GD64

Do they provide guided crater tours?

Thought I would throw out my two cents worth, and it's probably worth less than that. Anyway, older diver here, and private pilot that fly's an old Luscombe tail dragger (VFR only). You mentioned some aircraft are parachute equipped ,but I'm not sure of the deployed to "saved" percentages? But I do know that Cirrus Aircraft's number one pilot with a gazillion hours bought the farm (read report but don't remember details). As far as materials, I can say that I have 4 or so openings at terminal on Lo-Po round reserves and as good as they felt......to quote an old military Sarge "they knocked your dick in the dirt". So the attachment point to aircraft would probably be somewhere around the wing spar/ fuselage area regarding strength as well being close to C & G specs? But it would be helpful if you could have the attachment points as part of a internal protective glove of sorts to spread the opening shock. But still, could the passengers survive the G-force? I suspect the seats and safety harness would be another engineering feat. The recent Indy Car crash that forced the retirement of Dario Franchitti had G-forces that exceeded 200 G's. Although he survived, and was extremely fit, he was messed up. Dan Weldon unfortunately went in to the catch fence a couple of years ago and did not survive. G-forces I believe were around 280 and he was upside down. The ram air concept is an interesting one. I do know from my experience in a country far far away years ago, that amazing amount of weight could be dropped by round parachutes.....howitzers and ammo sometimes with multiple chutes on same gun or ammo pallet. Don't know how that would work out with ram? One thing I thought of was deploying multiple chutes in stages. The first could put out a drone chute than deploy around C & G, than follow with tail and or nose area simultaneously but spread out far enough to avoid entanglements. Another challenge you have is dealing with fire. It happens a lot around aircraft emergencies. Those chutes and there attachment points would have to withstand high heat while aircraft descended under canopy(s) with passengers breathing fire feeding oxygen? Good luck with your project....it was a lot of fun to think about. I'll watch thread because there are a lot of smart people here. Thanks

Damn "job lock"! /

I'm sure the DNC is looking for a single parent Latino, who's trans-gender, with zero experience, and with a strong statist mindset to run!

Andy......your first paragraph totally logical. Your second one got me thinking......years ago a lot of what you describe as blue-collar workers, made more money than college grads. However, that trend reversed itself for a lot of years where college educated made more money (total generalities here on my part) so their politics may follow along those parameters which probably lean more liberal. Sky diving has always been an expensive sport so more money....more "fun tickets". Thanks.

Thanks Remster for sharing your world view.

Thanks davyjohns......good to know. Had some biker friends bitching about treatment in Myrtle Beach and claiming they will never go back. However, skydivers are better "people persons"

Thanks for the feedback Ron.

shropshire........I appreciate your humorous but insightful observation.

Roy......can I join you? I'll bring the beer. Been bouncing around the site reading a lot, and of course checking to see how many of my diving buds are still upright. It seems there's some hating and vitriol on some of these threads. We always held ourselves to some standards......and yeah, they might have been low ones.

Thanks......that's the way I remember DZ life. I guess I got into the wrong threads people going at each other over politics and so I raised the question.

I'm not a whuffo, but have been gone for awhile. No disrespect intended.

Just curious about what you divers think the current breakdown is politically in DZ's across the USA? I'm fairly new to these forums and have been reading them a lot. Me thinks 60% left leaning, 20% right leaning, 20% don't give a damn. What do you think?

Hey davelepka , thanks for the advice. Being a tunnel noob I had not heard about the progression in stages or even thought about it. Yes, I will get a coach.....good call.

I like how you think DrDom.

DrDom.......Thanks for your input.

Yes Remster....I'm brand new to the tunnel, and thanks for your insight.

mattjw916.....Thanks for your valued opinion.

Good to know...Thanks.

New to site, and have been away from sport for awhile. RW was what I loved, but free-fly has caught my attention big time. So I'm thinking of spending time and money on tunnel work before I hit the "great wide open again". So under the caveat of good, better, best......what are the top 3 suits, helmets, goggles, and anything I missed for tunnel work? I am sure a lot of you divers will say use the rental gear......that aside, please weigh-in with your gear opinions. I've done a bit of reading in the gear and rigging forum, and I was hoping to get the latest gear options. Thanks to all, for your time and experienced opinions in advance!

Boogers.....I appreciate your feedback and words of wisdom!

SecondRound......thanks for the reply! It's nice to know I'm not alone in my thinking.

I've been lurking for a couple of weeks, so I thought what the hell, I might as well give the NSA a shot at me along with anyone else that wants to take one. I just have one question at the moment? Do any of you know ANYONE that has been out of "diving" for 30 plus years and jumped back into it? If so I'd love to hear about it. Thanks