JohnMitchell

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Everything posted by JohnMitchell

  1. JohnMitchell
    A few years back, I was riding jumpsuit in a B727, flying SLC to SEA. I had my Sony 8mm camera out of my gear bag and asked the captain if I could film the take off and landing. He said sure. Got some cool cockpit video, including all the radio chatter by putting a set of headphones over the mike. Later some fellow controllers were amazed he let me do it, just in case he screwed up and crashed. . . For a bunch of guys that worked having everything they said and did recorded, I thought that sounded a little nervous.
  2. JohnMitchell
    I concur with you. I'm quite happy with my single RSL. But if you want a double, why not get rid of the biggest danger?
  3. JohnMitchell
    It could be that. Improper execution of EPs. I've heard a few stories of crashed simulators by ATPs in an engine-out-on-takeoff situation. Not everyone does everything correctly every time.
  4. JohnMitchell
    Be funny if you had an audible altimeter that went "Knee Naw - Knee Naw" like that one minion does.
  5. JohnMitchell
    When I first learned to FF, someone showed me this. I never would have believed at the time you could cover this much ground, while not in track. http://youtu.be/2w134YkseBE F@#$%!
  6. JohnMitchell
    Nope, think about it. It's the same setup, but with the connection in the middle "cut". No more problem of choking off the reserve, right?
  7. JohnMitchell
    This right here.
  8. JohnMitchell
    Congratulations on half a century in the sport, Bill. Are you really going to jump that old gear? Although I started on one, I don't think my knees could handle a 28' flat anymore. A PC would be only somewhat better. Have a great jump. Wish I was gonna be there.
  9. JohnMitchell
    How about 2 separate RSLs, one from each riser, but not making a contiguous loop? Would that satisfy John Sherman's requirements AND enable the main to be cutaway without choking off the reserve?
  10. JohnMitchell
    Agree. And why use a bungee? I use a solid piece of nylon, non-stretch. Let's bring back the saddle-strap.
  11. JohnMitchell
    I find this happening less and less. However, when the green light goes on, the first group should go, right? I sure have seen a number of firsters f-around in the door, waiting for the perfect spot. That will get me to yell. If I have any separation concerns, I usually just ask the group behind me what interval they plan. If I don't like the answer, I'll suggest something better. One of the big hazards in separation is beginning freeflyers. Many slide across the sky much farther than you would believe. They all need to face perpendicular to the jump run line while learning how to sit/stand/head down. I've had my tandem video person (my wife) almost taken out by a new freeflyer sliding under us.
  12. JohnMitchell
    I agree that canopy instruction sometimes falls second to freefall instruction. As an instructor, I will see all of your freefall maneuvers, but I won't be there for most of the canopy ride. The A license check list is a great place to start. Work on accuracy in landings. Maybe get someone to video them. Be receptive to input from jumpers. Learn to PLF. And don't be in such a hurry to downsize.
  13. JohnMitchell
    Darwin at work, aided by selfies. For years, skydivers have done stupid things under the influence of cameras. Sounds like some pilots are catching up to us.
  14. JohnMitchell
    I heard the pilots radioed a mayday of "engine flameout". Would that be the loss of one or both? With one, you should be able to fly but the margin of performance may be very slim. Glad to hear there were some survivors.
  15. JohnMitchell
    Fun to get dressed up like grownups sometimes, isn't it? Looks like a great time.
  16. JohnMitchell

    Name a beer

    JohnMitchell replied to 24fps's topic in The Bonfire

    And the porter should be "Pilatus Porter", of course.
  17. JohnMitchell

    Name a beer

    JohnMitchell replied to 24fps's topic in The Bonfire

    Perfect! And the porter should be "Pilatus Porter", of course.
  18. JohnMitchell
    I keep mine on a timer thru New Year's Day, then unplug 'em. This year I was able to take them down a few days later when it wasn't raining. I still have a strand of white lights running behind the TV and around the wood stove and like to plug those in for a little extra light on the early, dark evenings. I gotta admit I love Christmas lights, inside and outside. The sniglet word for people who leave their Christmas lights up all year is Nerkels.
  19. JohnMitchell
    I know you fit her jumpsuits really well. Dang, but you two are a couple of cute moms.
  20. JohnMitchell
    Headdown? Every which way but loose.
  21. JohnMitchell
    Absolutely true. Most of our money is with Vanguard and the Federal TSP funds, which all have costs below 0.10%. If you consider the miracle of compounded interest, the same "miracle" applies to compounded fees over the course of 20-30 years.
  22. JohnMitchell
    GoPro is having a sale on its stock right now, about 40% off.
  23. JohnMitchell

    Wind Chill

    JohnMitchell replied to Earp's topic in The Bonfire

    Is that the calculation of a bug impact? Nope, it's the calculation of how much you wish you had a windshield when jumping in the winter time.
  24. JohnMitchell
    Well, if you bought GoPro (GPRO) over 6 months ago, you're still doing alright. If you only bought it 3 months or so ago, ouch, you got a nice write off if you sell.
  25. JohnMitchell
    Nope, but I got to do a two-way with Supergirl.