yoink

That was mentioned with the promise of it being considered. Gary: intentional crosswind landings were definately mentioned (It think as part of CH2). I can't remember about downwind. Sorry

don't they generally do that anyway? yeah, pretty much... but it keeps them amused I guess!

Don't really drink anymore - there's your problem right there! nah - seriously, I call up my mates and they generally make fun of me till I stop feeling sorry for myself!

drink beer till the feeling goes away? beer - the cause of and solution to so many of lifes problems...

shut up

I guess you don't see it like this then!! how come your pound symbol is a J? That's so much cooler than mine!!

I agree. Got it for Christmas and have read it several times. It's worth a look even if you're not a BASE jumper!

Last weekend at the AGM, the BPA explained a new canopy progression system based upon a theory of combining education and regulations that will be enforced by CCIs (I think from April). The system provides 4 new qualifications: CH1 and CH2 are mandatory canopy handling skills that will be taught and observed with practical and written tests throughout a students progression and beyond. CH1 will be required to get an A licence and an instructor must be able to teach all canopy skills up to this level. CH2 will be required for B license. It seperates the canopy skills (accuracy and rear riser control) from the current IC1 certification (called JM1(?) that willl be concerned with spotting, flightline checks etc.). I likened it to Billvons downsizing checklist. To teach will be similar to having a WARP rating - nominated by your CCI etc. The aim of these two levels is to give both practical and theoretical knowledge to the skydiver and to teach them how to make plans whils on the ground, how to adapt the plan in the air and how to make safe decisions for landing. (i.e. avoiding panic turns & 'must get back' syndrome)... the next two levels called CP1 and CP2 are voluntary and are only concerned with those who want to swoop. The BPA defines swooping as 'any speed inducing maneuvre undertaken to increase speed for landing' CP1 is required for ANY swoop landing and must be taught by someone holding both CP1 and CP2. Additionly, a C licence will be required. 200 jumps minumum - even for a double front riser landing. CP2 is is required for competition swooping and will require a minimum of 1000 jumps, (D license) and the completion of a swoop course - I think it was 3 sucessive carving swoops over 180ft. that's about all I can remember, but I'm sure others will pitch in. discuss

every time I try to put a pound sign in I get this: £ When I'm writing the post it looks OK, but after previewing or posting out comes £! Maybe we've got a new currency I've not heard about! £ £ £ ????

total now is 111 pounds. Raised by 10%... could have been worse, but it will keep going up until there is some competition in insurance underwriters. at the moment only one company will cover us... apparently mainly as a result of experienced vs experienced lawsuits grr

how many tables got trashed? Can't believe they reckon 1500 quids worth of damage to the tables last year!! They were chipboard! 10 pounds from B&Q I'm sure!!!

you should have been involved in my dissertation - my subjects got paid to drink!

placebo effect is great! but whatever works for you I guess! I still like plenty of water and neurofen! Just found out I have to work sunday, so probably won't stay over Sat I'll turn up tomorrow morning though!

we drove into town last year - i think we ended up at a Weather Spoons...

being discussed in the Gear forum http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=1438094;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread here

Scotland.... Scottish girls are hot!

altered... You'll find lotsa rooms that 'may' act as mini bars though...

I turned up at half nine last year and there were already a loads of skydivers in an advanced state of mashed-ness lying in the main corridor! that could have still been from the friday night though! Go right from the reception and take a first left I think. Welcome to the bar!

10% No way! it was the smuggling alcohol that did me! The last AGM we must have carted about 4 crates of boze in... and yes, it included Malibu along with Tequila, vodka and everything else!

OK.. half ten might be a little early how about between the AGM and first seminar then? We had the best part of an hour last year I think...

what time do the seminars start? It might be good to meet up and have a beer in the bar before then?

yeah... I second that.

oooo... Look! Shiney! The Altitrack is interesting though...