skydived19006

I'd be interested to know how many TIs here with over 100, or 1000 tandems could honestly say that they have never felt a drogue touch one of their feet. I'm 6'8" tall, so have more working surface than the majority, and I've had instances where I considered the FF stable, and threw just as we started to rotate a bit head down again (note "a bit head down" not roll to back), and felt the drogue touch/hit my foot. I also remember seeing a video of a TI timing the throw, and the drogue going under the student's leg. Had the student known what was going on, he could have cleared it (not a full hitch like this jump). The video guy considered coming in to clear it, but chose not to. TI waived, and pulled silver with good results. On this one, I'm sure that had the TI waived, the video guy would have been out of there in a heartbeat (and those hearts I'm sure were beating a bit fast!). My understand of the system is that if you lose/cut the kill line the drogue does not kill on deployment (vector). If the drogue bridle was cut in half, including the kill line the drogue would stay inflated. My guess is this is why it's called a "kill line", it "kills" the drogue. Loose the center line and the drogue stays inflated after deployment (new style vector drogues). With the old style Vector drogue, if the tubular is cut, then the drogue "goes away" upon release (there are a few strings here) Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I own a Icarus 330 and 365 built by Precision, one Icarus (Spain) 365, and one Precision 330. They all have been relined by Mel at Skyworks, so line trim I would assume has been standardized. They all have a bit of their own little quirks/personality, but are for the most part the same canopy. That "personality" changes over time as the lines (all Vectran) go through their life. Were I in the market for another new tandem main, I'd call George Galloway (Precision). Edit to add: I like 2 steering, 6 flair line configuration. I've always jumped a dual toggle setup, so never issue remembering to pick up the flair toggles. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

three more Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

somewhat NSFW, no real nudity Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

"God darnit, Mr. Lamarr, you use your tongue prettier than a twenty dollar whore." Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

And after everyone lives through it, I often thank my student for not killing me. Most find this statement as ironic, but then they don't know what I know. