ixlr82

"Did I mention have fun? It's the journey, not the destination." Stated by Anarchist two posts ago. Really, really true, if you're in a place where you can hear it. Have goals, just don't let them get in the way of this amazing experience every jump affords. __________________________________________

Perhaps it was mentioned somewhere in the thread and I missed it...but for me the biggest problem with this jumpers action is the line of flight. If he couldn't see his alti, I doubt he knew his tracking direction and 18 seconds could have easily introduced him to some 'new' friends up or down the line of flight. __________________________________________

Dave, Bill, I respect that you guys potentially see something weird going on where her handles are but the photo isn't likely to provide sufficient info on this...so about the radio. Is that a bad idea? I can see the shadow of the antennae so I know there is a big protrusion coming from that radio. Could a line snag there or would the lines just pull her head back and release. At first glance, this just seems like a really bad idea...for a student...who usually only has a couple of jumps. At least she's smiling! __________________________________________

Hands down the most positive news story on skydiving that I've ever seen. Makes me wonder if DZO's do/or should go out of their way to invite reporters to do a tandem. But I did get a kick out of the FAA certified 'riggers' that pack the tandems. (probably best not to clarify that FAR to her) __________________________________________

I don't think you are going to have a choice. You will be wearing a helmet for your IAD jumps. So see if that works. The majority of people that I see wearing earplugs are not wearing helmets. And I always, when the breathing in freefall thing comes up, think of blowing in a babies face. They immediately lurch back and quit breathing for a moment. The breathing in freefall problem will pass...quickly. __________________________________________

Question for the AFF instructors. What is trained for if the student gets into a fast spin like this? At about 41 seconds the student goes into a slight 'style tuck' which drastically slows the spin but also induces instability. I remember in static line training being taught to counter a turn but not a technique for rapid uncontrolled spinning (other than pulling). I guess what I'm asking is do you teach any kind of tuck up position to stop the spin? Or is that not good for some reason? __________________________________________

I sent an email to the DZO basically saying how they were being painted early on in the thread. Here is her response: Good Evening Jim, It gives me a heavy heart to ever think that anyone that knows us would think we would be disrespectful to anyone from any country. This is a neutral place for all walks of the world to come to and enjoy. You may have not heard the complete story. Yesterday afternoon we had an issue with a tattoo and the Qatar General bought it to our attention and that it was very offensive to him and to the other Qatar’s that were here. So manifest said she would ask Eddie to come talk to me about it. I asked Eddie if he had something to wear to cover it up while he was here and he said he did not, I said maybe a piece of tape or a little duct would work. Then he proceeded to say well maybe I will go over to Tampa Bay or somewhere to jump and I said then that was your choice to leave. He left my office and nothing else was said until we start getting slanderous phone calls and the facebook and social media began. He was never asked to leave. He volunteered to leave on his own. Betty __________________________________________

When the door opens I am ready to exit. Even if I'm not planning to. Hadn't really considered this scenario...more likely what if hop'n'pop hits the tail or has a premature opening and wraps the tail. Be ready to go. Goggles I don't worry about. __________________________________________

Well, I wouldn't do it, but then, I'm not Jeb Corliss. __________________________________________

For anyone still following this thread, below this paragraph is the response I got back from Cypres. And I am very appreciative and impressed not only with their timely response, but also with what feels like a fairly honest appraisal of their situation (as they see it). I still believe with stronger competition they would find a way to reduce these wait times a little. Hi Jim, The long wait times you are hearing about is primarily orders for new CYPRES units. Plus, the equipment that is used to produce new units is also the equipment used for 4 or 8 year maintenance. So maintenance is taking longer than usual in some cases, not usually longer than 4-6 weeks. Many times, we complete maintenance within 2-3 weeks after receiving a CYPRES here at SSK. What happens around spring/early summer is that skydivers take their rigs to their rigger, who discovers that maintenance is due or past due. So, even though there is a 13 month window when maintenance could/should be done, everyone waits until about the same time of the year to get the ball rolling...which is the main reason for the longer wait time. The demand for new units is also much higher starting in April or May, so currently delivery time is 10-12 weeks for a new CYPRES 2. I am very sorry about that. Speaking from SSK's point of view, because no one wants to keep a lot of CYPRES units in stock, so the DOM is as new as possible, it is hard to know when and how many to order. Next year, I think we will have to arrange some stock for our shelves, even if they are a little older than we would like. I asked Helmut Cloth, the inventor of the CYPRES for some information about CYPRES and why we feel that there is no comparison to other AADs on the market. Here is some of the reasons he wanted me to tell you why a CYPRES is a better choice: -for the next person wanting a V.- make him aware what a V user has to accept to skydive safely: - that the V. manual on page 12 requires its user to realize the ambient air pressure at the moment of switch on, then check that pressure in distances over the jumping day and when a difference of 10 is reached to switch his V. off and on again. - that the V. manual on page 12 requires its user to achieve that no one opens the door of the plane between approx 40 meters to approx 600 meters on the way up, because opening of the door can make his V. fire. - that the V. manual on page 21 requires him to either switch his V. off or to not slam the door of his car, when he leaves for home because slaming the door can make his V. fire None of all the above is relevant to a Cypres. And that a V. has a guarantee of 2 years (page 14) and a life expectancy of 20 years (page 33). While a Cypres has a guaranteed life time of 12,5 years. If you are interested in ordering a new CYPRES unit, please contact me and I will see if there is a way that I can shorten the waiting time a little for you. Also, I occasionally have a used CYPRES to sell, so maybe that would be a possibility for you...? Thanks, Karen ------------------------------ Karen Dean SSK Industries, Inc. 1008 Monroe Rd. Lebanon, OH 45036 Email: karen@sskinc.com Web Sites: www.sskinc.com __________________________________________

