ChrisD

Thanks for noticing this! The user manuals are unclear,...on a number of points. IMO yo would think they could take the time to actually write better descriptions of all of their functions and their methodology in their respective manuals. C I mean actually write stuff down in the manuals, as compared with some sort of nebulous information that is second hand and subject to wide interpretation. But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

Stuf like this: Excerpt from rigging manual Scroll down to pg 3-13 Other more detailed specifications can be found in the PIA and Marine hardware catalogs, like CWH, wichard, and a zillion others as well as the DOD and paragear and ... C Other examples, clicky but your going to have to go to the Dod specifications to get the exact numbers But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

You asked, and here is my answer to your question and comments: And No, in no way will I ever revise my opinion about the Gath RV. It shouldn't be used for skydiving and neither should it be used in any wind tunnel. A considerable amount of air leaks from the rather large opening, enough to easily require an additional set of goggles. In the wind tunnel, that's if you can find a tunnel that will let anyone use it, it offers NO impact protection whatsoever. If you attempt to use it without an additional set of goggles by pulling the retractable visor down, your eyes tear up within seconds. This is just my opinion, after using it both free flying, and in the tunnel. I am not damaging the reputation of any company, just reporting my experience with this helmet. And I have no intention of apologizing for free speech, my opinion or bringing to the attention of many potential skydivers who don't know any better the pooor quality and protection this "protective shell" offers. When yo consider the number of fine products available I fail to understand YOUR motives in even considering using this piece of shit , dangerous helmet???? And my offer still stands, the only reason I haven't posted in the classifieds is that I don't feel that it is fair to anyone to sell this thing and use the word skydiving in the same sentence. C But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

Not me, but you could take the time to listen to what he has to say and not react with personal attacks and demand to know more about him as some sort of justification for your own personal shit.

I think your conservative wing loading is a really great thing that you are doing. Are you going to purchase a canopy based upon someone else's recommendation you get here? You know you can demo just about anything? You might not want to hear this but if your this concerned about your landings you can always go up size a bit to make learning easier for a time? I second what Jonathan has to say about this and additionally it is a very difficult thing to get the experience to be able to judge the differences in canopies with your jump numbers. The other thing is with all of this dicking around trying to get the "perfect" canopy your not spending any time with any one canopy to learn how to master "that" canopy. It seems this constant switching will interfere with learning. I'm not picking on you here

I already know that they were freeflying, but what was wrong with pulling high once they saw they weren't where they were supposed to be? I can count on two hands the number of times while in freefall, after noticing we were way off, pulling high gave us time to fly elsewhere to a safe landing area. This kind of begs the question about freeflying responsibility and spotting? I mean if your going out the door and you loose all sense of direction and are not watching the ground whatsoever you think you would be a little more careful especially in close proximity to ground hazards or a tight landing area??? I'm having a bit of a hard time understanding what exactly your asking here? Cause on one hand you admit by stating that there are significant hazards to NOT looking where your going and then in the same sentence propose a "Back Up Plan." Seems to me that the "precautionary measure" should have been to know where you are before getting out the door. I would say that not only are you correct in your first assumption but you are spot on about the weird'ness of overcomplicating something as simple as the phrase : "Look Before You Leap." Good for you to seek clarification! And good for you for indirectly pointing out that there is no substitute for altitude awareness. C But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

The new advisory circular has some suggestions regarding the use of two belts. It clearly states that single point systems are not recommended. But not recommended is not the same as "required." To me that's how the FAA makes suggestions,.... and then they wait,... So what do you think they think when they see a single point system and then that individual with a single point system attaching some one else to themselves? In a sudden stop, I wouldn't want to be near anyone doing this. And the fact that the single point systems are only rated for one person; NOT two! Also keep in mind the award that was just reaffirmed in Miss of about 52.5 million that the insurance companies are going to be stuck collecting and you can see that the practice of attaching someone else to someone else is just plain wrong. C See attached: AC 105-2E, A94_16_19 and this link: See top of list 6-2247 For those that don't want to use the clicky: "lack of use..of an approved restraint system..." But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

