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Nothing wrong with being a nationalist. White nationalists, however, are a problem. And if "defending your way of life" means opposing rights for others, then I hope you fail.

It’s an old topic and one that plenty of folks feel they don’t need to be lectured about. However a fatality that occurred yesterday at a boogie should remind us that inappropriate reactions can get you killed. All the facts of this accident aren’t in, but it appears that two canopies were close in the landing area and one pilot took evasive action that caused a fatally-hard landing. There may have been contact between the wings and a resultant instability. But here’s my point: Seeing other airborne traffic and constantly analyzing it is absolutely necessary if you are landing with more than a couple other canopies in a field. If you’re landing with a group and you don’t feel that you can do it safely, land farther away. Every DZ I’ve ever seen has extra wide-open area away from the “center-stage glory area” for landing. In a more open area, you have a much less intense workload when it comes to separation. When landing with multiple canopies, you have to start scoping out the others way before turning on final approach. If everyone is competent, the approaches will be very close to parallel - but it’s never exact. People will be slightly diverging or converging. You have to monitor this in real time and make small corrections as needed. You should never be surprised by the appearance of a canopy in your peripheral vision. You should already know where it is. But here’s the important part. If you do get surprised, don’t overreact. You must avoid the instinct to bury a toggle to get away from the threat. The chances are great that a small input of a few degrees will give the separation you need. Making a hard turn at a low altitude will almost always get you hurt. It’s hard to overcome a reflexive reaction like that, but it can come with experience. I don’t know if this latest accident fits the profile of circumstances I’ve described, and it doesn’t matter. Abrupt low altitude turns hurt and kill people. Work your way up to landing in a crowded environment. Don’t endanger yourself and others by getting in over you head. Many people come to boogies from small DZs where there are never more than 4 people landing at a time. Landing with a 20-person Otter load can very easily overtax a person’s capacity. The jump’s not over until you’re safely on the ground. Sorry to be so preachy, but when you get old in this sport it’s hard to see people repeat actions that have killed many in the past. Kevin K.

There is so much crap logic and bad information coming from you (baronn) I don't even know where to start. oh it's you. Mods; I thought you guys wanted to stop trolling on here?

That's exactly the interesting question. Who I think he and most people in this discussion are referring to, is an image we construct in our minds of "the crazy conservative gun nut" and the "stupid libtard progressive", which has barely anything to do with reality. We hardly ever argue (much less listen to) each other out here in actual reality, but instead have this private fight with the image that we set up in our minds. The moment we perceive this image of "the enemy" we can already feel our emotions and defenses rise, and all we want to do is obliterate this imagined "person". There is a feeling of satisfaction when hurling our stinging words at them. The problem is, we can't win this argument because both sides exist only in our minds. "Projective Identification" is a psychological term that fits this scenario. The funny thing is, that this can be so tempting, that it can actually draw other people into the fantasy, making them take on the position of the projected image. So you suddenly find yourself arguing like "the crazy gun nut" or "the libtard progressive", even though you usually have a much more nuanced position. (And of course there are interests that take advantage of this in the world of politics and money) For sure! And "being new" constantly, is actually the best way to fight that dynamic and have a chance of hearing what is actually being said--right here, right now...rather than projecting one's own images and assumptions

Oh for crying out loud. Stop with the analyzing why people like guns. It's simple. Guns are beautifully machined pieces of art. They give power to their owners. And they truly fun to play with and own. It has nothing to do with how anyone feels about the size of anyone's body parts. Americans have a problem with giving that up because too many of them are just too damned selfish to let go of them for the betterment of society. There is no mystery.

To all the BOD members that continue to support this, you need to come here and give an explanation for why. You shude also give an update of how much has been given, specifically where those funds were placed and what they are being used for. As stewards of members money, you have a fiduciary responsibility to know where/what that is being used for.

