Otter Door Flesh Shredder

[quade 4]

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for the door bite issue....maybe a good idea is one person operates the door, even if it takes some effort.

Depending on a number of factors, it might take close to super human strength to open some of them. The tracks can get mighty persnickety some times.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

Thanks a bunch for this thread. I jumped a PAC for the first time yesterday (first roll-up door ever). I ended up sitting at the back of the right side bench all 4 jumps. Having read this, I made sure I knew where the door went, and kept my hands clear. I'd like to think I would have done so anyway, but with everything so different than "normal", would I have??

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[ltdiver 3]

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Since I read this article I always put that extra reserve cable + ball inside the reserve pocket.

If you choose to do this please make sure there is enough play in the cable to allow for arching. My rigger (years ago) made sure I knew about this as he'd had another client that had a reserve opening caused by the cable being pulled because it was stored like you suggest.

ltdiver

Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon

[ltdiver 3]

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for the door bite issue....maybe a good idea is one person operates the door, even if it takes some effort.

Depending on a number of factors, it might take close to super human strength to open some of them. The tracks can get mighty persnickety some times.

...And then they go and grease the tracks and the next time you heave into the door opening it swishes up and slams against the back wall.

Then there's the Perris Tennis Shoes and Elsinore Snake Pits....but that's another subject....

ltdiver

Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon

[rehmwa 2]

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and DOOOOOOR!!!!!!!!!! and the usual accompanying 'hysteria' from some.....

people need to chill out....

This is great help, because the people at the back - 8 inches from the light might not actually see it change right in front of their faces

One team at nats was funny (they were serious), the light would go on and the guy in back would yell "DOOR", then he'd be the one to open it

...
Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

[reply
One team at nats was funny (they were serious), the light would go on and the guy in back would yell "DOOR", then he'd be the one to open it

Ok, I have a total of 4 "roll up door" jumps. All the rest in a 182. In the 182 the person opening the door calls "DOOR" just before opening it. I was taught to do this to let everyone know that its about to get windy. Lets the pilot know that plane os about to start flying different too.
Not done in bigger planes? Feel free to make fun of me.

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[JohnRich 4]

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One team at nats was funny (they were serious), the light would go on and the guy in back would yell "DOOR", then he'd be the one to open it

I still consider that a good procedure. It lets everyone know that it's time to get serious, and to get their hands clear of the floater bar so they don't get cut up like me. It may have originated with the C182 drop zones, but I don't see a problem doing it with bigger aircraft too. Especially with a mix of newer jumpers and students on board.

With a plane full of national competitors on board, it may be a bit unnecessary, but why break the routine?

[Chris_K 0]

I had something like this happen to me this past weekend. I did not rip my hand though.

The group opened the door but had not pulled it high enough to be above the inside door.

Others were doing dive out exits. It was my turn to climb out and i could not grab the bar as the door was in the way. So I stopped and lifted the door all the way up, and almost got pushed out the door!

Although spacing is suppost to be important as guys need to give you a few seconds I guess the momentum keeps people a little too excited.

the key to learn on this is simple: Always lift the door all the way, even if you are diving out, others behind you will likely use the bar. Be curtious.

Downsizing is not the way to prove your manhood.

[Tuna-Salad 0]

This sucked my hand under the bar, and the next L-beam promptly shredded my knuckles. -

Been there done that.. Once going up.. Once going down. The wind in free fall stung something terrible and I remember watching a piece of loose skin flap.

Millions of my potential children died on your daughters' face last night.

[erdnarob 1]

It is hard to believe that with a suitable force to move the reserve pin, the cable excess with the ball put in the velcroed pocket will not be able to slide. You have to remember that the fuzz/hook of the velcro has a force to match the 2 parts together but has no force on a cable or pin sliding between the 2 parts. Just the ball ending will offer a little resistance. Anyway I will make sure to test it on my rig.

Learn from others mistakes, you will never live long enough to make them all.

[erdnarob 1]

I did the test. It only took few minutes. I put a ripcord cable (not the one of my rig) with the ball ending and 3-4 inches of cable inside the 2 parts of a never used velcro and pressed the 2 parts firmly together. I did it 3 times and used a scale to get figures. The force never exceeded 2 lbs in order to pull the cable and ball outside the velcro. I invite you to repeat that test. I think my sugestion to put the cable ending inside the handle pocket is still OK. In your case it seems that the velcro of the pocket was mistakenly accused to have been the cause of the reserve activation. As you said check on your own rig if the cable can move when using this method.

Learn from others mistakes, you will never live long enough to make them all.