I'll repeat. I am looking more seriously at a Vigil now. Before this, I was only considering a Cypres. Perhaps I will conclude the Vigil can do no better in customer service or I may decide the Vigil is not reliable enough. All I'm saying is it is now on the table as an option. I would love to hear Cypres post and tell us why a 6 plus week wait time to check the AAD is acceptable customer service. Because they may not post, I will now email them and ask directly. __________________________________________

I don't see a lot of great choices for you. You'll get it when you get it. What can you do? I do thank you for posting this though. As someone that is new or used AAD shopping, I can tell you that I will look more seriously at a Vigil now. I find a 6 plus week wait time hard to stomach. These 4 and 8 year services should be very high priority, IMO. Six weeks and counting, no thanks. __________________________________________

I suggest (unless it's physically difficult for some reason) to not 'hand it off to the packers'. Pack for yourself. You'll learn real quick what's going on with your lines (because you'll have to fix it). __________________________________________

Thanks for sharing this. Beautiful and inspiring video. __________________________________________

Dubai seems nice. Not sure how far your $2500.00 would go though... __________________________________________

If you ever 'feel' the wind at your back, check your altitude and cutaway. Then hook it up so it's not flying backward...or land it. Been done many times. __________________________________________

I agree with tdog. The video is not just irrelevant, it actually makes it difficult to hear your message. If I just listen it is fine. Thanks for posting this. __________________________________________

Can't view. It's been disabled. Did anyone copy it anywhere else? __________________________________________

I think it's a pretty valid question. I was on a jump with a 65 plus age jumper who landed on an aad fire and was found dead moments later. Since then I have followed the forums and noticed several similar circumstances. Jumper 'appeared' normal until breakoff. Next thing anybody knew, jumper landed unresponsive under an aad fired reserve or went in with nothing out. In Pauls case it was massive coronary failure. I suspect similar problems with recent cases. (And I know of one that survived-Bob W. are you reading this?) Of course, it is up to DZO's what they want to do. But many of us are getting older in the sport and I think you will see even more of this. Skydiving is intensely fun but seriously demanding on the heart. __________________________________________

Wendy has always been open and honest about her early jump history. People are attracted to those traits. We connect with her story. This jumper is, so far, just giving us their opinion (though seemingly with good intention). Perhaps one of her instructors could give the other side, although I realize not likely to happen. __________________________________________

If you are seriously considering anywhere in the world, you might want to check out Dubai. Never been myself but the visuals look amazing. __________________________________________

Holy crap! After seeing the video I just about shit 'my' pants. But you know what, it changes nothing. You recovered with plenty of altitude, you realized and learned through actual experience the value of arching, and now you have this crazy video to share in years to come. But please, don't do that again! And reread your own last post and think about how important altitude awareness is and how, under stress, how easy it is to lose that awareness. __________________________________________

As someone overly qualified in beating myself up...these words to live by: Thanks for the jump. I had fun. I learned a lot. __________________________________________

Dave's an instructor. I'm not. He's already given you feedback about your body position. My feedback is more general. There are people that should not be skydiving. Based on your videos...you are not one of them, not even close. You are physically fit, alert and serious about learning. You are doing well under canopy. Once you quit imitating a 4x8 sheet of plywood (relax, bend the knees, etc.) it's going to be much easier. __________________________________________

"Honestly, and if it was me (I'll get flamed for this this big time) but... I would have stayed with it - my line of thinking being that I'd rather have a rough landing (that I know I will probably get away with) than cut away and be left with something that I can't manage - and I know that's a stupid attitude AND I also know that it was definitely a cut away situation. -Having said that I've never had a cutaway situation - the worst I've had so far has been line twists and a tension knot in my right steering line, meaning I didn't have full control of the right side, but I had 90% - decided to keep it - it was fine, no problems. However - I would welcome the chance to do an intentional cutaway, just to know that if the time ever comes - I can do it." You don't know what you don't know regarding the canopy, but there isn't one of us that hasn't learned in depth the basic controllability check. You know, 'Is it there, is it square? Left turn, right turn, flare.' No indication in the video that took place. I doubt you would have stayed with it, because you would have done a controllability check-altitude permitting, said 'oh fuck' and then bought us a case of beer. (1st cutaway) __________________________________________