diverdriver

You know Mama....with both ankles bruised it looks like you took one hell of a PLF. Did yah? Or did they happen seperatly through the whole landing? If it was a good PLF this is a good lesson on making good of a bad situation.

10-way!!!!!!!! GRRRRRRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr..........

To be honest I used to know but it's been a long time since I had access to the actual numbers. But I assure you, SDC IS tracking their own numbers and discussing with the TMs, manifesters, pilots, AFP instructors, packers what the total number of first time jumpers, second tandem jumpers, AFP transition class, and graduate numbers and percentages are. If I stated a number here and it was wrong I'd either be a called a lier later for "exagerating" or I would call it too low for what it was and get the DZ mad at me. Sorry I am not more specific but when the last time I heard the numbers read off by Roger on the percentages of retained students through the end of AFP my jaw hit the floor. I think anyone can look around the DZ after a summer and realize that there are quite a few new people have totally gotten into the sport. This is good for all. For all the gear manufacturers. For all the packers. For the pilots. For the other DZs in the area who will be the first "away" DZ visit for some. For the airport. For the Deli. It is vital that you have a program that encourages people to keep going. I really believe one of the key selling points to the program is that each TM sits down with the student "packet" after their jump. There is no question "do you want more info on making another jump?" It is given to EVERY jumper with progression syllabus and current pricing in ther. They get a bumper sticker (free advertising) and a LARGE colorful logbook to take home and show their friends how they have one LOGGED training jump. Roger was no fool. That is one of the strongest selling points in Discovery flights. Get them their log book and write something about that flight in it. They stare at it. It's personal. It's theirs for life. It really happened and we validated what they felt. Am I painting the picture yet? Chris Schindler www.diverdriver.com ATP/D-19012 FB #4125

When I was instructing we had many people come out for Discovery flights. We would take them up in a Cessna 152 to show them what flying a plane was like. Most didn't come back. So you gonna skimp on training? Just get in, fire up the engine and taxi out for them? No WAY will you get people to return. I know not everyone is going to return but I will ALWAYS assume that EVERYONE is going to return for more training. If I do not treat them like a professional then they won't think I am one. And that's the difference. You can't tell who is going to come back later that day for a second jump or who will return 3 years later to start the whole program. But, they will have that moment in their head that will cause them to go for it at some point. Why skimp? You reap what you sow. The rewards come long after the planting season. I've read the testimonials and I know how powerful an impression you can make (positive and negative) with your first contact. Treat it like a carnival ride and they will think of it like that. Treat it like a training session and you might change their mind that it's more than just a carnival ride. Don't miss the opportunity. Chris Schindler www.diverdriver.com ATP/D-19012 FB #4125

These are good words to live by when visiting the forums. Thanks B^2. I think it goes to how people show respect to each other these days in real life. We are not entitled to anything when we are guests in someone else's house. Be respectful. Have fun. But please, treat each other well. We are all skydivers and have a kinship that transcends many other human bonds. No where have I seen people offer up couches to sleep on without ever meeting that person face to face. No where else have I seen people accept an offer of a couch to sleep on without ever having met that person face to face. Old timers offer freely of their time and experience. They want those who follow to have an easier time of things than they had. Pay it forward? It could be describe as such. So when it's offered. Please be respectful of the gift that has been put forth. Chris Schindler www.diverdriver.com ATP/D-19012 FB #4125

Instead, some people are more worried about semantics and just love flying the cyber middle finger to an old timer because they happen to have a writing style that differs than their own. Instead of long gushy posts 5 times a day they actually get to the point of what they are thinking about and others take it as "condescending" (sp?). People stay alive in this sport because people speak bluntly on safety topics. You can't really do anything about someone's hurt feelings if they are already dead. Remember when people complained about old timers being "clicquish"? Well, some old timers try to help out and pass on what they know. There's no compulsary reason to make new jumpers listen to them and how they view the sport. It's just a shame they don't try to see it from their point of view first rather than taking the short path to laughing at how uncool the "parent" is. Grown adults acting like teenagers again. "What do they know? They're so uncool." Well, you don't get old in this sport by being stupid! Chris Schindler www.diverdriver.com ATP/D-19012 FB #4125

I would doubt they have very much. The sum of their knowledge still doesn't add up to what is being lost these days with some old timers leaving. I tell yah....some people's children.

Derek is pretty much done with skydiving. I don't blame him. You try really hard to keep things reasonably safe in an enharently dangerous activity and you take a lot of grief for it. Derek feels he has better things to make use of his time. I just saw him and Kelli in Denver a couple weeks ago. They are doing good and had lots of smiles. Funny, you'd think they wouldn't be able to breathe without skydiving in their lives but truth be told there is life beyond skydiving. Chris Schindler www.diverdriver.com ATP/D-19012 FB #4125

ROFLMFAO!

Yah....REAAAALLLY no more goodie two shoes for you toots!

Yep, that's what I thought. It just didn't fit with the business practices that I know of from these guys.

Why compromise? It doesn't make any sense to me to shorten the training. How does this improve turn times? Turn times are made by people showing up to the plane on time. If you aren't showing up to the plane on time then there is an issue with manifesting. You were put on the wrong load. Other up jumpers should have been put on that load and you meet the next one. What you need are consistent training times so you know exactly how long before your class is out and ready to jump. But in no way should you shorten your training time in my estimation. SDC has one of the highest (I didn't say the highest) retention rates in the US. We do more tandems than most DZs. People call it a tandem factory. So if it's a "tandem factory" how is it that we get people to come back for multiple jumps? Quality. They are made to feel like they are part of the process of their jump. They wear an altimeter and are trained to pull. It really makes my skin crawl when I hear tandem ops that don't ever let their students pull. Why aren't you trying to maximize their fun and experience? If you treat it like a carnival ride they will too. How often do you go to the carnival really? But, go for a flight lesson with hands on training and you are much more likely to go back to challenge yourself again and again. It makes a difference. So basicly, my point is that we are talking about apples and oranges when discussing training and turn times. They have nothing to do with each other. Chris Schindler www.diverdriver.com ATP/D-19012 FB #4125

And if it doesn't work out still I'll buy the GC from Laurel if it's still transferable. I live just down the road and can jump it off myself anyhow. Chris Schindler www.diverdriver.com ATP/D-19012 FB #4125

Me! Me! Chris Schindler www.diverdriver.com ATP/D-19012 FB #4125

Laurel, I'm actually surprised that you are getting this response because I know the DZOs there (not personally just from business) and they seem to be straightforward guys. Did you talk to either of the DZOs directly?

Well, you better go buy your own airport. Do it now before being forced to. Chris Schindler www.diverdriver.com ATP/D-19012 FB #4125

NOT all reserves are made from just F-111. Some reserves these days have a ZP top skin. Hmmmmm.... Chris Schindler www.diverdriver.com ATP/D-19012 FB #4125

If you don't want to post it here can you PM where this happened and when for my own reference? Chris Schindler www.diverdriver.com ATP/D-19012 FB #4125

Vibes big time to Mike. Dang dude. Heal well. Chris Schindler www.diverdriver.com ATP/D-19012 FB #4125

LOL!!! I'll be right over then.

And you're reading it up to this point why? LOL!!!

9CCHFF....hmmmm.... Who wants numbers!? And do I apply with you Wendy?

Nice pink shirt and hat there Wendy. See....I was "nice".

Cotton or satin?

I see a bid of Victoria Secret do I hear a Frederick's of Hollywood?