And Moloch smiles. Their just glad that they still have recourse for their actions after the fact. Don't expend any effort to stop the issue in the first place. C But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

If your anywhere near Deland both Aerodyne and PD have reserves that you can demo. Both companies have representatives that have been posted here, somewhere, and they are fine folks that would love to help you with that. I mention Deland because these two places are well within walking distance of the DZ. Otherwise most all the manufacturers have reserves that are built for demoing, but you will be asked for a deposit and then there is the waiting period for the mail and post services. But this is a great and underused resource in skydiving. Most everyone I know , including myself just rolled the dice when it came to reserve selection. I mean how many did in fact demo a bunch of reserves and then made a purchasing decision? (Show of hands??) You really have asked a big question. I think of the same question applied to automobiles, your going to get a lot of varying answers. Perhaps as a suggestion as you learn more about reserves, you can narrow your questions / topics, down somewhat?

This is one of my favorite topics.

He certainly didn't appear to be "new," what a great site he has and a great vid as well!!! C But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

Since no one else has mentioned this,... you tall folks. You can have just about any used rig's webbing modified to fit you. Of course the cost,... and I would call the manufacturer first to find the latest price for this procedure,... C But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

Thanks Bartek for posting the link. The two types of leg strap hardware, since you mentioned it is worthy of more discussion. (Since you pointed this out.) There are actually 4 common types (And sometimes more.) In the picture at the bottom of the facebook page they show the Wichard and the CWH types with the spring bails. The Shorter Wichard bail is very strong and does in fact wear a depression over time in the webbing, (But I know of NO instance where it has worn thru,) I hear some people like this. And this is a popular option for many UPT student rigs. Many Dz's have purchased the Wichard just so the students cannot easily change straps. The longer CWH spring is a little more forgiving if you need to adjust the straps after you don the rig. You can use gloves to lift the bail on the CWH, but not easily. You cannot use gloves and adjust the Wichard bail type. Either is a great option, but any potential purchaser should be, IMO, intimately familiar with the pros and cons of their gear. I have used both types and for me the peace of mind knowing my leg straps are going to stay put is a great piece of mind. Here is a past link: John Rich C (It does seem that there is an "unknown" perception about some of this but most Vector purchasers seem to be more knowledgeable about what is available as options.) But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

There was one thing about the "rounds" that is a little different and that is the amount of color that filled the sky when everyone was open. They really were more colorful and visible than many of the canopies of today. And collisions were not as big of a concern. C But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

Does anyone else use something like this: SPOT ? C (Just posting the link.) And this is where it came from: Matt (Just reposting here for anyone's convenience.) But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

But I thought I was the best fiction writer around? C But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

Whatever you do

Ya, I probably deserved this as well,... Am I supposed to reply to this? Some people here want me to defend myself further, some want me to just go away, some want me to do this or that? I did in fact come here as an outsider, I don't know who is who, some have pointed out that they have learned by watching my crucifixion here. I think that after reading so many hurtful posts, and ya I know now that a lot of you are friends and that was and is just friendly banter, I might have gotten caught up in that as well. Ad ya , that's a cheep excuse, but it's all I have, leave me with some dignity will ya! It seems that no matter what I do some one is going to find fault with it. And yes I did look up your profile, looking at other peoples profile just doesn't mean that much to me. But I did read a shitload of posts from the beginning and I was impressed with you and I have learned a new appreciation about the many long relationships here and out in the world. I had no idea. It isn't something that is apparent just barging in and being disruptive. Please stop hanging me for that one. I was very much in admiration with some of the links and your service over the years, I had no idea. I am truthful, and I am also a very private person, I'm really torn about this. I am also reacting, I did in fact change some information that doesn't mean that much to me to see who was going to notice. Don't really understand why I did that, just upset with myself really. And I do drink from time to time, not as an excuse, just don't post and drive I guess. And please don't hold me to a higher standard as far as privacy goes. There are how many hundreds of anonymous people here, if not thousands?? That's just a guess, I don't know the numbers. I started off on the wrong foot, I did think that they were the NORMAL here, I was wrong! I guess I didn't get the heads up's that people were sending me. I do apologize for that, I really do. I guess sometimes I have a brick for a brain. As far as my comment about doing the math, I was just trying to be brief, I didn't mean it to be anything other than trying to point out how that utube video of a kid that looks like he's in his twenties couldn't have old PI jump tickets from a date before he was born. (I'm only posting here, right now, to answer your questions, I have a feeling that no matter what I do some will find fault with me, I really don't know what to do.) I'm not sure what you mean about posting about my old racer rigs. I currently own a V3, I used to own 2 racers but I gave one back to The parachute Shop at Pepperell in 1995 (I Think), it was brand new and I told the owner to donate them to anyone they saw fit. As at the time I was undergoing extensive physical therapy and my doctors had doubts about my ability to continue walking. It was a new container, blue, with blue pin striping and the custom yin / yang pop top. I have often wondered about it's fate and where it ended up. I recently upsized to a 218 for my reserve. The key word there is "Upsized." Not something that many do in this day and age. I am truly sorry for any pain and suffering I have caused and for my shitty attitude as well. Please forgive me! Chris But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

