skydived19006

It could be a high flow, low back pressure, tuned header exhaust system? My A&P was talking to me about a new STC (not on the market as yet), I think Power Flow Systems, Inc. Here's what they say about their 172 install: Bolt-on Horsepower. Complete replacement of the Cessna exhaust system. For Use with C172 A-Q. The concept is simple, out with the old, in with the new. By effectively emptying each cylinder, Power Flow is able to give the Cessna 172 Skyhawk a number of benefits. You will immediately notice an increase in RPM (30-130 more) as well as a significant improvement in rate of climb (125-300fpm). Want to save fuel? You can use less throttle to go the same speeds and save up to 2.2 gallons per hour. The Power Flow is a versatile, quality constructed, complete replacement of your entire exhaust system. You are in control. For more power, use the extra RPM. For fuel savings, throttle back and fly your pre Power Flow airspeeds. The entire system is constructed from stainless steel and includes minimal structural welds in the cabin heat section for improved safety. All necessary parts are included for easy installation. Our Cessna 172 Skyhawk customers report an average install time of between 3-5 hours. The system can be installed by one of our dealers, by your local A&P, or you can fly your plane to us for a local install. Fly in with a standard Cessna 172 Skyhawk, fly out tuned for performance. Each exhaust system includes an unconditional 60 day (from time of installation) money back guarantee. If you are not totally satisfied, for any reason, you can return the system for a full refund of your purchase price (Refer to Shipping/Return policy for details). http://www.powerflowsystems.com/products.php?cat_id=9&pid=6 I think that the 172 system runs around $5,000. One of my pilots put a Power Flow exhaust system on his Piper 140 and swears it lived up to all the advertised numbers. I'll seriously consider it for my 182. Don't know if there will be an issue with combining the Power Flow with the Texas Skyways O-520 U/TS STC. All that said, I don't know anything about the system in the pictures. Martin Edit for spelling, etc. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Keeps someone from filling "The V". I can't imagine that this is the "why". Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I found these pictures interesting. In this country these modifications would require either a Field Approval, or STC. I'm guessing that the external exhaust/muffler is done with STC since I found three airplanes running it. Also, all three with the exhaust are running three blade props, so more than likely an engine upgrade. I don't see what the potential advantage of adding a bar to the strut on a 182. The rear float step in interesting, but again I don't really see the need, and it would require more than a little structure to keep it from ripping off the airplane. The last one is just not smart IMO. Martin Strut Grab Bar Exhaust Exhaust Exhaust Rear Step Rear Step Dangle Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I think the answer would be "yes." Also, if you're under 40 years of age, a third class medical is good for three years. If you're third is over two years old, and you hit 40 it expires (I think) on the last day of the month of your 40th birthday. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I doubt that many here are going to "stand up" and say "I do it!" That said, I was at the last DZO meeting in conjunction with the Winter BOD meeting. On this topic, two DZOs did just that, stood up and said "We do it!" One in Hawaii said "With the high winds in Hawaii we do it!" Another DZO near Huston stated "With the low winds in South Texas we do it!" I have been known to do a carving turn to final/flair, but the canopy barely tips, or dives just gives a little extra speed. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Back in the mid 1990s it was almost standard practice at "my dz" to do h&ps from 1000', though I never did it. One old skydivers reasoning was "it's 10 seconds to the ground from 1000', 12 seconds from 2000' at terminal, so about the same thing as deploying at 2k." Again, back in the F111 days (at least still at that DZ), when mains opened in 200' from terminal. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I agree. One of the girls in my last office saw a guy at a bar she liked. He'd been there a few times and no matter what she did he just didn't see her. So.....she walked over sat next to him and bought him a beer. They are getting married next year

