Ron

EXACTLY...Would you want to be tried in Gitmo? Or Iraq a couple of years ago. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

where did I say that? I didn't. I feel sorry for his family and friends...Not for him..He MADE THE CHOICE. Now if he died in an accident I would feel sorry for him. But if you kill yourself I will not feel sorry for you. You made a choice. I feel it is a person right to kill themself if they wish. don't know the pain they are going through....And to claim I do is pandering. If it is the only solution to the problem, and they feel that life is not worth living FOR THEM...Who am I to say they have to live in pain? It's arrogant to assume you know a what a person is going through....I choose to let them make choices about how much pain is acceptable for them to live through...My level might not be the same as yours. We didn't lose her...She took herself from us. And yes, I knew people who killed themselves. The woman who lived next door to me killed herself. We had a suicide bounce at my DZ a few years ago. One of my Ex GF's sisters tried to commit suicide. ALL of these people had pain they didn't want to live with...who am I to tell them they have to live with it? She made a choice, and I respect her choice...I may not agree with it, but I respect her right to make that choice.....Her family I feel sorry for. Its not my fault this guy was so fucked up in his head that he could not go on. HE choose to kill himself...The reasons you only ASSUME was due to Bush winning....He did not leave a note, or tell anyone. If that was the reason it is pretty fucked up to off yourself and abandon a fiance and family over 4 years of a guy you don't like. You see that as sane? "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

Hey, I was banned...What do you want? What excuse are you goona use now that he won AGAIN? With even the popular vote? So much for "Selected not elected" I also find this funny: I posted mine at : Nov 12, 2004, 6:12 AM You posted yours at:Nov 12, 2004, 6:14 AM Another post I posted at : Nov 12, 2004, 6:09 AM and you posted at: Nov 12, 2004, 6:21 AM Still searching all my posts huh? Thats funny. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

The #1 reason that people voted against it was that the minority gay population tried to force it into the majorities life. While I agree gays should have the rights allowed to anyone...Which includes things like the ability to visit a sick loved one in a hospital, passage of property ect.... Marriage is a term used by Religion, that was adopted by the Government.... Gay people stil have the same rights as straight people, they choose not to exercise them. A gay man has the same right as a straight man to maryy a woman...They choose not to do that. The Government should not mess with what a person chooses to do in his or her bedroom. And last I checked for the most part they are not. I am not "happy" that rights are denied to gays. But when a few vocal gays are yelling at me, calling me their "enemy", threatening me, ect... Who do you think I am gonna side with? And the country has spoken. They pushed to hard, and the majority pushed back. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

Oh so you are saying that only stupid people voted for Bush? The same exit polls that the Dems have said are not good indications all the time before this election? "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

Yep, and the conservatives got sick of a small minority trying to force their beliefs on them.....Just like you don't like the idea of them telling you homosexuality is bad... The majority of the country got sick of you telling us it is great... Problem is, that the majority decides the laws in most cases. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

Wow....How does your shoe taste? "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

That is quite simply pathetic. Good riddence. He is clearly a troubled mind. And last I heard we don't know that why he did it... His wacko friends said it was a political statement...He didn't leave a note.... Still, I don't care if some wacko offs himself since he can't be a man enough to understand his man lost. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

Wow....What a bunch of cry babies. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

The problem with your plan of having a few people be the ones who pass judgment on others is that people can be corrupted. Do you really want a tribunal of people deciding your fate? Think about it....A select class that passes judgement on people...Sounds like Royalty. The system has problems...But it is still the best system out there. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

It reduces ground speed and allows more groups per pass. It reduces the prop blast and makes it easier to get into position. There is a max door open speed in most AC. In a Cessna it is very easy to be above it without a cut. It allows the engine to start to cool slowly (Recip) before the decent. That saves the engine some from shock....Or so I have been told...I only have about 120 hours flight time. Even planes like Mulins KA have a cut of sorts. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

Great idea. I learned basicly this way, and taught this way for years. 2 SL jumps focus on exit, arch and canopy control. 3 SL jumps focus on exit, arch canopy control and deployment... Nothing new so far. A 5 sec delay to prove you can pull. Focus on Stable exit, arch, deployment and canopy control. 10 second delay with a focus on all of the above. If you can hold a heading and pull stable, then its up to 10,000 feet for AFF/Coach jumps. Worked great. If a person had problems we could fix them in air, or if they REALLY had problems we could keep them on the traditional SL program of increased freefalls. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

