Fast

The only thing that I don't like about them is the dependancy. I think most people who jump with one on every jump and think they aren't at all dependent on them are only telling a half truth. I had one from about jump 50-350 and when I stopped having one I noticed it right away. I didn't really realize it till I was w/o one for awhile (Still am) but I had become somewhat dependent on it. Even though I thought I mostly wasn't. Cause a few issues, mostly early breakoffs. As of now its stitting in my gearbag broken because I haven't sent it in to be fixed. I should really do that. ~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

heh yeah... I jump a S2 170 and it really is perticular about packing and body position on opening. I think if I got into the really big bigway stuff I would want something else. ~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

Cheeseland!? I will have you know that there is also an endless supply of beer and Absolut (at least when kyle is around) in our state too!! ~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

OK. I'm stumped. How is this possible? Ro has power you can not comprehend. I am feeling compelled to come to this party... but but.. I'm half way across the country... power that most can't comprehend... sounds close! ~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

How many gigs a month are we using up on this sucker? ~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

I can go ahead and add everything you said to things that make me think a pilot is good too. I guess I geared what I had to say to skydiving since it seemed like the answer derek was looking for. Maybe not. Maybe he was trying to fish out skydivers who don't care about saftey. Maybe he was trying to fish out your answer that makes us think we don't know what the hell were are talking about... I dont know. I do know that most people probally don't think much about it. I care as far as saftey to a concern. I wouldn't fly with someone at all who I don't think is capable of being a safe pilot. I view being able to do the things you describe more to that ends. A good pilot to me is someone who is both safe and can meet the needs I have as a skydiver. (Which include not dieing in a plane crash or midair collision) ~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

It seems like a pretty big question but some of the thing thats stand out to me are the time and care that the person puts into what they are doing. Things like consistantly keeping up to date with changing winds, making sure that the spot is working for the jumpers, adjusting to concerns that people have, the ability to do this "on the fly." Being an effecient pilot speaks too. Knowing how to fly to altitude and end up right on the mark w/o wasting time, fuel, and essentially the DZs(and my) money. Doing things like using the GPS and varying flight vectors to check the exact direction the wind is coming from. Always being conscious of where they are (we are near a town and there are noise abatement rules.) Ensuring things don't happen that shouldn't (overloading, etc) Knowing enough about skydiving to know where people will be in freefall and under canopy. Having good eyes to spot people or other planes in the air. Being consistant so that jumpers can have some idea of where the plane is. Noticing when people land off and when its lots of people thinking to ask if the next load wants a different spot. For most pilots, but especially the lead or one in charge, making sure that the plane only flys when it should be. Keeping it in good shape, making sure its well maintained, not taking risk with regard to whats safe. I'm sure there is more that makes a pilot stand out to me. ~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

But, I though Rook, Melissa, Kate and Mike were all going to be at SDC for the 4th? hehe ~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

If all the shithot freeflyers weren't gonna be at my DZ for the bonanza I would have to come meet the coolest AerOhio girls! Oh well... next time. ~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

Where was the demo? ~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

The speed at which I drink beer I don't remember the last time I got drunk off it. I normally have one or two get pissed off at how shitty it tastes and buy mixed drinks the rest of the night. Now that gets me messed up. ~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

haha maybe you should get out some body armor for your ankle.. j / k

Do the jump mods include benches? I know that you are required to have restraints but does that have to be airline style lap belts (which would require a bench) or can they be strops with RSL shackles or carabiners (as we have in the UK - where seatbelts aren't require for take off, but helmets are). Would be weird sitting on the floor of a Twotter! All the Skyvan's I've jumped in the States have benches but you have to sit on the floor in the one that gets jumped in the UK (G-BEOL). Although even in the Skyvans with benches, some people are still required to sit on the floor and I'm sure I've seen lap belts mounted on the floor with the two ends of the buckle close together on the same strap so that it can be buckled around the rig webbing. Lap belts don't need benches. I have more jumps from non-bench otters than bench otters and I like the ones w/o better. ~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

So I'm gonna be out at perris ThuNight/Fri/Sat to do some jumping and tunnel time... Anything fun going on? Figure I will find a RW organizer but still :P Oh and say hi if you see me :) ~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

Haha... Looks interesting. I heard no paint just jump mods? To start with anyways... ~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

If you can get the right publicity for the Dropzones involved you might be able to talk them into picking you up. I mean, its not that much money to fly a 182 and if you pick your major airport of arival w/in say 1/2 hour flight time via 182 you might be able to talk them into coming over and getting you, taking you to the DZ droping you there and then bringing you back... Or you could pay for it all too if they won't donate the time for charity. Other than that I say get current before you start trying to rush around making jumps and forget something, have complications, etc, and end up dead or hurt. ~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

This is by far the place to be over the 4th. How 'bout a clicky... And lets throw in some pictures from lasts years swoop comp... ~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

I think it means the cameraman wasn't close enough. Maybe he isn't skydiving enough. Yes, I check my gear both times. That's why I'm still alive. Its a .3 lense... I have it zoomed a touch in now though. I skydive as much as I can :) 26 jumps last weekend hehe... When it happend it was quite a suprise to me and everyone else on the jump. I could post a better quality video but it doesn't show much more. ~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

Its so important to be carefull of your gear. I think so many people get complacent. On this jump it turned out mostly ok because no one got too hurt. If there had been someone above her things would of been much much worse. This all happens really fast. One other thing to be learned (did right here) is that on freefly dives (or any dive) be carefull to avoid flying over the top of a person. Gonna give a shot at puttin the vid on here.. ~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

i would agree Belvedere or Grey Goose is the way to go! I buy mostly Grey Goose... but they are both good. Absolut isn't that great even though everyone seems to think it is. ~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

Not impressed with the amount of posting today. I dont know what it is but there isn't much going on!!!! I am super bored at work for another hour. I just want the happy fun weekend to start!!!

Always liked thier music. Finding a new singer is moslty stupid because he made the band anyways. ~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

Yuppers, same here. But probably closer to 97%. I only read dz.com at work.. Every now and then i go lookin for a post at the DZ to show someone something but thats about it. ~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

Not really. I have both the jumps and accuracy for the C but haven't paid for a number. I probally will not get one either. Just going to get my D when I have 500 jumps (So close.) The only things I have found that I can't do with a B are things I need a D to do. ~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

That last swoop by Nick was damn impressive considering that it was a hard set up and a big crosswind. Very cool overall. Can't wait to have the skills needed to participate... Next year..... ~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka