flyingferret

Polarbear and Skydive Monkey...DITTO. It is part of my routine and has been since I started packing. Most of my DZ uses it, and noone has forgotten it yet. Guess it is just a little DZ habit. And I could seriously argue on safety here. I think teaching a new packer to use it ever time and not forget it might have less risks than a student inadvertently packing a line over, due to difficulty controlling lines. Plus, your rigger uses all kinds of gizzmos to pack your reserve. Have they been forgotten before? Probably. Should they all stop using them? I don't think so. I work in an industry (IT) where I cannot forget. If leave a route statement out, leave a screw floating around in a server case, it could take down a production network. So, I tend to do things very ritualistically. My dad always said without a good work area you cannot do good work. This goes for skydiving too. I pack with thought EVERY time. Even Aggie Dave will rib me from time to time about packing slow, but you know each pack job saves my life, 5 more minutes is worth it to make myself totally satisfied. And to bhale, I agree after a few thousand, maybe even a few hundreds pack jobs you wont need it. But "If you are rushing to get on the next load" sounds more dangerous for a beginner than using a tie on your lines. I would advise never rushing in this sport. I know it happens, and I know it can be done safely. I am not a rigger and this is a rigging forum, just my opinion. Malachi

Oh well, guess my packing is more dangerous than my jumping. The DZ Dave and I jump at sometimes, probably at least 50% of people use something to keep the tail in check. Either a pull cord, or a spring loaded clamp. If you always pack with it, and have since student status, it is just part of the process to remove. You won't forget it any more than cocking your pilote chute. And just for safety, the clamp have 6' long streamers on them to make them obvious. Is it necessary? Maybe not, but packing a 210 ZP in the bag, yes things can shift as you bag it. And a tandem main? These things really help. Malachi

I have seen it done succesfully. One of the camera flyers at my dz, and a much better jumper than me tried it. We are a small DZ, not the place to find a ball master. He was having a rough time getting the weight right. So for about 20 jumps he tethered it. I think it was about only 5 or 6 feet. He was getting a lot of drag and started minimizing the streamers on the ball. Eventually, he had it pretty down. So, he tried without the tether...the ball hauled ass at the ground and landed in some deserted field. So it did work, but I think it also did affect his calculation of the ball's speed. Malachi

Is this really the case with all batteries? I have never heard this before? If so, then a 60 minute batt only yeilds 10 or 15 minutes? Malachi

I am pretty certain, my buddy had never based before. Tom Sanders is very top notch, and a lot of training goes into this, with riggers, packing, etc. Off of his site: No previous BASE experience or BASE specific equipment is required. 500 jumps for canopy control skills OR OTHER PROOF OF ACCURACY SKILLS such as previous BASE jumps in tight areas will allow for waiving the 500 jump minimum. I for one am not going to disagree with Tom Sanders about his own trip. Malachi

One of my buddies at the local DZ, went last year. He had a blast. They even used some of his footage on the National Geographic special. He turned a 360, something they really dont like you doing. But it made awesome video. It is not cheap, but sounds like a once in a lifetime experience. Malachi

Skip, let me know what you come up with or if you have specific questions. I work in an environment that is both Active Directory (about to go fully native mode) and we have a load-balanced citrix farm. So I am always eager to learn more, if you find some good resources, post them. If you get stuck, let me know and I will ask some our guys: We have a bigger IS dept, than IT. Malachi

Well, I am not sure... But, I use a PC110 box for my PC-1, as they dont make those anymore. It works well, but do to mounting the battery in a different direction, I cannot use more than a 60-minute battery. malachi

Zennie, what is it you do again? Nice pic. I wonder if you can run parallel vnc connections? You could get an infinite pattern: windows to linux, linux to window, back and forth. I kinda doubt it, but it would be cool :) Malachi

