ChrisD

I don't know what planet your from? But that was some of the worst fucking advice I have ever heard.... "3 days," I'll leave some others to chime in about that,... "Simple air evaluations?" Stay within 15 feet of any and all evaluators is most coach instructors REQUIRMENTS. From exit to wave off, and thow in a few funkey moves,... I really don't fully understand why you would lie and mislead people this way? C Still attempting to scam the unknowing with your bullshit about how students are treated at SNE? There is a big difference between making statements about how a place is open as compared with the number of times an aircraft fly's jumpers during the day. You have repeatedly stated in the past that Jumptown is open during the week when it is not. All anyone would have to do is just pick up the phone to confirm this. SNE is also a shitty place for students when the "coaches" and the vidioe guys, and the Affi's are all the same person. Yo go on a ten MPH wind hold for that postage stamp you call a field, students continuously being shuffled around and frequently don't jump because a tandem pays more! and then yo fucking laugh about how the forest around SNE is fun????? Jumptown made it possible for about 70 students to progress this 2013 season. with their coaches being available most all the time they are open. Pepperell graduated about 25 students this year with many fun jumpers having the coaches rateing making many jumps possible because they were open every day. SNE lost students, I can name names! The aircraft didn't fly, the "coaches" were busy, and manifest played games with the schedule. It seems a few coaches up at SNE have issues with their marketing and this expends to giving unqualified comments about getting a coaches rating. They are best at slinging mud, name calling and bullshitting. Notice every time this individual resorts to this tactic, I am at a loss to fully understand why. Additionally the coaches, at SNE have "restrictions" and even some of the AFFI's help the coaches during the week at SNE, they travel from jumptown on the days jumptown is closed! You are going to have a really interesting time explaining your comments to those that have posted many times about how and the effort required to get the coach rating. All anyone has to do is take a gander at the hundreds of posts here by doing a search. But you go right on minimizing how easy it is to get a coach rating.... C Shauna, if you want to take the coach class come to Deland It will be taught by some of the best in the business. If you want an option then check out many of the other fine places that will be running classes nearby this winter. As well as Elsanore, Lodi, and a host of others, but as far as the Northeast,...they are closed for the season. I would give the ranch a call, leave a message as well as crosskeys, they can't be that far away from you as well as you can take the train to FL from your area. Good luck. You might also give Linda at the Ranch a call, for advice, if you can get her up and about she can run a private course for you if yo have the funds.... but her advice will be freely and generously given as well as she has trained a whole lot of coaches and coach examiner's!!! (I'm sorry but I can't spell her last name.) As many other places can as well. The course is all about the air skills however,...I suggest yo find someone and practice just exactly what is required. This is an example of shittermg's typical response to those that are interested in the qualifications of those Tandem instructors that take the responsibility of giving "rides" to an unsuspecting public: ShotterMG on tandem instructors', and this is his quote: "You will be fine. Any monkey can throw a drogue. " And here he offers advice to some unsuspecting person interested in getting a rating. But of course "it's a given that you will pass,..." In other words just pay your money and you'll get your rating????? Just want to be clear here ShotterMG, is that what your sayin????? But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

There is one issue that hasn't been mentioned yet,... you'll love it.

How many people are interested? Also consider the fact that the course is more of a "Test" than actually learning anything, and you need an aircraft for the air evaluations,....so New England is tough, but CPI sometimes has a pre-season attempt at putting courses and training tighter , march ish??? But this is so variable and dependent upon the individuals involved, best to get on the phone and leave messages with manifest at the multiple places concerned. I know of a couple tentatively scheduled in Deland that isn't going to be listed by Skydive U and others. Also Z mounds has a running program as well as Eloy and a few others in CA, yo may want to travel for this. C Good luck and know the course before you take it... Which means the latest IRM, just came out, and the latest SIM. 2014 / 2015 series. But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

Pepperell has a few jumpers, I recall that have SOS rigs, for their physical conditions. I think the manifest is still open or taking calls, leave a message and they might be able to put you in touch with the individuals concerned. I'm not going to just give out their info here... C Good luck I'm sure they would love to help! But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

Have a merry one, everyone! C But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

Have you been getting the "trader in pajamas" screen? C But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

Allow the possibility that King Georges bloodline and associated documented medical issues are finally showing up. So she's a little tizzy??? At least she's not starting up a Revolutounary War??? C But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

Next thing ya know they'll be scrumping. C But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

And how EXACTLY does this support or contradict GWT?? Sounds like you have been hitting the eggnog a little early?

