frost

i uploaded 2 videos and after the upload they look like crap... there are vertical lines going across the screen... Do you think this is some kind of an encoding issue? they look fine on my PC and on skydivingmovies.com. Thank you!

a body doesn't need to actually move upwards to generate an amount of lift, come on :) you just read about the unpowered flying tub, was it moving upwards? So do you have the link to that scientific evidence in the NASA skydiver study?

here is a link that may be interesting in the light of current conversation. Note the M2-F1 that is UNPOWERED. http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-011-DFRC.html

I have been reading the threads on this topic with a lot of interest. I have to say that a lot of your words closely resemble what i thought of "human flight". And i also thought that the human body is not capable of generating lift - for all the same reasons you have listed before. I like how you smirk at the romantics of "human flight" :) However, I do have a skeptical mind and after reading all the debates, i had to read and educate myself on the subject as i enjoy freeflying and really like the atmo ways of flying. I read and studied. I also consulted with a physicist and a big shot aeronautical engineer at Boeing, who was also a professor at U of Washington in Seattle. Based on what i was able to dig up and the conversations I had with these well respected people, everything points out that a human body DOES generate lift. In fact they claim that ANY body is capable of generating lift, even a spinning ball (!). It was somewhat difficult for me to step away from the belief i held for many years that a human body is just not aerodynamic enough to generate lift. But now i do feel that even though it's minimal, the lift IS generated. Also, to add to what i have already found on the net, I would like to ask you to post the links to the NASA skydiving studies you refer to and if possible tell me about your own relevant experience and educational background in relationship to this topic. P.S. To some of the Atmo posters. The name calling is not very mature. Some of you guys with all the experience you have are acting like kids. Your theories of human flight are just that - theories, and are, by default, open to debate. If you cant take criticism - then you're in trouble :) The truth is born in discussions, so i enjoy reading your [constructive] posts as well.

source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atmonauti J Pizzle it was you who invented it?!

Good job!

Seems that everyone here is arguing about the same thing. Some say "it's green", others are saying "no way! it's definitely flat!" If there is an obstacle - it's pilots responsibility to avoid it. While true, it's a REACTIVE solution. A PROACTIVE solution would be not having people in the landing area in the first place. So while you're out there practicing controlled and accurate high speed canopy flight, educate other people where they should and should not be so that you dont have to use your object avoidance skills. Now THAT would be responsible and safe swooper's actions.

No, of course not. I will fly into you silently. Let's not get into semantics here? There is NO reason for ANYONE to be in the landing area, unless they are doing something purposeful, like catching tandems or what have you. Landing area in not for idle time passing. What do the signs on the fence say? "Skydivers only beyond this point".

On regular dropzones? Hardly ever. Most places i've seen it's just like the beer line - not far from spectators and not clearly marked. And just like the beer line the old timers move it to their liking. - Hey you know that's the beer line! - Where? - Right there where you just landed! - No it's not, come on. - Yes it is! You just crossed it and thats a case of beer. I like Heineken's! - Well then you better go buy some, you sneaky ol bastard!

could be that he was not aiming as much as he was not in control of his canopy at that point?... I think anyone in the landing zone (not just a photographer) with incoming jumpers should always be on a look out. Dont relax until you get off that landing area. If you get hit by a guy under a 170 coming straight in it wont seem like candy, i am sure. As far as photographers accepting certain risks is the price you pay to get nice shots for us to enjoy, no? :) Sometimes taking a great shot carries a certain level of risk, doesnt it?

(im)patiently waiting. :)

How is that going? i know it's a hell of a task to make a one page site, but i am just wondering And where are the full results of the first comp, Al?

We' flying into Orlando late late Thursday night to be there for Friday practice jumps. Orlando-Palatka is a bit of a drive, your other choices are Daytona Beach or Jacksonville.

I think that a very good topic. IIRC it was also raised at the last year USPA CP Nationals in Chicago where the winds were very strong resulting in several re-jumps. We ran into that issue at a few regional meets in FL CPC last year as well. A thing to remember: wind speed at 1500 feet is also very important for our set up just as the ground wind speed. Probably unrealistic to expect that it could be monitored in the same manner as ground speed, but i think it should be given some consideration. Perhaps a certain limit on it as well? P.S. Just to add a personal opinion: on fun jumping weekends I usually consider NOT jumping at all if the winds are above 12-13 knots, it just kills all the fun of a landing. I still jump when it promises to be a good jump, if not - i go drink a beer .. err.. i mean a Corona. But i am puss when it comes to winds - I give Motherland a bad name and my comrades are ashamed of me...

you have no clue about the subject. none. It's best to stay quiet when you dont know what you're talking about, you'll look smarter.

Post what you have, wont you? And may be ask your friend to post his shots as well. This guy on the right?: http://pdblog.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/12/18/071218_al_chris.jpg SoFPiDaRF - School of Fast Progress in Downsizing and Radical Flying. Because nobody knows your skills better than you.

Thats a very good point. This poll is probably more oriented towards the fun flyers, rather then tunnel coaches/staff. SoFPiDaRF - School of Fast Progress in Downsizing and Radical Flying. Because nobody knows your skills better than you.

Indeed. It was a GREAT weekend, i have been looking forward to the beginning of this season since the Finals in CO. Plus I got to see some sun and warm weather - it was 11 degrees in NY this morning, BTW. I was happy that Sergei and Pia came out and participated in their first IPC style event (beer!). Much respect to both, Pia - for sticking with it while being cold wet and miserable, Serega for taking 5th place in the CPC rankings on his very first try and 11th overall in the field of 27 competitors. Very nice! Thanks to Al for organizing and taking charge of the CPC this year, he filled Chris Hayes' (Chris who? :P) shoes well. Thanks to all the judges too. I guess http://www.adventureonline.tv/ was doing some filming there so expect a little video on their website shortly. Cant wait until Palatka.

Craig, Brian, you want my lunch money in bills or will small change do? Jairo, could you do me a favor and throw your CCM in the trunk of your Honda on the way to Lake Wales? It is a Honda these days, right? I wanna see a CCM helmet in person... Al, my buddy Sergei will be there too. BTW, i also booked my tix for Palatka. Oh, man this is gonna be a blast. A SE CPC reunion! Cant wait. See you all Friday.

Cheating death? What kind of skydiving are you doing? I am going to guess "eXtreme" skydiving?

What is up with all these tunnel staff politics lately? Cant you people keep it professional? Why do you feel the need to spill the dirt on the public forums? Sad. Just sad.

SHIT! You broke you oath of silence?!!! WTF?! With all due respect Mr. Pro swooper, Sir!

Excellent! Thanks for the update. Three of us from NY will be there for Friday practice. Has it been windy in the last few days? Well, doesnt matter, CPC is coming - it WILL be windy

The intentions are great, but man... that is a funny statement, on many levels.

Yes, Pro flyers who are instructors are kinda out of reach for us - regular flyers - time wise and skill wise. Then again, I am sure those guys didnt have to pay full price for their hundreds of hours. The OP is geared more towards the average joe flyer or beginner to advanced tunnel flyer, who pays for his flight time.