Superfletch

$23 to 10K Cessna 182 Gary "Superfletch" Fletcher D-26145; USPA Coach, IAD/I, AFF/I Videographer/Photographer

Freefall Express Skydiving Mt. Vernon, MO Exit 44 off of I-44, drive south for 2 miles. Gary "Superfletch" Fletcher D-26145; USPA Coach, IAD/I, AFF/I Videographer/Photographer

Steve Babin shot this of me earlier this year waiting in the door for my tandem... Gary "Superfletch" Fletcher D-26145; USPA Coach, IAD/I, AFF/I Videographer/Photographer

Once again it's about that time... Freefall Express will be hosting the 9th Annual Hillbilly Boogie on Fathers' Day Weekend. You know what that means... MULLINS KING AIR!!! 7 min to 14K! WOO HOO! Jumping will begin on Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 1PM and will continue until we can't fill the plane anymore on Sunday, June 15! Several things are being planned but with recent events nothing is set in stone yet so just stay tuned and we'll all find out together. As usual there will be Sonny cakes for breakfast and there's a rumor that in Jennifer's honor we'll be serving SPAM. Evidently she loved pancakes and SPAM for breakfast... who would have guessed. PBJ's all day, all the time... make them yourself, whenever you want! At some point there will be the premier of the Freefall Express Year End Video produced by Brad Henson featuring video shot by yours truly and a multitude of other "Bad Ass" camera flyers from around the area. It's going to be awesome! ...as usual... So plan on that and don't forget to pick up a copy for your home viewing pleasure as well. I'll update the post to reflect when that will be premiered as soon as I find out. I've talked to Brad and it's done! But, he wouldn't let me see it! That Rat Bastard! If you were wanting to do something for Marnie and Jennifer's memorial funds that have been set up, and you weren't sure what to do... come out and jump. I've been told that $1 from every jump ticket sold will be set aside and split evenly for the girls' funds. The more you jump, the more you'll be helping out. I know Tori will need it when she gets older. Marnie and Jennifer LOVED the Hillbilly Boogie and couldn't wait each year to be a part of it. Come on out and let's celebrate with them one last time. Anyhow, follow this thread and as I hear of new happening I will post them and make the rest of you aware of them as well. The powers that be have informed me that tandems will be scheduled very lightly on Saturday because in past years there was a wait for fun jumpers to get on loads and this years Hillbilly Boogie is going to be about the fun jumpers in the girls' honor. So plan on coming out and jumping your butt off! It's sure to be a great time! Gary "Superfletch" Fletcher D-26145; USPA Coach, IAD/I, AFF/I Videographer/Photographer

It is my understanding that the suit has been dismissed. It is also my understanding that Tera found out about the suit the same way all of us found out about it. I'm not 100% on all that but that is my understanding. Evidently some ambulance chaser told her that she might be able to get something from some insurance company to help with medical assistance, she signed papers basically allowing him to check into it, or so she thought. As soon as she found out that they filed suit against the DZ, DZO and pilot she immediately called and told them to end it. At least that is what I was told by her, anyway. She told them right from the start that she didn't want to go after the DZ or DZO and they disregarded that completely. Evidently the lawyer she had been talking to had a different lawyer file the case. Whatever, anyhow, like I said, she told me yesterday that she was sorry that it ever went that far, that she had made it clear that, that was not what she wanted and that it was to be dismissed immediately. She just wants it to all go away. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens next. Gary "Superfletch" Fletcher D-26145; USPA Coach, IAD/I, AFF/I Videographer/Photographer

I put together a memorial video that we played at Marnie's services. I thought that some of you might like to see it. This is the Marnie I knew and loved. Marnie's Memorial Video on YouTube Gary "Superfletch" Fletcher D-26145; USPA Coach, IAD/I, AFF/I Videographer/Photographer

Here are a couple of photos of Marnie doing what she recently found out that she loved... Relative Work and turning points. DuckDodger, you might be in these. Gary "Superfletch" Fletcher D-26145; USPA Coach, IAD/I, AFF/I Videographer/Photographer

Some of my favorites... Gary "Superfletch" Fletcher D-26145; USPA Coach, IAD/I, AFF/I Videographer/Photographer

