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aftermid

Low Tandem

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Most DZ will take the tandems to full alt. (whatever that is for their DZ) I've been at cessnea DZs where they put them out at 10.5 and at Turbin DZs where we have taken them as high as 18 grand. I agree, putting a tandem out at 6.5 kinda sucks especially if they are paying the full going rate for tandems. I'm at Skydive Greensburg in Indiana, we put tandems out at between 10.5 and 12.5 depending on the day.

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I have never heard of a DZ jumping tandems that low if more altitude was available. I have taken tandems out that low due to bad weather but they were told about the lower altitude before boarding the plane and given the option of coming back another day or getting out lower.
Kirk

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I have taken tandems at low altitudes and if it is below 7.5K they get the option to go or no go. This is based only on Weather limitations. Other then that they go to 10.5K (cessna DZ)


Scott C.
"He who Hesitates Shall Inherit the Earth!"

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I would think they "strip" the drogue release handles and do a hop-n-pop, just like on a normal solo rig (no drouge fall).

I know it's possible on Strong. Is it also technically possible on other systems?

Or, maybe they static line them - what are these wide yellow tapes on some of tandem rigs here: http://www.skydivelasvegas.com/images/tandem_rigs.jpg ?

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I would think they "strip" the drogue release handles and do a hop-n-pop, just like on a normal solo rig (no drouge fall).



Actually in the RWS manual for the Vector Tandem they say that you have to pull in sequence:
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"NOTE: If the exit is to be lower than 7500' (2500m) AGL do not pull the drouge release handle prior to the deployment of the drouge The handles, drouge and drouge release, must be pulled in sequence to ensure a proper deployment"



Regarding altitudes the RWS manual also states a recommended exit altitude is 7500' (2500m) to give sufficient time to deal with any problem or a varity of situations that could come up before main deployment by 4500' (1500m) AGL. The Manual also states that the minimum exit altitude is at 4500' (1500m) with a minimum main deployment altitude of 4000' AGL (Reserve initiation altitude is set at 2500') There is a line noted as well that says:
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"These lower exit altitudes should only be reserved for the most experienced Tandem Instructors"



Hope that helps,
Scott C.
"He who Hesitates Shall Inherit the Earth!"

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Lodi offers low tandems for heavy jumpers. The tandem never reaches terminal and there is a lot less wear and tear on the instructor and gear that way.



I've seen many of the DZs in CA specify (not in so many words) that they'll do a subterminal opening for heavy customers. Heavy being defined over a pretty wide range.

Doesn't seem like a good deal - go elsewhere, or get a little lighter. And with the wide range of TM weights, is there really a big difference between 215 and 225? I guess you need a threshold somewhere, but it seems a tad arbitrary.

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I guess I was just spoiled with 14k my first time and signed up for AFF right away.



as was i in miami, but now where im doing my aff (nj shore) we have a cessena so we jump 10.5 - 11


What do you do when someone throws a big planet at you?
Throw your pilot chute in defense!

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I guess I was just spoiled with 14k my first time and signed up for AFF right away.



spoiled is getting to do all the AFFs at 14,15k. My first chunk were. Then it was 12.5 at perris (because it's 1500 msl) with as low as a 4500 pull, also otters. Then it was 10.5 out the side door of a 206, and back up to 5.5. I didn't like that as much...lot less time to get my shit together on the diveflow.

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We do our jumps from 6k , 12k and 14k and price them accordingly. If we cannot get out at any of these heights it is a free plane ride.
Often there are say 2 tandems at 6k and the rest (up to 7 more tandems) wanting 12 or 14. Due to being held by air traffic the 6k jumpers often get a free extra to the higher height!!
We use Strong rigs and the jumps from 6k are done in the conventional manner, drogue throw followed by normal release at 5k. It is a quick ride!!
The only time we jump with the drogue acting as a pilot chute (drogue already released before exit) is when we use the Tandem gear for large (2,000 square foot) flag demos.
BSBD!! -Mark.



"A Scar is just a Tattoo with a story!!!"

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