JYorkster

I'd say the 'standard' for smaller groups (8 or below) is usually a 4K break-off for a 3K pull. This is what we use for organized loads at the WFFC and it seems to be well accepted by all. Of course, higher number of jumpers means higher breakoff, but that depends on the experience/comfort level of the group. Rock

As an S/L and IAD I, I agree with most of the comments already made, and I'd give IAD the edge. However, I haven't seen anyone list any of the pros of S/L. I have a pro for S/L over IAD. I always felt more comfortable with a S/L if I ever had to manhandle or "assist" the student while they are climbing out. I fell more free to use a hand holding the S/L as opposed to a hand holding someone's pilot chute. With a S/L, if I had an emergency where I needed to drop the S/L, at least I know it is still attached to the plane and will do it's job. With IAD, let go of that pilot chute, and you got problems. No flames, please. I know dropping a S/L is NOT the recommended way of doing business, and possibly just as dangerous depending on aircraft type/speed. Overall, though, as I said before...I think IAD has the best advantages. Rock

Maybe once you have been in the sport a little longer, and have seen a few serious injuries due to someone jumping a canopy too small, your opinion will change. Just because you have 49 jumps, are jumping a small canopy and haven't been hurt (yet), does not necessarily mean that the advice given is wrong. Just my $.02, Rock

Unfortunately, not everyone with an instructor rating has learned how to actually teach and motivate students. It is unlikely that this instructor will change his/her teaching style on their own in the (hopefully) short time it takes you to complete your training. You have identified the problem, so work on being part of the solution. Don't wait until after you complete you training...speak up now. You are the customer. Just say something like: "I'm glad you are pointing out all the things I need to work on, because that will make me a better skydiver, but could you also let me know when I am doing well in a particular area? I really think that would help me learn overall." This should be enough of a hint for he/she to remember their AFF training about provide some positive feedback. If that doesn't work, or if it is too confrontational for you, ASK for feedback directly. If you think you think you had an exceptionally good landing, for instance, say "How was my landing?" If these methods don't work, and this is hindering your training, ask for a different instructor. If you don't say anything, but are progressing, you are reinforcing your instructor's teaching style...it seems to be working so far. Rock

Solve the altimeter problem by going to the fishing section of a sporting goods store and ask for a "lunker light" glow stick. They are about an inch and a half long. They are perfect for attaching to your altimeter without getting in the way or being too bright. You can find similar small chem lights in party stores. Ask for the ones people keep in their mouths. We got our strobes at radio shack. Attach them to side lift webbing so they shine mostly behind you. It's for other people to see you, and you don't want it blinding you. Oh yeah, and make sure you trust the person spotting. This is one jump when you do not want to land off. Enjoy! Rock

Now we see the violence inherent in the system.....HELP, HELP, I'm being repressed!!! Rock

Congrats! It's great to share the passion! Jeff and Annika

This just happened at our DZ a few weeks ago. Upon external inspection, everything looked fine. the jumper debated for a while then chopped. He has a pretty high wing loading, and a backwards landing would have been very ugly at best. Guess I'll be finding another rigger. Rock

Unless I'm in unfamiliar territory, it's usually just a pull-up cord. However, while at the WFFC, my wife and I both carry handheld radios. With so many canopies in the air, we are not always able to land near one another. The radios are good for checking in after a jump if we get separated and letting the other know we are OK.... Also useful if we are not OK to pass on our location. Rock

350+ jumps on an original Sabre, and I've never been slammed. It does open a little quicker than some other canopies, but I believe the rumors of hard openings are exaggerrated. I always pack my own, never roll the nose, and have consistent, nice, on-heading openings. Rock

I applaud you for having strict policies and sticking to them. (maybe you should run the UN) However, I also hope that this 'discussion' has opened debate among the decisions makers at your DZ. Because of better and better canopy designs, 1.5 isn't 'as scary' as it once was. As an example, Cobalt recommends 1.2-1.4 for beginners and 1.4-1.6 for intermediate. I guess no one there jumps a Cobalt? My point is that though I agree with your right to make whatever policies you see fit, I believe the decision you made does not reflect advancements made in regards to equipment. I don't think you should have made an exception, but I do believe you may want to rethink where you drew the line for everyone. Just my two cents, Rock

Ok, that's perfectly understandable. Sorry, I just took "I'm still working on getting that damn thing in the bag correctly" to mean you had only done it 'incorrectly' up until now. Rock

