StevePhelps 0 #1 May 18, 2005 Before I got my FTN I used an Optic and had no problems getting the student and TM's face in frame as we crawled out on the step to exit a cessna. Now with the FTN I find myself getting the TM but missing the student or only getting the top of their head because we're so close. I can look down at their chest (which is what I do when inside the airplane) and that keeps the student's face in frame, but if I do that on exit I can't see the TM's count ... not good. any suggestions? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Canuck 0 #2 May 19, 2005 If you're leaving from the strut, get as far up it as possible and make sure you are at full arm extension from it. You don't really need to see the TMs count - go when the student is past the point of no return. The other option is to go from the rear float position which works really nicely and gives the best student shots from a 182/206. Canuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StevePhelps 0 #3 May 19, 2005 I've done the rear float and that looks good on a couple of TMs, but my main one dives toward the wing tip and that leaves me looking at butts instead of faces. I'll try to see if I can tell when the student leaves w/o looking at the TM Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zee 0 #4 May 19, 2005 Just bat-hang dude Action©Sports Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StevePhelps 0 #5 May 19, 2005 Oh, that'd be nice! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydog 2 #6 May 19, 2005 I also go with the "hang as far out on the strut as possible". I do it with my feet on the wheel, but others I have seen hang from the strut. Have your right arm around the strut and left arm low down (about chest height). This stops your arm being in frame. As the tandem pair leave you can come off with them no matter which way they exit. A by product is that you get a whole shot of the door and the tandem student as they go to exit. BrynJourney not destination..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diverds 0 #7 May 19, 2005 Get as far out on the strut as you can. Leave your left foot on the corner of the step and bend your left knee so you are low. Keep your arms fully extended and your head looking to the left. With a .5 you should be able to get both instructor and passenger in frame. Skydive Radio Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #8 May 19, 2005 QuoteGet as far out on the strut as you can. Leave your left foot on the corner of the step and bend your left knee so you are low. Keep your arms fully extended and your head looking to the left. With a .5 you should be able to get both instructor and passenger in frame. And -who- said cameraflying was easy? ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zee 0 #9 May 19, 2005 Quote And -who- said cameraflying was easy? I just figured if the cows in the Chick-fil-A Calendar could do it, so could I Action©Sports Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brains 2 #10 May 19, 2005 QuoteJust bat-hang dude I just got a mental image of all 6'4" 220Lbs of you hanging upside down off the strut of a cessna! Never look down on someone, unless they are going down on you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zee 0 #11 May 19, 2005 Quote I just got a mental image of all 6'4" 220Lbs of you hanging upside down off the strut of a cessna! I know, I know. It just doesn't quite fit, does it? Maybe I should just stick with bat-hangin' the Otter? Action©Sports Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shyandinnocent 0 #12 May 21, 2005 Get your TM to do a whole body count, that way you can see your passenger swinging ready set go... Or you can get your TM to stick his hand down and give you a hand key from hip level. Unless of course he's (she's) one of those people who have to hold on... Good luck! It's never too late for a low turn! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ffejdraga 0 #13 May 22, 2005 Do they climb out, or are the TMs diving out from the crotch? If they are climbing out and doing apoised exit, climb underneath the strut and look up at them. Your orientation is your head is close to the front(not that close...) two hands on the strut, strut above you, two feet on the step. Gives a really nice shot, but only if the TM is poised on the step. jeff D-16906 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 644 #14 May 22, 2005 Gives a really nice shot, but only if the TM is poised on the step. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Poised exits are hopelessly out of date. The last time I did a poised exit I bent a reserve ripcord pin ... that was 15 years ago. Mind you, I did a hundred dive out exits with Kai Nizumi hanging under the strut and he got some great footage on those dives. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TravisGosha 0 #15 May 30, 2005 Hey home boy, what kinda lens are you using. Maybe you need to use a hummm .45 or more. If not then maybe have the TM to motion with his hand the exit. I jump 205's so i know its a tight fit, but it might work for ya. T motha fuggin Bone Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StevePhelps 0 #16 May 30, 2005 Sad to say I'm using the standard 18-55 lens with the Rebel. I've inched out farther and now I can get the tandem's face in frame before exit. Thanks for all the advice. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mark135 0 #17 May 30, 2005 QuoteGet as far out on the strut as you can. Leave your left foot on the corner of the step and bend your left knee so you are low. Keep your arms fully extended and your head looking to the left. With a .5 you should be able to get both instructor and passenger in frame Thats the method I use, or used to, I made the mistake of getting a tandem rating. Except I put right foot on edge of step and am stretched out with hands near where the strut and wing meet , left leg dangling. I can then kick out and lie on my back for exit. I also use a 18-55mm lens set at 22mm. works just fine. matches the .6 lens on my camcorder._______________ "It seemed like a good idea at the time" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites