Never Assume!

[AggieDave 6]

I had an eye opener this weekend. The canopy that I was using turned out to be f**king worthless (no flare left), so I was done for the weekend. But, two skydivers were way cool and let me borrow their rig for a jump, so I could finish the weekend.
One of the rigs I borrowed was what I thought one squared away Javelin that a rigger let me borrow. I wore it on my coached jump with Max Cohn. I did a quick check of the rig and everything seemed fine, so I had no worries.
Take a look at the following pictures and see what everyone saw when we watched the video during the FF seminar at the end of the day.
Lesson learned: Never assume that because something is supposed to work or be safe that it actually is. I've put about 30 FF jumps on two different Vector IIs and have never had something like this happen to me and they're not even supposed to be real freefly friendly. They're what I call "Freefly Cordial."
<--see attatched
"Homer Simpson, smiling politely."

[AggieDave 6]

<-----------#2
"Homer Simpson, smiling politely."

[AggieDave 6]

<--------------#3
"Homer Simpson, smiling politely."

[AggieDave 6]

And Finally
<--------------#4
"Homer Simpson, smiling politely."

[quade 4]

So, did you actually have a premature deployment?
quade
http://futurecam.com

[AggieDave 6]

No, had no problems, infact, I didn't even know there was a problem until I talked to Max and saw the video! I was focused on him and the jump and altitude, so I didn't look at my shoulder to see my riser cover open!
That could have, infact should have happened, but luck shined on me once again. I definately don't want that to happen again, though!
"Homer Simpson, smiling politely."

[rgoper 0]

Dave:
you'd be surprised at how much of this doesn't get caught. i see open riser covers constantly, reserve flaps open, bent, you name it. my personal rule: don't EVER jump borrowed gear from ANYONE, unless you know the history of the rig. jumping borrowed gear has injured, and in a couple of instances killed jumpers, i won't mention names, it's too painful. i'm NOT saying make this your motto, but it's my .02 USD.
Richard
"Flying The Friendly Skies"

[airann 1]

Aggie, I saw everyones coach jumps, (I know people...) You suprised me. You are getting places. This is not your best view but I understand your take here. You looked good I think I saw you transition? looked good. Gig Em Ags.
Also Zennies, it was good also.... Zennie fix all that stuff around your head, put a rubber banc (tandem) on bonehead strap or get it cut, ( I dont recomend this for resale purposes.
And stick glasses safty strap in somewhere, maybe cut that shorter. I hate seeing you beat in the face.
Ann ~ www.AirAnn.com
Levin in RW suit.. I have pictures!!!

[AggieDave 6]

Quote

You looked good I think I saw you transition

So, why didn't I get to see you this weekend, huh? I was hoping you were going to come out Saturday night and hang with everyone.
"Homer Simpson, smiling politely."

[diverdriver 7]

Dave,
I just had a friend by a used Vector II. Before she bought it I said "You aren't planning on doing ANY freeflying with it are you?" She asked "Is it bad?" I said, "You will not do ANY freeflying with a Vector II. It was never designed for this stuff. The riser covers and main pin cover were never meant to be subjected to this type flying." I just wish someone had the courtesy to tell you the same before you went up.
No problems in 30 FF with that rig huh? Dave, it only takes one to ruin your whole day.
NO velcro riser covers.
NO main pin cover that can easily be popped in a sit.
NO reserve pin cover than can easily be popped in a sit or head down.
NO exposed bridle (meaning NO Rear Of Leg ROL pilot chute pouch)
NO sweat shirt that can cover your handles in a sit.
NO colored clothing that is the same color as your cutaway pillow.
That's what I tell new jumpers when they ask what they need to know first about free flying safety. Then we start in with the other stuff.
Chris Schindler

[AggieDave 6]

Chris,
Both of those rigs have been modified for freeflying.
I know what you're saying and I've taken precautions for FFing with a Vector II. If you really want, I can PM you and tell you everything thats been done to the rig. Is it the best thing to use for FF? No. Have I had a rigger make some mods so it will be as safe as I can make it? Yes.
"Homer Simpson, smiling politely."