See this is the problem that many don't understand. Your average TI is not an employee. The aircraft are leased or they also are not an employee. So the insurance companies, how do they protect against fraud or the DUI TI? Their not stupid and they exert enormous leverage and this leverage increases every year. On the other hand if a DZ requires mandatory drug testing, that makes anyone subject to that rule an employee! Clearly the few that have DUI's have shown the financiers that we (we are the USPA) can not self police. C The Tandem industry has changed stuff. It's a business now, it's no longer a bunch of kids forming a club and having fun. You all wanted to turn skydiving into a business so that you can make a C note by strapping on a camera, or getting your rating to make some scratch. But you all still want the anonymity and freedom to come and go or act as you please. Reminds me of standing at the exit of the feed lot, all of those cows on the ramp, contentedly moo'en totally oblivious to the fate which lies just around the corner. Once the insurance companies get their way with the demise of the third class they will have no choice but to do something to protect their ability to deny claims after an incident. But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

I think the big appeal was that the safety aspect of the design might be a sales factor for those who were interested in this feature as compared with performance or minimizing pack volume. I certainly am interested solely because of its anti collapsing feature, and would live with the inconvenience of having to wait a few moments whilst on the ground for it to deflate. I can't see where it's fair to make this comparison based upon performance or saying it's a dated design. When yo say something like that, the square canopy is a dated design as well. C Personally I would like to see more of them on the market so that we have the opportunity to see for ourselves the effectiveness of the design, to date many of the detractors of air locks are running on speculation and myth. The design has merits which have yet to be fully explored. Kind of like that baseball movie, if you build it they will come??? It would be nice to have a conversation just about the airlocks and the original intent. I did a search and it seems that no-one to date has been able to limit the topic to just the safety aspect. Which is unfortunate. But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

I'd like to know how to tap into some of the surface / weather radar systems that the approach guys have??? The resolution of those systems is phenomenal??? C But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

One of the DZ's up here in New England, their agent is indicating that there is going to be mandatory drug testing the second the dz says they are no longer "independent contractors." Or LLC corporations, or sole proprietorships. More crap to think about. We have all said it many times before about the self reporting aspect of the Class III, the anti depressant thing is there because of the sometimes severe effects only appearing at altitude. Everyone knows that you just don't mention that to the evaluating MD. The real enforcement comes when something happens. I think normiss is spot on about the honesty thing, but I also think the insurance companies are aware of this and they are lobbying as well....??? C In a sense I think the popularity of tandems has brought about some changes and some more changes for the future. Quite frankly I think spence has a point, we all know way too many TI's that roll out of bed at 10 am and can barley walk,...I'm sick of seeing this as well.... A couple more Gerado incidents and another falling out of the harness and this issue is going to be out of our hands. (USPA) The public has the ability to pass law. And frequently the Law that is passed is draconian and very restrictive. We have done and continue to portray to the public a cavalier attitude towards drinking and skydiving, HELL our National motto is BEER! Regulations are not the issue, the issue is that the insurance companies are dictating policy and the concession is going to be random drug testing. If I can't insure my aircraft then you don't fly. It hasn't been about regulations for the last 20 years. But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

Clickey: III If you don't want to click, the gist: “For many recreational pilots, the FAA’s third class medical certification process is nothing more than a bureaucratic hoop to jump through,” said Graves. “It discourages new pilots and does not truly improve safety. As a pilot, I have gone through this process several times. However, like all pilots, I am responsible for determining whether I am medically fit to fly during the time between my mandated medical certifications. Expanding the current exemption makes sense and will promote greater recreational aviation activity across the U.S. without an impact on safety.” C Kind of like tells it the way it is about FAA medicals.... I wonder if any of the insurance companies that underwrite DZ's have caught on as to what a big joke the Class 3 is really like? I'm sure that last one is going to go over big with anyone who likes things the way they are now???? But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

A bit off topic cause Grue is trying to tease out some of the AAD and high wing loading stuff and big way jumps....

A number of people that I know have some Vengances's, they seem to like them. But they did in fact update to some more performance x braced things as well.... Doing a search here brings up a number of past posts that are worthy reads. About the Airlock design. It is hard not to be caught up in Brians' enthusiasm on this subject. But I'm more than a little concerned that the design hasn't caught on. Either it's something that just plain old doesn't work, or the skydiving public doesn't value the product and what it brings to the table or as you point out they couldn't manufacture because of patents and Brian wanted to monopolize the cash aspect of this. And this killed the design?? I think the whole thing could have been handled better. If it works then shame on Brian for not doing everything he could to make skydiving a little safer. Perhaps now he is free, I don't have a clue about this patent and what all of that means, but free to promote or give the design away???? C But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

This hapless soul who started this conversation, is going to learn something at my DZ, if I hear the mixed up tale first hand and in the same sentence they tell me about their currency they will be doing a Cat A again. They are going to have fun, and we are going to do this even if we have to find a reserve side at our cost, the ground school is open if he choses to take it, which of course we will strongly recommend. This kid has everything to gain from increased instruction, lots of practice, and two JM's stack the deck in everyone's favor. This is the way it's going to be! FACT. Or he is free to find a place where he can squeak by with the minimum amount of training at a place run by money hungry AFFi's who's only interest is the cash and where is the next "video or tandem." Which is unfortunately about 80 percent of most American dz's in this day and age. I really wouldn't want to be a student at many of these places. Students need to learn they do in fact have choices, difficult as this may be. And they also need to understand that they need to seek out places where the first priority is not getting them in the air in six hours or less. And they also need to understand there are better places to jump if they find themselves on the ground, waiting hours for their instructor who is off doing tandems or video. But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

YES, bialicki, come to Zhills and they will fit him into a program! I don't think the size of the DZ matters as much as the quality of instruction and your friends motivation. Glad to see he is doing something he enjoys!!!

NO. I chose the spectra cord over the cable because of the ease and the considerably less pull strength needed especially around the corner in an out of position pull or an awkward pull situation. In return I have completely pulled out the cord myself at every repack, I check the ends every day by giving a slight tug from the rear and from the front and visually inspect the ends. And I made my decision knowing that I was at some point going to have to purchase a replacement well before the ozone even has a chance to get to the rubber or whatever material is used. I don't expect my pilot chute to last forever either... C The advantages outweighed the cons by a wide margin, IMO. But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

I lov ya man, I really do, But your reacting,... Can't say I blame ya, it is a very difficult concept to grasp which is why this way of thinking has persisted for so long. I made my first jumps in the 70s. Dan Pointer, and Ted Strong taught me to pack. They took time to do this in between running their company, during the middle of the day in a series of protracted lessons, and all for free!!! I learned some free fall skills in a true club atmosphere with the other JM's and basically they all donated their time. I didn't even pay for their slots! There was a slow progression, everything was about learning to be the best you could be. There were lot's of repeats and skill building exercises. Learning to skydive was a positive experience and having 2 JM's during the beginning of AFF was the goal and rule more so than otherwise. There were no negative connotations. Let me point something out, and I hope the OP and a few students follow along: This isn't nostalgia or pining for the old days, nor were the old days different, in fact with the advances in gear our gear killed us on a more regular basis. But we did think differently about instruction and our attitudes were in fact different. This is something you wrote: "It is difficult to argue that two are better than one. You could argue the NEED all day. I have never needed a second JM. There are times I was glad one was there, but if I think I NEED two then I should turn in my rating to the nearest S&TA." I am not arguing about you, or the facts, or even your opinion about one V two JM's. I am trying to point out how you think about something effects the outcome. You have placed great value on your skills, rightly so BTW, but in this value statement the implication is and has a negative connotation to it when you point out the comments about turning in your rating. Why would anyone say this, about "NEED" (ing) two? Considering you admit that, "I was glad one was there..." when speaking about two JM's? It isn't about one or two it's about how we think when it comes to skydiving instruction. I think when you understand why you said: "There are times I was glad one was there." you will be ready to leave this place, Grasshopper. ( A cute reference to an older TV show. Kung Fooo ) Understanding this may bring you to a different place. There is a larger picture here and it comes from a place of thinking about what is the best and what is positive as compared with: Money, or a place of minimum standards, and rushing to get stuff done and these comparisons of progressing at an artificial rate. C Who am I ? "I am the wind, I am the rain, I am the meaning of life,..." I am no one. But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

To the original poster: as you spend more time on dz.com, you will realise that some people's posts should be skipped in their entirety, without reading, let alone consideration. At best they will just waste your time, at worst you might accidentally take some of their crap on board. You have just met one of them. Good luck with your search for AFF instruction... when you find it, it will hoepfuly be life-changing It still stands,: Some people shouldn't jump. I mentioned about the DZ locator function, I mentioned he can avail himself of private instruction. I pointed out the absolute sheer stupidity of choosing to learn skydiving from someone who doesn't speak English,... this is a choice someone is making.... and yet you only contribute some meaningless drivel about me that in fact I could care less about.....and does absolutely NOTHING FOR THE OP. In fact what you have written is exactly why you should follow your own advice. C the thing that is most disturbing is that the OP isn't really asking anything,...they are telling you something and YOU completely missed that!!! But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

Of course, but you made a statement of fact that was not a fact: "Lets get one thing clear, at a minimum he starts with a Cat A jump" and "It is been over a year and he / she is required to repeat a Cat A at this point." It was an opinion and opinions clearly can vary. ***and it is my humble opinion that the instructor on the scene has a responsibility to make these types of judgments free from someone quoting the SIM as the first rule. Of course, but that goes both ways. The "I" making the decision could make them do a tandem, or let them go freeflying. While I would not agree with freeflying, I also would not agree with a Tandem in most cases. There is no doubt 2 AFFI's would be better. But I am/have been involved in plenty of programs where there is only one Instructor starting with jump #1. Even in those programs the single 'I' can add the 2nd 'I' if they feel like it. But to be 100% clear: 1. It is a third party opinion of the student. 2. He said "he got a little freaked out under canopy because of turbulence" Two AFFI's will do nothing for a guy under canopy. Could he or should he will be up to the Instructor. I have zero doubt that I can do single JM AFF (mainly because I have). But I have less fear about taking a guy with 10-12 jumps in a logbook I can read and see what he has done for 10-12 jumps than some tandem student who is going for their first solo. Yes, I think we are on the same page.

I hate it when you take that reasonable tone with me,...