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The electronic components inside the control unit are embedded in silicon gel. The silicon is poured in the unit in a semi-liquid state, and it later solidifies. This problem stemmed from a bad batch of silicon gel (procured from another manufacturer who had received a bad batch of ingredients). The silicon never fully solidified, and while this pair was under canopy on final the gooey ooze drifted over the pressure sensor causing the unit to fire. The few CYPRES units manufactured using that lot number of silicon gel were identified, recalled, and replaced. It was an isolated incident, but I posted it to list as an example of why we should not *depend* on AADs. I applaud your ability to have an objective conversation in the forums, especially on a subject that has been controversial here before. I'll trade ideas with you any time!

skydived19006 posted some interesting input in this thread. Arrive Safely John

Moved here from the Instructors Forum because it only indirectly deals with instructional disciplines. Locked because there is already an excellent thread on this very important subject HERE. Let's keep the great discussions going in that one. Arrive Safely John

I took my familt to see "The Polar Express" yesterday - in find the nearest IMAX theater and give this one a look! Arrive Safely John

I adjust my students sometimes as well, to get them centered below me. I simply put my hands on the back of their shoulders, puch down, and move them to the center. My hands are not any where near getting trapped that way. Arrive Safely John

It's a personal choice. It's more about educating oneself on the pros and cons of owning one and making an informed decision. Owning one simply to "beat the odds" can lead to dependence on the AAD ("Oh well, I know my CYPRES will save me if anything goes wrong"), which leads down the dangerous road to complacency. I have a video of a tandem pair on final approach at about 500 Feet experiencing a CYPRES fire and landing under two canopies. Don't get me wrong - I am a CYPRES fan . . . I own one and have a lot of confidence in the product. But it is a mechanical device and despite its high quality and modern engineering it can malfunction. It probably communicates that this person is in need of more than just an AAD. It indicates they are in need of some re-training and a serious look at the dangerous nature of this sport. People who are switched on and continually respect the danger of skydiving, doing all they can to mitigate the risks, are around for a long time. There's lots of discussion about particular Vigil malfuncations, including the ones you mentione here. A forum search will lead to some good reading. Arrive Safely John

There was a time a few years ago that the heater in one of our Otters was inop. That was a cold ride. I just dress in lots of layers, maximizing the benefit of microfiber clothing over my torso. It has worked well for me over the years. The handwarmers are great - I use them on occasion. I usually stow them in the outside pocket of my jumpsuit before I exit. Arrive Safely John

From billvon's post: Ditto at Raeford. In the Otter, the cut happens a few seconds before the green light comes on. By the cut the door should be open with the first group spotting (at least for clouds and traffic), and the green light indicates climout for the first group. In the Cessna, the pilot handles the cut automatically now (again, GPS). Arrive Safely John

No Jacket Required Arrive Safely John

Still serving in the US Army after 20 1/2 years on active duty. 92R Parachute Rigger. Homesteading at Ft. Bragg, NC since November 1984. Arrive Safely John

That's it!!

A forum search will reveal that this subject has been covered before. Arrive Safely John

Incumbent National Directors That should help you with the lion's share. Arrive Safely John

It was the most famous (and most distinguished) person with a huge noggin that I could think of, and I was tired of having no avatar. Wait until you see me do my Herman Munster impression in person! Arrive Safely John

As a TI, I second Dave's opinion that a Doc's recommendation is key. A skydiving Doc would be even better. Remember that you can exit at a lower altitude than normal to reduce the severity of the pressure change. Arrive Safely John

Matt is talking about a spoof of the Relative Workshop Tandem video. I had a link to a site that had it saved as a RealVideo file, but the link doesn't work anymore. If anyone can post it here I would love to have a copy. Arrive Safely John

If you knew that Gear & Rigging was where it belonged, why did you post it in General Skydiving and leave it for me to move? If the subject of your post fits a topical forum, post it there, please. Arrive Safely John

Cumpleanos Feliz, Hermano! Have a great burfday! Arrive Safely John

Great subject and excellent questions. However, this post should not have been a poll. You should have just posted your questions in the body of your post. Posting it as a poll makes it very confusing. Arrive Safely John

Having a completed profile provides a bit of personalization so we know a bit more about who you are. There are people on this site who clutter up the boards by 1) posting questions they already know the answer to, eliciting a stream of replies (trolls); and 2) hide behind an anonymous username (no profile) so they can be overly opinionated. Having a complete profile can help us make sure that you're no one of those. Also, if a poster has a complete profile, the members posting replies can fine tune their answers to fit that person's experience level. For example, advice about tracking toward a USPA B License holder with 100 jumps would be different than the same advice toward an AFF student with 6 jumps - in the latter example a responsible poster would encourage them to talk directly to their instructional staff. Arrive Safely John

Square One lists it as a 28L. Here is a technical data sheet for the Duracell brand. Good luck! Arrive Safely John

Stefan Ertler is the head of R&D at Paratec. He is also a registered Dropzone.com member. You can link to his username through this thread, which you may find handy for future manufacturer questions.

A search revealed multiple threads on the subject, the longest of which has lengthy discussions comparing both AADs. CYPRES doesn't just dominate the market at your DZ - it dominates almost everywhere. My personal opinion with regard to your question is that it's hard to predict market share, but I don't see things changing as a result of the Vigil's debut. Its early growth has been hampered by known difficulties. To answer the rest of your question, I believe the Vigil installs in a pocket just like the CYPRES. To my knowledge there is no retrofit kit needed to change from CYPRES to Vigil in your rig. I have never installed one, but maybe a Rigger who has will chime in here and confirm this. For further information, there are representatives from each company here on Dropzone.com. AirtecKai from Airtec (maker of the CYPRES), and kimgriffin from Vigil USA. I would suggest using email - you will likely receive a faster reply than using PMs with these two. Arrive Safely John

Jumpvideo has explained the reasons for the delay (details of which are outlined in this thread). PsychoBob has indicated to me that he considers it a done deal. It will be up to the individual to choose whether or not to do business with Jumpvideo in the future. As you can see by the posts he has some very satisfied customers as well. As far as the two threads go, I think the point(s) have been made. Arrive Safely John

Jumpvideo has explained the reasons for the delay in a post below and in this thread. PsychoBob has indicated to me that he considers it a done deal. It will be up to the individual to choose whether or not to do business with Jumpvideo in the future. As you can see by the posts he has some very satisfied customers as well. As far as the two threads go, I think the point(s) have been made. Arrive Safely John