skylord 1 #1 February 20, 2005 I've been trying to patiently wait out the funky SoCal weather we have been getting for almost a month now. In the meantime, I've done my AFF-6 recurrency jump, and I am now waiting to do my AFF-8 jump. I have gotten past most of the door jitters, I'm pretty sure. I did a five minute stint at SD Perris in the tunnel just yesterday to keep me up to snuff. I'm trying to economize the weather scenario and the fact I can't jump when the visibility is 1/8 of a mile or the wind is above 50 knots. So I got the P.R.O. Pack video, and watched it in advance of the required class for my A license. Holy crap. I have now watched it three times, and frankly it scares the living shit out of me. I will screw it up, A lines, B lines, do this, flake the nose now, not later, clover the slider, kill line this, not that or you'll get a pilot chute in tow, roll this left, but this right, careful of the grommets, spacers, steering lines HERE, not THERE, this will give you a line over, arggh!!! We might as well re-release the video as "Mr. Bob's Sucky Pack Job and First Reserve Ride". The video was great, and the pros who pack my chutes are my heroes and will be recognized with beer, especially after I saw what goes into packing a well prepared chute. It was very professional and I'm probably reacting to too much info, but I just was overwhelmed with what goes into correctly packing a parachute. Is there hope for me, and I will pay well for someone else to jump my pack job!! I kid, but boy is there a lot to remember. What are your experiences and advice, besides "Pull High". Bob MarksBob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
piisfish 140 #2 February 20, 2005 Quote Is there hope for me, and I will pay well for someone else to jump my pack job!! If I can see how you pack, I would jump your packjob anytime. Packing should not make you nervous... You have NO (or very limited) risks. You're still on the ground... But I understand you might be nervous about jumping your first packjobs...scissors beat paper, paper beat rock, rock beat wingsuit - KarlM Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Travman 6 #3 February 20, 2005 As someone in a similiar position to you, all I can say is practice. Do you have your own gear? I haven't done any packing courses, but a couple of fellow jumpers showed me how to pack. Then I started practicing at home with my gear. The first few pack jobs weren't all that good, and I felt like I was going to get the nickname "Chopper". But after doing a few I got the hang of it, and showed the instructor that runs the packing courses here and he said my packing was very good. I am now very confident and looking forward to jumping my first pack when I do my conversion jumps. I agree there is a lot to take in. Good luck, I mean.. what could go wrong... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skylord 1 #4 February 20, 2005 QuoteAs someone in a similiar position to you, all I can say is practice. Do you have your own gear? "Chopper", No, not yet. Thanks for the encouragement. I will remember this as I sob myself to sleep in my pillow. BobBob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JohnMitchell 16 #5 February 20, 2005 Have you tried flat packing? It's easier to understand for beginners, and it's easier to manipulate and visualize the canopy when it's laying on the floor, not flopped over your shoulders. You can step back, take a look, go get someone to come look at it, etc. I had thousands of pack jobs already when I started pro packing, and it took me a while to get the hang of it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jumperconway 0 #6 February 20, 2005 Fuk a bunch off flat packing! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JohnMitchell 16 #7 February 20, 2005 QuoteFuk a bunch off flat packing!Yes, you can even stop and do that on top of your pack job, then finish packing later. Another reason why flat packing is cool. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites AggieDave 6 #8 February 20, 2005 What we (SD Aggieland) tends to do is hang up a canopy to really break down the parts to show students who are trying to learn how to pack, then after they learn the parts (cells, line groups, etc) then we show them how they're orientated when over their shoulder. So it would seem over the past few years is that students respond very well to this sort of instruction, and our students learn how to pro-pack very well. Although flat packing has its place and purpose, most folks like to know how to pro-pack if for no other reason it makes them feel more like a "skydiver" since they see everyone else at the DZ pro-packing.