AJC1

Thank you for your awesome and indepth answers Tom, and yes, it was exactly what I was looking for - reasons from both sides of the coin. I was beginning to think I hadn't joined the correct site - until now, unfriendly and informative. Yes, I am an inexperienced skydiver and no, I am not a lawyer, but I'm sure if a lawyer was to read most of the posts before your one in response to my question they would probably think, why so aggressive? There was really no feedback other than bugger off and dont ask questions. It was recommended that I join this site in order to learn more about the sport and assumed that questions were ok, I really wasn't expecting such a negative reaction though. The question that I had on my mind at the time was this one. Obviously, you being from the US have more trouble from lawyers regarding incidents (from what I gather from the comments), however I live in South Africa where its more the press - newspapers and radio - that have the negative effect on the perception of skydiving. Lawyers really dont feature as far as I know. I would love to see more posts like yours. I have many more questions, but will definitely think twice about posting. Where do you suggest I ask questions? The skydivers on this site have D licences and 1000's of jumps - who I consider the experts - isn't that what you guys are when you get to that level? So who better to ask? Thanks again Andrea

Finally, thank you! I appreciate your answer... That was really easy. Didn't realise that asking a simple question would result in such a defence. Thanks again!

Ok cool, so no responsibility taken by anyone, no reprimanding, if the TM doesn't get hurt, then everything is good. Thats whats happening on the DZ I visited anyway... Not saying it is at all DZ's.

Ha ha, not a lawyer, but I do skydive. Things like this happen and it tarnishes the sport I love so how is it avoided?

Well, I think its a fair question? Only 2 possible answers, I have posed the questions to the people who I think would be experts.

If a passenger is injured on landing of a tandem jump, who is responsible? Is it the passenger's fault for putting their feet down or is it the tandem master who should accept responsibility? How often does this happen? Under Parachute Assoc of South Africa Tandem Operations - Requirements for Tandem Personnel - (Tandem Master or Tandem Evaluator, as person in sole control of a passenger and Tandem parachute equipment, may be referred to as a Tandem Instructor)