nbblood

I concur with all of that. My unit has a "pass mileage radius". If a soldier travels outside of that radius he/she must be on pass or leave to do so. When I go to my DZ it is outside that radius. I submit a mileage pass every weekend so that I am authorized to be at the DZ. This is the only thing I need to do to make skydiving LOD. Anyway, now can say you are corresponding with a battalion commander and a field grade staff officer. If necessary they'd be more than welcome to call me and I would be glad to discuss it. MAJ Blood Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

How about: 4. An unqualified pilot is a danger to himself/herself and others not only at landing time. If they are not capable of landing it, they are quite probably not prepared to fly it at all. It is NOT all about the landing. Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

I've had great customer service from Sunpath, but...... If you check their hours of operation you'll find...... They're closed on Fridays. Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

I would chalk one broken line up to shit happens. More than one makes me question what exactly happened to cause multiple broken lines. What else could possibly be wrong with the canopy? It may fly fine at altitude. Will it still fly fine at 100 feet or will the integrity of the canopy deteriorate during descent? Did a line cut through the broken lines? How many more are hanging by a thread?More than one broken line would make me question the integrity of the canopy. Just my take on it. Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

You nerd. See you this weekend. Tell Kim to bring some cupcakes or something. Yeah, eat the one specially marked "Trent" then we'll go make a jump about 15 minutes later. It'll be entertaining. Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

The new requirements went into effect on October 1, 2003. Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

I agree with AggieDave's assessment of the canopies. I have Katanas in both of my rigs and I really like them for the reasons he stated. However, having jumped smaller and larger Katanas, my opinion is that there is a pretty narrow "sweet spot" where the canopy really performs its best. I think it's between 1.7 and 2.0. Anything outside that range and I don't think the flare is all it could be. Lighter than that and bottom end lift is not as good as other canopies. Heavier than that and it doesn't shut down like other canopies, hence you do some running. Not that it's bad, but it just isn't all it could be outside of that range, IMHO. For reference I've jumped the 107, 120, and 135. I have 120s in my rigs and I'm somewhere in that range depending on what I'm wearing for any particular jump, i.e., camera helmet, weights, etc. Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

I understand and I realize that. I'm not disagreeing with you at all. That doesn't change the fact that the BSRs stipulate a "minimum container opening" altitude. They are what they are, despite what they have or have not accounted for. You could also argue that the BSRs were developed long ago with faster opening canopies when opening lower provided less chance to drift off the DZ with a barely maneuverable round, and don't account for today's slower opening canopies. Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

I think a review of the BSRs and minimum container opening altitudes is due here. Obviously an emergency exit is an emergency and you get out where you have to. But "weather moving in" is not emergency conditions in most cases. And to be surprised that people aren't willing to exit at or below 1800' is ignorance of the BSRs. Here's an exerpt from SIM section 2-1 (BSRs). As you can see an exit below 2000' would be a violation of the BSRs for ANYBODY. An exit below 2500' would be a violation for A/B license holders, students, and tandems. An exit below 3000' would be a violation for A license holders, students, and tandems. An exit below 4500' would be a violation for tandems. Obviously, a declared aircraft emercency is just that, an emergency. But it seems to me that some are saying they conduct planned exits in violation of these BSRs. It pays to know and stay CURRENT with the SIM and the BSRs. They are readily available here Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

Well that is pointless. I thought the whole point of banning them was so we could talk about them, but they couldn't defend themselves. I was under the impression that you could read the forums while banned, just not while signed on? You need to check out the new announcements. Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

And why is it that you think that? What do you know about Scott and his instruction that makes you say something like that? Well, I know what I see in your profile and you've basically told instructors they're not doing their jobs without knowing at all the situation. I'm not sure what you expect. Maybe it would be "thoughtful" if you didn't do that too?? Scott's own words seem to be lost on some. He is making the decisions with input from his instructor. He has a well thought-out and informed plan. He has defined goals and a plan to achieve them. I personally know the instructor he refers to and I know the level of dedication and the desire for students' success of that instructor. I also know the other instructors that have worked with Scott and I know how they've helped. I am certain that Scott will be successful. I wish every student was making the informed decisions he is. He'll be at the DZ learning every weekend, he always is. He'll follow his plan and he'll make it happen. His instructor will facilitate SCOTT'S success. Scott, I'll see you at the DZ. Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

