usskydiver

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Everything posted by usskydiver

  1. usskydiver
    Bottom line--Mfr instructions take precedence over any opinion, recommendation, etc. That said, if the Mfr. says pro pack but installs packing tabs, then consider that permission to side (flat) pack. PD is pretty explicit in NOT recommending a roll pack (weird openings and possible damage, I assume). Read the manual!!! Do what you're comfortable with and seek the advice of someone you trust. My .02 Tim
  2. usskydiver
    First jump at Z-Hills in 1988 (114 total jumps) during the Easter Boogie (40 way competition that I wasn't competing in). Long spot + low turn = broken femur. DC holding at altitude while US Special Ops Command UH-1 came in to medevac me to MacDill AFB. Funny part was the guy who ran up with his rig and asked if he could get a fly away jump. I'm pretty sure Betty might still be mad at me. Tim
  3. usskydiver
    2350:1 Tandem (French BT-80 / ZP elliptical) not my pack job. Tim
  4. usskydiver
    Allen, I jump an RS.1 Javelin Oddessy with a pull out. I honestly don't know the PC size but it's the stock one that came with the rig. My handle is attached to the top and not the bottom of the PC. In my opinion, the rig manufacturer should set the standard for PC sizes based on container size, canopy type, etc. Tim
  5. usskydiver
    Chucky is right on. I got my USPA AFF rating in 1991 with 4 hrs, 3 min of freefall (and luckily, great mentors and coaches). When I went to the British Parachute Association course in 1997 I got my butt handed to me again with 11 hrs, and 1,000 jumps (and passed). I keep both ratings current for travel and professional reasons. Tim
  6. usskydiver
    Ray, Hindsight being 20/20 you are correct on all counts. I was acting like a newbie and didn't do the research I should have before I posted. I'll buy you a beer when I stop in DeLand on the way to Lake Wales for the Nationals in Oct (unless you get the video job in Acupolco that is). Tim Maggot
  7. usskydiver
    Ray, Guess I misunderstood the intent of this forum and only hoped a new jumper would not take misunderstand what your reply to be gospel. The fact of the matter is this...too many of our bothers and sisters are dying under fully open parachutes...and NO drop zone is excluded. Too may are flying parachutes they should not be flying. I apologize for any hard feelings you may have but here is my rationale...many people judge those who post to be absolute authorities...and many who post are not. I will take take Ron Hill's side on many issues no matter how much grief he takes,but like Ron, I will take any and all criticism that comes my way if it educates in any way and prevents them from getting hurt or killed. Tim
  8. usskydiver
    Michael, OK: your main may be on the small size for your container but please, refer to my earlier post. There are many things that may cause your main flap to come open. It's between you and your rigger to eliminate those causes. Tim Maggot
  9. usskydiver
    Kolla you should try a Velocity, Now that is a canopy!!!! Ray, I'm pretty sure Kolla can try a Velocity anytime she wants. She sent me 3 different Velocity's to demo before I bought mine (V103...love it) Tim Tennant Maggot
  10. usskydiver
    Not a good idea. Follow the mfr's instructions. I know the Wings of Blue (USAF Academy) use to use them and I never saw one get pro-packed. Tim Maggot
  11. usskydiver
    I stand by my statement that all steerable parachutes will turn (on their own) and run with the wind eventually. I've experienced this on Tandems, my Velocity 103 (Love it!!) and a T-10B from 500 feet while jumping into combat in Panama and trying to get my rucksack lowered before it broke my femurs (would have been the 2nd break for the Left femur...the orthopod would have had fun getting the pre-existing femoral nail out) Tim Maggot
  12. usskydiver
    I think the winds the canopy is flying in would also make a difference. It is my exerience that all steerable round parachutes will eventually and on their own, turn and run with the wind. Something to consider. Tim Maggot
  13. usskydiver
    Rob, No offense intended but in order to ensure the pilot chute is cocked, you would need to open the flap. That is, unless you use a pull-out (like I do). Tim
  14. usskydiver
    Mike, Some good responses but keep the following in mind. 1. The reserve size and how the reserve is packed will affect the main flap staying secure. 2. The main closing length will also have an affect. 3. DO NOT add any tuck tabs without the manufacturers approval. It may work a million times in the field, but if the mfr. didn't approve it, it's not a legal modification. 4. IMO (and this is grey in the FAR's) any of those mods could be construed as an alteration to the reserve because both of the flaps in question are pieces of fabric that attach to the reserve container. Like I said IMO. Tim Maggot PS. References provided upon request
  15. usskydiver
    Steffen, As a Master Rigger, I have experienced and fixed that same problem numerous times. If you're uncomfortable doing it, take it to a rigger. But as Hooknswoop said, just work the slack back to where the pull (tension / bunched up fabric is) is and examine it on the inside as well. If your really uncomfortable, send it to me with return postage and you can buy me beer when we meet (whenever that will be). In other words, it's a no cost / low cost thing to correct. Tim Maggot
  16. usskydiver
    Definitive lack of sucking going on here this weekend. I wish I'd have been more available but wasn't due to team training. We'll continue the nig-noggery and debauchery next time. Cheers Maggot
  17. usskydiver
    It should also be noted that last year she was on the CaSL Introductory Class Champoinship Team along with ColBrodie , Dave Dicks (former Golden Knight and NC State Trooper) and Jamie Kelly. She began the season with 60 jumps and made her 100th at the league Championships. Maggot
  18. usskydiver
    Re: the "lighter fluid" I strongly suspect that the rigger use carbon-tetrechloride (an approved solution) or a more available product called Ever-Blum (also approved) both to sort of smeel like lighter fluid. If, however, the can was blue and white and said Ronson Lighter Fluid on it then I'd be VERY suspect of both the canopy and the person who applied the fluid. Anyone from Relative Workshop, PD or Aerodyne care to comment? Maggot
  19. usskydiver
    My post was not meant as a slam on Aerodyne as I know they make a fine parachute. When I lived in Europe and was a sub-dealer for SkyKat, I sold many of their canopies (mostly Triathlons). No one ever came back to me and I never had to send one back for any reason. In reading some of the replies, I wish I knew their capabilities when my wife's Hornet landed in a barbed wire fence a couple of years ago and I was wondering where to get the work done (thanks again, Norman). I would also like to thank Ian for his e-mail to me in regards to my post. He was very honest and professional.
  20. usskydiver
    Sounds really nice. I guess my only reservation would be in the area of customer service after the sale. With all the mergers, etc. it's nice to be confident that the company that made your canopy today will be there tomorrow if you have a problem. Just my thoughts. Tim
  21. usskydiver

    Hootie Hoo

    usskydiver replied to DaGimp's topic in The Bonfire

    Jake, In case I forgot to say thank you the other day, THANK YOU, GK4way was filling my brain with stuff he's learned at the University of Useless Knowledge. PS: Glad the reserve worked fine
  22. usskydiver
    What about me?
  23. usskydiver
    To All, I've been officially invited by Raefordite and SkymonkeyOne so I'm in. See you there. Tim