mikeat10500

MORE...I think the square w/free bag has a better chance of opening, but my concern was the bad line twists on landing! ...mike

Pete I jumped a Stiletto 150 and I know why you like it. So all I can say is be careful

What would have been the outcome of this story if her reserve was square? ----------------------------------- Mike Wheadon B-3715,HEMP#1 Higher Expectations for Modern Parachutists.

Dispatching student jumpers on short delays is about the most scary thing I've ever done in this sport. " and they pay you for it!" More fear for your skydiving dollar. ...mike ----------------------------------- Mike Wheadon B-3715,HEMP#1 Higher Expectations for Modern Parachutists.

Andy2 pack volume = 444 cu. in. ...mike ----------------------------------- Mike Wheadon B-3715,HEMP#1 Higher Expectations for Modern Parachutists.

Fudd Part of it may be me getting older but ,yes I avoid taking risks in every day life now. I also drive slower with my seat belt on. ...mike ----------------------------------- Mike Wheadon B-3715,HEMP#1 Higher Expectations for Modern Parachutists.

Rob I like this idea...sounds good for C. of G. and the student would be close for hook up fast. ...mike

Todd Thanks for the info... Next question...Do you take another pass to increase vertical separation between the last fun jumper and your tandem exit, in case of drogue failure and the related increase in rate of decent? ...mike

Todd ok..what about exits. I would not feel comfortable letting someone out at 4000' if you have a student in the A/C with no parachute" tandem student". So lets say everyone gets out at altitude...do you let just anybody follow you out? Do you take separate passes or let them out first? ...mike ----------------------------------- Mike Wheadon B-3715,HEMP#1 Higher Expectations for Modern Parachutists.

Ok...this is a little off topic but... Q. What do you do for load fill on a 182 and who goes first. "TI,student,cameraman=1 slot free" "TI and student only = 2 slots free" ...mike

No RSL...I have cut away at 1650' and was at line stretch at 1200'...450' from the time I pulled the cutaway to being safe. Will it always open that fast? No...I think it could snivel for a grand or not open at all. RSL...eliminates time between cutaway and reserve pull...for me thats at least 1 sec=16' plus any unintentional delay that could be made in error" groping for handles, etc" This is were the RSL shines...not in that it can shave a sec of reserve deployment time but if you panic after a cutaway wile you grope and fumble it has already started reserve deployment. Skyhook...same as RSL only you don't have to accelerate to the speed required to create enough drag on reserve PC. The main becomes the reserve PC witch works well at low speed. This could shave as much as 100' off reserve deployment. My min cutaway alt=? A course conductor once asked how low I would exit an A/C in an emergency, if I thought it could save my life. I said"8 feet...if I thought it would save my life". USPA's min 1800' cutaway recommendation gives you time to deal with shit in general and set up for a landing. A clean cutaway from 1800' is just another skydive...with a cool head you don't need RSL, Skyhook ,etc. For a canopy collision at 600' you might want some of that fancy new stuff. ...mike ----------------------------------- Mike Wheadon B-3715,HEMP#1 Higher Expectations for Modern Parachutists.

I think this may be the best way to start out. Having the opportunity to explore Tandem,IAD/SL and AFF training, could have positive long term effects on the student. This method gives a student something that is very hard to get at first...experience! ....mike ----------------------------------- Mike Wheadon B-3715,HEMP#1 Higher Expectations for Modern Parachutists.

And what will you teach your students when they buy their own gear? Or do you simply expect them to buy SOS gear? - Jim And that is exactly why we do not use SOS systems for our students..." first learned, first remembered...transition can kill" . PC in tow...you have to tell them the truth. But don't ever let it happen to them...very bad,bad mojo. ...mike ----------------------------------- Mike Wheadon B-3715,HEMP#1 Higher Expectations for Modern Parachutists.

All very good points...worth more than 2 cents ! ...mike ----------------------------------- Mike Wheadon B-3715,HEMP#1 Higher Expectations for Modern Parachutists.