Well, I think they both serve different functions. And I think that the AOPA has many more members to draw funds from. So, that accounts for a lot. I think the USPA is important. However, as a general attitude, I like the AOPA's a lot better. I think the USPA should try to instill more communication and cooperation. Of course, could it be that the attitudes of jumpers as free spirits impinge on this as much as the USPA? But, I will say this in reference to David's comment. I was EXTREMELY impressed with the AOPA in the wake of 9/11. They did a hell of a lot more than the USPA. Once again, this might have to do with more members. But, for whatever reason they freaking threw weight against everything they could. During that time, the FAA and the USPA was hours behind the news cycle. Even pre-flight briefers were giving different info in different counties. The one accurate source through it all was the AOPA. During this time, I wrote an email to the AOPA president Phil Boyer. This is a man that was busy talking to government, news, pilots, etc. But I just wanted to let him know that I appreciated his efforts, and solely for that, once out of college I would join the AOPA becuase I thought they indirectly did a lot for skydiving. Well, things began to move toward a lift of the GA ban and I forgot about my email. A week later, I got a personal response from Phil Boyer, stating that appreciated my support and if I did choose to join the AOPA, even not being a pilot, he would be pleased to have me as a member. This just solidified what I thought about the AOPA. Being a few months out of school, I have not joined yet, but it is on my list. And they have my full support in the future. The USPA, well we dont even trust them with a proxy. Malachi

Well, Heather and Dan, thanks! Nothing like having the company itself respond to your post. The Cobalt really has my attention right now. Well I will try to demo a Lotus and Cobalt this season, if the pack volume is right for my rig, I better check that. Thanks guys. Malachi

Well, thanks for the replies thus far. I think I made a mistake, so let me fix it real quick. I meant to express interest in a Lotus not a Samurai. I had done some research on both big air canopies a while back and just got the names confused. So, that considered, anyone have any advice on the Lotus? Dave, thanks for the advice, but I am not really worried about it. The jump is big, but the lower limit is not dangerous in my opinion. The 210 is pretty much rock solid, and on windy days, penetration is near impossible. I would be loading a 170 at 1.3, something I am pretty comforable with, especailly if I demo a Cobalt that flies 'big' I am looking forward to trying our SabreII, but I doubt the differences are enough to warrant me buying it as second canopy. It will be months at least, before I switch, I just thought it might be a good idea to demo a few and see what I think tenatively. Malachi

Well, I think that rules out the Samurai then. That kinda surprises me. I thought I read otherwise, but maybe not. I read too much to remember it all, which is why I asked here :)

I am not a swooper by any means, but I am thinking about eventually downsizing. Probably not immediately, just because I dont have the money, and I am playing with new camera gear right now. But I am thinking about demoing at least one canopy this summer, just for fun and in preparation for the eventual downsizing. Current stats: about 120 jumps, 110 of them on a Sabre 210 loaded at about 1.1 I am a relatively conservative flyer, and at that wing loading even surfs on no-wind days are nice, but not that fast. However, I have done crew with the canopy, so I am pretty conscious of its control range. Now the question: I am thinking of demoing a Cobalt 170 or Samurai 170, maybe both. I know the Cobalt flies 'big', not sure about the Samurai. Before I demo one, what advice do people have concerning the two for a beginner like myself? Speed, control, pack volume (versus my massive 210 in the container), etc....anything would be appreciated. Malachi

