JimGuyer

Mike started a very interesting discussion. I started out in 1951 with a T-7. When it opened it felt like you were hit with a sledge hammer.The Army than changed to T-10s. The opening was much softer. Neither could be steered to any degree. It was really fun, over 50 years later, to jump the squares. When I was teaching at the Airborne School in 1954 we had students who when making their first jump had never been in an airplane before. None of them froze. I finally had to quit after I got hurt at Moab. I was over 75 years old then.Quote

After I was injured at Moab, I received an email from Tom stating that he was up there at the launch point with me. He asked how I was recovering. He was a really thoughtful guy. One of my last mornings at Twin Falls I arose early to go out on the bridge to say goodby to Tom and to watch him make his first jump of the day. I always considered him not only a friend but a gentleman. My thanks to #700 for calling me New Year's morning to give me the sad news. Jim

It has been just two years since my cliff strike at Moab. Some great and kindly jumpers led by Jimmy got me to Salt Lake City by helicopter. I have had three operations on my hip and I am still on a cane. I am continuing to work out daily and still do my rehab. I hope to someday start BASE jumping again. May the last two jumpers who crashed survive well enough to jump again too! BASE 719

A couple of the guys, kindly, asked about me. I am still using a cane but I am working out 5 days a week at the gym. You guys have fun at the Boogie. Jim

Mike, I know that you know exactly where 300' is on your A. However, the first time did you carry an altimeter to determine the hgt or use a lazer? Also, is 170' some sort of government construction standard or do the first wire attachments vary? Things are great out here, Mike but I miss you guys. I leave for the Turkey Boogie tomorrow morning. Jim 719

Mike, do you a 45" PC? Jim

There are a couple of outstanding 500 plus jumpers from NC. They have pulled off some unique ones, the best of which, to me, was when they laid on the roof of a gondola before the operator arrived. When the gondola got halfway between the mountains, they, half frozen, launched.

I used a FOX 265 in a Fox velcro closed container, no reserve (obviously). I didn't take much of a delay. After sliding off the wing, to duck the plane's tail assembly, I just made sure I was stable and pulled. The pilot did not want to try a roll over or it would have been easier. I used a mesh slider, up, and a 42" pc. I'm sure that some of the experienced BASE jumpers could dream up some good tricks doing that sort of jump. Dwain probably would have done a few tucks and a half gainer. JJ has undoubtedly already done stuff like this with unique add ons. Jim

The following is not such a big deal because I did use a BASE rig. Probably plenty have done similar stunts before;but, at an airshow (unnamed) last spring, I jumped my BASE rig from 900 feet off the lower wing of a Steerman. It gave the crowd a thrill anyway.To them, it was a stunt, and interesting, because they could see me on the wing from launch to landing.