George Speakman it takes me back to my childhood days roaming the dry lake of Elsinore in the 60's, chasing down pilot chutes and sleeves just to earn some money for junk food at the little snack bar the Perkins family ran at Skylark Aviation. My parents Milt and Patty Platt ran the Rumbleseat bar there. Mom worked manifest during the day and pop....we'll, he was jumpin out of planes with legends like George Speakman, Bob Sinclair, Jimmy Hughes, Dick Dumphy, Roy Fryman and the list goes on. Those were the days I tell ya, being awaken in the morning by Ray Smith flying that old yellow Beech AT-11 over the Rumblseat in the morning, holy shit, that was low!! I was just a kid then but remember the whole crazy scene as if it were yesterday. George will always be in my memory, a true legend!! I remember the Carson jump too, yep My dad, Milt Platt was wearing the camera for that one too. Sinclair......that is a book in of itself!! God speed George Speakman, Blue Skies brother, no sky too high, no muff too tuff!!