That's funny. 18 months huh? Well, that breaks the half century barrier for sure. maybe they can apply for a Guinness world record for most delayed project in history. I mentioned before how ridiculous the idea was that IFly wude even get involved in this Fiasco. They are way too smart for that and I knew it. So now what? Oh wait, I had to read to the end. Of course, Donate Now...…...

13 trustees, A treasurer, A secretary, A Vice-President, A President CEO, A former Honorary Chairman and an Honorary President.19 living and a former President on the board here. The only thing to show for all of this is a pie in the sky rendition of a facility attached to an Ifly that, at this point is not even in the planning process for completion. But, they sure can plan events to raise more funding. Nice to see they're good at something.....

Duh? Just so it's said (1 more time), that's been my point from the beginning.....

Check out the Firebolt from Parachute Labs in DeLand. I have a Firebolt 164, best all around canopy I’ve ever jumped. It’s designed for soft openings on heading and easy landings. You won’t have any problems with a Firebolt of any size.

Spectre with Dacron lines. Opens like butter, easy to land. I'm 54 and previously injured, 135 # body weight flying a 150. One of the best canopies for us old farts. You can get a demo from PD. But that's just my opinion. I'd suggest jumping as many different canopies as you are interested in. What is perfect for me might not be perfect for you. A canopy control course is a GREAT idea. Your landings will improve, and it will likely help your confidence.

canopy that comes to mind is a Pilot, you can always get a demo for a couple of weeks and try it out I think you'd love it http://www.flyaerodyne.com/demos/ A canopy course will make you a better and more confident Pilot on any canopy you end up going for Good luck

So sorry to hear of Gary's departure. I had so many great conversations with him at PIA Symposiums, often early in the mornings after he returned from his walkabouts. I most admires what I call his "respectful skepticism, which led to so many great chats. Rest easy, Mate.

Gary Peek was found dead in his house yesterday morning. Concerned neighbors asked for a wellness check because they had not seen him around in recent days. Gary took an early morning walk every day. A few weeks ago Gary was in a car accident were his SUV rolled 4 times. He was treated and discharged by a hospital. No one knows, at this time, if this had a relationship to his death. Gary was a long time USPA Central Regional Director. In fact, he had the longest tenure of the current board members. Gary served on the Safety & Training committee during several of his terms. He chaired the Constitution and Bylaws committee last term. He was a strong advocate for the needs and concerns of small DZs and many were in his region. Gary also served on the Group Membership committee during several terms. Gary was also a prolific speaker at the PIA Symposiums. He gave talks on various subjects, including opening forces that he measured with custom strain gauges and recording devices that he engineered. He was also one of the test jumpers. One year he made a bunch of itty-bitty LED circuits with a 555 timer chip that could plug into expired CYPRES batteries and give a light show with blinking LEDS. Gary was well versed in the happenings at every DZ in his region. He called, emailed and visited the DZs frequently. After he bought his Cessna, he was able to visit the DZs more often. Gary posted in rec.skydiving and DropZone.com. He wrote several articles for DZ.com. Gary was instrumental in getting me a gig as a load organizer at the WFFC in 1996. He also recruited others as LOs for the WFFC. After I bought an arduino, Gary helped me with my tinkering with microprocessors. He even brought back issues of Nuts and Volts to the board meetings. He told me who the the best electronic component distributors were. There are a bunch more stories about Gary and the board, electronics and jumping. Gary Peek will be missed by many, as he touched so many people's lives, whether you knew him as a jumper, an electronics guru or board member. Blue Skies Gary Peek. RIP

The sport has lost a true ambassador as well a one hell of a nice guy. Blue Skies, Gary

Damn. The parachute opening studies he was involved in, from the 1990s onwards, as a jumper and electronics designer, were interesting. There isn't a lot of civilian, non-commercial work on such stuff, so he became known to me through the things that Parks College Parachute Research Group published.

Just talked to my father, also a Naval Officer and Vietnam Vet. He was confused about my assumption that he's an expert on Trump's Charlottesville comments but wants to verify whether I'm arriving on Friday or Saturday morning so they can make dinner plans.