Selecting Gear for the Visually Impaired

[BlindBrick 0]

Hi,
I'm an S/L progression student that's about halfway through the program, I just did my first "clear & pull" last weekend, I'm not blind but my vision's pretty lousy(20/200 in L eye, 20/100 in R eye). To make matters even more interesting, I weight 244 lbs. This makes for some rather fast and interesting landings, even on Laser-9's and Mantas.
I was wondering if anybody could suggest gear to help me out. In particular I am looking for an audible altimeter that can count down the last 50 feet or so in 1ft. increments, does anybody make those? I know that students will invaribly flare themselves too late and too early, but it's harder for me. Last weekend, I got bad visual cues and flared so early that I fell around 30 feet straight down( got the video and back ache to prove it), I'd very much rather not do that again.
Also, I'm getting ready to buy my own rig and I was wondering if anyone could suggest a good wing loading ratio given my needs and a good canopy in that size? I know it's asking alot, but I'm looking for a canopy that's very manueverable but slow and very, very forgiving on landings.
thanks,
-BlindBrick

[Dutchboy 0]

Are you listing your corrected vision? If not, you can jump with glasses or contacts.
Nobody makes an audible like the one you describe. Getting that level of accuracy would be nearly impossible. Some airplanes have radar alimeters (not really radar) that measure distance above the surface. These are very expensive (several $k) and still don't do what you want.
Hmmm... Just a thought. I've seen things you put on your car that make noise when you are backing up next to something else. Wonder if you could get something like this and strap it on a foot.
The Dutchboy
http://www.geocities.com/ppolstra

[jfields 0]

Interesting post. I was expecting a question about picking colors for gear, which I would be horrible at doing myself.
My eyesight is fine to jump (with correction), but I'd undoubtedly pick the ugliest canopy/containter/jumpsuit combination in the world. I have that kind of visual impairment. Unfortunately, I can't think of much to help your situation. Wait a minute....
Become a tandem master and flair when they yell, "Oh Shit!"
Justin

[DZBone 0]

What is the vertical resolution of GPS? I'm not sure if there are any audible GSP receivers, but that may be an option, if the resolution is high enough.
Carl

[Dutchboy 0]

Wouldn't work. Think about how flat the ground would have to be. If you are only a foot off it's gonna hurt. The GPS is only acturate to about 50ft.
The Dutchboy
http://www.geocities.com/ppolstra

[GeekStreak 0]

Quote

I've seen things you put on your car that make noise when you are backing up next to something else. Wonder if you could get something like this and strap it on a foot.

That's a great idea! Think it'd work?
1111,
GeekStreak

[skybytch 273]

Heya Blind,
Glad to hear you're jumping!
I'd recommend buying something equivalent to what you're jumping now. At 244 lb body weight, you're out the door around 265-270; with your eyesight I wouldn't recommend going below a 260 sq. ft. canopy (which would be a loading just over 1.0:1). For a main I'd suggest you demo a Triathlon - they are very easy to fly and land but still fun.
Good luck!
pull and flare,
lisa

[Darkzone 0]

Hi BB
Why not take a two-way with you (the kind you used on your first few jumps) and get one of the ground crew to talk you in the last few feet to the flare?
I know this takes away a little of your independence but it seems to me to be the simplest way for you to make 'graceful' landings until a 'stand alone' (no pun intended) gadget comes along.
Whooooohooooo!!! Hahahaha!!!