Thanks for the pic... Jennifer loved that jump. Marnie was jealous that she didn't get to get on it. Gary "Superfletch" Fletcher D-26145; USPA Coach, IAD/I, AFF/I Videographer/Photographer

Senuti (iTunes spelled backwards) Gary "Superfletch" Fletcher D-26145; USPA Coach, IAD/I, AFF/I Videographer/Photographer

I burn off my Macbook Pro with Toast. Gary "Superfletch" Fletcher D-26145; USPA Coach, IAD/I, AFF/I Videographer/Photographer

Had a great time jumping the otter this weekend. It's a real nice plane. Van Jr. seems to be a great guy and a great jump pilot. I hope to run into him again some time. Gary "Superfletch" Fletcher D-26145; USPA Coach, IAD/I, AFF/I Videographer/Photographer

Here in Missouri the breakdown is as follows... TI - $35.00 Coach - slot & $5.00 Jumpmaster - slot & $5.00 Video - slot & $30.00 (responsible for own editing, dz supplies equip & dvd) stills are between camera flyer and customer Tandem pack - $10.00 student pack - $5.00 experienced pack - between packer & experienced jumper Gary "Superfletch" Fletcher D-26145; USPA Coach, IAD/I, AFF/I Videographer/Photographer

What would like to know? We do that progression as well. We also offer tandem progression and regular AFF. AFF Level 1 (FJC & Jump) $279. AFF Level 2-3 (2 Inst.) $239. AFF Level 4-7 (1 Inst.) $179. Tandem Progression Level 1-3 $179. AFF FJC $99. then on to AFF Level 4-7 IAD Progression (FJC & Jump) $169. IAD Jumps 2-6 $69 then on to AFF Level 4-7 I'm pretty sure those are our prices... Gary "Superfletch" Fletcher D-26145; USPA Coach, IAD/I, AFF/I Videographer/Photographer

I don't know, I could be wrong, but if you're telling me that manually shooting your camera, with either a bite, tongue or blow switch is going to be too much of a distraction for you during a skydive, then it seems to me you are simply not ready to fly camera. There is a natural progression that needs to take place. All to often in here we see people wanting to short cut this progression. 1. First and foremost... you need to be able to fly your body without thinking. And you'll need to be able to do it with precision if you plan on going out with students whether that be AFF, coach or tandems. It's bad enough to bump into any one of these classifications while in freefall, but slamming into someone with a huge metal camera on your head is even worse. 2. Once your flying skills are up to par (and not when you think so, when a trusted WAY more experienced skydiver tells you), then you need to start by shooting video. Whether you believe it or not, shooting video is different. It's not just strapping a camera to your head and doing the same old skydive. It is a distraction and you need to be at a skill level that makes that distraction as insignificant as possible. 3. After you find shooting video to be routine (meaning, you're not finding yourself busting your pull altitude, you haven't forgotten to turn the damn thing on, your shots are ALWAYS framed correctly, etc.) then you can think about adding a still camera. Because now it's a whole new ball game. Now you have to worry about framing your subjects, all new camera settings, extra weight, etc. You'll find yourself forgetting to even push the shutter release to snap the photo etc. Once you've went through and followed this natural progression, and you're able to set up your camera correctly, remember to turn it on and point it at the subject matter, use the sun to your advantage for good lighting, pop off a few stills to capture the "money shot", then and only then will you really be able to call yourself a camera flyer. Don't go for short cuts. Learn the trade and strive to be better than the person you're learning it from. And above all, do it safely! Gary "Superfletch" Fletcher D-26145; USPA Coach, IAD/I, AFF/I Videographer/Photographer

The Christmas Boogie at Skydive City, Zephyrhills, FL is hard to beat. They will easily have the lift capacity with 4 Twin Otters to get you and your bros plus about 600 other jumpers in the air anytime you want. This Missouri boy goes every year. :D 'Cause it's cold in Missouri in December too. Gary "Superfletch" Fletcher D-26145; USPA Coach, IAD/I, AFF/I Videographer/Photographer

Freefall Express Skydiving, Mt. Vernon, Mo uses the ISP. Gary "Superfletch" Fletcher D-26145; USPA Coach, IAD/I, AFF/I Videographer/Photographer

I recently visited this dropzone and found it to be a refreshing change from the typical LARGE Florida dropzone. The staff and jumpers were very friendly giving it that midwest cessna dropzone feel.The grand caravan was very nice.Most of the jumpers were fairly low timers in the 200-400 jump range but they were all eager and it won't be for long before there is a wealth of experience bouncing around.There wasn't a lot in the way of facilities but they had covered packing with good ventilation and a comfortable place to rest when you weren't jumping.I would highly recommend that if you are in the area for you to stop on by and give them a chance.I'm sure you'll have just as nice a time as I did.