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites dqpacker 7 #9 February 20, 2005 Just practice over and over. Dont worry about speed at first it will come in time. Flat packing is good for learning the canopy and the lines. The only thing better about pro packing is you dont take up as much room on the floor. Nothing against the video "pack like a pro" but I think that it is easier to learn from doing it then following a video. The video is good if you are actually packing while watching it. So you can do what the say to the parachute at that second rather than watching the whole thing then tring to remeber it when you have this peice of fabric with some strings on it hanging over your shoulder that doesnt even look like a parachute. But if you never learn to pack I will pack it for you for 7 dollars and have it done in 5 min. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites kelpdiver 2 #10 February 20, 2005 I thought the video made it look more complicated then hours of packing class fun, where the packer could point into my mess of nylon. I hear you on the weather - it really bites when I can't retreat from SF and go to LA. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites bkoch 0 #11 February 20, 2005 I used to worry about packing too. My advice is just to pack and pack and pack again. Eventually my confidence level grew so that now I don't worry about it too much. Though I do jump a Triathlon, which makes packing easy for me. I've had great openings on pack jobs I thought were awful. No matter what though, I touch all my handles a couple times on the way to altitude every jump and I trust my rigger that my reserve is solid and ready to go. Brad"What kind of man would live a life without daring? Is life so sweet that we should criticize men that seek adventure? Is there a better way to die?" - Charles Lindberg August 26th, 1938 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites drdive 0 #12 February 20, 2005 I feel your pain. Learned to propack with an instructor for my "A", packed and jumped my own pack, pulled high "just in case", (still here, no reserve ride, so apparently it worked) and decided the $5 is the way to go. Shit, I'll just work an extra shift a month and apply it to packing. Ed in Spokane"We saved your gear. Now you can sell it when you get out of the hospital and upsize!!" "K-Dub" " Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites rasmack 0 #13 February 20, 2005 Am I the only one, who thinks it is worse packing for others? I have no problems jumping my own pack jobs, but I can assure you I had my head out the door first time someone jumped one of my pack jobs. Boy was I glad to see a nice opening HF #682, Team Dirty Sanchez #227 “I simply hate, detest, loathe, despise, and abhor redundancy.” - Not quite Oscar Wilde... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Fab 0 #14 February 20, 2005 i know what you mean. I just received my brand new pilot 168 and am afraid to even touch it. I haven't taken it out of the bag yet to see if the colorscheme is right because then I have to pack it myself . What a joy will it be to pack this thing for the very first time.... Packing is not very difficult though with older chutes and with a bit of practise you can do it with your eyes closed _______________________________________ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites sid 1 #15 February 20, 2005 I have a web site www.packingparachutes.com where the steps are broken down and also illustrated. This is not meant to be a replacement for a packing course, but rather a study guide. The site (depending on your browser, but definitely with Firefox) should be printer friendly so you can print the sections off too. Remember, this is not rocket surgery it's folding fabric, and the parachute really wants to open you are just helping it to do that in an ordrly fashion and without hurting you. you have any questions you can email or pm mePete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skykittykat 0 #16 February 20, 2005 While you can't jump due to the weather, ask someone at the dz to teach you to pack and then spend all day practising. At my old dz in the UK, we used to have packing days when the weather was bad as all students there have to learn to pack during AFF as there were no packers. Not only will you get more confident, but you will end up with more knowledge of how your gear is set up and works. Liz Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skybill 22 #17 February 20, 2005 Hi sky!!! The only thing that changes is the year and the make and model of the parachute!!! You'll get the hang of it. For my first "Clear and Pull, circa 07 June '64) my JM had an errand to run and told me to "Pack my Parachute!!" (I'd watched a bunch be packed but not pack one outright and for my first Ripcord pull) With shaking hands I set forth with the task at hand and some how got the 28' 7-double-L in the B-4 container closed!! After you ascertain That you have proper