skydived19006

That makes sense. Also makes sense that I haven't seen them, since I don't have a Vector tandem rating. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I was looking through old files (for another post), and thought that these were fun. It appears to be Bill Booth doing the tandems, it is a Vector 2 rig. Interesting that Bill didn't need to wear any eye protection. Anyway, for what it's worth... Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Here's what art I found on the 3.5" disks. This stuff was put together by Gary Peek and Para Publishing back in the early 90s. Stuff was dated 1995. The files were .pcx, so I found a converter online. The "abc 4" logo was added by the software because I used an unregistered (free) version. Anyway, nothing very exciting, but it does look like Chirs' artwork. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Chuck, I agree that the GM program is a conflict of interest. It corrupts the origination into a trade organization. I've written more than a few words against the GM program. I am aware that Larry Hill thinks that the GM program is valuable, and helps him to keep his airplanes hauling skydivers, for what that's worth. In the end, I'm apathetic about the GM program, but I do keep sending in my check every year. Oh, and initialing those pledges. SECTION 1: GROUP MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM 1-2 PURPOSE A. It is to the advantage of skydiving schools, centers and clubs as well as the USPA membership to encourage unity within the sport. B. More importantly, the chances of the success and survival of the sport are much greater if all facets of skydiving present an image of solidarity when dealing with the general public and especially with all levels of government. C. By accepting skydiving schools, centers and clubs as members, both USPA and those businesses will benefit through improved communications with the skydiving public and within the skydiving industry. D. Such membership will aid in the prompt channeling of information about local problems, regional attitudes, and trends to USPA. This will assist USPA in promoting and defending the sport. E. USPA will be able to more effectively represent skydiving, provide improved member services and assist the members to speak with a stronger and more unified voice. F. The purpose of Group Membership, therefore, is to establish a business and professional relationship that strengthens the bonds of unity within the skydiving community and enhances the growth of the sport. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I have a couple of 3.5" disks with clip art, and I know that there is some of Chris' work on them. What I don't have is a 3.5 drive. I got the clip art from Gary Peek years ago, I'd imagine he still has access to the files. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Gee I thought it was this: The purposes for which USPA is formed are as follows: To encourage unity among all persons interested in skydiving; to promote safety in all skydiving activities in the United States, to sanction skydiving competitions; to document officially all national and world skydiving records set by citizens of the U.S., to promote and encourage the study and knowledge of skydiving among the membership and the public at large; to cooperate with all government agencies connected with aeronautics or aeronautical activities; to compile information regarding the science of skydiving and to edit, publish, and disseminate the same; to select and train the United States Parachute Team for world competition. from http://uspa.org/Portals/0/Downloads/Man_GovMan_2008_07.pdf . That's pretty much the details of what I quoted. And none of that says a damn thing about USPA supporting, regulating, guiding or otherwise getting into the business of DZ's either. ...,to ensure skydiving’s rightful place on airports and in the airspace system" What are you, some kind of constitutionalist? Enumerated Powers, right. That would be the equivalent to the Commerce Clause in the US Constitution. It can be interpreted to the point that the BOD can do virtually anything they like and point to the "ensure skydiving's rightful place..." Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Sometimes true. Regardless of motivation, that would be the accusation thrown in response. Especially if the accused were providing turbine lift in a Cessna market, etc. Seen it! I also know that multiple people saw the GKCSD crash on the horizon. Nothing was said/done, people died. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

