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ROFLMAO!!! What a hoot! Arrive Safely John

I don't discuss it. I have a plan, and that plan is in my head as we take off, so I'm ready to handle it - every time. AFF students are a different story. They have been given specific training on aircraft emergencies. What I do to reinforce that is tell them that if we have an emergency the most important things are to remain calm and do exactly what the instructors say. Arrive Safely John

It is quite refreshing to see how this forum honors people like Bob Hope and Fred Rogers who have filled so many people with joy for so many years. I can remember seeing many a Bob Hope TV special, enjoying the live comedy - especially when the actors would get cracked up themselves from Bob being such a hoot. I also remember watching "The Road To . . ." movies on AMC. Great fun. I particularly want to join those who have acknowledged Bob for his huge contribution to the morale of our military members overseas through his pioneering work throught the USO. He made people laugh in times and places that made doing so difficult. Rest easy, Bob. Thanks for the memories. Arrive Safely John

I am a graduate of the USAPR Master RIgger Course taught by Sandy and Brenda Reid. It is excellent, customized to your needs, and you do major MAJOR work on great machines. Worth every penny. Dave DeWolf did some training for us at our unit a couple of years ago which was EXCELLENT. Handsome Dave is a real innovator and remains remarkably contemporary in his knowledge and methods. Another fantastic teacher is my good friend Rags Raghanti at PD. He is an innovator and magician at canopy repair, and has the most incredible way of relating to people I have ever seen in a teacher. I learned many things from Rags and still seek his advice when I need it. Hope this helps! Arrive Safely John

If it's not on the tail, check the ribs at the nose of the canopy. That was a common data block location "back in the day." Arrive Safely John

My technique: -My student and I are ready to exit as far as the rig and the passenger harness are concerned. I.E. we are tightened down and ready to go if necessary. -Our tandems exit at 13000 FT like the rest of the jumpers, and always exit last so they're not in the way (Twin Otter). -I have had two emergency exits with tandems and was able to get them hooked up very quickly and had loads of time to exit. -We hook our students up at about 8500 FT AGL (Twin Otter to 13000FT) I agree with the "one hooked up will do" in theory, but it takes very little time to hook up all four. Those extra seconds may prevent further problems after exit. Arrive Safely John

2*:3:0 *new dotcommers met this weekend (LouDiamond and Packahoe) Arrive Safely John

I also know many mega-experienced skydivers that are leery about broadcasting their quals and jump numbers. There are a few registered on this site that I know as well. I won't begin to try and understand their motivation, but I will speak from personal experience specifically regarding my history in these forums. First, I don't define my experience as a skydiver by my jump numbers. I have 2773 jumps of varied types. I have extensive experience in some areas, and have only dabbled in others. I have met people who would not take advice or coaching from anyone who had less than X amount of jumps. I can only say that he is really missing out on many opportunities to learn. I keep an open mind and open eyes for new techniques - I can learn those from anybody. Also, while jump numbers do serve as a rudimentary measuring stick, they do not speak to the true quality of performance in a skydiver. I have skydived with some folks who were blessed with natural talent for this sport and were flying circles around me with very low numbers. I have also jumped with high number jumpers who could not fly their way out of a paper bag. Second, I am not my ratings, either. I don't wear my ratings on my sleeve (although I do have a PRO sticker on my car), but I don't hide them if asked, nor am I afraid to throw them out there in a conversation or post if it contributes to the discussion. Ratings require even more open-mindedness from me to ensure I am giving my students the best possible instruction so they will become a contribution to the sport instead of a liability. Third, I believe that one's profile here on DZ.com provides initial credibility that opens the door for those low-time jumpers who are seeking advice and coaching, which I am happy to give. I am careful not to beat my drum and force my opinions on people, although there are some points that are life-or-death related which I do get rather adamant about. There are thousands of strong opinions in our sport, and I believe one is best served by listening to all of them and creating their own out of bits and pieces of what they have gathered, coupled with their own experience. The information in a profile (if specifics are listed) are easily verifiable. I was selling a rig for a friend through eBay, and a discerning buyer did some deductive reasoning, figured out where I jumped, and called the gear store there to ask about me. The result was a successful sale of a safe rig to a new jumper. I choose to list accurate and updated information in my profile, freely share my ratings and experiences in conversations when it contributes to the discussion and the sport, and remember that there is always someone out there who has more experience and knowledge than me. Respectfully, Arrive Safely John