You don't have any clue what you're talking about and you don't know Scott at all. As a matter of fact why don't you ask Scott if this is the case. I already know what the answer is. Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

She is originally from Canada and she does have Canadian flags on some of her gear. Right now, though, she resides in Texas and jumps at Spaceland. She is an incredibly nice girl and I consider her a good friend. However, for a Canadian, she sure can't take the cold! I mean how cold does it get in Houston, Texas??!! Really, she's awesome! And just think, a Canadian, Black woman skydiver. Now there's a departure from the stereotypical skydiver! Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

Here is the chapter in the SIM regarding demo jumps. http://www.uspa.org/publications/SIM/2007SIM/section7.htm Here's what the experience requirements are: Here's the definition of types of demos: These are just experience requirements. There are many other requirements that need to be coordinated for a demo, i.e., notification of FAA/Air Traffic, insurance, etc. This event does not at all sound like it is properly coordinated. I'm betting that this sounded like a good idea to someone who has no clue what goes into a demo jump. Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

I prefer day time, but night time is fine too. Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

It sounds to me like you've heard one side of the story. Believe me when I say that Spaceland does everything it can to keep jump rates reasonable for everybody all the time. It takes a lot of time, money, and resources to host an event like Skyfest. Keep in mind that a good chunk of any proceeds go to the Scholarship fund. I don't know of another major boogie where this is the case. I've mentioned a few additional costs, but that's certainly not all-encompassing. The DZO is not just getting $3 more simply because he can. There were two very different and distinct interests involved in putting on Skyfest, Skyfest Staff and Skydive Spaceland. That makes it very difficult to coordinate a major event such as Skyfest. And still it turns out to be a great event every year. Kudos to Spaceland and Skyfest for figuring out how to make it work. But if you're hearing grumblings about one side or the other, trust me, there's always another side to the story. Making allegations without knowing who paid for what is not cool. I hope people remember what Skyfest is about. It's not about getting super cheap jumps. It's about supporting the new generation of skydivers and a lot of money and effort from EVERYBODY goes into that. There's not another boogie that does that, so don't compare apples to oranges. I really hope we don't get to mud-slinging about a new location. Skyfest is a great organization and boogie. Spaceland is a great DZ. If Skyfest isn't at Spaceland next year, it doesn't change these. Maybe BOTH organizations have reasons for Skyfest to change locations?? HHmmm. Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

I was stationed there about 3 years ago. There's a DZ there that jumps every other Sunday, if the weather cooperates. I'd say they get 8-10 days a year. In order to jump you have to have a KPA (Korean Parachute Association) membership, about 100,000 won ($85 or so) then each jump is about $85 or so too. I simply didn't bother. It was too much of a pain in the ass and too expensive. I know some that went on mid-tour leave to Hawaii to jump. I came back CONUS. The bottom line is skydiving in Korea was not a very viable option when I was there. Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

Cool! Looks like a great place, with a lot of skydiving history. Not having a DZO charging $3 over their regular price for jumps, i.e. $23 vs. their normal $20 will be nice, too. Claim I heard was for the aircraft ferry fee, etc. C'mon only one plane was ferried any great distance - SDAZ's Skyvan, and it may have been on the way to/from someplace else anyway. The others were in-state. Doesn't the boogie fee typically go towards to ferry fees anyway? This just makes me laugh. Wait and see what the jump tickets cost when they are trying to cover ferry fees for every aircraft, use of land/runway, any facilites that need to be paid for, etc. Seems to me, $23 is pretty near the industry average right now. And there were significant expenses to support skyfest, not just ferry fees. And you're complaining about paying industry average?? My guess is you'll be paying more than that at Skyfest next year. BTW, what do you think it costs to ferry 1 Skyvan from Arizona to Texas? My guess is you don't have any clue. How about an otter from Dallas? What about portable facilities rental costs? What about increased staff wages to prepare for and during the event? Before you trash a DZO for charging you the industry average, I suggest you actually know what you're talking about. Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