Yet again, using common sense alone : Name matches Location matches If we are to believe that he did in fact pay for an FJC at PI, then age matches as well (PI seized existence in 1981ish, so this makes him at least 32 years older now then when he bought the ticket). Even attitude matches, although that is my highly subjective opinion So, ask yourself - what are the chances of two Chris Donovans doing something skydiving related around Boston area and then coming onto dz.com forums and spewing skydiving and Pepperell/Orage related crap ? Not convinced ? In that case, how come this ChrisD character has already altered his dz.com profile with different gear info and name, and removed his personal email address ? Too many coincidences for this to be a simple case of mistaken identity. I changed my profile information to stop the spam. Anyone is always free to P.M. me. I have about 350 - 400 jumps, over the years. I have a B lic at the moment, I should fill out the PW for the C. That tandem video is from Pepperell and if you guys do the math it's easy to see it doesn't jive with a picture from the 70's and C Donovan is a very common name. What's next a quart of blood? C But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

I wasn't trying to piss on anyone's reputation, just trying to be short. C But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

What I hear you saying is that in some way your behavior is somebody else's fault. Mark NO, I just could have used a heads up! C But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

I never intended to offend anyone. I was just trying to act like some of you here, I guess I screwed up some,.... I'll try to be better as time goes on. I did actually make some calls, I'm learning. Thanks C In my defense , perhaps some of you could have PM'd me a little earlier. ? I mean before I made a total fucking asshole of myself? But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

Whatever you do

I had never been to your web site before, I am in awe! Is there one for other regions as well? I like the bit about being politically correct and then the bit about the information discussion leading up to the decisions, missing, when you referenced parachutist magazine and USPA meetings. Does anyone tape or record the open sessions? Yes I think waiting some would be a good idea, I will do that....don't warn them that I am coming. C I didn't know you were on the BOD either. I owe Tom some serious apologizing. Shit I feel like a jerk.... But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."

Yes, . I was curious about the section in the last meeting minutes about how and why the issue was tabled: "Discussed the omission of a flight medical for tandem renewals," And no I don't always understand some of this, probably getting confused. This: "The result is a wide lack of uniformity and continuity with respect to USPA disciplinary actions, which invites the perception among our members that USPA is not serious about safety violations and that favoritism is involved..." It's not nonsense, but I do need help with some of these many references, I can't afford to go to these meetings, I would like to. You say go find my Regional Director but I would like all material first and I try to be prepared. Sorry to sound like a prick again, but there's not many places to turn to other than asking here. If you take the time to explain fully, that in fact does really help. And yes I will in fact have a full agenda next time I see the rep.. that is the plan... I carefully read everything here, or at least I try to, but it still seems like some of the story is missing? Point me in a direction for information and yes of course I have spoken somewhat in the past, but at public events and they are busy with others usually. Are you saying they will communicate by email, cause some have said you won't and don't get much if I go that route? C But what do I know, "I only have one tandem jump."