[ramon 0]

Saw lots of Javelins falpping this weekend.
flapflapflap...but that is what everyone else has..so I'm getting one..and plus My DZO will give me 15% of reatail (BFD)
BS
fuckers don't make serious changes till someone dies.
Hey Dave, you did good this weekend. too bad the weather sucked.
Sorry I didn;t show you that video in the packing area, his buds were in there and I thought it was poor taste..Later I guess you dissappeared.
however...I still have it and if you want to scare your self back to the reality of the sport next time we meet, I;ll show you.
peace
blue skies black death
ramon

[AggieDave 6]

Ramon,
Thanks man, yeah, I took off about noon. Maybe about the video...not sure, ya know.
"Homer Simpson, smiling politely."

[airann 1]

Aggie, I know the feeling.
Ann ~ www.AirAnn.com
Levin in RW suit.. I have pictures!!!

[Zennie 0]

Quote

I still have it and if you want to scare your self back to the reality of the sport next time we meet, I;ll show you.

Can you bring it anyway? I'm curious as to what you're referring to.
"Zero Tolerance: the politically correct term for zero thought, zero common sense."

[ChromeBoy 0]

Never assume. It makes an "ass" out of "u" and "me".

[78RATS 0]

appreciate the courtesy

[diverdriver 7]

PM not necessary. Now that I know it's not your run of the mill Vector II that's good enough for me. Hey, I've seen the best rigs open up due to bumps on exits. Glad to hear it's modified. You might post what was done to the rig so others thinking of FreeFlying with a Vector II might see what needs to be done to make things better.
Chris

[sitflyr 0]

Quote

No, had no problems, infact, I didn't even know there was a problem until I talked to Max and saw the video! I was focused on him and the jump and altitude, so I didn't look at my shoulder to see my riser cover open!

Did he try to signal for you to pull?

[AggieDave 6]

No he didn't, since we were the first group out for the freefliers. That could have been deadly if I had pulled at 6k.
He did basically stop the dive, though, since he was directing me with hand signals to do different transitions and stuff. You can see in the video that once he notices a problem he stops the dive and only has me do a 360. This also gave him a chance to see how bad of a situation I was in. Once I did a 360, he didn't like what he saw and we were close enough to our depart alti that he waved bye and we tracked away.
"Are they short-shorts?" T.B.

[diverdriver 7]

Tough call there Dave. But if you all are giving proper separation time the group following should not be over the top of you. I'm assuming you went out AFTER the flat flyers, right? Going flat was probably the smart idea to assess the situation. At least you would be in a better position to dump the PC if the main decided to leave.
Glad you guys posted the video PICS so everyone could get a visual. I bet many lurkers here are getting an eye full.
Chris

[nacmacfeegle 0]

Dude, you can borrow my rig anytime. You didn't get it dirty!!!
I guess there aren't that many people around that can actually give you and I a good fitting loaner, us big lads ought to stick together for shit like that Good job on the firewood!
It was cool to finally meet you in person, and do a jump together...
You take care out there, I'll see you around.
Cya
D

[AggieDave 6]

Yeah, we did go out after those RW guys (losers...j/k). The catch is though, since we hadn't been flying on our bellies for the jump, we wouldn't have drifted down wind as much as the RW guys and there is no telling how much time the group behind us gave. Hopefully a lot, but who knows.
Bottom line, I got way lucky...
"Are they short-shorts?" T.B.

[AggieDave 6]

Big Dave,
Thank you so much for letting me get a jump with your rig. It was great, fit perfect and flew like a dream (even if the canopy wouldn't collapse after landing...). I hope to catch up with you again before you run back across the pond.
I attatched something you might get a kick out of..
<-----------
"Are they short-shorts?" T.B.

[diverdriver 7]

Dave, if the group following you was also freeflying (I'm assuming) then you would have increased your separation from them by going flat. It would have given you moderate separation from the flat group that left before you. Good points and you are certainly concerned about separation and everyone's safety. Very good to hear. But, just from what you've described I think you would have been ok to dump at 6K and been ok. That is unless you had another plane dumping on top of you guys right after your plane got out of the way.
Chris