LMAO....now that's funny. Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

Yes, I do get it. And now that you've modified what you've said, I'll agree. But the thread was very clearly started about "general" video work at DZs. If we're talking about other than that, I understand exactly where you're coming from. I agree and don't dispute this at all. Oh, hell, I guess I'll say it again. Let me cut and paste it from one of my other posts: Whatever. I thought this was a discussion on whether DZ staff videographers should be paid more or not. I argued against the points you made. You've discussed other than tandem videos, but to me that clearly is not what the thread is about. The OP specifically refers to tandem videos. Your initial post compares videographers to TMs. Now you want to talk about other-than-tandem-videos. In that case there is no basis for comparison and is outside the scope of the thread. You won't hurt my feelings having a different opinion. If I hurt yours, I guess I'll just have to find some way to get over it. Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

I guess you missed the above line in my post? No, I didn't. I've got no real dispute with what you came up with. I think it's pretty accurate. Other than you don't need an FTP to shoot video. You can get a helmet like a Rawa that is sufficient and cuts the helmet cost in half and eliminates the need for a separate video camera mounting system. You can also get a good mini DV camera sufficient for shooting video for less than the 1-2K you estimate. Overall, however, I agree 3-4K is a reasonable amount to expect for overhead. I have no significant dispute with that. However, I also read beyond that. Yes I read the entire post. And you said: This simply is not accurate. Perhaps you edit like many cam flyers, I don't. My vids aren't in-camera edits run off to a mixer where music and maybe a title or two are added. So...not going down that particular argument. First, I know the type of edits you speak of. I've seen them too. Personally, at my DZ we have editors that do the editing, the camera flyers do not. They are paid per edit and it is not the simple edit you describe. They provide a quality product that meets or exceeds the industry standard. And they do it in about ten minutes per video. If you decide to be Stephen Speilberg with your videos, that's great. Perhaps you provide a product that far exceeds the industry standard. If you choose to do that, you're spending more time than necessary. Don't expect customers to pay more because you go the extra mile, they won't. Does that mean I condone providing a substandard product? No. But the industry standard is what the customer is paying for and that is what they should get. What DZs exactly have you been to? This is not the standard at most DZs I've been to, and I've been to just as many. Yes, I've seen what you describe. Consistency throughout? Hardly. Yes, I mean debrief. Does that mean an AFF type debrief...no. But with every student I write specifically what occurred on that particular jump, not just congrats, in their logbook. I inform them of any promotions that my DZ has, part of the job to bring them back. I also inform them of the student training program, whether or not I think they may be interested. This is at a minimum with each tandem. Level 2 and 3 tandems get a significantly more detailed debrief and instruction throughout the skydive, all the way to taking gear to the packing room and laying it out properly to be packed.....every time. It's not just thanks, see ya later....anywhere that I've been. Really? You said videographers should get paid more based on what they have invested. That gives me a pretty damn good idea of what you have and have not considered. I do both, I know exactly what is involved in both. You clearly do not. And an insult from a videographer? I don't feel insulted. Again, I do both, that would be like insulting myself. I just don't think you know what you're talking about. Ok, fair enough. But this doesn't mean that, in general, videographers should make more than TMs as you clearly stated. If you choose to take it the extra mile because that is your passion, that's great! But that doesn't change the industry standard. Silly me, I thought you said: If we're talking, other than tandem video, cam flyers can and do get paid more, if they're any good. Rock on! Not necessary, but if that's your passion, that's fine. But you said: I'm calling bullshit on this, it's what you said. I know of several DZs that compensate for pack jobs, for TMs, videographers, and AFF instructors. If you choose to pack, you keep the compensation. Of course I know of others that do not. I'm very surprised that as many DZs as you claim to be familiar with, that you don't know this. Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

