chuteless

The Canadian government had a factory for producing small arms, and machine guns like the Sten gun during W W II. It was bordered by Lake Ontario on the south side, Hwy #2 on the north, and bush on the east side, and a major sized army camp for recruits on the west. All together, this was one of the major training places for the Canadian army, but it was right next door to the factory which made 9mm hang guns, Sten Guns and the Lee Enfield Mk4, 303 cal rifle, one of the best rifles ever made. They would fire 50 cal machine guns at targets out over Lake Ontario. Every so often the firing would stop, because of a dud bullet. It was ejected and put in a box near the gunner, and at the end of the day, the box was dumped into the Lake. We would watch for the end of the day shift, and take our canoe to the spot where the 50 cal duds were, and retreive them, and then make pipe bombs.I could have taught Al Qaeda a thing or two back in those days. One small building housed tons of ammo of various calibres, along with some hand grenades, bombs, and an assortment of other live ammo. One day, when working at an oil refinery, I took a large padlock from the board on the wall, and took the key out of it. As I held it, I KNEW without a doubt that the key would open the door of that small ammo hut. I had no idea what kind of lock was on the door, but I KNEW that this key would open the door.....absolutely no doubt about it. It was in my mind something I had done it before but it would have to have been in another life. I stuck it in my pocket, and a few days later, paid a visit to the ammo hut in the dark of night, and the key opened the door like a charm....my intuition was right, but how could I have known? I was certain it would open the door, but can't explain my certainty. I looked around at the cache of ammo, helped myself to a case of .22 cal Long Rifle, that weighed about 100 pounds. It was a long haul out to the highway and my car which was parked nearby, but it kept me and my friends shooting for many years. The next time I visited the ammor hut, there was a slight rain...just enough to make things wet, and for me to stupidly leave wet footprints on the porch of the ammo hut. I had been inside, and thought that the guard should soon be making his rounds. I took a couple of hand grenades and opened the door, and there was the guard slowly walking down the road toward the ammo bldg in the drizzle rain. I pulled the door shut with a loud bang, and slipped around the backside of the hut. I had a signet ring on my left hand, and rotated it to resemble a simple gold ring without a stone, and I held a grenade in my right hand. It was dark, but as the guard came to the building, he flipped on a light which altghough it wasn't directly on me, it lit me up quite well. My thought was, " If he sticks his head around the side of the building, he will be hit with the hardest fist in all of Canada. ( my right hand holding a grenade) Fortunately, he didnt, and although he must have seen the footprints, he continued south on the road to check in at another site. I waited a few minutes and slipped off into the dark, leaving a full case of .308 bullets in the weeds. I went back to the hut one more time a few days later and the 308s were gone. I had a large quantity of 9mm bullets, and gave them to the guy who owned the aircraft I set the Canadian record in. He owned a sten gun and wanted to do some shooting up at his cottage. The factory still stands, but the ammo hut was bulldozed years ago.

I'll stick a thought or two once in awhile. They may be doing something illegal with guns or about jumping. I will come as it comes to mind, like the follwing post which I just though of. Bill

