Overheard at a dz this last weekend -- spotting skills

[quade 4]

I was at a local 4-way competition this weekend and as the day progressed the winds were getting progressively stronger.

Between the 4th and 5th rounds of my team jumping, I was kicking back and watching canopies land and noticed a team land about a mile off.

They walked back to the drop zone and I asked them if they were going to talk to the DZO about the spot.

They said, "The spot was fine! We just got pushed off by the wind."

I, uh, talked to the DZO on their behalf.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[SkySlut 0]

Haaaaaaa!!!!! I dont know wether to laugh or cry...Damn!

[PhillyKev 0]

But we're not on rounds. Winds have nothing to do with spotting for a RAM air canopy.

[beavdog 0]

hence the reason for spotting....

Here's to the Breezes that blows through the Trezzez.....

[bhammond 0]

Please dont let this turn into a Ground speed vs Airspeed argument...

unfortunately the skill of spotting " by skydivers that is " has gone by the way side ... the ability to read the spot is a art form, it used to be fun

[JDBoston 0]

You know, just yesterday I had this problem where the other 3 people on the 4-way all floated on me. I guess life's a bitch sometimes, even when you do everything right.

Joe

[quade 4]

Well, the REAL learning point of this little story was;

Just because the DZ & competition management -says- for you to leave as long as the green light is on . . . don't be stupid. Check the spot and make your own choices.

AND

If there is a policy of "green light means go" and the spot is getting worse and worse . . . speak up! It's probably not going to get better all by itself!

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[SkySlut 0]

100% agreement!!!

[Cornholio 0]

And here's your card.....

Butthead: Whoa! Burritos for breakfast!
Beavis: Yeah! Yeah! Cool!
bellyflier on the dz.com hybrid record jump

[Beerlight 0]

Got me wondering.....just whose responsibility is it for the spot? Again, just wondering............

[PhillyKev 0]

Quote

Got me wondering.....just whose responsibility is it for the spot? Again, just wondering............

Yours.

More specifically...who's responsible for every aspect of your jump? You are.

[Beerlight 0]

Thanks Kev, that's exactly what I thought........

Buck

[quade 4]

Well, we'd all like to think that, but in reality, it's not always possible considering the circumstance.

In some cases you pretty much have to trust the "people in charge" like for instance on a tripple digit big-way. At that point you pretty much -have- to go along with whatever spot you're given.

However, any time you -can- take control over the spot, you definately ought to.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[PhillyKev 0]

Quote

Well, we'd all like to think that, but in reality, it's not always possible considering the circumstance.

In some cases you pretty much have to trust the "people in charge" like for instance on a tripple digit big-way. At that point you pretty much -have- to go along with whatever spot you're given.

However, any time you -can- take control over the spot, you definately ought to.

Yes, big ways might be an exception, not really though, because it's still your responsibility to not put your faith in someone who's going to hose you.

Just like packing, if you use a packer and they give you a line over. Who's fault it is? Yours, for not packing your own rig.

[ChasingBlueSky 0]

Quote

Quote

Well, we'd all like to think that, but in reality, it's not always possible considering the circumstance.

In some cases you pretty much have to trust the "people in charge" like for instance on a tripple digit big-way. At that point you pretty much -have- to go along with whatever spot you're given.

However, any time you -can- take control over the spot, you definately ought to.

Yes, big ways might be an exception, not really though, because it's still your responsibility to not put your faith in someone who's going to hose you.

Just like packing, if you use a packer and they give you a line over. Who's fault it is? Yours, for not packing your own rig.

Big ways and boogies would be the exception.

_________________________________________
you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me....
I WILL fly again.....

[AggieDave 6]

Bwaaahahahahahahaha!

If people don't know how to properly spot the aircraft and have enough experience to be on a 4-way team, they deserve the walk back!



<---is glad that he went through his training on a small 182 DZ in north Texas, where spotting training started on jump #2.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[Brains 2]

Quote

Bwaaahahahahahahaha!

If people don't know how to properly spot the aircraft and have enough experience to be on a 4-way team, they deserve the walk back!



<---is glad that he went through his training on a small 182 DZ in north Texas, where spotting training started on jump #2.

Does that only apply in North TX and not S. Padre??

Never look down on someone, unless they are going down on you.

[Jimbo 0]

Quote

At that point you pretty much -have- to go along with whatever spot you're given.

Why? Is it a bigway where half the people are tandem passangers? I can see how maybe they might not get a choice.

-
Jim

"Like" - The modern day comma
Good bye, my friends. You are missed.

[quade 4]

Because there are positions in the line-ups where it is impossible to see the spot.

If you can't see it, you have to trust those that can.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[Jimbo 0]

Quote

Because there are positions in the line-ups where it is impossible to see the spot.

Oh, well in that case...

-
Jim

"Like" - The modern day comma
Good bye, my friends. You are missed.

[robskydiv 0]

Roger that. Always check the spot.