If this genuinely happens, then they're fools. Funny thing; we put effort into advertising, radio spots, special events, spotlight articles in newspapers. When we do these things, we can track the increase very easily. When we don't, we can track that, too. The Staff did exactly what I referenced above. Throughout the 2008 season in conversations with DZs the staff were instructed to ask "how's business?" Then the results of this "survey" were cited as evidence at the BOD meeting that the marketing expenditure was having a positive affect. It would be a better indication if the USPA notified DZs in advance of a media event such as the coverage of the canopy competition in Colorado. Then the day after the event, send an email questionair asking if anyone noticed an increase in traffic (calls, site hits, etc.) Problem is as I see it, this type of thing would get a whole lot of negative to no affect responses. The end doesn't support the goal. Kind of like the whole Global Warming, now updated to Climate Change issue. You have to ask the right questions in order to get the desired answers! You can push statistics to show just about any answer you like. Obviously any positive exposure skydiving gets in the media is good for the sport. The question though, is what we're getting worth the $50,000 expense? It's impossible to measure with any accuracy at all. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I understand how this is a political hot button! I've talked with one or two folks here (PMs and emails) who in the past reported flagrant violations to USPA and also gave the information to the FAA. The individual was to large extent black-balled. Ironic that potentially saving the lives of skydivers can be so politically incorrect. It's very easy to look at an incident after the fact, people are dead, and say "somebody should have done something!", "somebody should have said something!" But to "do something", or "say something" preemptive is culturally unacceptable. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I had a call just last night from an “old airborne guy!” He said that he now weighs 220, 230, maybe 250, and hasn’t jumped since the mid 80s, well maybe 10 years ago (whatever!). He wants me to put him out a couple of times, so he can brush up for some sort of reunion jump. I told him multiple times, in different ways “I will not put you out, the gear is not certified for weight above 254 lbs. It’s illegal.” So, he says that he wants to come out and talk with me. He says that he’s going to do a military round jump, and wants to look good when he lands. I told him “Sounds like an ambulance ride to me.” “Stupid is, as stupid does.” It's really not good business practice to be breaking and killing folks! Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I'm a GM, and can argue either side of this issue. On one side the USPA does keep the FAA at bay, and has been instrumental in a few decisions made by the FAA, and exceptions to FARs. That's the argument for the GM Program, it keeps DZs open, and airplanes flying, so the Individual Member has a place to skydive. The FAA recognizes the USPA as an self governing organization, and the GM program is part of that whole bit. On the other side of the argument as I see it; the USPA can do these same things without the GM program. The GM program was started in the 1980s (as I understand), so the USPA did it's "thing" for 25 years +/- without the GM Program. As I understand, the USPA has pulled membership (successfully) in the past, but not since the whole "Georgia Fiasco." Rumor has it that one Missouri GM is on the chopping block, but no ax drop as yet. Theory has it that the USPA would rather attempt to reform our fallen angels as opposed to damming them. As far as the pledge, and separation of landing areas, I was one of those DZOs who raised his hand to "who has not separated landing areas?" at the DZO conference. We fly one C182, and have only one or two folks who make high performance landings. I learned that separation by time is also an acceptable method. Our skydivers work it out on a load by load basis, either by time or area. Additionally, since there are never more than four skydivers in the air at any time, it's normal to know where the other three folks are, so less of an issue. So, we've done it for a long time, just not really in an official way. Another DZO I know did honestly comply with the landing area requirement. She officially does not allow any "hook turns", so again it's a moot point. She did take an aerial photo of the city's sewage treatment ponds, and declared that the high performance landing area. I guess my point is that separate landing areas is not an issue at a lot of DZs, but we all should be maintaining our airplane/s. In the end, I do not fear USPA's authority. I fear loss of my or friends lives. I also live in fear of a law suit. The USPA could pull my GM and Individual memberships, and I could still do what I do without missing a beat. Though the FAA does require that the TI "(iii) Holds a master parachute license issued by an organization recognized by the FAA." At the Winter BOD meeting I asked for clarification on a point. I understood that the USPA was considering notifying the FAA of unsafe or illegal operations. It was made extremely clear to me that the USPA has no intention of ever being a whistle blower to the FAA. I could see both sides of that issue as well. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Watch, the USPA BOD will quote this thread as an obvious indication that the $50,000 they spend each year on marketing is working. If numbers are up, it's due to marketing efforts by USPA. If numbers are down, it's the economy. Again, obviously more reason we need to be spending member dues on advertising! I learned all this at the Winter BOD meeting! On topic, I think our business is average. We're backed up, but the Kansas spring weather has been a problem this year. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I like usairnet.com, but they don't put the gusting information in their graphic. I'm going to start looking at the NOAA site for gusting, and see if I can "pull strings with usairnet, maybe they'll consider overlaying the gusting line? Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I call that being prepared for just about any emergency! I can tell by the beer in the left pocket, though I'm not 100% sure where it works into the EP flow chart. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I don't stay up with technology, as long as it's work'n... PC9, Way Cool .25 lens (with protective filter), riggerrob glove. Here's winter tandem. I don't end up with a whole lot of pictures of me in free fall with the glove for some reason. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Some fucking idiots obviously do not realize how serious shit like this is, and how seriously the authorities take it especially since 9/11/01! It would make my day to see this stupid fuck caught, and hung out to dry. Fun for me if the Feds would make an example of him/her! Anyway, hopefully you guys had weather as nice as we did in Wichita today! Martin Myrtle DZO Wichita Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