continuity, shake the two line groups 4 times, punch the stabs out to the side, set the slider at the stops, wrap the tail around the mess and twist it up tight at the "Y" stuff it into the bag, close the bag , stow the lines and finish off the pack. Got That!!?? Now, see that wasn't too hard!!!! Now go jump it!! BTW My 7- double L "Opened!!"SCR-2034, SCS-680 III%, Deli-out Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Peej 0 #18 February 20, 2005 You might want to find someone on your DZ with a PISA "Hornet" and learn to pack using that. They have coloured tabs attached to all the lines wich helps with keeping eveything together and learning where it all goes. I think some of the Aerodyne canopies also have the same tabs. Otherwise like others have said, practice, practice practice. I remember how nervous i was jumping my first pack job. Good luck! Advertisio Rodriguez / Sky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Feeblemind 1 #19 February 20, 2005 QuoteWhile you can't jump due to the weather, ask someone at the dz to teach you to pack and then spend all day practising. Well thats what I did all day yester day and I strongly reccomend it. I just finished AFF and got permission to go to the DZ frm the wife ALL DAY yesterday. I was quite jazzed, I had a pocked full of cash and was looking at blue skys. Well the DZ is a 45 minute drive and mother nature kicked me in the privates!! By the time I got there the ceiling was 6,000 with occassional fog at 500. Several of the DZ packers were there and I asked Frank if he would show me how to pack? He said sure and we were off to the races. I spent all day learning to pack and gave frank some cash for his time. So since you are having the same bad weather n So. Cal. I can only suggest you do the same. Phil Fire Safety Tip: Don't fry bacon while naked Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites MakeItHappen 15 #20 February 20, 2005 Quote Although flat packing has its place and purpose, most folks like to know how to pro-pack if for no other reason it makes them feel more like a "skydiver" since they see everyone else at the DZ pro-packing. This cracks me up!! When did Dave become the all-knowing, all-seeing guru on the 'place and purpose' of flat packing??? feel more like a "skydiver" too funny Dave. It really is. Maybe one day I'll go back to pro packing if I ever feel the need to feel more like a skydiver. I'm sure I'll get invited on more of the 'cool' loads if I pro pack. In the meantime, flat-packing is much faster and easier than a pro pack. I use a roll pack now, but the standard stack pack was also faster and easier than a pro pack too. Skylord, I'll take you up on your "I will pay well for someone else to jump my pack job!!" Let me know and I'll have you packing for me and paying me to jump it. [New jumpers have way too much money to burn.] Of course, you have to pack my parachute the way I want it packed. As long as I teach you how to do that, I have no qualms about it. Disclaimer: I only jump Racers with a pud deployment system. All bets are off with any other type of system. If some other rig had a Racer pud deployment system, I might consider it. It would not be your pack job in question, but the other types of puds or deployment systems or the way the reserve deploys. Also - as long as you are cleared to jumpmaster yourself, I am almost 100% sure Elsinore or Perris would allow me to do two-ways with you. You could get free coaching, such a deal? Let me know because there are a few paperwork items to clear first. I teach you how to pack. I jump the pack job. You get freefall coaching without worrying about your pack job. By the end of the day you'll be shooting yourself about how easy this is. .. Make It Happen Parachute History DiveMaker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skylord 1 #21 February 20, 2005 QuoteSkylord, I'll take you up on your "I will pay well for someone else to jump my pack job!!" Let me know and I'll have you packing for me and paying me to jump it. [New jumpers have way too much money to burn.] I'm getting chased for my money again. This was a onetimelimitedofferbaseduponmanufacturer's suggestedretailpriceOtherlimitationsapplySeedealerfordetails. Thanks for all the info, it is overwheming. I now understand that one purpose of my skydive is to ruin someone's perfect pack job. BobBob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites kallend 2,113 #22 February 20, 2005 I had an incredible babe teach me to pack. It didn't seem like work at all. Not all aspects of packing are equally critical. It's a good idea to discover the things that will kill you if you do them wrong, and pay really good attention to them.