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The seniors that ask me about skydiving that have prior or current health issues, I recommend to them that they ask their doctor about what they want to do. I volunteer to give them a video to take to their doc so he can get a better feel for what they will experience. There are a lot of seniors out there who are healthy as a horse . . . maybe a little less limber or a little less strong than they used to be, but perfectly capable of making a skydive. Arrive Safely John

Yeah! Raeford! (I am rather biased of course.) Come on down to both of you (skyyhi & vertifly). We'd love to have you here! Arrive Safely John

Ripstop tape, otherwise known as"lickem stickem," is intended for use as a temporary repair in the field. Example: I go to the state record attempts, and we are about to go up for the potential record breaker. As I am packing my rig, I notice a hole. I cut a small ripstop tape patch with rounded edges and apply it to both sides to get me by. As soon as I get home I get the area patched properly with material of like type and color. Ripstop tape should not be used permanently because the adhesive will weaken the fabric over time. Arrive Safely John

This "grommetless" d-bag configuration saves a LOT of maintenance. On the Tandem Vector, the original bag design resulted in lots of small holes in the center of the tail from the very thing sparky commented on. Even the most careful packers got a hole now and then. The other advantage is being able to remove the drogue or pilot chute (to repair it, swap it out, etc.) without having to remove the bagged canopy from the container, or the folded canopy from the bag. Arrive Safely John

This is the first I have heard of this. Not common practice I would imagine. As far as law suits go, any fatality should be investigated by the local DPRE, who should draw conclusions as to whether or not the equipment was assembled and packed by the manufacturer's instructions. It would be really helpful to hear from a DPRE in this thread, or someone who has been directly involved in a fatality investigation who can comment on the gear inspection process after a fatality. Please leave the details of the actual incident out (name, location, etc) unless it really adds specific value to this conversation. Knowing how Riggers have been supported during lawsuits in the past would help those considering a waiver for their customers make their decision. Arrive Safely John

For the record, I have a huge noggin. My hat size is 7 3/4 and I have a hard time getting any head gear to fit properly. Just to get it out of the way, my favorite big head joke is: "My head is so big that when I was little, clowns were scared of me!" Now, about that helmet . . . I have had two Factory Divers custom made for me, XXL/L (translated: extra extra large/long). They basically took the XXL pattern and added a strip side to side, making it longer. I ordered it through Sky Cat Equipment You can use my name when you order if you want, that might help! Try an off-the-shelf XXL Factory Diver first. Hope this helps! Arrive Safely John

Welcome aboard, Lucy . . . glad to have you with us. What DZ do you spend your time at when your in the States?? Arrive Safely John

Hi Jose, welcome to the sport and to the forums! My input: get very good at the basics before talking on a particular discipline . . . especially in the canopy piloting department. Learning you current canopy well before switching to one with higher performance characteristics will serve you well. Good luck next weekend! Arrive Safely John

Welcome Brent! Glad you have found a home among us . . . the sport is truly amazing. The forums will add to your experience whn you can't be in the air enjoying it first hand. Enjoy! Arrive Safely John

Yeah, I heard that. That's really too bad . . . I was on a test with him once and considered him a really great guy to work with. Arrive Safely John

There are many of us in the Military Free Fall community that have been to 25000 MSL many times over, but there are few that have been higher than that left in the service. About 12 years ago, the major Air Force command that controls the cargo aircraft we use for the really high ones decided they would not fly over 25000 MSL. I know of them granting a waiver only once since then (though there may be more). Someone in the Air Force hierarchy decided that the benefit of the extra altitude did not justify the increased physiological risk for their crews. More definitions: HAHO = exiting and deploying only a few seconds after leaving the aircraft. "Cross-country" in the sport world. HAMO = exiting at a high altitude and deploying at a medium altitude (high enough to make the openings unheard by those on the ground). It's interesting to hear the civilian interpretations of the HALO acronym. My two cents: anything 18,000 MSL or above that requires oxygen and it's a (civilian) HALO in my book! Cool thread, BTW! Arrive Safely John

I found this message regarding their email problems listed on their website: If you have sent them any email in the period specified, you may want to handle the issue over the phone. Arrive Safely John

Amen to that! Today I will celebrate yours, and continue to see life for all of us as a gift just for the privilege of living it . . . in honor of your burfday. Have a special day, my friend. Arrive Safely John

Welcome to the forums and congrats on completing AFF! You're a smart one to continue to "train your way down" to your new gear. There's a really great article HERE by our very own billvon on that very subject . . . you may find it helpful. I assume you are continuing to seek coaching/instruction . . . maybe you can show the article to your instructor/coach and they can help you train on each maneuver?!?! You tunnel time will pay off big time. You are spending your money and time wisely there! Rock on! Arrive Safely John

USA (born and raised) Canada Mexico Spain Portugal England Gibraltar (not really a separate country, but I count it that way ) Iraq The "don't counts" (airport stops) are France and Germany. Arrive Safely John

I liked the other ones, and have them on DVD at home. I listened to all the other ones on audio before my son read them. They are excellent! The big question is . . . who is playing Dumbledore now that Richard Harris died?? Arrive Safely John

Tom Hanks Arrive Safely John

It's not. I sent one yesterday and got a "delayed status" message from the system today. Arrive Safely John

Welcome FM! You definitely have the bug . . . I hope you come up with a good plan to save the money for your training. As far as jumpsuits go, I'd stick with a used one for now . . . if you hunt (eBay, DZ.com Classifieds, local gear store) you should find one that fits. Sav ethe money you do have for your training! Arrive Safely John

Hi Kayla, and welcome to our world! And what a wonderful world it is! Enjoy your stay . . . Arrive Safely John

Hi Jeff! Welcome to the forums! I work in the school at Raeford . . . haven't met you yet. I had some time away from the DZ over the Winter which might explain that! See you Saturday!?!? Arrive Safely John

Standing still and quietly watching the sunrise or sunset. Arrive Safely John

[attempt at wind tunnel humor] For the record, we are not sucking at Raeford. However, the possible addition of a wind tunnel a mere half mile down the road will change that status from "not sucking" to "impelling." [/attempt at wind tunnel humor] Arrive Safely John

I'm not Eclipse rated. What exactly are the currency/recurrency requirements for that rig. Are they not identical in handle location and function to the Tandem Vector?? Arrive Safely John

1) No matter what the student wanted to get out of a tandem skydive, they are gong to walk away having learned at least something about skydiving. 2) For some it is the start of their skydiving training, chosen to be so beforehand. 3) For others, it becomes their "love at first sight" with skydiving, even though they only intended to do it once. 4) But, some just plain want to experience the thrill and make it a joy ride for themselves. As long as they receive proper instruction as prescribed by FARs, the tandem rig manufacturer, and the DZO, what's wrong with a joy ride? Aren't I as a tandem master giving them what they have asked me for? Granted, inside I want them to be hooked like me and be in love with the sport forever, and I give them every opportunity to discover what skydiving is all about. Regardless, some just come for the thrill of it, and go home with an exciting memory never to do it again. Arrive Safely John