BMFin 0 #26 July 8, 2003 We have room for 10 people on both benches and 4 in the floor. max 24 people / load Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumperconway 0 #27 July 8, 2003 At Spaceland, we have 2 Otters, one with side benches(one side stowable)and 1 with the straddle benches. If there aren't tandems in the one with the straddle benches, we move them to the side like the other otter. Everyone except the TM's preffer the bench style. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EricaH 0 #28 July 8, 2003 True, on benches you lean sideways & are squished between people. Most ppl @ my dz lean backwards & put their rear hand on the shoulder of the person next to them. Also, only the very rear benches (ie. first large group out the door) get folded up - that helps keep the plane balanced as well - and gives room to get exits set up. On the floor you get your leg squished into the wall, very uncomfortable w/ booties on, leg cramps & having to be careful to not get one of you handles pulled by the person behind you. Besides the fact that if it's a very full load, having the 20+ lb rig of the person in front of you put in your lap isn't the most comfortable way to sit for a ride up anyway. I stay w/ the $17 friday location - much rather sit on a prober bench - sorry sunshine. At Space Center in Titusville, they have the benches you straddle - those were the best! It's just very difficult to wear a seatbelt unless you route it through your leg strap. But you get to sit upright the whole ride & your legs don't get squised. There is no can't. Only lack of knowledge or fear. Only you can fix your fear. PMS #227 (just like the TV show) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marcandalysse 0 #29 July 9, 2003 good points from all, and true, the experience of a big irish guy getting to his feet at gear check and lettin one fly right in my face is not one of my better plane ride memories, however tk, getting sandwiched in between those zhills skybabes sure adds to the jump experience!!! "The reason angels can fly is that they take themselves so lightly." --GK Chesterton Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BikerBabe 0 #30 July 11, 2003 Another disadvantage to not having benches is one I noticed this week while jumping at a DZ with no benches in their otters: I can't see my teammates! Seriously, when we're not visualizing, we're usually joking around a little and generally getting the "team vibe" going on the way up (in our usual plane with benches). With no benches, it's very hard to do this, since no one is looking at each other. OK so it's kind of esoteric, but it's still a reason. And when I can talk to my teammates on the way up without straining something, I usually find myself in a better head space for the jump...Never meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingnut 0 #31 July 15, 2003 i like benches for the fact that i don't have somebodys rig crushing into my crotch on the rid up and i have had my legs pinned between other peopl's rigs/ legs before and it isn't very comforatable.. i can live with sitting siedways but with the circulation cut off to my legs that isn't fun..... luckily we have a fast climbing dc-3 at the dz and i can stand full upright in it and jump if i wanted... that's my prefered airplane....lol.... ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
