NovaTTT

Given the clogged filter (sludge), regardless the fuel storage situation at WWSPC, I think it's a safe bet to speculate Cowboy was cutting corners. And you're right about the links in a chain. Where did that "sunpooped" come from? "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Cowboy wasn't piloting, he was jumpmastering the load. sunpooped "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Jump more! "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Hi, Jennifer. I don't know the origin of this list and it doesn't have photos but it does describe what your gear check should involve. Hope it's helpful. N "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Must be in the original book as it's not in II or III. I'm glad you asked, though, as it gave me a reason to peruse again those great photos, including the inverted Cessna jump (Phil Rogge, SCIII, #12), which is the coolest skydiving photo I've ever seen. N "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Just what it sounds like. Tame or outrageous - what alternative uses have you documented for your standard rigging tools? Category: MILD Here's what I did for my young son when he lost the hammers for his 'Don't Break The Ice' Game. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Here ya go "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Well done, Kurt. Your hand should never want for a cold beer to grasp. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Sangi, you made it hard to be surprised this happened to you, as you well know, but your candor and honesty with yourself and us has shown you have real character. Not saying you're not thick-headed, just saying you've shown some real integrity!! Something that's never mentioned, AFAIK, is that dying is not the worst thing that can happen to a skydiver. An incident like yours demonstrates that dying is the quick and easy way out. I feel for you and hope you hang in there, work with your doctors and physical therapists and get as well and recovered as you can. It's going to be painful, arduous and will take a long time - keep your courage up! There will be dark times and negative thinking - ignore that shit and keep surviving, keep working and get yourself back together. PMA is good medicine. Good luck and get better! N "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Sweet movie! Who's the hottie @5:36? Nova "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Welcoming our newest member to the Heavy Metal Skydiving Club. Being a member has no direct benefits but it beats the alternative, although there might be times you come to question that construct. I hope you heal well and remember the lessons. BS "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Hi, Nicholas. None of my clients have units that are shown on the list, so I am leaving the choice up to them as to whether or not the cutter gets checked before the next I&R. If one should choose to have it checked: Nope Yes Yes - a full I&R is the only way that's going to happen at Chez Loft de Nova "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Henderson has been useful and quick. http://www.hendersonsewing.com/ "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

A sad day for the sport. From Strong Enterprises: Ted Strong D-16 4/7/1936-10/14/2011 A visionary from the beginning and a man with an enormous heart passed away on Friday. There are too many stories to write about the legend that is Ted Strong. Ted strived to improve the industry that he loved without seeking fame or credit. He just wanted a safer and more inviting environment for everybody to enjoy and experience skydiving the way he did. Ted Strong started skydiving in 1958, entered the US Army in 1959 with 100 jumps, and was stationed at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY for two years. His duty there was to coach the USMA Cadet Parachute Team and the West Point Sport Parachute Club. In 1961 Ted started Strong Enterprises, a parachute company in his parents basement. He began by modifying round parachutes, sewing and making anything his friends needed to skydive. A friend once said “ Ted Strong’s company wasn’t there to make money, but to make parachutes for his friends” This quote personified Ted. The industry and the world has lost a wonderful person and those that knew him will miss him dearly. Those that never had the pleasure of meeting him will feel his influence anytime they make a skydive. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

You're absolutely right, Michael, but that doesn't mean candidates or riggers *will* work or be exposed to rounds. I've come to think having separate categories is a good and realistic idea. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Bill, I respect your years in sport and opinions and I enjoy your posts - more than you know! I started jumping at West Wind, Jeff Saunder's place in Atlanta. I got to know some terrific people and then one Saturday Cowboy came out with his Caravan. I was in my first month in the sport on that sad day. And no, I wasn't 4 years old! This is the heart of the matter, in terms of the conversation that led to this thread and the postings herein. Skydivers and upcoming riggers today are not exposed to rounds. Instruction in round parachute inspection and packing is fading or faded. In America it's essentially only pilots who wear rounds. So let's say: "We strongly recommend that the rigger packing the ROUND Reseve be completely familiar with ROUND, NON-gliding type parachutes." I'm not sure how there's any difference in that from what you supported above. I appreciate the replies in this thread - I'm glad there's discussion. Not that I think it matters or anything in the US will change, but I happen to think there are some changes that would improve the rigger rating system. I see the square-round differential as a starting point and I want to know other's opinions and thoughts on this - yours too! "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