To amuse those who wanted a story.....this one about firearms back in 1950s. ------------------------------------------------- There was one police officer who just got my nerves upside down, Constable Don Nuttley. First, I must say I admire and respect all police officers, but this guy was a toughy, and I was out to annoy him. Myself and some other guys had let all the water flow out of a dam that was used to water a gold course, and when the golf course guard appeared, one of the other guys ran right down the road, and was easily apprehended. He unfortunately told them the names of all who were responsible, and then someone in the police office suggested we all pay a measily $5.00 each to help cover costs of repair. I decided to visit the police station with Gerry van der Eyken, and we marched in very boldly. Constable Don Nuttley was on duty, and he asked what we wanted. I asked about this supposed $5.00 fine which was not imposed by a court, but by a local cop. Nuttley said we had to pay. He then told me " all criminals get caught sooner or later, and I suggested they hadnt yet caught Mickey MacDonald, a local bank robber. Nuttley raved at me, suggesting my brother ( a Sgt with Toronto Police) was searching for MacDonald at that very moment. I in turn suggested that my brother wouldnt know MacDonald if he tripped over him on a sunny afternoon. While Nuttley was furious, Gerry couldnt wait to leave. I told Nuttley I would never pay any $5.00 to the local police force, and we left the police station. If Nuttley had only known.....all the time I was talking to him, I had a fully loaded UNregistered 6 shot revolver in my pocket, and no permit to own or carry it. I later became a police officer with Toronto Township Police Dept. One other similar incident: A friend Bob Rowan ( Died two weeks ago --2011 ) and I were travelling from Western Canada back to Ontario. It was a boring drive across the top of Ontario. Only Indians live there, and there were no lightseither on the roads or around the occassional home for miles at a time. A long dark drive, I thought Bob might fall aslepp riding his big Harley Davidson Motorcycle behind my car, so I thought I would find dout if he was indeed awake or not. I motioned with my hand out the window for him to pull alongside the car. He did so, and just as he got beside me, I fired two shots from a 9mm piostol into the darkness of Indianland, right across the path of his MC. I scared the ____ out of him. In less than 20 seconds twio headlights appeared in my rear view mirror, and an Ontario Provincial Police cruiser swept passed me at a high rate of speed. I guess he was going to see if he could find the source of the gunfire, and never though of it coming from my car. I owned the guns I had with me, but did not have a permit to transport them from the west to the east. I can only imagine that the cop must have been parked by the roadside with all lights out, and the gunfire quickly got his eyes open. I was lucky he didnt see the 16 inches of flame from the gun....I would likely still be locked up.

He did the right thing. Tell that " woman" to go learn to bake a good apple pie.

That pleasure would be mne Steve. As for the question above it, my main DZ was at Parkman, Ohio. I spent almost every weekend there for years. I believe I and 2 others were the first to jump that DZ., back in 1964. Thanks for your kind words, consider the handshake owed as a handshake done. Bill Cole

After 5 heart bypasses, and nothing but health problems since, I dont feel much like writing. Sitting and telling someone is one thing, not hard to do over a coffee, but writing as for a book, I don't thing I could do it. I have a hard time breathing after making a coffee, and I have to play catch-up or pass out. I just left the doctors office, and my legs hurt like you wouldnt believe when I went to my car. I likely shouldnt even be driving, but that will come when I stop walking. Thanks for the many encouraging words. Idon't even know why I posted yesterday...it was just my mind wandering but not far from the topic of jumping. Oh how I loved my Para Commanders. Best parachute ever made, bar none.

Back in the early 1970s, I had the advantage of jumping at the Canadian Intnl Air Show at the Watrefront in Toronto. We jumped there till 1978. The CNE organizers told me I could have two single otters if I wanted ....free. I would never dream of saying no. On one occassion, they gave me two single Ottters for some " pratice jumps:", but it was a thinly disguised way of giving the pilots some air time. They were Air Force reserves. We gathered all the jumpers we could find and after a quick look around we had enough to fill the two otters. We flew to Baldwin Airport, about 40 miles north of Toronto, and no streamer drops....just barrel through and leave the aircraft at 7500 feet. I spotted, and waved the other plane 's jumpers to go. I was the last one out of the second plane, and I passed every jumper like they were going backwards. I was first in to the base jumper from Plane #1, and it was time to break. I dont recall if we managed a second jump that evening before the 1st day of a 4 day airshow, but I sure remember passing all those bodies in freefall, arms tight to my sides, head down, and really a fast fall. How nice that was....the kind of jump that likely only meant something special,to me.....and to the others...just a log book entry...nothing particular. An excellent jump platform. Oh those good old days. Bill Cole D-41