Why would someone do that? Cleaning? There's no way I'd make it 12 hours without food. Well, I'd survive, but I'd be all screwed up for sure! I'd assume that there's a vending machine, can you survive on peanuts, etc.? Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I have two, 7 and 5. Off the top of my head the funniest thing I can come up from Wade (5) is tied to his little Kleptomania problem, but this may have been when he was 4. Angie and I had discussed that he likes shiny things, and tends to put stuff in his pockets. At one point when caught with something he'd collected from my brother he said "I kind of like shiny things." Seems he's self diagnosed his issue. It's often very interesting to just listen to Kent (7) and Wade discuss "life" while riding in the back of the car. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Come out to the middle of the country, we'll show you IAD at my DZ, and I'll point you to a few SL DZs. How do you maintain an IAD rating without using it? "I've seen a little on TV!" Or is it expired? Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Personally, I think that all the DZOs who trade with Skyride should also be kicked in the collective nuts. If "DZ A" is losing business through Skyride to "DZ B", in my world when naming defendants I put "DZ B" on the list with all the Skyride entities. Just let one DZO get hit with a multi million judgement, and see how fast the rest of the rats abandon ship! It reminds me of the 800 lb man stories. Who the hell is supplying him those dozen pizza meals three times a day? The DZOs are feeding SR. Stop the pizzas, SR goes on a crash diet! I guess you can kill a snake by either cutting off the head, or cutting off the tail right behind the head. Regardless, Thank you Larry Hill and company for putting a knife in the snake! Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I get your point, but we spread 600 tandems a year over 4 rigs. Two guys can turn back to back, or every other load with the four rigs. 600 tandems a year is about max for our one 182 weekend DZ with two guys working. Here's a little twist on "Icarus" canopies. We have two which were manufactured by Precision before the divorce of Precision and Icarus, one 330, one 365. One by Precision (330) after the divorce, and one by Icarus (365) of late. By far the most consistent, trouble free of the four are the two older ones. Icarus will tell you that Precision is using "the old design", but I think that George may have made changes too. I want a canopy cut like they did it in 1999! All that said, even with "troublesome" canopies we're well over 4000 tandems with two mals. One due to lines breaking, one line over. Never dacron lines, zero tension knots. So, if malfunction rate is part of your equation... Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Since this is as laid back as can be, being dudes and bumpy dudes, is being a skydiver even a requirement. There's a real ruley word "requirement." Not that I care, but since it's circulated the Facebook community at our DZ, my little grand niece even joined, she's 10 or 11. Aspiring skydiver should be good enough for an dude aspiring to one day be bumpy too. Martin DS3 Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I do, I simply don't do the handle checks in freefall, never have, not before adding the hand camera. I do multiple checks in the airplane, and on the ground before loading the airplane. I do it with appropriate trimming, and deliberate thought. At one time I just touched the handles, now I think about it while doing it 'rip pull, ... rip pull' That sort of thing. So far, any issues I've had in freefall, or under canopy I've went to the right handles, in order. That said, if you want to touch your handles in free fall, it sure can't hurt. You might even want to cross yourself before exiting, and again before pulling, can't hurt! Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

By this logic, TIs should cease to do sport jumps, it's a change in routine. All or nothing is a bit excessive. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

What if the TI is the Pro video/stills flyer? At my DZ there are two of us, both TIs, both fly video trading off. My DZ can do 16 tandems a day with hand cam, 8 a day with outside video. With hand cam, the students "get to ride up with their friend", don't mean shit to me, but it does to them. With hand cam, we get canopy footage, interview, it takes 30 seconds of video 10,000' to 5,500' and turns it into 5 minutes of video. When in drogue fall, if everything is going well, all you're doing as TI is counting off the altitude until things "get exciting again" or potentially so. When "shit happens" believe me, the camera "goes away." You can say that I speak from a monetary point of view, but I'd say the same thing to those who say "you're cutting out the Professional Vidiot" I'll agree with the handles check if jumping gear with a potential of a floating drogue release handle. My gear has the handles (three of them) sewn permitting in place. I check the drogue, and bottom two drogue releases before rolling off, and deploy 1000' higher than minimum. If you want to eliminate the risk, then we should all simply stay on the ground. Time has proven that the added complexities of flying camera is not killing people. If it were, I'd be the first to condemn hand cam. Beyond that if you're a Professional Video Flyer, and HC is cutting into your income flow, man up and get your tandem rating. Eat your cake and have it too! "Technology happens", look what Henry Ford did to the buggy whip industry. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Riggerrob mentioned a thesis on this subject. I'd like to find that, and asked him if he can lead me/us to it. The above mentioned suggested requirements seem reasonable to me. I've noticed guys using the "little" sony HD cameras. They're half the size of my old PC9, and not much more than an old altimeter. Nice option for HC! Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

