jumpinjackflash

Sounds good to me. I'm willing to try anything to get this thing to open more mellow. My neck and back are killing me this morning and I've never had problems in either area... Which sucks. Re the malfunction. I smell what your stepping in, however, and I may be alone in this, but, I'm pretty sure that whenever a piece of my equipment shreds at altitude, and my ass is hangin under it, thats about as malfunctioned as it gets. Noted, it was a center line, and didn't appear to cause any controllability issues (thankful on this, very thankful), but, nonetheless it was a malfunction. Your point about cutting away was interesting, and again I'm picking up what your leaving, however, that was part of the direction of the post, was when you mal, you don't necessarily go for the red and silver, if the canopy is controllable, either via toggles or via riser, then isn't it prudent to leave that reserve where it is and land... Truly, I have no idea, just building my knowledgebase and trying to get my swerve on. thanks for then nose, I'll give it a go, Jack It's a gas, gas, gas...

I'll give it a shot.... Along with the pocket idea from hookitt... I sure hope I can slow the opening, if not, it looks like it's time for me to get a damn chiropractor. Damn my back hurts something fierce tonite from that shit. j It's a gas, gas, gas...

Considering the fact that I haven't dated for over a year (was married before that).... Spanky would be appropriate. Maybe a lil too appropriate, though you are correct, she did seriously spank my ass today!

I'm hoping that after the relining, I can get this ZPO to open a bit softer... I was joking with the packer before jumping, saying I needed to name her, that it wouldn't be right to jump her without knowing her name. He said, maybe you want to jump her first and see how she treats you before you name her? Well, hell, after today, I'm not real sure what to call her... Some things come to mind, but I fear if I start that she'll never respond kindly.

Thanks Hookitt, appreciate it. And, I'm hearing you with the aggressive turn, flare, etc.... Quite honestly, and I'm sure you can picture the look on my face as I'm baby turning it, flaring, talking to it.... I'm sure it would've made for some great recording... You are right though, I probably should've been more aggressive to assure it would remain stable, I was chicken!!! And, even though the line wasn't a big deal, it felt awful beerable to me!!! One other question though Tim, all of the other lines look "old", but not necessarily GONE. One of our riggers mentioned I probably should replace all of them when they are worn, and I was looking at them and I said, well, how can I tell they are worn enough to replace, and he smiled and said, "Well, you just broke one, what do you think"??? Woudl you replace just one line, or all of them? I just sent an email to Strong requesting pricing and availability of a line set for it, and most likely replace all of them (depending upon my riggers recommendations too). What would you do? Thanks for the input, Jack It's a gas, gas, gas...

Today I went to the dz and made my first A license skydive. I jumped my rig the first time too. Yeah, I know, Beer, TWICE, well, Three Times, TRULY. we'll get back to this... Well, first dive was uneventful, even though I noticed the opening was significantly harder than the usual Manta opening I'm used to on the student gear. I was of course nervous, my rig has a Strong 190 ZPO chute (not terribly popular, but it has low jumps and is in great shape!!!) it is 100 square feet smaller than the student gear, etc...etc..etc.. So, I jump, open hard, fine, get in control check, freaking out on how much more responsive this puppy is, love the turning dynamics, WOO HOO!!!! I opened at 6K both jumps, so I would have a little time to work with the canopy, mainly things on Bill Von's downsizing list, flat turns, etc... Things I've been working on for a while.... Enter the pattern, nice landing, though I didn't stand it up (fast approach, wow!!!!). I come in on my butt, kind of tandem style... Second jump, much the same, however this time, my opening is HELLA HARD!!! I've never been yanked quite like that, POW!!!! So as I'm removing my tongue from my throat and coming back to reality... I look up to check my canopy, release breaks, etc... A line dangles over my helmet. Of course I smile and think, damn, my second ride on my new shit and I'm going to have to get medieval on this bitch and go red and silver!!! Nope, I scanned the chute, first tracing my steering lines up (didn't release toggles yet), happy to see they are all attached and in place. Nice, this is promising. Next, I go across the canopy, D lines, C lines, etc... Finally I get to the front (seemed long but an Alti check showed me at 4.5K). It turned out to be my Left Center A line just to the left of the center cell. The line popped just below the cascade. Chute was well inflated, even the center cells looked good. So I went for the toggles, released fine, control check, left, right, flare. Nice. So I did it again. Nice, hey I thought, why not one more time ... And, once again the chute responded, remained inflated. Now I'm approaching 2.5 and thinking well, looks like I'm going to land this. So, I'm still being gentle, no spiraling turns or anything insane. I setup in my playground and at 1K enter the pattern, bring it in, and land it. I was incredibly puckered. I was mostly worried that even after three control checks the behavior of the canopy wouldn't remain consistent, and at some point would start wigging on me, under my hard deck... ThankFully it did not, it remained under control and fairly docile. Can any one tell me, where they've had a situation similar, but after deciding to ride it in, got under their hard deck and started questioning? My belief here of course is I was good to go, but my fear being an attribute or behavior that hadn't surfaced, would surface at some point under my hard deck, negating what I thought to be a wise decision to bring in a canopy that was under control... I believe my wingloading to be 1.18:1 if that comes into play here. Any input from y'all would be seriously appreciated. I feel good about my decision, I'm just reviewing the whole thing repeatedly in my head to see if there was anything that I wasn't considering. The other thing that came to mind, was what if it was a steering line. For me, at that moment. My next move would've been to leave the lines stowed and steer with my rear risers, do some test turns and flares, and more than likely, again if my canopy remained responsive to my input, and flared well, I'd of rode it in too before going for my reserve. Any thoughts? Thanks, Jack p.s. left the damn dz without payin my beer bill, had to get my boy back for a school picnic, I'll have to pay for it thrice when I return!!!! BEER!!! BEER!!! and last, but not least, BEER!!!! Sorry QLeapers, it will be a week or more, but I will payup on return!!! It's a gas, gas, gas...