I agree with everyone here about the cutaway. He knew you didn't know how to pack, and allowed/watched you pack it. Things happen. Don't worry about it. I am concerned, however, that you have an A-License and don't know how to pack. Isn't that still a requirement? Is this just a skill you forgot, or are there instructors out there being too liberal with their stamps? Just curious, Rock

Had a student once that used to get so nervous before every jump, he'd throw up first (which he kept hidden from me). One jump he didn't throw up first, so he thought he was over it. Well, he couldn't hide it from me that time...he threw up in freefall. Looked pretty much like you described the glow stick, except a little more disgusting. Rock

The ISP no longer lists the as 5-sec..10-sec delays. It is broken up into categories. If you follow the recommended number of jumps per category, IAD or S/L should take 25 jumps if all goes well. The 26th jump would actually be the check dive for A-License. Works out perfectly for the new license requirements. Again, that is without repeating any jumps. Hope this helps. Rock

If no one EVER jumped high, then of course this testing would not be necessary. Unfortunately, not all adults ACT like adults. I would be willing to bet that many more people jump high than we like to admit. Why do I believe this? Look at the number of people in this country who drive while intoxicated. Everyone knows it's dangerous, but many people believe they are OK enough to drive. I think it is the same with many drug-using skydivers. Sure there are also those that keep the two activities separate, but do you want to trust your life to assuming that the guy you are jumping with is mature enough to make the right decision? Though I agree with many of your points, I say again: If people weren't doing it, we wouldn't have to test for it. Rock

I'm with billdo, just wear gloves. I know many people are afraid of gloves, but that's because they are not used to wearing them. I wear gloves on every jump, no matter what the temperature is. When it gets cold outside, I don't have to worry about it feeling 'different'. Like billdo said, they will protect your hands from many abuses, not just toggle wear. On the other hand, you may be gripping too tightly if the toggles are causing pain. Unless you are doing crew or cross-countries, I wouldn't expect pain from skin on toggles. Just my opinion, Rock

Hmmm. Maybe there is actually a reason some of us look to see the DZ BEFORE leving the airplane. Rock

No doubt there are some, but I think we are a minority. Rock

This was in the article directed by the original post. Often reporters or 'war correspondents' see any change in the tactics as a 'lull' or as a result of previous tactics not working. Historically, war reporting is highly inaccurate, and the truth is often revealed later. I just doubt there have been any real unanticipated surprises as the media would lead us to believe. I have also read and heard the reports of some troops being down to 'one meal a day'. Guess what...that's the way MREs were designed; Enough to sustain troops on one a day. Just another example of non-military journalists getting it wrong simply due to lack of understanding. The pause in the advancement of troops is necessary for the air power to now provide full effectiveness. It was in the plan. I don't think that most of the reporting is "wrong', just not given in the right context. Rock

Somehow, I think that Donald Rumsfeld is much more familiar with Sun Tzu than most of the readers of this forum, ans are his generals. I also doubt that there are an overwhelming number of battle planners posting here. Don't believe everything you read. If you actually believe that we are at a stalemate with Iraqi forces, you need to start finding another news source. It's not over 'til the fat lady sings. Rock

I think what he is asking is HOW is the CP rear of the CG since there is no vertical fin on the canopy. Rock

Agreed, but we have already discussed that there are 'gusts' and wind changes. Let's assume, as some have, that the gusts cancel each other out... It is very unlikely that you are flowing exactly with the airstream as you canopy opens. Wind direction and speed are not constant from 13,500 ft to the ground. So, it will take some time to equalize with the flow of the airstream. During that equalization, the flow may have more of a push on the nose of your canopy. Maybe you tend to turn more downwind, but as soon as you are flowing with the airstream, this turning stops, and you continue on whatever heading you are on. If so, the determining factor about the turn is really how long it takes you to flow with the air in which you inflate your canopy. Rock

I think you touched on a very interesting point that may actually be the answer... Exaggerate the side view of a canopy in your mind to be a huge triangle, with the pointy end being the tail and having a very wide nose. Even with some forward movement, if place in a fluid perpendicular to the flow of the fluid, there will be more push on the nose than the tail, therefore pushing the nose to the 'downwind' side. On a much smaller scale, the effect is slight, but still present. It would only not affect the heading if the 'triangle' were moving perfectly with or against the flow of the fluid. If this hypothesis is correct, then it means that canopies due have a 'downwind tendency' but I don't believe it is a great one. Usually unintentional turns under canopy are caused by body position, harness adjustment, etc. Just a thought. Rock