All other points of your post aside, how do you get into video gear for only 2K?' FTP: 700.00 Quality cam: 1-2K Wide Adapter: 150.00 Extra Batts/etc 125.00 HypEye/Cam-I 50.00-100.00 Ring sight 100.00-300.00 Cam mount 25.00-200.00 Add stills>>>> DSLR (low end) 500.00 Good lens 600.00-800.00 Tongue/Bite 50.00 Card reader 25.00 Extra 1 GB card 50.00 HDD to store work: 200.00 Cam suit? 250.00 Gaff tape 10.00 Lens cloth 5.00 Seems to me the median is closer to 3-4K? I suppos used gear/older gear would keep you closer to cheap. Plus I use my own laptop at the DZ, software, etc. This is directly tied to the "Am I an asshole" thread, IMO. Further, IMO, cam flyers generally should be paid more than TM's, simply because: ~More invested in gear (TM's usually use DZ gear rather than owning their own) ~Much more time invested (cam flyers have to edit, generally) ~At many DZ's, TM's don't pack their own gear, but cam flyers seem to always be packing. ~Finally, I have no interest in being a TM/TI, so I'll just express it as greed. Yes, a videographer has a lot of money invested in equipment. I disagree with some of these figures but the bottom line is that there is quite an investment depending which/how much of these you need. However, most replies here have disregarded the fact that TIs have a substantial financial investment as well. You think somebody just handed them a tandem rating for free? To be a TI you have to have a D license, money invested on the jumps, training, and license fees. You also must have a coach rating, money spent on the rating course. You also must complete the tandem rating course, money spent again for the course, jumps, travel, etc. To be a videographer, in most cases, you don't have to prove to anybody that you have the skill required by holding a rating. You don't need to spend 3 years in the sport that is required for a tandem rating. If you think a videographer is substantially more financially committed, I'd say that that is arguable. A little more maybe. You say that TMs generally don't pack and videographers do. I've been to DZs where that's the exact opposite. It just depends on the particular situation. TMs also accept personal risk beyond their control. Students, and yes (gasp) videographers, add inherent risk to every skydive. You say videographers spend more time because they edit. Bullshit! Did you stop to realize that TMs gear up, train, and debrief every student including filling out a log book? Yes, there is wear and tear on your personal gear as a videographer. OTOH you get to fly and land your own canopy, a benefit in my mind. It's a wash. The bottom line is you simply have not considered but one side of the equation. And it is apparent that you don't really know what is involved in being a TM. Is there a reason why you're not interested in being a TM? That in itself is interesting. Is it too much risk? too boring? too much like work? What exactly is it? I do tandems, tandem videos, and AFF. (I won't even get into expense and time invested in AFF) I have two camera helmets, one for tandem/FS/freefly/etc. and one exclusively for AFF. I've got all the equipment you mention. I maintain two personal rigs. I do whatever the DZ needs me to do at the moment and I'm compensated roughly equally for each and I have absolutely no complaints about any of the rates. I love doing all of them. Part of the benefit is I get paid to skydive. If I wanted to make the most money possible at the DZ, I'd park my ass in the packing room and pack. But then I wouldn't be skydiving, would I? The bottom line is you're not going to get rich skydiving for a living. Can you make ends meet? Sure. Are there overhead expenses? Sure. If we raise the rates to the point that everybody gets paid what they want, the numbers of tandems will so significantly decrease that you'll lose money in the long run. I mean really, what's going to give if we are going to pay videographers more? TMs less? DZOs less? Tandem students more? Video prices more? It all falls back to what the student is going to pay. I think it's already around $180 for a tandem and $80 for a video as a rough average. How much do you suppose they're willing to pay? $260 is a pretty good chunk of change for 1 jump. So, if the current rate is not good enough for you, don't do it. If you're looking to get rich skydiving....good luck! IMO, if part of the reason you do videos/tandems/AFF isn't because you love to do it, you should do something else instead. Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

Are you really implying that you HAVE to read DZ.com to understand what's going on in skydiving and what current trends are??!! Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

