SloStenRacing 0 #1 February 21, 2006 I am reading Jump! by Tom Buchanan. Is it true that skydivers can reach speeds of 300+/- MPH? Also I have a friend that is "slightly" overweight but wants to dive and according to this book the limit is 254 lbs. Are there any dropzones who provide for the more overweight people? I mean couldn't they use like military grade chutes that hold 10,000 pound vehicles and stuff? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #2 February 21, 2006 QuoteIs it true that skydivers can reach speeds of 300+/- MPH? Paging Amazon! QuoteAlso I have a friend that is "slightly" overweight but wants to dive and according to this book the limit is 254 lbs. Are there any dropzones who provide for the more overweight people? I mean couldn't they use like military grade chutes that hold 10,000 pound vehicles and stuff? Do a search on "big boy rigs" ... you'll probably find some info. This topic has been discussed before (probably in the topical forums - General Skydiving, Gear & Rigging, Safety & Training). Overall fitness and health of the jumper as well as availability of appropriate gear are going to be the key issues at most DZs."There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BIGUN 1,488 #3 February 21, 2006 QuoteAlso I have a friend that is "slightly" overweight but wants to dive and according to this book the limit is 254 lbs. Are there any dropzones who provide for the more overweight people? I mean couldn't they use like military grade chutes that hold 10,000 pound vehicles and stuff? How much does s/he weigh?Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SloStenRacing 0 #4 February 21, 2006 a few over 300....but the kid plays basketball all the time and I am sure he could pass a physical Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jloirsdaan 0 #5 February 21, 2006 Most DZ's have different weight restrictions. Over 300 might be a problem. A DZ I jump at has a max weight of 300 lbs....and thats about the most, out of all the DZ's I've been to. Most I've been to are in the 220-250 lbs range. If you're anywhere near Oklahoma....I can point you to a DZ for him....but if he is much over 300 you're probably out of luck. Jordan Go Fast, Dock Soft. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Samurai136 0 #6 February 21, 2006 The manufacturer's of Tandem Main/ Reserve parachutes rate the MAX loading of their parachutes between 400 to 500 pounds (depending on the model). If you exceed these limits all bets are off. i.e. you are more likely to die from equipment failure... Your friend would need a 140 pound instructor (max weight) to make the basic math work out. Most tandem instructors are fairly robust individuals and many DZ's set their passenger weight limit in the 200-235 pound range. It would probably be easier for him to take a first jump course and make a solo skydive than to make tandem."Buttons aren't toys." - Trillian Ken Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jloirsdaan 0 #7 February 21, 2006 Which, I should quickly say, is what I was referring to. They don't do Tandems at the DZ I was talking about. Jordan Go Fast, Dock Soft. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BIGUN 1,488 #8 February 21, 2006 Point him to www,anvilbrothers.com and have him write Chad (President) for guidance.Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