I don't know how you approached/asked your rigger about this, but all things being equal, you need a new rigger. He may be one of the many confused souls that thinks that just because someone has a rigging ticket they have an OBLIGATION to educate. It's cool when you ask questions. It's not cool when someone tries to talk your ear off when you are trying to jump or trying to party. to OP : Ever try to ask the person who "is too busy" when would be a good time for them to answer your questions, and mention that you are willing to thank them with a 6pack or similar ? Your AFF instructor got paid for every jump they did with you, surely you don't expect a rigger to work for free ? I agree with you, Paul, about respecting our time: it's not an obligation. I asked the OP how he approached his rigger in the first place because it appears his rigger gave him an anemic explanation. IMO he should have reasonably educated his client. Unless the Dick Factor (on the OP's part) came into play. Even the most tolerant rigger doesn't want to help "That Guy". "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

I don't know how you approached/asked your rigger about this, but all things being equal, you need a new rigger. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

I just had dropped off today for rigging a W29 with a Super Raven 282 (with a CYPRES 2) and a 260 Pulse. It's a snug but comfortable fit for both. Depending on the 230 in question it might be a very loose pack indeed. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Let's agree your PC was cocked and is in good condition. This then is most likely a packing issue. It could be that when you put the bag into the container the excess lines became entangled with the stowed lines, interfering with the bag launch. This could cause the bag to hesitate and 'dance' in the burble. It sounds like it was clearing and it's possible it could have deployed, but you took the right action cutting away and pulling your reserve - good job handling it. Pull - no joy - check (baglock!) - cutaway - pull! Be mindful of the amount of excess line you have, how you stow it, how you place the bag into the tray. Check with your local rigger or experienced packer if you think a hands-on demonstration will help. Cheers! ETA: You were stable when you pulled, right? "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

It is my understanding that it is not the USPA's place to be in the demonstration business. Or the competition business, for the matter of that. It's a pretty thin excuse to say, "We're going to promote the sport" when one supects the only ones who will benefit are the "USPA Demonstration Team" members. As a regulatory body and a member services organization, USPA should be in the business of getting "teeth" (from the FAA) to have real authority as a regulatory body, and remain active in matters of airport access, government affairs, member services (which have dwindled over the years), and record keeping (including competition records, FAI record attempts, etc.) In my opinion, this is where USPA funds should be directed, not to Cary Q.'s bank account, US teams or demonstration teams. Teams should seek US taxpayer dollars to fund team efforts or seek private sector funds just as teams in other sports do to get their competition dollars. USPA should be governing competitions, warehousing competition information and records, and issuing awards as established by the Association and/or the FAI. And it is amazing to me that the official publication of the USPA, the one by which they disseminate information to the membership, cannot be relied upon to present clear and accurate plans and information regarding this matter - or any policy, action or decision made by the Association. Is this kindergarten kops or a return to the G.O.B. methodology of days gone by? "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Containers are not measured by parachute size, they are measured by pack volume. Parachutes of the same square footage do not necessarily have the same pack volume. Differences in measuring standards, construction, line type, for example, are causes for different pack volumes of the same sizes parachute. Ask your rigger or call Sunrise and ask them if your specific 230 should fit into your W31. You cannot imagine it specifically because of your lack of experience. Parachutes have different planforms and/or are built using different construction methods. A low aspect ratio 190 will handle very differently than a high aspect ratio 190. Same size parachtues, very different performance characteristics. There are a number of resources out there you can obtain to increase your knowlege and in so doing increase your safety margin. For starters, try The Skydiver's Handbook, Poynter's Parachute Manuals, The Parachute and Its Pilot. If that doesn't decynicize you then you might want to consider a hobby in 10-pin. Cheers! "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

My note to the Board (clearly based on Twardo's post): Dear Board Member: I am a 26 year skydiver and active 20 year USPA member. I am thoroughly and completely opposed to the Demonstration Team project as a concept, idea or practice and am equally opposed to any and all actions, expenses and/or incentives taken toward realizing this ridiculous construct. I urge you to not spend membership dollars or any USPA handled funds toward this project, which would represent a clear misuse of resources to form a for-profit venture that is in direct competition with privately funded teams and businesses, that are USPA members. That would be an unethical misuse of membership and/or USPA handled funds that constitutes a conflict of interest and violates the Association's charter. I urge you to vote against any measure that seeks to establish such a team or entity. Yours, Timothy B. Forster USPA # 83192 A15683 B16201 C24300 D17887 Senior Parachute Rigger POPS # 10553 NCB#135 "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

I'm pretty sure the pea pit is under a foundation now. Send me a PM if you'd like some of Jeff's peas. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

One of my fond memories from West Wind was learning how to hacky. Another is the Tree People. I think Ben, Russ and Phil were the anchors for the "new" tree people after Billy bought from Teresa. Later, before the DZ was developed, I stopped by to have a few beers, think about good times and remember a few friends. I have a jar of WWSPC peas on my desk as a paperweight. It's always nice when its presence pops out of the background and into my conscious thoughts and I recall Jenkinsburg from back in the day. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73