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites happythoughts 0 #23 February 21, 2005 One of the things that will help a lot is if you can visualize what is happening on opening. How does the air hit the nose? How will the canopy inflate? The best visual tool is a canopy hanging up. Identify the lines, nose, tail, etc. Get someone to go over it with you and practice. Weather days are a perfect opportunity. It will take a while the first few times, don't get frustrated. Try to get a mental picture of how the air will hit it when the bag comes out, this will help you make sense of it. I started flat packing, but eventually went to pro packing because of back problems. It was more comfortable on my back because I could stand up and do it. Pro packing also takes up less room on a crowded mat. When you bring the tail around, use your knee to hold things together. This will help avoid snagging a line and dragging it around also (line over). Someone at your dz can show you this. After all that, I don't pack that much any more because I am old and lazy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skylord 1 #24 February 21, 2005 QuoteOne of the things that will help a lot is if you can visualize what is happening on opening. Quote Yes, I can do that. I am typically screaming and thrashing in terror, and I can do that while I'm packing if you think it will help. All kidding aside, this is a good point. I have always looked up as the bag comes off my back and pulls me upright. I can see it turn into a ball, the slider appears from the bottom, and I see the nose grab the air and open. I think I'm getting over concerned about the technical details with what are A, B, C, D lines. Grommets, kill lines, ugh. I'll probably head out to Elsinore tomorrow in a row boat and do the packing class. We are getting drowned out here in one of the wettest seasons I've seen in my life. The verdict is that doing it is the best. I've got it. I'll learn how to pack and then charge $100 per pack job. Yeah, that's the ticket!! I'm going to be rich! Thanks for the reply, I really appreciate it, and I'll let you all know how it goes!!!! BobBob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freakflyer9999 1 #25 February 21, 2005 QuoteI will pay well for someone else to jump my pack job!! I learned to pack with two others in my class. We had done two or three supervised pack jobs when the instructor handed us his personal rig and went to brief an AFF student. Thirty minutes later our packing instructor came back into the room, asked a couple of questions and then picked up our first unassisted/unsupervised pack job and headed to the airplane. He lived. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. 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JohnMitchell 16 #5 February 20, 2005 Have you tried flat packing? It's easier to understand for beginners, and it's easier to manipulate and visualize the canopy when it's laying on the floor, not flopped over your shoulders. You can step back, take a look, go get someone to come look at it, etc. I had thousands of pack jobs already when I started pro packing, and it took me a while to get the hang of it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumperconway 0 #6 February 20, 2005 Fuk a bunch off flat packing! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMitchell 16 #7 February 20, 2005 QuoteFuk a bunch off flat packing!Yes, you can even stop and do that on top of your pack job, then finish packing later. Another reason why flat packing is cool. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #8 February 20, 2005 What we (SD Aggieland) tends to do is hang up a canopy to really break down the parts to show students who are trying to learn how to pack, then after they learn the parts (cells, line groups, etc) then we show them how they're orientated when over their shoulder. So it would seem over the past few years is that students respond very well to this sort of instruction, and our students learn how to pro-pack very well. Although flat packing has its place and purpose, most folks like to know how to pro-pack if for no other reason it makes them feel more like a "skydiver" since they see everyone else at the DZ pro-packing.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dqpacker 7 #9 February 20, 2005 Just practice over and over. Dont worry about speed at first it will come in time. Flat packing is good for learning the canopy and the lines. The only thing better about pro packing is you dont take up as much room on the floor. Nothing against the video "pack like a pro" but I think that it is easier to learn from doing it then following a video. The video is good if you are actually packing while watching it. So you can do what the say to the parachute at that second rather than watching the whole thing then tring to remeber it when you have this peice of fabric with some strings on it hanging over your shoulder that doesnt even look like a parachute. But if you never learn to pack I will pack it for you for 7 dollars and have it done in 5 min. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelpdiver 2 #10 February 20, 2005 I thought the video made it look more complicated then hours of packing class fun, where the packer could point into my mess of nylon. I hear you on the weather - it really bites when I can't retreat from SF and go to LA. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bkoch 0 #11 February 20, 2005 I used to worry about packing too. My advice is just to pack and pack and pack again. Eventually my confidence level grew so that now I don't worry about it too much. Though I do jump a Triathlon, which makes packing easy for me. I've had great openings on pack jobs I thought were awful. No matter what though, I touch all my handles a couple times on the way to altitude every jump and I trust my rigger that my reserve is solid and ready to go. Brad"What kind of man would live a life without daring? Is life so sweet that we should criticize men that seek adventure? Is there a better way to die?" - Charles Lindberg August 26th, 1938 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drdive 0 #12 February 20, 2005 I feel your pain. Learned to propack with an instructor for my "A", packed and jumped my own pack, pulled high "just in case", (still here, no reserve ride, so apparently it worked) and decided the $5 is the way to go. Shit, I'll just work an extra shift a month and apply it to packing. Ed in Spokane"We saved your gear. Now you can sell it when you get out of the hospital and upsize!!" "K-Dub" " Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rasmack 0 #13 February 20, 2005 Am I the only one, who thinks it is worse packing for others? I have no problems jumping my own pack jobs, but I can assure you I had my head out the door first time someone jumped one of my pack jobs. Boy was I glad to see a nice opening HF #682, Team Dirty Sanchez #227 “I simply hate, detest, loathe, despise, and abhor redundancy.” - Not quite Oscar Wilde... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fab 0 #14 February 20, 2005 i know what you mean. I just received my brand new pilot 168 and am afraid to even touch it. I haven't taken it out of the bag yet to see if the colorscheme is right because then I have to pack it myself . What a joy will it be to pack this thing for the very first time.... Packing is not very difficult though with older chutes and with a bit of practise you can do it with your eyes closed _______________________________________ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sid 1 #15 February 20, 2005 I have a web site www.packingparachutes.com where the steps are broken down and also illustrated. This is not meant to be a replacement for a packing course, but rather a study guide. The site (depending on your browser, but definitely with Firefox) should be printer friendly so you can print the sections off too. Remember, this is not rocket surgery it's folding fabric, and the parachute really wants to open you are just helping it to do that in an ordrly fashion and without hurting you. you have any questions you can email or pm mePete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skykittykat 0 #16 February 20, 2005 While you can't jump due to the weather, ask someone at the dz to teach you to pack and then spend all day practising. At my old dz in the UK, we used to have packing days when the weather was bad as all students there have to learn to pack during AFF as there were no packers. Not only will you get more confident, but you will end up with more knowledge of how your gear is set up and works. Liz Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybill 22 #17 February 20, 2005 Hi sky!!! The only thing that changes is the year and the make and model of the parachute!!! You'll get the hang of it. For my first "Clear and Pull, circa 07 June '64) my JM had an errand to run and told me to "Pack my Parachute!!" (I'd watched a bunch be packed but not pack one outright and for my first Ripcord pull) With shaking hands I set forth with the task at hand and some how got the 28' 7-double-L in the B-4 container closed!! After you ascertain That you have proper continuity, shake the two line groups 4 times, punch the stabs out to the side, set the slider at the stops, wrap the tail around the mess and twist it up tight at the "Y" stuff it into the bag, close the bag , stow the lines and finish off the pack. Got That!!?? Now, see that wasn't too hard!!!! Now go jump it!! BTW My 7- double L "Opened!!"SCR-2034, SCS-680 III%, Deli-out Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peej 0 #18 February 20, 2005 You might want to find someone on your DZ with a PISA "Hornet" and learn to pack using that. They have coloured tabs attached to all the lines wich helps with