In light of the recent tandem incident while wearing a hand cam, and a Racer Tandem rig. I looked at Jump Shack's site, and came across this article. There is no evidence that the video camera had anything to do with that incident, but the subject of training, minimum numbers, etc has arisen again. Since I didn't think it appropriate to take the thread in Incidents off topic, I'm posting here. Martin http://www.jumpshack.com/default.asp?CategoryID=TANDEM&PageID=Handcam&SortBy=TITLE_A The Use of Handcam 3/24/2009 As both a manufacturer of Tandem Equipment and a rating authority for its use, The Jump Shack has received several inquiries regarding requirements and recommendations for the use of handcam video. As we don't specifically train people to use this equipment we cannot, realistically, dictate requirements but we can offer recommendations based on the experience of some of our tandem instructors and examiners. Handcam, the use of a small video camera encased in a glove and worn on the left hand of the tandem instructor, has been increasing in popularity over recent years. There are distinct advantages and disadvantages to this method of filming tandems, and it is the purpose of this article to outline; 1. The Advantages and Disadvantages of handcam video 2. The minimum recommendations to shoot handcam video 3. The necessary mindset of the tandem instructor while shooting handcam video 4. Examples of useful procedures while shooting handcam video Advantages of Handcam Handcam video has become popular with both instructors and DZOs primarily because it can increase the revenue of both parties. The Drop Zone Operator can generate more income per plane load by not needing a slot for the camera flyer. For example, you can put two tandem pairs in a Cessna 182 and both can get video. This also applies to any jump aircraft because instead of dividing the revenue generated by a Tandem with video by three slots, it only requires two. Tandem instructors can also increase their income by getting paid for shooting (and possibly editing) the video as well as for actually taking the tandem student. It also helps the instructor build rapport with the student. The development of a few easy routines to introduce the student to the equipment and to the concept of the skydive helps in building a bond between the instructor and the student, and where appropriate the use of humor can ease any tension that the student may be feeling. The actual video footage shot both on the ground and in the air can also be used as a part of the waiver. Footage of the student being told to pick their feet up for landing and how to arch can be invaluable against the claim “nobody ever told me to do that.” This is especially true when under canopy, it is advisable to have the student practice lifting their legs and feet and actually film that. From the student's perspective, the handcam video contains a lot of content not available with external video, including their immediate reaction on canopy opening, footage of them steering the parachute and the ability to record personal messages while under canopy to people who will eventually see the video. Disadvantages of Handcam Obviously having the handcam and glove on the left hand severely restricts movement in a smaller plane (such as a C182) and a lot of preparation should be taken before using the system with an actual student. Work out a way to tighten up the side straps by practicing with a fellow skydiver on the ground, in the plane, before coming to the realization that it is trickier than you thought it would be at exit time. This is especially important if you do most of your tandems from a Cessna 182. Practice in both rear and front positions as both present different challenges with a handcam. Taking tandem students is a process that benefits from an established set of routines, and yet should never allow the instructor to become complacent. The instructor's job has enough potential pitfalls and inherent dangers that adding another component to the diveflow (handcam) should never be undertaken lightly. The presence of a handcam can be a distraction to both the instructor and the student. This distraction can be beneficial in some instances (having the student look at the camera while in the door can alleviate some of the fear at exit time) and detrimental in others (having the student forget to arch because they're too busy geeking the camera or assuming bad body position because they spend the whole jump staring off to the left trying to find the camera). From the student's point of view the shots missing are the “fly in” shot and any 360's presenting a complete view of the tandem from all aspects. However, with the development of some routine camera angles during every freefall, this can be compensated for, and more than made up for with the addition of footage shot under canopy and some varying camera angles. Also, any stills pulled from the video will not be of the same quality as those shot with a good Digital Single Lens Reflex or 35mm camera. The Minimum Recommendations for performing Handcam tandems Because of the potential for distraction and the added complexity during hookup and exit the following are the minimum recommendations for instructors who wish to use a handcam setup. 1. An absolute minimum of 100 post-probation tandem skydives. 2. Currency (the first jump back after a seasonal layoff should NOT be a handcam jump. 3. Before taking a student the instructor should make 2 solo jumps on sport gear with the camera to feel how it affects flying and 1 jump on tandem gear with an experienced (C licensed) skydiver. These recommendations are the absolute minimum, the instructor should make as many practice jumps as needed to build a comfort factor. The necessary mindset for performing Handcam tandems Any instructor performing handcam video on a tandem should realize that they are a tandem instructor first and a videographer second. The video should be the very last priority on the skydive. “A bad video of a good skydive is preferable to a good video of a bad skydive” From hookup procedures, through the exit, the freefall and the parachute ride full attention should be given to the skydive and the video should only be interwoven into established procedures. The instructor should also remember that it is the student's video, they want to see themselves in it, not the instructor goofing around and grandstanding for the whole freefall. Handcam Procedures It is important to establish a good set of routines that will minimize the risk of distraction during a tandem skydive performed with handcam. This should start at the very beginning and will assist the instructor in turning out a quality product safely. Below are some examples of handcam procedures that will help in formulating a good, safe routine of your own. Either before meeting your student with camera in hand take a shot of the student's name on the manifest board or the waiver or at the very least either say their name in the introduction or get them to say it. When the videos are being edited it really helps to know exactly whose video you are working on. Gauge the student's temperament, some humor in the introduction can reduce the fear component, but it should be carefully used, as typical skydiver “gallows humor” may do more harm than good. Generate a routine that you are comfortable with and that can be adapted for every type of student that you will encounter. This part of the video can be used to build a rapport with the student that will help you gain their trust and encourage them to follow your instructions during every part of the skydive. You can even get them to show you a “practice arch” which will encourage them to do the same in the air. If you routinely perform a practice climbout, film that too. During the climb to altitude film some shots out of the window, inside the plane and, if possible, even conduct a mini-interview. If the student is with some friends and family get them in the shots too. In the door, pause a second and have the student look at the camera. Ask them to do this while on the ground and remind them once you are hooked up. Having them look at the camera can take their mind, momentarily, off of the concept that they are about to jump from an airplane, then gently guide their head back into position and proceed with the exit. A good exit is better than a good video of the exit. Concentrate on stability and getting the drogue out. Once you are flying nice and stable bring your left hand around, either over or under the student's arm, and get them in frame. Let the camera rest there for a few seconds to get their reactions, this is a great time to do a practice touch on the right drogue release. If all is going smoothly you can obtain some good shots by bring both of your arms out wide and high, by tilting the camera at the ground and then gently bring the hand back to the neutral position. Make all movements as smooth as possible and let any shot linger for a few seconds. Rapid movement shots will make the tandem look jerky and panicky. Always make your primary pull with the right drogue release while filming handcam. When jumping without a camera switch to the left drogue release to maintain familiarity with its location. You can get great opening shots of the canopy with a little practice, then bring the camera up to the student's face to get their initial reaction; it can be priceless! When you have checked the canopy and done a control check you can interview the student. When they have the steering toggles you can tell the camera that they are flying the parachute then pan around the landscape slowly to get the full scenic effect. Turns of 360 and 720 degrees under canopy can look startling if the camera is pointed at the ground, and always get the student to practice their leg positions for landing on the video. During the landing try and keep the student in frame, but if not possible, once safely on the ground and with a collapsed canopy get the student's face in full frame and let them tell the world what they thought of their experience. Finish the video with a short interview, get their name and the dropzone name in there and have a definite finish move such as “Welcome to the sky” and point the camera up as you shut it off. This will give you a definite “end point” for the edit. As I stated at the beginning of this article, there is no training or testing for incorporating handcam into tandem skydiving, yet its potential for disrupting the dive should not be underestimated. The content of this article is based on the observations and experience of tandem instructors that have already dealt with some of the potential pitfalls, and can be used as a platform for building your own procedures, Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

