hymandd732 0 #1 November 15, 2006 Hello, I just wish to comment on a sport that has grown more and more commercial, replacing business with pleasure. I began jumping in 1965 at Orange, Mass. I was on vacation and had been attempting to jump at a small sport parachute club near my hometown in Upstate New York only to be put off for several months. We used B4 packs and 7 apart TU's. Our military surplus containers were equipped with four pins and a dual purpose ring. Getting ready for the jump was like getting in a deep sea suit. The reserve was a T7A with no pilot chute. The capewells on the rig were not made to be activated during a jump so the reserve was thrown out hoping it didn't entangle with the malfunctioned main. Most fatalities were from drowning and electrocution. I have lost a few friends during my time in the sport due to skydiving accidents but I have never waivered from my love of the sport. My 2000 jumps have encompassed those first jumps on the ratty equipment (I made `17 static line jumps beofore my clear and pull) up and until now when I jump Aerodyne equipment for the most part. I made a jump on my 80th birthday at Cross Keys last September. My freefall cameraman kind of goofed up the video but it is better than nothing and good enough to be included in a TV interview last month. I don't know how much longer I will be involved in the sport but I would like to make it to 90 years of age. I signed a contract when I was born for 100 years so I have about 20 years left.Freefall Hall Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #2 November 15, 2006 Welcome to the forums! She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