Recently (since the inception of TSA and all the tightened screening procedures), I have only traveled from Tucson with my rig as checked baggage. Because I insured it, I got questioned about it extensively, but they did put it on the aircraft. Now that passengers are required to leave their luggage unlocked, I will choose to FedEx my gear instead. It's too much of a shell game right now with the airlines. Also, did you know that the airline insurance only covers loss, not damage? Antoher reason to go with FedEx. Arrive Safely John

I'm glad you're OK and came through the ordeal without any complications. Now, just rest easy, heal quickly, and enjoy the forums in the meantime. I bet you will appreciate getting back in the air more because of your longish absence. Arrive Safely John

Canada & England (both were demos) Canada: Pro = Canadian beer, Con = scenery in Lethbridge, Alberta was rather non-descript England: Pro = Steak and kidney pie, Con = rain and clouds Arrive Safely John

38:19* *I was 19 when I started making military static line jumps. My civilian skydiving career started when I was 24. Arrive Safely John

I R A PD NUT 2 Arrive Safely John

Wow! I'm glad you survived the boat ordeal! Welcome to the sport and to the forums! I wish you quick and successful training and a long skydiving career!

Welcome! Heal quickly, and enjoy the forums in the meantime. Arrive Safely John

If you can do without them for a few days, I will be glad to test them for you for free.

The Student Javelin has this option. We use it at Raeford. It is more complicated, one just has to know how everything is supposed to be routed. The big advantage is it reduces the likelihood of a main-reserve entanglement due to a student panicking and pulling the handles out of sequence. The big disadvantage is excess friction. Bill Booth has a lot of insight on the friction factor; I have learned a lot listening to him. Arrive Safely John

I am fortunate enough to have jumped out of that DC-3 before it was converted to turbines, and afterwards as well. I have 20 minutes of flight time in it as well. It is a really cool aircraft. Arrive Safely John

Hello, FD! Welcome to the forums! This Article may be of some help to you. I also say your best bet is to call the DZ(s) you plan to visit so you're sure you will be successful when you get there. Have fun! Arrive Safely John

Hi Angela, and welcome! You have an advantage in Florida of having a bazillion DZs to choose from. Find an instructional Staff and DZ Owners that you like and your training experience will be much more enjoyable. Of course, you COULD come up here to Raeford . . . we'll make you feel right at home. Arrive Safely John

Hi Roberto, and welcome! You are right about this website being a great way to stay connected to the sport when you can't get to the DZ. I was gone for 2.5 months recently and kept my skydiving sanity by residing here in this world. Our host is Sangiro, better known as "HH." Drop him a thank-you note for creating this fantastic place we call home. Arrive Safely John

Congrats on your fisrt jump! BTW - eyes open or closed are not criteria for buying beer, just experiencing a first in the sport . . . you can drink with your eyes closed if you like! It was refreshing to hear your excitement through these forums, share all you like!! Trust the process, and don't sell yourself short by intentionally repeating levels. Trust your instructors if they say you are ready to progress. Blue Skies! Arrive Safely John

The Nike slogan comes to mind . . . JUST DO IT! You will love our sport, and DZ.com is a great place to satisfy at least part of your hunger for it while not at the DZ actively engaged in it. Good luck! Arrive Safely John

Welcome! Good luck recruiting for your demo - it sounds neat. Meanwhile, I wish you mild winds and soft landings! Arrive Safely John

Hi Mark! I acknowledge you for listening to the call of the skies and responding so quickly. Great job in your initial training . . . heal quickly and update us on how your next steps go.