peckerhead 0 #1 February 7, 2003 March 8 is the USPA safety day. Since the early 90's our fatality rate has not changed significantly. Our gear has improved but we seem to have the same number of deaths each year (on average) Most deaths we see in modern times come from skydivers with "perfectly good parachutes" What is you comment on the state of safety in our sport today? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nacmacfeegle 0 #2 February 7, 2003 I would guess that the fatality "rate" has actually dropped, but we are seeing a similar number of deaths per year ("deaths per skydive" number has reduced). "seem to have the same number of deaths each year (on average) " More people are jumping more often than ever before, so the death rate reduces. I agree the concerning thing is people getting hurt and killing themselves due to 'pilot error'. And you know what, I don't have a workable, effective solution to this, apart from education, skills, and experience. I do not want to see regulation in this area, however I may have to accept it if people don't start getting smarter with their choice of canopies, and landing style. I do feel there are things we can all do (instructors can of course do more than us mere mortals) to mitigate this, and that is to apply peer pressure to people who are flying beyond their skill envelope.-------------------- He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. Thomas Jefferson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ernokaikkonen 0 #3 February 7, 2003 QuoteAnd you know what, I don't have a workable, effective solution to this, apart from education, skills, and experience. I do not want to see regulation in this area, however I may have to accept it if people don't start getting smarter with their choice of canopies, and landing style. Oh, that. There's nothing we can do. People will keep getting hurt under canopies too small for their skill-level, until it's made impossible by regulations. Here in Finland the regulations are already there: People under 250 jumps have to jump "non-elliptical" canopies loaded under 1,34. The "peer-pressure"-thingie will have no effect on those who would need it the most. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
beowulf 1 #4 February 7, 2003 The number of deaths per year makes no difference to me. If some one wants to pound themselves into the ground under a perfectly good canopy, then thats up to them. As long as it is made clear to them what the risks are they are adults and can make that decision for themselves. This is a risky sport and there will always be just plain accidents where the skydiver did every thing right, but shit happens. If some one wants to jump a heavily loaded elliptical canopy and knows what will happen if they screw up under it. I say let them. The only time it would bother me is if they took someone else out on there way to pounding in. We should be free to choose the amount of risk we feel we can endure. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lindahl 0 #5 February 7, 2003 I have very limited time and experience in this sport but will give my opinion based on what I've seen. From your first jump to your A license safety is a big part of a jump weekend. The learning curve is very steep to begin with and your instructors are trying to teach you how not to kill yourself, while having the time of your life. Once your a licensed skydiver and on your own, nobody feels compelled to "train" you anymore. After all you should have already learned all this stuff in your jump course! Right? Soon people become to complacent. I would be happy if my dz would offer safety training in all aspects of the sport throughout the year. Not just one day a year called "Safety day". Every day should be a safety day. Ultimately it is the individuals responsibility to study all you can to prepare for any situation. We should all make this a priority!!! Blue skies and safe dives forever Everyone dies! Not everyone really lives!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kevin922 0 #6 February 7, 2003 QuoteQuoteAnd you know what, I don't have a workable, effective solution to this, apart from education, skills, and experience. I do not want to see regulation in this area, however I may have to accept it if people don't start getting smarter with their choice of canopies, and landing style. Oh, that. There's nothing we can do. People will keep getting hurt under canopies too small for their skill-level, until it's made impossible by regulations. Here in Finland the regulations are already there: People under 250 jumps have to jump "non-elliptical" canopies loaded under 1,34. The "peer-pressure"-thingie will have no effect on those who would need it the most. Does non-elliptical include semi-elliptical (such as the Hornet) or can you guys not jump those either? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
