riggerrob 643 #51 March 29, 2010 Current numerical standards are crude at best. Skill, personality and professionalism cannot be measured solely by numbers. The three year limit (for TIs) weeds out the "ticket-punchers" who lack the stamina to skydive for that long. Some of them may be exceptionally skilled, but if they get bored after three years, they are a danger to students. Like the bored TI at my DZ who hook-turned in front of me twice last year. The third time he hook turns in front of me, I am going to write a rude letter to Strong Enterprises recommending that he lose his TI rating! When our manifestor warned me that we will have some "interesting" TI candidates this spring, I cringed. Most DZOs prefer boring TIs who just follow the routine. Heck! My DZO does not even like stand-up comedians dressed like TIs! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #52 March 31, 2010 Time in sport is a crude measure of ability. I would ask a lot of embarrassing questions if a TI candidate who made his first jump (in tandem student harness) 3 years ago, zero jumps the second year and 499 jumps (Coach 1 rating, cutaway, etc.) last year. He would have to tell me a lot convincing stories before I would seriously consider training him to become a TI. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #53 March 31, 2010 QuoteHe would have to tell me a lot convincing stories before I would seriously consider training him to become a TI. wouldn't you really rather contact someone you know and trust at the candidates home DZ and ask a bunch of questions from your friend about the candidate instead? I think referrals go a long way in making this whole topic a moot point. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
popsjumper 2 #54 April 1, 2010 Quote Quote He would have to tell me a lot convincing stories before I would seriously consider training him to become a TI. wouldn't you really rather contact someone you know and trust at the candidates home DZ and ask a bunch of questions from your friend about the candidate instead? I think referrals go a long way in making this whole topic a moot point. You get the stories first and THEN call to verify. Ya gotta let 'em roll out enough rope to start with. My reality and yours are quite different. I think we're all Bozos on this bus. Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #55 April 3, 2010 Quote Quote Quote He would have to tell me a lot convincing stories before I would seriously consider training him to become a TI. wouldn't you really rather contact someone you know and trust at the candidates home DZ and ask a bunch of questions from your friend about the candidate instead? I think referrals go a long way in making this whole topic a moot point. You get the stories first and THEN call to verify. Ya gotta let 'em roll out enough rope to start with. I like how you think ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skyjumpenfool 2 #56 April 5, 2010 Quote Quote Quote Quote He would have to tell me a lot convincing stories before I would seriously consider training him to become a TI. wouldn't you really rather contact someone you know and trust at the candidates home DZ and ask a bunch of questions from your friend about the candidate instead? I think referrals go a long way in making this whole topic a moot point. You get the stories first and THEN call to verify. Ya gotta let 'em roll out enough rope to start with. I like how you think That line of thinking alone is an advantage to those with "time in the sport"... everybody knows old farts embellish a story better than pups. Talk about long ropes! Birdshit & Fools Productions "Son, only two things fall from the sky." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
