slotperfect

I heard that the name at the factory is "Super Sabre" Respectfully, SP

I have jumped a Silhouette 210 loaded at 1.2 for four years. I have jumped it at a DZ with a field elevation of 5300 feet above sea level (conservative approaches of course). The openings are the softest and most consistent of any canopy I have ever jumped. I flat packed it for years, but lately I have been "Psycho" packing it, which results in even smoother openings, even more on heading. The F-111 bottom skin also makes it very easy to pack. You'll love it. Staying conservative on the wing loading is a good tip . . . I put 40 jumps on a 230 before I jumped down a size. Good luck! Respectfully, SP

So I guess all of those signatures in my logbook by "Don Equipment D12345" are not legit?!?!? Respectfully, SP

You're right Gus, statistics can be manipulated to suit the person quoting them. I believe that skydiving is inherently dangerous, but only to be respected as such. I respect it enough not to get complacent, which keeps me on my toes. BTW, my favorite piece of junk shoved out of the aircraft in the "Good Stuff" video was the guy riding the water heater. Very aerodynamic. Wooohooo! Respectfully, SP

Faster is better . . . if you're doing your part with your jumpsuit selection, and other jumpers still give you a hard time, find other people to jump with. I am a "big 'un" as well and I conquer the problem by knowing my limits (where to allow myself to be slotted in a formation) and having a wide selection of jumpsuits. BTW, one particular series of jumps I was involved in had a fall rate that was kinda in between my fast and medium suit. I used the sweatshirt technique (over the jumpsuit) mentioned earlier which worked like a charm. It created just enough drag to "fine tune the fall rate for me. The other thing your mates can do to help you out is drink more Guiness! Respectfully, SP

I found that pic somewhere whilst surfing and saved it for a rainy day. Now, it's all you! Respectfully, SP

Reminds me of the pig farmer in "Waking Ned Divine." The fruity soaps didn't help. Respectfully, SP

My wife has 51 jumps (quit jumping after the kiddies were born), my Son has two jumps in-utero, my Mom-In-Law has two tandems, Sis-In-Law has one tandem. I will probably take my 71 year old Mom up on a tandem later this year. My Father-In-Law is a chicken, and my Dad has a plastic hip making it a bit too much of a health risk. Respectfully, SP

And my favorite . . . the "righteous funnel." Respectfully, SP

Flat packing is a piece-o-cake if the canopy is square. Ellipticals are a different story because of the varying line lengths. I jump a Silhouette 210 (semi-elliptical), which I can pack either way. To P.R.O. pack, I use a hybrid between Billy Weber's "Pack Like A Pro" video and Beezy Shaw's "Psycho Pack," and I love the result. When I pack a tandem canopy or a HUGE student type canopy, I always flat pack it. I am 6'2" and that's too much for even me to keep off the ground to P.R.O. pack. Respectfully, SP

I have been a US Army Rigger for 17 years, and an FAA Senior Rigger for 11 years. In that time, there's no telling how many reserves I have packed. I log my civilian pack jobs of course, but not the military ones (we aren't required to). Occasionally, someone uses a reserve that I packed. They are always very thankful and complimentary. I shrug it off as just being my job (after all, it had BETTER work, right??). The first time someone rode one of my reserves I will always remember, though. It was a great feeling to know that my effort had been used for some real purpose. I don't keep track of "saves" either, but I am undoubtedly up into the twenties by now. Out of my two malfunctions in 2447 jumps, I packed one of the reserves. You had better believe that the Rigger who packed the other one was given the appreciation he deserved. I pack my own main and reserve, although there are many others I would trust to do so for me. I keep pretty good company. Respectfully, SP

If I can't see where my feet are going, like on an off-dz landing in a field of crops, I do a PLF. My rig and jumpsuit get dirty, and I lose cool points, but I don't break my leg in a woodchuck hole. Just my rule of thumb!?!? Respectfully, SP

If that's a tradition I have been a non-conformist for a long time. I have known some folks that wanted to put a few jumps on their new canopy before they open it at terminal. Matter-O-Fact, I have one friend that is adamant about it. He's a kook, though. "Eccentric" is the word he uses. Personally, I would pack your main according to the manufacturer's instructions and fine tune it from there. Your Rigger/Packer can help. As far as the first coupla jumps with my new canopies (or borrowed gear of a type I have not jumped before), I like to pull high and get used to the flight, turn, stall, and flare characteristics. IMHO . . . Respectfully, SP

Yoop-ster, I am interested in the Goliath new and in the bag. Please email me the asking price. slotperfect@nc.rr.com Respectfully, SP

