firstime

thanks for the reply, I was a little taken back with them not participating (uspa) but the only one that can break the rules re: wind and other factors is me.

there are 3 issues here. 1) independent contractors 2) employees, 3) tax ramifications. I do understand his inquiry as to to the above, but wake up dude... its all about liability... who pays... yeah he his appeasing all with his questions that he is concerned about your financial welfare. I DO have have clue as to his post and it is about you (experienced instructors). Loose lips sink big ships

Have all skydivers look in the mirror prior to the jump and remind them who is in charge of their safety. The incidents are heavily weighted towards experinenced jumpers. Instructors are not in the biz to give Ill fated advise to new jumpers. I am pretty sure about your motive re: this post by your handle.. Should'nt one be looking at the "MAJOR negligent party" before pointing a "bent" finger. Statistcally speaking it's our negligence. Courts and attorneys need to find that negligent party. Refer to the first sentence of the post. Thats why we sign waivers because this issue is so gray. The waivers indicate a hold harmless clause... why??? think about what your doing . Your post, if I am reading and understanding your motive correctly have cured me from ever participating in these forums again. Stop skydiving rather than look for someone to sue.

Hello All, I have general question re: a drop zone down south. I was looking for a warm weather spot that I could drive to rather than fly. The drop zone that I checked out, (8 hr drive) is NOT a member of the USPA. Is this a choice of the dropzone or of the choice of the USPA . What gives???

welcome to the "change of life syndrome" enjoy

The first pack job, the canopy opened in about 1 and 1/2 seconds, nearly seperated my speed bag from my body therefore I spend the five dollars to ge it packed. I had to respond this way as it was not included in your list of questions.

this whole thing is a bad comparison. Traffic fatalities occur for a whole bunch a different reasons. Weather,alcohol and a few mechanical failures, oh and stupidity. The booze and stupidity pretty much go hand in hand. So lets eliminate the booze factor from these stats.... now where are we on the list???? Now we are even (with the assumption that we dont get hammered drunk just prior to a skydive). We now have stupidity and mechanical failure. I have seen my share of complete A holes while driving to work, and accidents because of their driving habits. I have also witnessed a guy losing a tire while driving @ 70 mph( does the general public go over emergency procedures prior to driving). My point I am trying to make is that we dont do dirt dives with everyone on the long Island expy prior to going to work,therefore we cant eliminate the A hole from our commute or(group). Now we are at mech failure...... A double mal falls into the catorgory of "fate" and there is no one in these forums that have those stats If we all stay focused, listen and just nudge the envelope just a bit rather than hit it like a pissed off linebacker we then can reduce our (should have thought before I did that) list . We are a smart group of people, we have to be.

we dont percieve it do be "cheating death" as most would say. We have just encountered in a sport(extreme) that 99% of the people that we meet would not do. Once we (1%) realize that this is something that we can do with a simple thought that "yes I could die". With that in thought" do you dicuss your driving habits with all those people on the freeway before you leave for work./ No We Dont!! Yes we risk ourselves but we know the risks and we discuss them on a regular basis with each other and yes we will have accidents but the more communication within our comrade' will help us to a large degree.

thats alcohol abuse Re; the guy that hit the babe with the tray of beer!!!

ask D-1 that one dude, then you will get the real answer

I, until reading these posts was not aware of the huge cost to maintain your ratings. Yeah I am new to this sport and the people with ratings should not be increased on their fees. Come on USPA, don't chase these people away, PROmote the sport not DEmote. Talk about penny wise & dollar stupid. I am in the insurance biz & raising premiums IS NOT THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE. It's called management. I will write to the USPA with some of my thoughts, Im a small voice but better than no voice. Be well All

Does the USPA provide a loss run from the past years to us or the public. Maybe we could impose an individual deductible of maybe $50 or $100 to each member if we damage somthing. I would rather do the deductible thing rather than pay a additional fees. Some food for thought..

We get your point, but are you looking for a grammy WHOA

Good Question. It will "cost" you your life as you know it today. As for the price "Priceless". Good luck brother, enjoy be safe and be smart.

Hey dont pet the swetty things, your in it now so enjoy, Im 46 and just got into it this year. I spent my money on mortgage, raising kids and their tuition. And Im here to stay brother. Congrats!! Be Well, Be Safe

if it's not stupidity or incompetance it's called FATE

hey casey, still LMAO

LMAO

now that your a skydiver, it will piss you off when someone asks (Christmas time) what size are you. You quietly say to yourself ...." shit ,one pair of jeans is 2 jumps".. Hey you laugh but all of us have thought the same thing. Heres the deal.. when one asks that question, just look up & smile. and prepare for the "is that all you think about"

N/A

Yup, item #1 been there done that..LMAO

your not taunting death bro as your "interest's" state... your enjoying a life that most people will never have. Just relax in freefall, look around (your alti every 5 sec). Once you get a feel of air on your body then you will understand. Hey man, just enjoy. Be well, be safe & Listen

I really hope your kidding, if so you have us all laughing... if not buy a bowling ball

great pics dave, but why is that guy on the plane smelling his finger??

I have to agree, I spent about an hour ( brand new canopy) fiddle fu$%ing around with it. When I dumped , whoa, a little hard??? my speed bag was hanging around my ankles