keeping eveything together and learning where it all goes. I think some of the Aerodyne canopies also have the same tabs. Otherwise like others have said, practice, practice practice. I remember how nervous i was jumping my first pack job. Good luck! Advertisio Rodriguez / Sky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Feeblemind 1 #19 February 20, 2005 QuoteWhile you can't jump due to the weather, ask someone at the dz to teach you to pack and then spend all day practising. Well thats what I did all day yester day and I strongly reccomend it. I just finished AFF and got permission to go to the DZ frm the wife ALL DAY yesterday. I was quite jazzed, I had a pocked full of cash and was looking at blue skys. Well the DZ is a 45 minute drive and mother nature kicked me in the privates!! By the time I got there the ceiling was 6,000 with occassional fog at 500. Several of the DZ packers were there and I asked Frank if he would show me how to pack? He said sure and we were off to the races. I spent all day learning to pack and gave frank some cash for his time. So since you are having the same bad weather n So. Cal. I can only suggest you do the same. Phil Fire Safety Tip: Don't fry bacon while naked Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites MakeItHappen 15 #20 February 20, 2005 Quote Although flat packing has its place and purpose, most folks like to know how to pro-pack if for no other reason it makes them feel more like a "skydiver" since they see everyone else at the DZ pro-packing. This cracks me up!! When did Dave become the all-knowing, all-seeing guru on the 'place and purpose' of flat packing??? feel more like a "skydiver" too funny Dave. It really is. Maybe one day I'll go back to pro packing if I ever feel the need to feel more like a skydiver. I'm sure I'll get invited on more of the 'cool' loads if I pro pack. In the meantime, flat-packing is much faster and easier than a pro pack. I use a roll pack now, but the standard stack pack was also faster and easier than a pro pack too. Skylord, I'll take you up on your "I will pay well for someone else to jump my pack job!!" Let me know and I'll have you packing for me and paying me to jump it. [New jumpers have way too much money to burn.] Of course, you have to pack my parachute the way I want it packed. As long as I teach you how to do that, I have no qualms about it. Disclaimer: I only jump Racers with a pud deployment system. All bets are off with any other type of system. If some other rig had a Racer pud deployment system, I might consider it. It would not be your pack job in question, but the other types of puds or deployment systems or the way the reserve deploys. Also - as long as you are cleared to jumpmaster yourself, I am almost 100% sure Elsinore or Perris would allow me to do two-ways with you. You could get free coaching, such a deal? Let me know because there are a few paperwork items to clear first. I teach you how to pack. I jump the pack job. You get freefall coaching without worrying about your pack job. By the end of the day you'll be shooting yourself about how easy this is. .. Make It Happen Parachute History DiveMaker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skylord 1 #21 February 20, 2005 QuoteSkylord, I'll take you up on your "I will pay well for someone else to jump my pack job!!" Let me know and I'll have you packing for me and paying me to jump it. [New jumpers have way too much money to burn.] I'm getting chased for my money again. This was a onetimelimitedofferbaseduponmanufacturer's suggestedretailpriceOtherlimitationsapplySeedealerfordetails. Thanks for all the info, it is overwheming. I now understand that one purpose of my skydive is to ruin someone's perfect pack job. BobBob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites kallend 2,113 #22 February 20, 2005 I had an incredible babe teach me to pack. It didn't seem like work at all. Not all aspects of packing are equally critical. It's a good idea to discover the things that will kill you if you do them wrong, and pay really good attention to them.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites happythoughts 0 #23 February 21, 2005 One of the things that will help a lot is if you can visualize what is happening on opening. How does the air hit the nose? How will the canopy inflate? The best visual tool is a canopy hanging up. Identify the lines, nose, tail, etc. Get someone to go over it with you and practice. Weather days are a perfect opportunity. It will take a while the first few times, don't get frustrated. Try to get a mental picture of how the air will hit it when the bag comes out, this will help you make sense of it. I started flat packing, but eventually went to pro packing because of back problems. It was more comfortable on my back because I could stand up and do it. Pro