If you find that you have fully flared your canopy way to high, let up your flare to your shoulders and then finish your flare at the correct altitude. Then prepare to PLF because you are probably going to NEED to. If you start to flare and don't get passed your shoulder below 20 feet but still too high, don't continue your flare. Just hold what you've got and then FINISH it at the correct altitude and prepare to PLF. If you start your flare above 20 feet and catch yourself before you go past your shoulders, you will probably be able to go back to full arm extension and do a proper flare at the correct altitude. As you previously stated however, you should sit down and talk to your instructor. You may wish to put a radio back on and receive additional help but your instructor will make these decisions. Gary "Superfletch" Fletcher D-26145; USPA Coach, IAD/I, AFF/I Videographer/Photographer

Oooooooooooohhhhh... I'm such a bad man. Whatever dude! I was just trying to crack a funny, but I never claimed to be a professional comedian. Obviously if I ever have any hopes or aspirations of entering into that field I should keep this exchange in mind and totally steer clear of the thought. To suggest that I would intentionally attack someone's character that I don't even know, just goes to show that you don't know me as well. I'm really not a bad man at all. I find it admirable that you all jump to each other's defense so quickly, but seriously it's not even warranted. Even if I had been serious in my original post in trying to defame this person's character, what could you possibly have hoped to achieve by calling me on it? Anyone that would put out a negative comment about a total stranger would probably give a rats ass to a total stranger's response to it. So in that respect, it's just come down to a bunch of assholes bagging on each other with no hope of any positive outcome. Perhaps the two of you would just like an apology. Well, I would never apologize for making a joke. I am of the mind that people need to laugh more. And to be honest with you, I think a good chuckle would do the two of you a whole world of good. I'm sorry I couldn't be the one to give it to you, however I suggest you find someone that can, and quickly. Actually, I find it kind of flattering to know I've had such an impact on your lives. You've touched me as well. It's unfortunate that it had to be a negative one. Perhaps we'll all meet in person one day (where visual cues and audio inflections will be more easily recognizeable) and have a good laugh together. Yeah, I know... What an Asshole huh? I get that a lot. Peace. Gary "Superfletch" Fletcher D-26145; USPA Coach, IAD/I, AFF/I Videographer/Photographer

I hope you didn't intend to imply that Bob is less than a stand-up guy, but that's how it comes across to me. Nothing could be further from the truth, and it's not too late to edit your post to be clearer about what you mean -- or delete it. Mark Buddy... I don't even know this bob of whom you speak. I was just cracking a joke as indicated by the " :P " which I thought would produce a when I originally typed it. And had I intended on deleting my post I wouldn't have posted it to begin with... In the future... you might not want to be such a sensitillia... and try work on your sense of humor. Gary "Superfletch" Fletcher D-26145; USPA Coach, IAD/I, AFF/I Videographer/Photographer

Or at least that's what he's been telling you anyway. :P Gary "Superfletch" Fletcher D-26145; USPA Coach, IAD/I, AFF/I Videographer/Photographer

A skydiver knocked out power after hitting power lines in Siloam Springs several years ago. One of the customers affected was a turkey farmer and all his turkey's died because there was no power to ventilate the turkey barns. USPA insurance took care of it... tens of thousands of dollars. Gary "Superfletch" Fletcher D-26145; USPA Coach, IAD/I, AFF/I Videographer/Photographer

Well... I purchased a new Micron at the end of last year for my second rig. I think that once the season starts and a get a few clams in the account I'm going to need a new AAD for it. Gary "Superfletch" Fletcher D-26145; USPA Coach, IAD/I, AFF/I Videographer/Photographer

I've got a Bell LongRanger and a couple of R-44's... all free. It's good to be the cameraman! Gary "Superfletch" Fletcher D-26145; USPA Coach, IAD/I, AFF/I Videographer/Photographer