sducoach

Chuck tole me to say that. He thought you would take all the credit. Okay, here goes. One hour of hooking up the suit, practice pulls, emergency procedures, and alot of sweat. Finally time to go. Uppers cranking at 80kts, four way group, three freeflyers, one tandem. Everyone exits and it's just me. I take one look at the pilot who has this big grin on his face because the "old man" is looking like a first jump student. Out the door, hit a good delta and watch the King Air turn away, out come the wings, and the whole world seems to stop. Two practice pulls, one left 90 degree turn then look at the altimeter and I'm still sitting at 11.K. Brain shock as I exited just over 12K. Tracking across the wind line, looking at the airport, right 180 turn, check the airport and my old skydiver mind and clock is not believing my eyes. Two more 180's four more sets of practice pulls, altitude check and I realize I'm yelling my head off. One more turn towards the airport, 6K slow down, pull at 5.5K, opening seems more like a hop & pop with everything coming out behind me. Spectre opens great and I'm still yelling. Unzip, had a little trouble getting the booties off but I'm sailing back. One of the most awesome feelings in years. A "few" more and I'll be ready to start to learn what this thing can do! Hooked, Now I need "Lou" and Chuck to sneak out to the midwest for some serious lessons! Thanks to all for your help!!!! Blues, J.E. James 4:8

Okay, After healing up from the broken wrist at the Texas State Record jumps, I'm heading out this morning for our End Of Summer Boogie. I'm running the RW competition and working my first, yes first, Birdman jump in today. More tonight! Thank you Chuck and NealDiamond for your help and advise! Blues, J.E. James 4:8

Flashing back to old pains........................ Okay, it's over. Square!!!!!!!!!! Blues, J.E> James 4:8

Well........... Bill is a little "yellow" around the edges....... at his age I'm sure he "decays rapidly"........ Just kidding Bill!!!!!!!! We still keep WDI material around and wind loads. Blues, J.E. James 4:8

I hate being a "little guy". Have fun this weekend in Dallas! I'm doing a coach course 10-11-12 October so I'll be there all weekend. Be safe!!!! Blues, J.E. James 4:8

Had a friend jumping at Zhills catch the reserve PC on door cable used for static line or something in one of the otters. Great video as the pc stayed in the AC while he falls away with a real surprised look on his face. Long reserve ride, lost freebag and PC when it flew out the door. Blues, J.E. James 4:8

Bill is close on this one. Take about three feet of WDI material, fold it in half then take some good old duck tape and make a "handle" by taping up a ball over the folded WDI. One problem you can run into for boc is if the bag has left the container the bottom flap can/will collapse some and be more difficult to locate the practice pilot chute however, IMHO that is MUCH better than a "fake" practice pull. Blues, J.E. James 4:8

That one's gonna cost you!!!!!! Before you try to argue with Bigun, he has that nickname for a reason!!!!!! Blues, J.E. James 4:8

Sorry, typo it is...... Mike@mvboland.com My sincere apology if you tried the other. Blues, J.E. James 4:8

Rigging65, You hit the nail on the head. Exactly! Transitions are times for mistakes to be made however, practice, practice, practice can/will reduce most errors. My question to the two situations would be, who asked what type of gear they were jumping at home. Did they own their own rig and not bring it or did they use rental gear at home. Big red flags would have come up. I do not send anyone off on a transition jump withoug me, another instructor, or a coach. Blues, J.E. James 4:8

Mike@mvgoland.com That is Mike's e-mail. He has been part of Pieces of Eight since the start up. GREAT guy. Tell him J.E. sent you. Blues, J.E. James 4:8

Base, There seems to be a conflict in your statements. Is the insurance required for all other aviation operations and, is it available? We went through this back in 94 in Harrisonville MO. with the City and the FBO. At that time we were informed by the FAA that they could not require "special" or "additional" insurance from the DZO. Long legal battle, many nights at the city counsel but, the DZO decided to give it up. Closed down and sold out. You mentioned USPA in another post. If Ed is working on it you have the best help available on your side. Good luck. Blues, J.E. James 4:8

Skratch, Welcome back! Hope the "better half" is treating you well. Good stuff! Blues, J.E. James 4:8

When she gets home tonight, I'll fix her dinner, light the candles, put on some smoooooth music, pull back the covers, and when she falls asleep, I'll check her law books!!!!! All for you Bigun!!! Done deal. Blues, J.E. James 4:8

mjosparky, "That's the pot calling the kettle black!" I hope they all live to be as old as we are!!!!! Blues, J.E> James 4:8

Keith, Let me know if this is for you or just curiosity. Brenda is a paralegal and deals with contracts & litigation. Blues, J.E. James 4:8

Kolla Rules and is the BEST period. If I wasn't so old, and married, and old, and married, and old, and married, I would run away with her. Did I say married????? Blues Kolla!!!!! Please don't call my wife! J.E. James 4:8

Now, don't make fun of mjosparky, he is old....... Blues, J.E. ps, (how about pm'n me and telling me how to do it before mjosparky finds out how, please..............) James 4:8

*** A guy shows up on a DZ. He has no altimeters. He can't judge altitude; he just pulls when everyone else pulls. You question him on this. "Hey, that's why I have an AAD!" he says. You honestly wouldn't question his use of the AAD? I would. *** I would not question his use of an AAD, I'd question how he got there in the first place and what he's doing at your DZ????? Blues, J.E. James 4:8

I have met at least five so far. Two pointed out that they had cypreses, and thus if they did not pull they WOULD survive. I don't know why the third one didn't pull. She just gave up and waited for someone else to open a parachute for her. Good thing she had a cypres so she can continue jumping without fear of dying! So, how many skydivers do you know that do not understand that if > you do not pull, you do not survive? Intimate knowledge or common > sense As I said Bill, Intimate knowledge or common sense, neither I think. But your comment beckons the question...... So what did you do, ground them??? Got to love it!!!!! Blues my Brother, J.E. James 4:8