One of my fav rigger comments to a skydiver "needing his by this weekend." Mark told him that he couldn't get it done, too busy, but the guy kept pressing. Finally Mark relented "Ok, I'll do it. You come over to my house, you're going to take a list to the grocery store and do some shopping. You're going to do a few loads of laundry, and mow the yard in the meantime." Mark says the guy thought he was joking, "Hey! I'm serious!" "Ah..., how about next week." Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Nice pic. Next time, tell the jumper that "pull" is supposed to come after "exit". I'm in Kansas, Adam is in South Texas. That rig seemed to have disappeared right around the time Adam left Kansas. Damn if it didn't show up in a picture on the SD San Marcos web site. Coincidence? So, I doubt that I'll be telling Adam much of anything about his jumping. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Follow me around the DZ on a Sunday evening after everyone's gone home. You'll generally hear me muttering "People are some nasty fuckers!" Being DZO of a small weekend DZ often means cleaning up after the "party." That said, there are quite a few of the regulars who'll also spend time cleaning up after the nasty fuckers. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I'll walk around looking like Clint Eastwood squinting if I'm not wearing tint. I jumped wearing Oakleys back in the 90s, until I had a pair get knocked off on opening. These days, I wear a pair of $5 tinted safety glasses with colored surgical tube holding them on. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

That sounds like fun! I assume that only one reserve needs to be certified? As in we repack the piggy back reserve, and go have fun maintaining the FAA certified repack on the belly wart. Releasing Capwells or shot-&-halfs or whatever that rig has on it may not be relevant to modern skydiving equipment, but I guarantee that it is more intimidating than simply pulling the little silver. handle. You can either attempt to release both simultaneously, or release one riser while holding it with the other hand, then release the second riser, either hanging onto the first letting the canopy streamer, or just let it all go. For fun, I posted a picture of the rig (not me) putting the first main out. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

......................................................................... One solo reserve ride is a pre-level for aspiring Strong TIs. The goal is for aspiring TIS to prove that they can keep their cool and perform the correct drills while in a stressful situation, before being trusted with the lives of students. You are correct in stating that it is not a pre-level for UPT, but it should be. UPT and Strong are slowly converging with their tandem training programs. At the time I received my Tandem I, having a cut away was required. How is the Strong requirement written? I had released a round main with capewells on a tritary rig for my compliance. Releasing a main on a tritary rig is not the same thing as dealing with an real malfunction. A tritary cut away just about has to work to satisfy the requirement. Otherwise, what are you going to do, have someone make your gear malfunction on a random jump? Hey, that sounds like fun. You will have a malfunction on one of your next 15 jumps, be ready Dude! Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

According to the list, I joined on Facebook (Martin Myrtle), and #3 is open. Can I be #3? Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