Westerly

See if you can borrow stuff from other people at your DZ for a jump or two so you can decide yourself.

It doesent really matter as long as you arch hard and present to the relative wind. You can tuck your hands into your pants and still not flip around if you're arching and facing the wind correctly.

I have been curious what the military considers 'low altitude' in terms of HALO jumps. When do they open? Wikipedia says "In a typical HALO exercise, the parachutist will jump from the aircraft, free-fall for a period of time at terminal velocity, and open their parachute at an altitude as low as 800 feet. " https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-altitude_military_parachuting However, I call BS. Not deploying your main until 800' would guarantee an AAD activation not to mention that's completely unrealistic for tons of reasons. I few sources quoted opening altitudes of 3000 - 4000', which seems more realistic, but I couldent find any references citing their claims. So has anyone actually done a HALO jump in the military or know of their procedures?

use nylon instead. Cotton will break easily. You could wrap some thick, colored nylon thread through the line attachment points a few times and then tie it back to itself. That would probably work.

Yes, I agree with you. The software is averaging some samples. However, all digital altimeters do that. The Viso uses some form of data processing before arriving at the numbers you see on the screen. I say 'some form' because L&B keeps this a secret and wont tell us exactly how it does that. Regardless, what I can say is that the Visos seem very predictable and repeatable. I can be in freefall with four other people, we can put our hands in the center and all of the Visos more or less read the same, limited by my ability to look at multiple screens at the same time. However, with the watch that is not the case. The amount that it differs by is different from the few jumps I did, both under canopy and in freefall, and there is a relatively large difference between the Viso and watch in freefall. Of course we could argue that maybe the Viso is off and the watch is accurate. Possible. But I have jumped with other digital altimeters and found they read similar to what my Viso said. I have also jumped with another watch (forgot the brand at the moment) which has it's own altimeter software and it's closer to what my Viso says. So what I think is happening is the barometer is probably accurate, but the software is lagging behind and what the screen is showing occurred in the past, not in the present which of course wont work.

Just use some markers. They work perfectly fine. I've seen it done on several canopies. Also, the nylon and polyester webbing used on canopies has been around since long before skydiving existed and people have been using markers on them since the start of time. For example, people commonly use markers to mark the center of nylon ropes for use in rock climbing, caving and canyoneering applications, and there has never been a fatality or incident attributed to it. If you're really worried about it, you can mark just the part of the attachment tab that is past the stitching, thus not load bearing. Then even if the marker did damage the material (which it doesent), it wouldent really matter since the portion of the tab you're marking is not load bearing.

I got to try out my Nixon Mission on some jumps. I actually removed the side door all together to maximize airflow and accuracy. What I found was in the airplane below 10k, the altimeter read about 30' lower than my Viso. Once above 10k, the lag increased to 40 - 50' for whatever reason. In freefall, on the first jump there was a difference of about 300' between the Viso and watch. On the second jump, the difference was upwards of 500'. Under canopy, the watch read about 70 - 110' higher than the Viso. Playing around with it in the elevator going up and down, I learned that the software seems to lag behind the actions of the watch. The elevator would stop moving and the door would be opening, but the altimeter elevation was still leveling out.That is also what I found using it for skydiving. On the way up, the watch read low. On the way down, it read high. Overall I'd say it is not suitable for skydiving. It was too inaccurate in freefall and even under canopy it was less accurate than I could reasonably expect from any digital altimeter. I would recommend buying only altimeters designed for skydiving.

Digital on the wrist and an audible in the helmet. Digital is far more precise and accurate than analog and you dont have to deal with zeroing it. Also, digital altimeters provide a jump log that can tell you useful information about your jump that an an analog cannot. For sure, digital is the technological superior option.

Those are bluetooth trackers which are completely useless for skydiving. They have a range of 50' or so.

Most would agree that the more skydivers we have, the better skydiving will be for everyone. That's a very fine line to walk down. While greater numbers are good in some aspects, they are really bad in other aspects. Most high-risk sports are largely unregulated because they are fringe activities that the vast majority of the population will not participate in. Thus, with fewer numbers, the effects of our actions is less and therefore the government has other things to be concerned with. But as our numbers go up, so do incidents and other issues in parallel. If the numbers keep going up, without question we will eventually get big enough that the FAA will legitimately start looking to regulate us. If we want to be a self-regulating sport, then it's to our benefit to minimize our footprint otherwise the government will become the new USPA.

I'm aware of the impact rated options out there, I was more looking for recommendations on the goggles. I didn't realize some jumpers were just using ordinary sunglasses. Maybe I've been making this overly complicated. Well the best googles I have tried personally are the Kroops. There are other googles that are higher end, but they did not fit my face really well. I have some green Kroops that were only used on a few jumps I'd sell you for $6 + 4 shipping if you want them. Pic: https://www.photobox.co.uk/my/photo?album_id=5397513296&photo_id=500999432694

I do loosen my chest strap, but it's so I can lean forward on the landing to put my feet under me.

The ProTec comes in an impact rated version. It's like $50.

You'd still have to pull the rings down, at least on rears. At least that's what I see (I don't jump with an RDS) The last time I tried to stow the slider I accidentally pulled a toggle in the process, and the grommets got hung up making it difficult to fix. I feel it just adds additional risk for no reward in my application. I fly a slow, large canopy as I'm getting into WS. There is no performance difference with a stowed slider for me. I fly a Pilot 188 at 0.95 and can feel a difference in lift when flaring with the slider stowed. If you’re popping toggles when pulling it down, you’re either rushing too much or need to tighten your toggle stows up. Really? That's interesting. My WL is 1.08 and I figured at that low of a WL the slider's position wouldent matter in the slightest. Do you think the difference is due to the fabric being out of the air steam and behind your head, or more because you're able to spread the lines and make the canopy a bit wider?

You'd still have to pull the rings down, at least on rears. At least that's what I see (I don't jump with an RDS) The last time I tried to stow the slider I accidentally pulled a toggle in the process, and the grommets got hung up making it difficult to fix. I feel it just adds additional risk for no reward in my application. I fly a slow, large canopy as I'm getting into WS. There is no performance difference with a stowed slider for me.

When I collapse my slider, the sides of the slider still flap around like crazy and are loud AF. It's actually worse with the slider collapsed than uncollapsed sometimes. Is there anyway to silence the slider altogether without stowing it behind your head?

It's a lot more than a 'gimmick.' It's a damned clever idea and a good way to hold the folded canopy in place. So are your hands. If I can learn to pack, anyone can. It used to take me two hours to pack, and even then it looked like shit. About 200 pack jobs later and packing more of a boredom than it is a challenge.

yea but that does not work in real life because 'inform instead of penalize' translates to 'I can do whatever I want because I wont be held accountable.' It's one thing to inform vs penalize on something that the offender legitimately did not know and it would be reasonably expected that the person wouldent have known. However, if we're talking about a matter that the offender knows is against the rules/ law, or very well should know, then fines are the only way to handle the situation. Informing them doesent mean much when they already know they are breaking the rules/ law and they just dont care.

It will be lose and the D bag will be too large. I Would get an I4 if you want a 150.

It's a gimmick. Everyone sucks at packing at first. It takes time. After about 100 pack jobs you'll be packing fine. The Monkey might help a bit at first, but once you even half-way know what you're doing you'll throw that thing in the trash. A better option is to have people show you how to pack. Like shit loads of people. I had more than two dozen people show me how to pack before I decided on the method I wanted to use. The best way to learn is through instruction and practice.

Tile is a Bluetooth tracker and is completely worthless for our application. It has a maximum range of about 35'. You need a cellular and GPS tracker. Regarding lost mains, I see it all the time. If you jump in the desert, probably not going to happen. If you jump near a forest, it will happen frequently. I see people lose mains on a regular basis. It happened just last week and again the week before.

If even that. I know some people who can swoop a 720 in like it's their job. However, some of those guys are complete dicks and so I will never fully respect them, no matter how skilled they are. The best way to be respected is to treat others with respect. Skydiving skill means little to nothing if you're an ass to others.

Incorrect. FAR 105.45 states: Sec. 105.45 — Use of tandem parachute systems. (a) No person may conduct a parachute operation using a tandem parachute system, and no pilot in command of an aircraft may allow any person to conduct a parachute operation from that aircraft using a tandem parachute system, unless— (1) One of the parachutists using the tandem parachute system is the parachutist in command, and meets the following requirements: (i) Has a minimum of 3 years of experience in parachuting, and must provide documentation that the parachutist— (ii) Has completed a minimum of 500 freefall parachute jumps using a ram-air parachute, and (iii) Holds a master parachute license issued by an organization recognized by the FAA, and (iv) Has successfully completed a tandem instructor course given by the manufacturer of the tandem parachute system used in the parachute operation or a course acceptable to the Administrator. (v) Has been certified by the appropriate parachute manufacturer or tandem course provider as being properly trained on the use of the specific tandem parachute system to be used... That of course begs the question, what organizations are recognized by the FAA? The answer is found in the FAA Field Inspector Guide 8900, which states: D. United States Parachute Association (USPA). The sport parachute industry is largely self-regulated, with most sport parachute operators belonging to the USPA. 1) The USPA has established a group member program as a way for sport parachute schools, centers, and clubs to provide its affiliates with resources, such as recommended aircraft inspection programs, pilot safety information, and safety procedures. 2) The USPA is the only national skydiving organization currently recognized by the FAA. 3) The USPA “D” license is the only license that meets the master parachute license requirement of § 105.45. 4) Inspectors may verify USPA credentials by emailing uspa@uspa.org. So yes, tandem instructors are required to hold a valid and current Master license issued by USPA (which is valid only with active membership) to legally perform tandem skydives in the United States. Pass it on. Interesting because I've never seen the USPA refer to a D license as a master parachutist. Just look uptread. Mike said this: "Here is the complete list of the Certificate of Competency (world license requirements): ‘A’ Certificate: ‘Parachutist’ 1. 25 freefall jumps. 2. 5 minutes of freefall time. 3. 5 formation skydives involving at least two participants OR 5 freefly jumps under the supervision of an instructor. 4. Demonstrate control of the body in all axes (backloops, turns, barrel rolls etc.) 5. Ability to pack a main parachute. 6. Demonstrate ability to land a parachute within 50 meters of a target, on at least 10 jumps. ‘B’ Certificate: ‘Freefall Parachutist’ 1. 50 freefall jumps. 2. 30 minutes of freefall time. 3. Successful completion of ten formation skydives, OR ten formation freefly jumps, at least five of which, in either discipline, must involve at least 3 participants. ‘C’ Certificate: ‘Experienced Parachutist’ 1. 200 freefall jumps. 2. 1 hour of freefall time. 3. Successful completion of fifty formation skydives, OR fifty formation freefly jumps, at least ten of which, in either discipline, must involve at least 4 participants. ‘D’ Certificate: ‘Senior Parachutist’ 1. 500 freefall jumps. 2. 3 hours of freefall time. Mike Mullins USPA National Director " I dont see the word master parachutist mentioned anywhere in the SIM, IRM or elsewhere. Maybe it's time to crank out that new E license standard?

Specifically tell your instructor that you intend to do AFF so the tandem can be more than just a ride. The instructor should show you how to deploy the main parachute (and you should do it), you should have your own altimeter, and the instructor should have briefed you on hand signals. You should also be allowed to control the canopy above 2000'.

The difference in cost between a tandem and AFF jump is pocket change compared to what you would spend as a licensed jumper. For the first 200 jumps, a reasonable amount to spend is $10,000 - 20,000 depending on gear selection. $10k is the bare minimal with crappy gear. So having said that, I'd do the tandem first. It may make you a bit more comfortable with the AFF1 once you start it. At my DZ, AFF students used to be required to do a tandem jump first (they dont have to anymore though).