Yesterday I was mulling through my mind about some of the good old days that were filled with good old jumps. I recall the first use of a Para Commander, leaving my cheapo behind. How nice those PC's were, fast turns, great flying to be sure. Even the cheapos....on which we often made stand up landings. The try this or that style....and while I dont advocate that kind of jumping full time....it was full time back in theearly 1960s, and we learned....sometimes the hard way. Now I am all but immobilized with heart problems ( 5 by passes) and other things falling apart inside my body. I am living day to day and my time is running out. I enjoyed my time in thesport, and would do it all again, but double up on much of it. Memories.....I have lots, and whether they are from jumping or running wild with firearms, those times were great. Best wishes to you all Bill Cole D-41

Back when the rules could be bent a bit, I had waatched some jumpers andaskif my friend had an extra chute. About ten minutes later I was inthe Cessna 180 headed up, andfor afact, I never had a course on any aspect of the jump. I had seen what the others did, and thought " Hey, that looks easy enough" and I was on my way. Costs then were 10 jumps for $125.00, all equipment supplied and instrcution. Bill Cole D-41 Canada

I saw the nbctv show about his Viaetnam experience, and I couldnt stop the tears. I hope they show it again and the world knows the great loss when he died. It should be shown at schools, and anywhere else it will awaken the American conscience. A truly great man, a wonderful story. If NBC plans on sshowing it, please post beforehand so we can once again see a :"REAL AMERICAN" at his best Bill Cole D-41 Canada.

Well, I am back on my feet once again, with a few aches and pains that I never had before. I should last for another 10 years or so....that would make me 88 years old. Its been one Heck of a ride, but with help from my X wife and two daughters, I am confident I will gain some strength that i need so bady right now. Thanks much for all your support. Bill Cole D-41 Canada.

Billvon: Check out google: www.mfwright.com/30Kphotos.html This is the bailout bottle similar to the one I had and used for years. Photo of the brass valve that is broken by pulling the green apple handle. This is a steel bottle and is filled to 1800 psi. Bill

Billvon: Check out google " HIGH ALTITUDE OXYGEN BAILOUT SYSTEMS " and you will get to see the green bailout bottle, with the " greend apple" handle to activate it. It is filled to 1800 psi, and has a guage bu no regulator. You will also see if you scroll down, the small brass nipple or stem, which is broken when the handle is pulled. The oxygen then flows through the broken stem, which has about a 1/16th inch hole to allow the oxygen to exit through the top. There uis no regulator, as you will notce in the photos, but there is a guage to indicate the bottle pressure, and when it is deemed empty. It then flows into a rubber hose, usually about 12 to 18 inches in length, and it has a 3/8th inch ID. As the oxygen passes through that hose, it then enters into the hose which goes to the mask, approzimately 7/8th inch in ID, and into the mask. It is a pressureized flow, and one has to forcibly exhale, but only for about 20 seconds....then it is quite normal breathing. Some pressure is vented out through the exhalation vaves in the side of the mask, but it provides about 10 minutes of oxygen, enough to get you down to ambiant air. I never removed my mask until my chute was opened. These bailout bottles ( for the most part) were green in color, high pressure (1800 psi), and by the time the oxtgen gets to your face through two different sized hoses, it is a blast at first, which gets weaker as the minutes in freefall pass. The twin bottle setup, that Sparky shows, is NOT the most standard type for military use. I had several of those, but always used the single bottle, about 10 inches long, and approx 2 to 2 1/4 inches in diatmeter. Sparky says I wasnt using a bailout bottle, and he doesnt know what he is talking about....and that is a certainty. It was Canadian military issue, and is standarad in both Canada and the USA.

These are the kind of guys that made skydiving a great sport, even though they were not participating in it as a " sport". These are the same type of people that some USPA and CSPA people want to restrict...because they might get killed . Don't do this...don't do that.....don't jump wings....don't don't don't......and whatever you do, don't encourage anyone else to do it. Nuts!!!! That is part of this sport/game, whether you like it or not and it always will be. To try to stop people like these, is a waste of time. Sit back and watch if you don't want to participate....and let the adventures roll on. ( Take a read of the other thread called " DON'T Don't Don't " Bill Cole D-41

No.....Dr ( Captain) Larry Costello has no HALO experience, except for jumping ( as me) for the Carling Beer commercial. He was a Captain ( not taking a med course) when he handed me the chute on the Chuteless jump done Aug 20th 1069. The medical personel I dealt with were all employed at the Defence and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine, at Base Dowsnview, north side of Toronto. Bill

In the bailout bttle, there is NO regulator. The full blast of what is in the bottle comes through the bottle's top, and through a small rubber hose and directly into your mask. I have filled these bottles many many times,and they do NOT have a regulator, only a small guage showing the 2000 psi pressure. You have to forcibly exhale once you activate the bottle. . Go check it out. Bill

I don't think they removed it. They just woke up to the fact that wingsuits are a reality....like base jumping.

Good for Israel. That is THEIR land, and they have to defend it against all comers. Give the Palestinians an inch and they'll take every inch you've got, and more if they can get away with it.

I am finally glad to know that you got some edjumakation.....and saw the light. I thought maybe your " sparks " had burned out.

Thats a very nice compliment Airtwardo. Next someone will say I inspired CSPA for something. LOL I have heard that your team puts on a great show. Keep at it.

I don't know, but it wouldnt surprise me. There really isnt too much to wingsuit jumping if the suit isnt rigged with stiffeners. I like the inflatable suits, which give a rigid surface, but allow freedom of arm movements

I still think you have too many rules, and are a hindrance to someone who wants to try something. It takes an act of congress to be allowed to be able to advance in skydiving, and that is why some people strike out on their own. For example, the " Currency jump" is designed only to put currency into the pockets of the DZOs and although I dont entirely disagree with having some format, its too much greed and not enough of a willingness to help someone. If they think things through, they can usually pull it off, and you shouldnt be so prohibitive to people until you know their level of ability. Too many hot shots anxious to stop someone because he wants to forge ahead with something they wouldnt do in the first place.

The highly experienced jumper ( a lower D licence than mine) intentionally dropped the young lady off spot, and into a field of holes, rocks and small bushes.It was a very long walk back, and I had to go find her and help her carry the gear back to the DZ He then dropped the other two students on board the same flight , and they landed right on target. It was one of the ways CSPA would try anything to get back at me, and that was all it was. He risk her to injury, and did it only to get at me. THAT was recklessness in every sense....and from a highly skilled Safety Officer. I had many sponsors, ( TOYOTA the biggest...with a new vehicle every three months) and I made money from skydiving...getting $1500.00 for a 15 minute TV program) and that bothered many people. CSPA couldnt raise a dime, so another reason to go on the attack against me. I had an exceptional arrangement with the Ministry of Transport, something no other Canadian jumper could get, and that too made CSPA even angrier at me. Its all over now, and I have no animosity to anyone. The second suspension for life ( a meaningless attack) was completely illegal, and was set up by CSPA's "Executive Director". I had ( may still have) copies of every BOD meeting held in 1973, and there never was a meeting to suspend me for life again. It was a farce, and its provable. I totally disagree that the stunts and things I did set skydiving back....it brought it to the forefront of the public's eye. That is why I was hired to do airshows in the virtual back yards of CSPA clubs....the public and air show organizers liked what I did, and I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. CSPA turned out to be a good promotional manager for me and my team.

I wouldn't have changed a thing.....except I would double my efforts to do jumps as I saw fit. You might say I was reckless...I don't think so, and that is why I survived. CSPA and USPA have made rules to cover their rules, and have almost regulated themselves out of the sky. I could tell you about reckless.....such as when a CSPA safety officer dropped a student almost 1 kilometer past the proper exit point.....because she was with ME. Many other examples....so I did it MY WAY, and dont regret a bit of it. BTW...who would you have wanted me to seek advice from in jumping a wingsuit in 1965? I think Burt Lancaster was the only one still alive....regardless of what you saw on the screen. Bill

A trip to Norway.....If there would be one reason I would bother to make 1 more ( or maybe several jumps), it would be certain to come from doing it ibn Norway. I watch that video, and that alone makes my heart beat faster. How I would love that...even if it cause the heart to stop for good. That is one tempting offer. Thanks Bill