Raefordite

You may think you have the key to DaGimp's cage, but I have the alarm code. No key will help you now!

DaGimp = I thought you were DaGimp no more - back in the air you are - I saw, I saw

Here are a few questions you may want to ask your doctor before jumping: Is the compression fracture centered? Or more of an anterior compression? If it was a posterior compression you would be having neurological symptoms, so that is probably not the case. If it is an anterior compression you are going to love to skydive. Extension (arching) feels great and the opening shock is a great traction to your back. If it is a central compression you may take longer to warm up before jumping and may need to return to the sport very gradually. Ask you doctor about the disc height. How is it compared to the levels around it? I question if you really lost 1.75 inches in height. I don't doubt the recent height was taken accurately, but when was the 5'3' measured. When in high school? At the same time of the day? We are all taller in the AM when we first get up - before gravity gets us. Ask you doctor if the nerve roots look clear and does he/she think any future problems will arise. My guess is you would know if you had any nerve root impingement, but the canal can be narrowed and you not have any symptoms. I've had an anterior compression fracture in mid thoracic (at about the bra level - for you guys the place your back always itches and you can't reach). Skydiving is my therapy and medicine. It cures all aches and pains I may have! Good luck

If you don't like ear plugs, I suggest you start studying sign language. No matter what the jump plane, they are all over the recommended length of time and threshold. Good question!

"climb to altitude and door couldn't be read because the radios in the plane interfered with the transmission of the data." OK - anybody out there consider if this interfered with your data what it was doing to the pilot's data?? How about what it can do to your CYPRES? You may want to talk to your pilot and Airtec before playing with radio transmissions in the airplane or too close to your CYPRES. Just a thought!!

Dear Dresher: If you are not a "military type guy" then I strongly recommend NOT going the Golden Knight route. These men and women are soldiers first, second skydivers. I'm sure the Golden Knights can elaborate a lot better than I can, but keep it in mind. Get a job that will help you earn some bucks. If you live close to a DZ, go there NOW and learn to pack parachutes. My local packers make a cash killing. $5 at a time can add up to amazing amounts! Also see if you can become a DZ "slave". You will probably be able to trade work for jumps! Wishing you blue skies and calm winds.

Definitely - I have seen several here at Raeford Parachute Center. In particular my buddy Bill has a beautiful four way formation on his left thigh. In full color. Great tattoo work. Raefordite