Mark, You're off to a great start learning to respect the sport as a dangerous one. It's still a thrill for me after 17 years, but complacency kills. I check my handles myself before I exit, on EVERY jump. I too am in the military, and jump the rigs with the c/a and res r/c above the chest strap. They have to be there to accomodate the equipment rings on the main lift web. I switch between that configuration, the normal setup, and tandem rigs, so being aware of my handles is critical. I don't recall ever reaching to the wrong spot for a handle though, so the constant practice helps out a lot. By the way, tell Shane Hollar I said hello. He is a great guy, great skydiver, great teacher. A little secret though . . . he only made the Golden Knights because we were REALLY hurting for people that year Good luck with the rest of HALO school, mate. Respectfully, SP

The best kind of beer is FREE BEER! Seriously, my absolute fave is Belhaven Scottish Ale. Very expensive, so I don't drink it much. Otherwise I favor ales & stouts. There's nothing like a Guinness to compliment steak & kidney pie! Respectfully, SP

For 0U812, who wants to fly camera, wings are the ticket. I recommend booties as well. Not only do the wings and booties offer you more fall rate range, but they allow you to anchor your "camera platform" so that your video & stills are framed consistently. I am a big 'un: 6'2" with an exit weight of about 250 lbs. I use the Tony Camera Suit by Ai Time Designs with the big "A" wing. When I order my next camera suit, though, I will get a "flipflop" wing (Tony Suit: "C" Wing)so I can flip over in a sit and film above me. My big "A" wing suit doesn;t work well for that. Respectfully, SP

There is a burble behind EVERY skydiver big enough to cause a (springloaded) pilot chute hesitation. The bigger you are, the bigger the burble. Pull-outs, just like any method of deployment, have their advantages AND disadvantages. The biggest advantage, as mentioned by cdunham, is the fact that YOU are physically pulling the pin, rather than the bridle doing it. This eliminates the pilot chute in tow malfunction. BUT, if the pull-out pud gets knocked loose and trails behind you, it is VERY difficult to locate flopping in the relative wind. You will likely have to execute emergency procedures for a container lock (total malfunction). The people I know that jump pull-outs swear by them . . . but they are few and far between. I can't say I have seen a ripcord/springloaded pilot chute on a rig (other than students & military gear) lately. My personal preference is a BOC throw out on a rig in which NO bridle is exposed. I don't freefly, but bridle & pin protection benefits all of us. Last thought - all deployment systems are safe if maintained properly. Respectfully, SP

The canopy is likely out of trim and needs to be relined. Suspension lines don't maintain their shape (factory length) forever. Your friend jumping the canopy that had been out in the sun for 1 year may find himself under his reserve after the canopy blows up on him. UV trashes nylon left exposed that long. Respectfully, SP

I jump a Silhouette 210 loaded at about 1.2. I am 225 nekkid, and I estimate my exit weight at about 250. I have NEVER had a hard opening on the Silhouette (over 450 jumps). I have flat packed forever, but just recently implemented a hybrid of Billy Weber's "Pack-Like-A-Pro" P.R.O. pack and Beezy Shaw's "Psycho Pack." I also put a few jumps on a Stiletto 190 this winter with the same pack job. I love that pack job for everything (except maybe huge student canopies or tandem canopies when you don't have access to a hook). The best part about it is that once you turn the flaked canopy around and lay it down, you can treat your nose however you like without having to handle it so gingerly. It's actually laying on the floor right in front of you, so you can spread the nose out, roll it, or whatever. Respectfully, SP

Who packed the rig? Respectfully, SP

I am locked in for November. Wish me luck. Respectfully, SP

Wow! Aren't there any TM's out there who have jumped this rig?? I would love to hear your opinion?!?!?!? Respectfully, SP

Stacy is right . . . take care of that nose when you pack it, especially if it has microlines. The Falcon I jumped had a tendency to open hard. You will find that that big ol' Falcon sets you down nicely. It may flare a wee bit differently, but you'll get used to it. I don't know if you were accustomed to shooting steeper "accuracy-type" approaches, but the Falcon is not really made to do that. You'll also notice it glides more, covers more ground to help you recover from bad spots. Respectfully, SP

My all time fave was the (late) stuntman Dar Robinson, jumping out of one plane without a rig on, and flying down to a Stearman biplane and climbing in. That was an AWESOME stunt. It's on TV now and again when they show legendary stuntmen. Dar died in a garden variety motorcycle accident. Go figure. Respectfully, SP