At some point a few years ago RWS/UPT changed their drogues. I ordered a couple, and the comparatively long trap door was scaring me! I checked back with RWS (it was before the name change), and they advised of the a fore mentioned modification to extend the kill line. I've done it to every drogue I've purchased from UPT since! Reasoning for the change? Something to do with performance at sea level or some crap. I suppose Bill Booth might be able to explane. Martin Maritn Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I have a message to return, and will in a few minutes. I'd think that Tommy Dolphin MRVS would be a lot closer since he's a KC area DZ. He's also a rigger, and DPRE, so may be more capable of dealing with any possible issues. We get calls every once in a while from someone in the KC area, and will always inform them that there are other DZs a lot closer than the 250 miles to Wichita. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

There's a comment to the attached photo about "a meet in Kansas in 1961." I'm curious where that meet would have been. Anyone know? Martin view profile guilfoyle_lee Pro User says: The first time I met her and her husband Ludlow Clemmens was at a meet in Kansas in 1961. Ludlow had been a B-47 Bomber pilot that crashed and severely crippled him. He was jumping again with a round canopy that he could steer with one hand. His phenomenal progress was stopped when he was diagnosed with a cancer that eventually took his life. What a great man! What a great couple! Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

It went for $765, had "the box" and a bunch of cams. I'm not a rigger, had I known it would go so low I'd have bought the damn thing! Even if it was a piece, as I understand, the goodies are worth more than the closing. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I'm not "advertising", I have no interest in this machine. I asked the riggers I know, and they don't need this machine, so just passing the information along. Hell, anyone here who want's a 217 probably has a saved ebay search (that's how I found it), and already knows anyway. Martin BERNINA 217 Industrial Zig-Zag Sewing Machine w/Table Item number: 160312722496 It has "the box" and cams! This was from an email I sent around to my rigger friends: The seller says "I will be unable to ship this item, but am willing to be helpful and flexible for local pick-up or available for your shipper to pick up." I used Unishippers to broker shipping on my engine/prop cores, and they beat the best Texas Skyways could do be well over $100. Unishippers is a nation wide chain, I think the local guys are franchises. Anyway, I'm 99% certain that Unishippers would pick this machine up at the person's house, package it on a pallot, and get it on it's way. Just something to keep in mind when looking at stuff like this. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

For IAD Practice Pilot Chute Throws (PPCT) we use newspaper. I think I use one sheet wadded into a tight ball, then a couple folded around, and taped off at the base of the ball. Think of a doll head, with dress. Very cheep, and depending on the tape all biodegradable. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Bill sent me an email asking for information on a deceased skydiver. I relied, but my email bounced. Bill, try again, send me a pm, whatever, and I'll get you the information you're looking for. Martin: I just read your posting... Thanks, Bill Jackson my bounce message: I'm afraid I wasn't able to deliver your message to rx7@dropzone.com: This user only accepts mail from specified senders. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I don't think you understand the "One Cessna DZ" state of mind, so to speak. We all have day jobs, including the DZO. Not that we have to, but because we prefer to eat and sleep indoors. So, I guess the answer is "No, no difference." Nobody in Kansas makes their living exclusively from skydiving. Not that it can't be done, I've seen it done. One simply needs to have a very low standard of live'n! The most memorable quote I remember from the DZO who was living exclusively from his DZ revenue was (think British accent) "No more 206. I just crashed it." Maybe he was neglecting maintenance, in favor of food? BTW, that was Nick Robson (now diciest, died in a Florida jump plane crash, he was not pilot on that load.) Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

That's very cool for the students! Problem I see is that many students drop off, quite a few more quit before 100. 200, 500, etc. jumps, still a few more who stick it out, have no desire to instruct. So, you "receive" 20 Coach jumps while you're a student, once you become an instructor, you "Pay it forward" for life. Quite Utopian! We tend to "pay it forward" once the student has his "A." The fun jumpers do not (for the most part) avoid jumping with newbies. As DZO, I do not (for the most part) allow people to manifest around people. (edit to add) One C182 DZ. TI: 40 ($10 more if he packs) TI: with HC $65 ($10 more if he packs) AFF: not offered IAD: $10 per student, plus ride up to 4,000' (has to pay if he goes on up, $1.50 per 1,000'. Free fall student: $10, ride up to student's altitude. We'll start leaving with the student "Coach Jump" after :10 delays. Coach: $10 IAD FJC: $25 per note: my instructors never pay to instruct. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