The last thing I want is to be in an argument with you. I have nothing but respect for you, and consider you the most thorough of researchers. And you usually are objective, but sometimes you get a bit stubborn.
You say the original point is whether a parachutist would have a problem going over the coast or ocean. This parachutist absolutely would. We don't know whether Cooper was an experienced jumper or not, but as Kamkisky demonstrates, it doesn't take a lot of logic and reason to deduce that a night jump into the ocean would be death. And I wouldn't put it past a criminal to be less than forthright about his motives.
Which cities are farther east or west is irrelevant because the west coast is not a straight north/south line. The facts are that SF and LA are essentially right on the coast, whereas Reno is inland by the entire width of California.
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And my comment about the guitars is sincere. It's a fascinating subject, and I am impressed by your efforts. I googled it the other day, and while I didn't find anything recent enough, I was kind of surprised by the number of 'lost' guitars out there.