Props to everyone at Bonehead. I have said before that after getting my Batrak, I love bonehead. Now, the point has been cleared up. But let me share a little from a biker's viewpoint, I am surprised at how few we had chime in. Before I get flamed, yes I think the page was confusing, but my money was on swooping or bikers. Would the people who bring you safety minded camera helmets, really make a helmet for skydiving with spikes? Okay: a) Someone asked about wearing motorcycle helmets in freefall. It used to be the standard! There was nothing else, I know countless POPS guys that still have Bell or H-D helmets from years back. b) I would bet there are more non-DOT helmets for bikers than DOT approved ones. A lot of bikers hate being made to wear a helmet. And there are many states including Texas, which last time I checked had a hell of a lot of land and bikers, that don't require helmets. I also know you can ride from Texas to Sturgis and only have to wear a helmet in one state inbetween. c) Safety is in your hands, it is good a lot of people noticed they looked unsafe for freefall. Kudos, don't buy one then. Most skydiving helmets are just general purpose anyway. Gath sells to snowboarders, and skaters. I have seen factory divers and sidwinders sold for snow skiing use. Some swoopers use wakeboarding helmets. You should be smart enough to pick your own helmet. And also smart enough to trust a company whose safety record is pretty nice not to do something stupid. On an interesting note, I plan on being the first person I have seen to take a camera helmet cross-sport. I intend to wear my Batrak for both mt. biking and motorcycling. You don't see much point of view action from those hobbies. Of course, Jeanie, I hope I can do that, with a "skydiving helmet" Sorry if I was harsh guys, I just really like Bonehead and it seemed they were getting a little trashed in here. Malachi

Not just Canada...Arizona does not honor daylight savings time either. Gets pretty confusing, I imagine. And as for being off with the rest of the 'world,' I am pretty sure only the US uses daylight savings. Malachi

Rigging Innovation is AWESOME! I love my Talon2. A few months back, my pc bridle started fraying. I think it was due to a premature opening. I talked with Rose at RI, and shortly she said to send it in, they would work on it under warranty. I expressed that I was not absolutely certain it was a warranty issue, it might have been my premature. She responded, "We are offering you a freefix. Take it!" I have always had excellent response from them. For my next rig, I will seriously put them at the top of the list, and I have already decided if I ever get into more serious CREW, I will get a CREW Talon. Oh, on the actual topic. It sounds to me like the did you a favor for free! And if you don't think so, you should call them before asking/complaining to us. They know your rig better than anyone, you included. Malachi

Well, I probably would not be interested, but I think it is a good idea. I like the feel of the wind. But, I just bought a BatRak from Jeanie, and after getting it. I would buy any helmet maybe by Bonehead. Period. malachi

grofion, I am pretty sure that is a sidwinder without the face shield.

I am posting this in this thread, since the other one already flamed up a bit. Here is a little background: I have about 125 jumps on a Talon2 and Sabre 210 loading at 1:1. I have never had a reserve ride, and I am starting casual camera flying and CREW. By casual I mean fun jumps and simple stacks, and yes I have already gotten a lot of advice about my jumping situation and whether that is safe or not. I feel I am safely expanding my horizons. So now the question: I have followed the whole RSL debate and fall in the middle. However for more of my jumping than not, I need it disconnected. Is the safety gained by having it on my rig available for a few jumps worth the risk of having it snag while dangling around on the other 80% of my jumps? I am not looking for RSL vs. no RSL. I would like genuine advice from a rigging standpoint about leaving it on and the risks versus taking if off altogether. Thanks Malachi

On a related note. I am using a PC-110 D-box for my PC-1, which so far (it has not left the ground yet, due to weather) looks awesome. It gives me access to the back of the camera, and security around my wide angle. However, the baseplate is bitter wider than I need and overlaps the Batrak. So I plan on modifying the d-box plate to fit better. Does anyone have any info on cutting carbon fiber? I am think maybe a Dremel with a cutting wheel? Malachi

On a related note. I am using a PC-110 D-box for my PC-1, which so far (it has not left the ground yet, due to weather) looks awesome. It gives me access to the back of the camera, and security around my wide angle. However, the baseplate is bitter wider than I need and overlaps the Batrak. So I plan on modifying the d-box plate to fit better. Does anyone have any info on cutting carbon fiber? I am think maybe a Dremel with a cutting wheel? Malachi

Oh well, first time I had seen it. I am still laughing my ass off.

Skydiving Safety song........Bush -- Little things that kill. The lyrics make a lot of sense about skydiving safety.. "going up and coming down...it's the little things that kill..."

Crank up the Iron Eagle Baby :0