This is EXACTLY why I don't like unions. A guy did something that was in CLEAR violation of company policy (even if it was funny, he did it, it was wrong and he got called on it). And you complain that he was treated badly? He did something wrong and you want nothing to come of it? You want to hurt the company with a work slowdown for a guy getting punished for doing something clearly wrong? Unions can do good things, but it is this kind of petty shit that makes me glad I have never been in one. I had a friend that had a co-worker that used to SLEEP at work...He never got fired since the union protected him...He was on the clock ignoring his job duties and sleeping for Christ sake!!! Thats fucked up. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

Get an AAD if you can afford it. I prefer a CYPRES. Yes, they had some problems, but for the most part those problems were 10+ years ago. Vigil seems to finaly have the bugs worked out. But, I am not willing to risk my life on *seems*. Even with the problems CYPRES had (And I was jumping around that time). I own one. I look at it this way. An AAD is insurance against me doing something so stupid that I should have killed myself. I plan all my jumps so I don't rely on it...Which is harder than you might think. But if you can afford one, get one. As for which one....I'd still get a CYPRES2 over the Vigil. The track record of the CYPRES2 involves a minor problem, the Vigil has a few serious problems in it's recent history. But like I said, the Vigil seems to have solved the problems. They do have good customer service. I just still have doubts about the product. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

And I feel that someone does not need to be forced into making that choice. Since this thread is about reasonable risks this topic does fit. It is very reasonable to consider a CYPRES an un-needed piece of equipment. People would be safer to jump bigger canopies and not hook turn than buying a CYPRES. Yes, for people it is a matter of choice. A person can quit smoking a pack a day and have 912.50 more a year. Or quit drinking and have another 936.00 a year based on buying 3 beers at 2 bucks a piece Fri, Sat, Sun nights. A person can cut out eating out, or going to movies, they can ditch cable, drive a used car, live in a trailer, or rent a small apartment, they can eat Ramen noodles,mac and cheese and PB&J sandwhiches every night and save tons. However, having a life outside of skydiving is something most people want. Many people don't have 1200.00 bucks to drop on something that is not needed. And they don't want to be in debt for something that they don't NEED. So they make a choice to jump without it, and they should not be treated as idiots for making that choice is all I am saying. An AAD is not needed. More lives would be saved if we made everyone jump big canopies and outlawed hook turns... But then again the size of a persons canopy and what approach to landing they want to take is ALSO their right. I'm not going to call someone who chooses to jump a smaller canopy than I like (as long as they have the skills needed to do it), or someone that chooses to jump without a CYPRES stupid, or tell them they have bad priorities....Hell, if we just quit jumping we could save tons of money and never be risking our lives. For you, and maybe Drew a CYPRES is a needed piece of equipment. For many, to include me, it is not. It is nice to have, but I would jump and have jumped (I just did the Nationals without a CYPRES while it was sent in for it's 8 year) without one. No one needs a CYPRES, no one needs to hook turn, we don't even NEED to skydive. I'm not about to hold someone to MY personal risk level, or call them names since they don't follow my level of risk. BTW I do have a CYPRES and I like it...I consider it cheap insurance for me doing something stupid....But I can afford it....some can't. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

Actually I did. I know a few freeflyers I would let exit from a front float position in a headdown or sit. Only few people would I let do that. Colon Berry or Pip for example. An RW person I would rather they just follow me out. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

Only on a hovering helicopter would it change. As long as the plane is moving forward and you leave after them, you will be away from the drouge. I have them get behind the Tandem pair inside the plane...This guarantees that they will leave after me. Doing what the TM says is the best way...You might be a good enough freeflyer that I would let you exit any way you want, as long as you do not have grips on me....I know TM that will let certain people take grips on the pair....I will not. Do what the TM says and you will be fine. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

And if they don't have a car and live on the DZ...Then what? Like I said before don't assume everyone can afford the cost of a CYPRES. Some prefer that their kids eat. And in the process violate the FAR's...Great idea. And they would be safer to not do hook turns than buying a CYPRES. Some people would rather spend money on College, food ect. Like I said don't assume everyone is like you. Or that everyone needs a CYPRES. People would be safer to not have a CYPRES and jump a bigger canopy and not do hook turns. Don't try to push a CYPRES on people who don't need one, or can't afford one by calling them liars....I know several people that can't afford one, or they would have one. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

For a team it does not matter as long as everyone can see it and it is always the same. My team gave the IC the count (Me). 1. I took my grips and waited till everyone stopped moving. 2. I shook everyone so they knew I was going to start the count. 3. Popped the grips for "ready" 4. dropped down for the set. 5. Went like hell on "go" For fun loads the bigger the better. I give the count to Outside center. 1. Big whole body shake. 2. Out for "Ready" 3. Up for "set" 4. Drop down on "go" "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

Good question. By leaving after I go, I will be 15 or so feet away by the time you leave (in one second I will be 32 feet away)...And I will be behind the plane. My drouge will go away from you, not towards you. Think about a group exiting the plane...They go back and down as soon as they leave. If I pitch the drouge even right out the door it will go away from you. If you leave with me, you might end up over me....think funnel. Did that explain it OK? "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

There are people that can only afford 5 jumps a mth. Don't assume everyone jumps at the currency you do, or has the disposable income that you do. I also know Instructors that have a real job, and jump to meet the ends meet. They don't have 1200 lying around to by a CYPRES. (As nice as your per jump price looks, Square 1 wants 1200 bucks, not .35 cents a jump.) Not all Instructors I know make 500 jumps a year. Like I said don't assume everyone meets your parameters of lifestyle. Also thinking a CYPRES s the answer to ending fatalities is wrong. The first step is not doing stupid things. More people die under small canopies than bouncing, so they would be safer to jump a bigger canopy and not hook turning than buying a CYPRES. A CYPRES would not have helped in this instance anyway. To many people want to buy toys instead of doing smart things. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

Vector requires 500 jumps...I *think* they used to require an instructor rating as well. Strong has no such requirements. Anyone that wants to swoop me: 1. Must have proven to me that they can control themselves in freefall. Some sugested buying the TM a jump...Not a bad idea. But if you were at Zhills, I know you and what you can do so that would not be needed. As a Tandem I am a sitting duck....You need to be able to get away from me, and not hit me. 2. They must NOT leave at the same time. They can leave right after me, but I have seen people get hit by a drouge. I can't avoid you. 3. Approach from ON LEVEL from the FRONT where I can see you. 4. Dock on only the PASSENGER and only if you are on level and in control. And only after I nod you in. 5. Let go of grips and slide back 10 feet at +1000 feet before deployment. Stay away from me. If I signal you to leave...leave right then. 6. After I deploy, track away. 7. STAY AWAY from me under canopy. I know this all sounds anal...But #1...It is me, and #2 I am responsible not only for my life, but my passengers life. I'll let you risk mine to a small degree, but not my passenger. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

I don't take the tandem to terminal. There is no reason for it. It is worse on the gear, you risk a possibly dangerous terminal reserve opening, and does nothing for the student. I don't try to flip out the door either. I am there to ensure a safe and fun jump for my paying passenger. They don't know most times if they flipped or not, and don't care most times. Again my opinion...It can be done, but I see no reason for it....My car can do 130, but I don't do it just cause I can, or to "test" myself at driving at that speed. And if I did, I would not take a passenger with me. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

A vertical tube that moves smoke and air up....Fits just fine. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

Sir, The problem is this...Unles SOMEONE pushes the edge....We never go forward. If people listened to all those that thought squares were unsafe...We would still have rounds. Take it back further and we would not be jumping at all. Advancements are often made in ANY activity by the guy that wants to push the edge for no reason than they want to. Think the 4 min mile. There is no reason to run that fast. From these advancements new devices and tecniques trickle down to ALL skydivers. I remember when AAD's were deathtraps. So while agree that not just anyone should push the edge...I have no problem with skilled people who know the risks pushing it one small step at a time. I knew Chris, and thats what he did. He pushed it, and found the edge, but didn't make it back. But do to people like him we have what we have today. Without them we would just sit on the ground and look at birds. Something should be done about that...Since they don't have the skill , or know the risks...Chris was skilled, and knew the risks. Not true. They were once considered death traps. Free choice. A good number of instructors I know can't afford them. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334