I've experienced the same, in a little different way... I'm sure your dz brothers and sisters, and many others are lovin life because your around. Driving home today, I looked over and my son smiled at me, it's amazing how incredibly wonderful the simple things can be. Depression damn near won and took him from me. Depression is dangerous beyond compare. For sure, skydiving proves to be incredibly therapy, without a doubt. In a large way, the dz has saved me as well, the last 2 years have sucked beyond belief, however, the best piece of sky I know is over our landing area, and getting anywhere near that real estate makes me grin like a 13 year old that just got a real good kiss!!! Peace, And Warmth, Jack It's a gas, gas, gas...

Wow You are one seriously pissed off girl, however, I can understand. I've grown up with a few friends that have epilepsy and neither drove and refuse to because they know the danger... The flipside? One of them also never does a damn thing to reduce the amount of seizure activity, and as such, we've had some fairly interesting activity with her over the years. I don't understand why they allow her to freaking drive. That is downright ignorant to her, and everyone else included... You've a right to be pissed, go with it. peace, Jack It's a gas, gas, gas...

Well Michele, OUCH!!!!!!! If your lucky though, it won't be as bad as some are saying. I did the same in Nov of last year. Hurt big! However, it mellowed over two weeks and was completely gone. So, maybe you'll be lucky as me and it won't stick around long. peace, jack It's a gas, gas, gas...

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Man Bill, I can't tell you how great it feels to have that behind me. I'm so stoked at the thought of jumping my own rig! I'm seriously looking forward to bailing with you... Still pissed that I'm not going to get to do that at WFFC this year, but on the other hand, damn glad that you are going to be back as well. Massive thanks for all the "training" you continue to provide. Jack It's a gas, gas, gas...

That job is more realistic than the other... What amazes me is there are, people that actually buy into this shit.... Hey Ivan, send me your credit card num, pin, and expiration, and I'll clean up your credit for you!!! lol Freaks Jack It's a gas, gas, gas...

0:3:0 Beer will come next, when I make my first A licensed jump!!!!!

BIG CONGRATS!!!!!!!! Such a cool place to do it too!!!

All of the above Michele, all of the above. Our folks are incredible. Safety first at all costs. Our jm's are so damn busy you wouldn't even think they were noticing you (tandems, aff's, packing, etc...). However, it just blows you away when you leave the plane, maybe roll on your right a bit, or flip and later as your on the ground reaching for a soda, one of them will come up and say, "You know, you won't roll like that if you..." or "Always make sure you..." Then you realize that with all the insanity and activity, many of them are watching everyone like a hawk, all with the spirit of watching out for their own, trying to ensure everyone makes it to the end of the day with a beer and a smile. Our people are talented, professional, and incredibly giving of themselves. Truly a great place to be. Jack Quantum Leap, Sullivan MO It's a gas, gas, gas...

THANK YOU!!!! Have FUN!!!!! I KNOW I'M ENJOYING THE SHIT OUT OF THIS!!! Good luck on 5-8, remember to listen to your instructors, and even though it sounds nuts.... RELAX!!!!!!!!! peace, Jack It's a gas, gas, gas...

THANK YOU!!!!

BEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!! Though I didn't do my first "A" jump, I had to get in my car and drive a hundred or so to get to my daughter in time to see her dance in her last competition of the year!!! She was incredible though. She danced better than I have ever saw, and really had me smiling. Also? When I told her what I had just done she just grinned from ear to ear and said "HELL YES DAD!!!!" (umm, well, yeah, were a little simpson like we are!!!) lol All in all it was a rocking day!!! peace Jack It's a gas, gas, gas...

WFFC K!!!! WFFC Cannot wait!!!!

THANKS RICK!!!!!! Can't wait to put together some four way with ya man!!! too cool, aint it? Jack It's a gas, gas, gas...

THANK YOU!!!!! TO YOU BOTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so jazzed I feel like an eight year old on Christmas morning!!!

Hell Yes to THAT!!!!

Wow, whomever this person is they really think they are d shiznit. What a load of crap! I've been consulting and working in IT for years, and ran into many that thought they were the second coming of Christ, but this one is definitly up hi. What an ignoramus. I'ts IT for god's sake. Just IT. Nothing more, nothing less. Basic human principles and investment of time/knowledge are whats going to get the big dollars. Be aggressive, pursue a route that pays well and don't be an asshole and you'll go far! Though, of course I'm sure your aware of all that Ivan. So, blah blah blah The real question is how the hell do you get rid of them? peace Jack It's a gas, gas, gas...

IHOP is great. I stayed there in Feb when I went out to do some tunnel. Hell of a deal. I was going to stay in the bunkhouse, but the freaking rooms are so small I figured I'd wake up with someone screaming DOOOOR!!!!! and piss myself thinking I was sleeping in a Cessna. Honestly, I'm a spelunker and the bunkhouse still made me claustrophobic! IHOP is good. Bunkhouse too if you like sleepin in a closet! have fun, Jack It's a gas, gas, gas...

Way Cool Mr. Cole, I can't wait to jump with you at Sullivan. I'm so stoked that I'm going to get to jump with Chuteless Bill Cole! Also, you'll see on the thread here, but Rick jumped with me this afternoon, I got my A!!!!!!!! Rick was there and Cindi. Were all so looking forward to you coming out Bill. WE CANNOT WAIT!!! Peace to you Sir, Jack It's a gas, gas, gas...