Steve Your only hope is to get your eyebrow pierced so when she comes home next time you can one up her. Really Steve she found a new thing, thinks it's cool and wanted to share it with you...no biggy. I don't have any idea why anyone would want to punch holes in their body but I learned to be tolerant. I have 3 boys 13,9,7 and the future is scary...but what a rush! ... ----------------------------------- Mike Wheadon B-3715,HEMP#1 Higher Expectations for Modern Parachutists.

Shawstarr 1. I have not yet been able to justify the expense. Being involved in different types of jumping could make it worth wile for me. I may need a third parachute some day but not gonna wear one. 2. I don't like to complicate my gear. My personal choice. But keep this in mind...everyone will loose track of time or alt at least once in their skydiving career...are you ready? ...mike ----------------------------------- Mike Wheadon B-3715,HEMP#1 Higher Expectations for Modern Parachutists.

In the Canadian military " rumor has it " they slowed down on the drug testing. Although the CAF is known for it's dislike of restricted substances... they simply can't afford to loose their highly train people. So in the end they just do less drug testing. " They don't want to know anymore." ...mike

Buy keeping cypres away from reserve! ....mike ----------------------------------- Mike Wheadon B-3715,HEMP#1 Higher Expectations for Modern Parachutists.

Jethers203 Lots of people talked about it in the US but it's FAA regulated. Here in Canada we just got enough skydivers together..." raise your right hand"... and bingo...180 day repack cycle. ...mike ----------------------------------- Mike Wheadon B-3715,HEMP#1 Higher Expectations for Modern Parachutists.

Billvon I see the media has not brain washed every body. Your eyes are wide open! ...mike

d0s Sounds like fun! ....mike ----------------------------------- Mike Wheadon B-3715,HEMP#1 Higher Expectations for Modern Parachutists.

I was referring to A/C being able to over-ride pilot input like AAD's can fire without jumper consent. Thats fair enough...they failed and mouth wash can't get you to .04 But that is not zero tolerance is it. That is not funny or cool in any way. I respect pilots and their skills and would do nothing to cause them grief. Nor do I believe the use of restricted substances should be cause for anyone to have to leave the party. We have law enforcement, doctors, pilots, military,etc that enjoy this sport and our company so if need be leave the campfire for 10 mins. But why do they believe it...is there even any soft flimsy evidence? Exactly...thats it! Than loose the shirt,shoes and wristwatch and party with me...that way you can keep a eye on me...I am wild party!!! ...mike ----------------------------------- Mike Wheadon B-3715,HEMP#1 Higher Expectations for Modern Parachutists.

Hi Chris I have no problem with the monitoring of substance use/abuse. But I think 8 hours bottle to throttle is sufficient time for most. So small traces of whatever is your blood is no cause for concern" safety wise". Lets say you are a prudent man and only have 2 beer the night before but were hanging out with the bad crowd when they were smoking and joking. The next day you could fail a pee test and they will for sure! I just don't see the need for zero tolerance. AAD's...how do you feel about flying by wire...like Air Bus...how much control do you like to give up? When I jump, I'm the PIC and I open the parachutes around here! Turn off TCAS and fly....feel the wind...be the wind. ...crazy mike ================================= Dropzone.com and the entire aviation community in no way support any comments made be mike w. ==================================== ----------------------------------- Mike Wheadon B-3715,HEMP#1 Higher Expectations for Modern Parachutists.

and kiss your ticket good bye...... There is no law that says " you can't act crazy" ...is there? ...mike ----------------------------------- Mike Wheadon B-3715,HEMP#1 Higher Expectations for Modern Parachutists.

The Cypres and Astra batteries and electronics are stored inside the reserve container, next to the reserve. There has been at least one instance of overdue batteries leaking onto a reserve. Hook Not in my rig dude!!!! ....mike ----------------------------------- Mike Wheadon B-3715,HEMP#1 Higher Expectations for Modern Parachutists.