No, I don't think it's a good idea. . OK, so what IS your proposal to deal with a situation that you think is NOT a good idea. Well, MY proposal is let the DZs handle their specific issues and forget the BSR proposal as this one is stated. However, I've seen many good ideas that I think are reasonable and well thought out proposals and I may be in favor of some specific recommendation should it be proposed. However, the petition as it reads now is not useful. DZs already recognize the problem and many are making adjustments. A BSR that simply says to separate landing areas is unlikely, IMO, to be effective at all. So why? Again, if a recommendation that provided for different situations at different DZs were proposed, I may be in favor. However, right now I think let the DZs handle it. Apparently that's all the proposed BSR is saying anyway. So what would your "specific recommendation" be? What about the DZ's that do nothing? You seem to arguing that a BSR is too specific and too vague both at the same time. Well, I thought I clearly said my specific proposal was to let the DZs handle it and forget the BSR. However, I'm not closing my mind to well thought out recommendations such as have been discussed. Right now, though my proposal is let the DZs handle the issue. Many seem to be doing so already anyway. I'm not arguing that a BSR is too specific, not sure how you derived that. Really, I'm not against this petition as proposed. I just don't think it will change anything as written and see it as a waste of effort and time. If you think DZs should come up with their own plan to ensure separation between swoopers and those doing standard landing patterns (which you have already indicated is a good idea), what exactly is your objection to USPA telling DZs to come up with their own plan to ensure separation between swoopers and those doing standard landing patterns? Are you really reading what I post or just trying to incite dispute? Not at all - you haven't addressed what happens in the case a DZ doesn't bother to do anything to implement this "good idea", which is quite possible if there's no rule. And also quite possible and even likely even if there IS a BSR. I guess what I'm trying to say, apparently ineffectually, is that if we're going to spend the time and effort to implement a BSR, why not provide specific recommendations for HOW to separate landings. There are a ton of good ideas out there. I realize that each specific DZ has specific issues to address and one solution doesn't fit all. But if a BSR contained recommendations to separate landings, I feel it would be more useful. For example DZ's should separate HP and normal pattern landings. Measures to help DZs separate landings include, but are not limited to: a. identifying separate landing areas for HP and normal pattern landings. b. separate landings by time. c. .... d. .... Include one or more of the diagrams to illustrate. In other words, provide a toolbox, instead of just saying fix it. It may have the potential to be useful then. Not at all - you haven't addressed what happens in the case a DZ doesn't bother to do anything to implement this "good idea", which is quite possible if there's no rule.Quote And what does this proposal do? It merely shifts the blame. Whew, we have somebody to blame now. Now what? Impose punishment on the DZ? How does that address the problem? If there's going to be a BSR, provide the tools to meet the BSR. That's what I'm trying to say. Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.

No, I don't think it's a good idea. . OK, so what IS your proposal to deal with a situation that you think is NOT a good idea. Well, MY proposal is let the DZs handle their specific issues and forget the BSR proposal as this one is stated. However, I've seen many good ideas that I think are reasonable and well thought out proposals and I may be in favor of some specific recommendation should it be proposed. However, the petition as it reads now is not useful. DZs already recognize the problem and many are making adjustments. A BSR that simply says to separate landing areas is unlikely, IMO, to be effective at all. So why? Again, if a recommendation that provided for different situations at different DZs were proposed, I may be in favor. However, right now I think let the DZs handle it. Apparently that's all the proposed BSR is saying anyway. So what would your "specific recommendation" be? What about the DZ's that do nothing? You seem to arguing that a BSR is too specific and too vague both at the same time. Well, I thought I clearly said my specific proposal was to let the DZs handle it and forget the BSR. However, I'm not closing my mind to well thought out recommendations such as have been discussed. Right now, though my proposal is let the DZs handle the issue. Many seem to be doing so already anyway. I'm not arguing that a BSR is too specific, not sure how you derived that. Really, I'm not against this petition as proposed. I just don't think it will change anything as written and see it as a waste of effort and time. If you think DZs should come up with their own plan to ensure separation between swoopers and those doing standard landing patterns (which you have already indicated is a good idea), what exactly is your objection to USPA telling DZs to come up with their own plan to ensure separation between swoopers and those doing standard landing patterns? Are you really reading what I post or just trying to incite dispute? Blues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute.