pms07

My experience with customer service in the skydiving community is much different than yours. As an example, I've recieved outstanding service from the following and have been buying gear from each for many many years; Rigging Innovations Performance Designs L&B Square1 ParaGear And I can also name others that I deal with less frequently or only more recently. Maybe you are dealing with the wrong people...

First, I am not oppossed to seeing increased USPA involvement with wingsuit training. I also think you raise an important point; There are other options besides either having a mandatory USPA WSI/FFC or not. In most circumstances the first approach USPA should take is to educate, rather than regulate. There are other avenues that could be used to improve training and spread wingsuit knowledge besides mandatory ratings...just as you suggest. I would like to see USPA consider all options before making a final decision.

Talking with the subject, DZO and S&TA all seem like reasonable approaches. To another issue, people are really doing a FFC with an S-Bird? That really amazes and disturbs me. What do you do about that type of situation, if anything?

We are not a "target" or "on the radar". I believe this is an effort generated from within our own community to address what some see as serious issues although I am not involved so cannot speak for those with proposals before the BoD. Whether current proposals are the best solution is the core of the discussion. Make direct contact with the USPA BoD sub-committee members and I don't think you will feel ignored. I have found fhe Board very willing to listen and consider all sides of the issue...

I currently have more wingsuits than I really need but still want to demo a Havok when I get the opportunity. This sounds like a great add the PF line...

+1

Concur. Whether it's called a demo or not, it's the the added factors which make it a more complex jump that should be considered; an unfamiliar DZ/sight picture, dz size, added stress to "perform", etc. Unfortunately, backyard party jumps often are approached casually...and sometimes go badly...

I've used the remote on previous weekend with a single GP2 and last weekend with two GP2s. No lock. I've been wearing the remote on the (included) wristrap under my wingsuit. No issues yet but what you ask is possible...although I believe unlikely. Still, location of the remote is something to consider...

Looked at the CURV and tried it on today at Eloy; Most comfortable rig I've had on my back ever and lots of cool innovations. I've already gotten measured and will finalize my order when the CURV that will fit my canopies is finalized. There are lots of nice rigs available but, IMO, the bar has been raised with the introduction of the CURV...

I could not disagree more. It is NOT the responsibility of the OP. This is the ongoing problem everywhere. The people who made the mistake want to put the responsibility/problem onto the customer. What a great business plan. I sold my very first piece of parachute equipment back in 1965 & have been selling off/on ever since. The thing that works and that people can live with is communication. If it is going to be late: Let the customer know. If there is a color no longer available: Let the customer know. Some of my dealers think I am nuts with all of my emails about every little detail; but it prevents mistakes ( mostly ), and saves both of us time & money ( hopefully ). Communicate - communicate - communicate. Just my $0.02, for what it is worth. JerryBaumchen Jerry nailed it in regards to customer service and communication. You can buy skydiving stuff from hundreds of sources but your best bet is to stick with those that have a proven track record of good customer service. I'm a faithful customer of places like Rigging Innovations, PD, Square1 and Chuting Star because they deliver, stay in touch and care about the customer. "I'm on vacation but will get back with you in a few weeks" is not a satisfactory response in today's business environment, especially given the widespread availability of high-speed internet,cellular comms, etc....

Wait, did I understand correctly? Potential organizers want to host a major international skydiving event, bring in maybe 1000-2000 attendees, vendors and airplanes worth multi-million $, but don't have a venue or date? But they want $100,000 committed from interested attendees before they go forward? I think I'm going to pass...

That's some truly impressive flying Medusa. Congratulations!

Recommend both Fogtech and Clarity DEFOG it. Either will work well with most visors and can be purchased through Amazon or, I believe, Square1.

What a great event; Z-Hills is an outstanding DZ, great weather other than the hurricane Saturday afternooon, lots of skydives and great organizers. Thanks to Scott, Scott, Scotty, Jeff, Simon, Priscilla, Tony and all the other sponsors!

0001~ ScottyBurns.com 0002 - omnia 0003 - Simon 0004 - Jack Johnson 0005 - Mark Wane 0006 - Miguel Aviles 0007 - Ralph Kubicsek 0008 - Eduardo Garces 0009 - Daniel Smith 0010 - Gleison 0011- BJ Michaeli 0012 - Kallend 0013 - Sam Adams 0014- Jeremy Tyer 0015 - Skwrl 0016 - Chris Peterson 0017 - Pat

It's easy to see that what you believe is "between the ears" I don't care what the Navy does, Army or anyone else. I initially tried to say that IMHO it's a bad practice, and now I get BS like this. I'm out, try not to die. Just curious...how many skydivers have died from hot fueling turbine jump aircraft in the U.S, say in the last 50 years?

Thank you to DSE, Jarno and all the organizers of the US Performance Cup; what a well organized and executed event, plus great coaching available from some of the best wingsuit flyers in the world. I learned a great deal and had a great time. Congratulations to Cate, Scott, Simon and all the others that took home hardware. Great flying!

Well, I think it's fair to say the Sabre does not snivel much. It was also the best selling canopy in the world for years and, at one point as I recall, more Sabres had been sold than any other sport canopy; ever. Don't know if that is still true... I put ~2000 jumps on the 170, 150, 135, 120 and would go back to jumping one today if I did not have more modern options. Mostly brisk but reasonable openings for me, including flying camera. Was never fond of the 190 with the alternative steering line/brake setup and thought openings were less easy to control, however. I had a few slammers with the 190... Attention to packiing is important with the Sabre; slider at stops, good tight line stows, etc. Pocket or larger slider worked well for some but I never felt the need for one on any of the Sabres I owned. For those thinking about jumping a Sabre1 it's probably worth considering that it's a 20+ year old design... Still, it's not a bad canopy even when considering canopy technology has moved forward significantly.

If it's an original Vector made in 81 it will have the main pilot chute pouch on the front of the legstrap, I think 24" PC, with the suspension line bridle.

If they cant handle the stress of a wave-off, you should take them bowling. Not wingsuit flying. +1

Not a nightmare but also not the easiest thing in the world. Spend the ~$25 for a new visor and follow the directions. You'll be okay...

That pocket is where I put my mobile phone. As mentioned, a beer might fit in there instead. So many choices...

Wingsuit exits from a 172, 182 or P-206 are really not that difficult, even with minimal cut. Any of the exits described in this thread will work as long as you pay attention to keeping the wings collapsed. The exit DSE describes is what I would recommend for those fairly new to Cessna wingsuiting however. It really is the easiest way to manage your exit, stay stable and get on with the flight. Controlling your wings on climbout and exit is IMPORTANT, as always. BendiktDE: I would be curious what power setting your pilot is using on exit. A full cut is not needed and actually makes Cessna exits more challenging in many circumstances.

Awesome flying and edit! Thanks Jarno.

Archway is not closed and I have jumped there several times this year. They did close over the winter but reopened in the spring.