packing also takes up less room on a crowded mat. When you bring the tail around, use your knee to hold things together. This will help avoid snagging a line and dragging it around also (line over). Someone at your dz can show you this. After all that, I don't pack that much any more because I am old and lazy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skylord 1 #24 February 21, 2005 QuoteOne of the things that will help a lot is if you can visualize what is happening on opening. Quote Yes, I can do that. I am typically screaming and thrashing in terror, and I can do that while I'm packing if you think it will help. All kidding aside, this is a good point. I have always looked up as the bag comes off my back and pulls me upright. I can see it turn into a ball, the slider appears from the bottom, and I see the nose grab the air and open. I think I'm getting over concerned about the technical details with what are A, B, C, D lines. Grommets, kill lines, ugh. I'll probably head out to Elsinore tomorrow in a row boat and do the packing class. We are getting drowned out here in one of the wettest seasons I've seen in my life. The verdict is that doing it is the best. I've got it. I'll learn how to pack and then charge $100 per pack job. Yeah, that's the ticket!! I'm going to be rich! Thanks for the reply, I really appreciate it, and I'll let you all know how it goes!!!! BobBob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freakflyer9999 1 #25 February 21, 2005 QuoteI will pay well for someone else to jump my pack job!! I learned to pack with two others in my class. We had done two or three supervised pack jobs when the instructor handed us his personal rig and went to brief an AFF student. Thirty minutes later our packing instructor came back into the room, asked a couple of questions and then picked up our first unassisted/unsupervised pack job and headed to the airplane. He lived. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0 Go To Topic Listing
MakeItHappen 15 #20 February 20, 2005 Quote Although flat packing has its place and purpose, most folks like to know how to pro-pack if for no other reason it makes them feel more like a "skydiver" since they see everyone else at the DZ pro-packing. This cracks me up!! When did Dave become the all-knowing, all-seeing guru on the 'place and purpose' of flat packing??? feel more like a "skydiver" too funny Dave. It really is. Maybe one day I'll go back to pro packing if I ever feel the need to feel more like a skydiver. I'm sure I'll get invited on more of the 'cool' loads if I pro pack. In the meantime, flat-packing is much faster and easier than a pro pack. I use a roll pack now, but the standard stack pack was also faster and easier than a pro pack too. Skylord, I'll take you up on your "I will pay well for someone else to jump my pack job!!" Let me know and I'll have you packing for me and paying me to jump it. [New jumpers have way too much money to burn.] Of course, you have to pack my parachute the way I want it packed. As long as I teach you how to do that, I have no qualms about it. Disclaimer: I only jump Racers with a pud deployment system. All bets are off with any other type of system. If some other rig had a Racer pud deployment system, I might consider it. It would not be your pack job in question, but the other types of puds or deployment systems or the way the reserve deploys. Also - as long as you are cleared to jumpmaster yourself, I am almost 100% sure Elsinore or Perris would allow me to do two-ways with you. You could get free coaching, such a deal? Let me know because there are a few paperwork items to clear first. I teach you how to pack. I jump the pack job. You get freefall coaching without worrying about your pack job. By the end of the day you'll be shooting yourself about how easy this is. .. Make It Happen Parachute History DiveMaker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skylord 1 #21 February 20, 2005 QuoteSkylord, I'll take you up on your "I will pay well for someone else to jump my pack job!!" Let me know and I'll have you packing for me and paying me to jump it. [New jumpers have way too much money to burn.] I'm getting chased for my money again. This was a onetimelimitedofferbaseduponmanufacturer's suggestedretailpriceOtherlimitationsapplySeedealerfordetails. Thanks for all the info, it is overwheming. I now understand that one purpose of my skydive is to ruin someone's perfect pack job. BobBob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,113 #22 February 20, 2005 I had an incredible babe teach me to pack. It didn't seem like work at all. Not all aspects of packing are equally critical. It's a good idea to discover the things that will kill you if you do them wrong, and pay really good attention to them.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
happythoughts 0 #23 February 21, 2005 One of the things that will help a lot is if you can visualize what is happening on opening. How does the air hit the nose? How will the canopy inflate? The best visual tool is a canopy hanging up. Identify the lines, nose, tail, etc. Get someone to go over it with you and practice. Weather days are a perfect opportunity. It will take a while the first few times, don't get frustrated. Try to get a mental picture of how the air will hit it when the bag comes out, this will help you make sense of it. I started flat packing, but eventually went to pro packing because of back problems. It was more comfortable on my back because I could stand up and do it. Pro packing also takes up less room on a crowded mat. When you bring the tail around, use your knee to hold things together. This will help avoid snagging a line and dragging it around also (line over). Someone at your dz can show you this. After all that, I don't pack that much any more because I am old and lazy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skylord 1 #24 February 21, 2005 QuoteOne of the things that will help a lot is if you can visualize what is happening on opening. Quote Yes, I can do that. I am typically screaming and thrashing in terror, and I can do that while I'm packing if you think it will help. All kidding aside, this is a good point. I have always looked up as the bag comes off my back and pulls me upright. I can see it turn into a ball, the slider appears from the bottom, and I see the nose grab the air and open. I think I'm getting over concerned about the technical details with what are A, B, C, D lines. Grommets, kill lines, ugh. I'll probably head out to Elsinore tomorrow in a row boat and do the packing class. We are getting drowned out here in one of the wettest seasons I've seen in my life. The verdict is that doing it is the best. I've got it. I'll learn how to pack and then charge $100 per pack job. Yeah, that's the ticket!! I'm going to be rich! Thanks for the reply, I really appreciate it, and I'll let you all know how it goes!!!! BobBob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freakflyer9999 1 #25 February 21, 2005 QuoteI will pay well for someone else to jump my pack job!! I learned to pack with two others in my class. We had done two or three supervised pack jobs when the instructor handed us his personal rig and went to brief an AFF student. Thirty minutes later our packing instructor came back into the room, asked a couple of questions and then picked up our first unassisted/unsupervised pack job and headed to the airplane. He lived. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0 Go To Topic Listing
skylord 1 #24 February 21, 2005 QuoteOne of the things that will help a lot is if you can visualize what is happening on opening. Quote Yes, I can do that. I am typically screaming and thrashing in terror, and I can do that while I'm packing if you think it will help. All kidding aside, this is a good point. I have always looked up as the bag comes off my back and pulls me upright. I can see it turn into a ball, the slider appears from the bottom, and I see the nose grab the air and open. I think I'm getting over concerned about the technical details with what are A, B, C, D lines. Grommets, kill lines, ugh. I'll probably head out to Elsinore tomorrow in a row boat and do the packing class. We are getting drowned out here in one of the wettest seasons I've seen in my life. The verdict is that doing it is the best. I've got it. I'll learn how to pack and then charge $100 per pack job. Yeah, that's the ticket!! I'm going to be rich! Thanks for the reply, I really appreciate it, and I'll let you all know how it goes!!!! BobBob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freakflyer9999 1 #25 February 21, 2005 QuoteI will pay well for someone else to jump my pack job!! I learned to pack with two others in my class. We had done two or three supervised pack jobs when the instructor handed us his personal rig and went to brief an AFF student. Thirty minutes later our packing instructor came back into the room, asked a couple of questions and then picked up our first unassisted/unsupervised pack job and headed to the airplane. He lived. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0 Go To Topic Listing
freakflyer9999 1 #25 February 21, 2005 QuoteI will pay well for someone else to jump my pack job!! I learned to pack with two others in my class. We had done two or three supervised pack jobs when the instructor handed us his personal rig and went to brief an AFF student. Thirty minutes later our packing instructor came back into the room, asked a couple of questions and then picked up our first unassisted/unsupervised pack job and headed to the airplane. He lived. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
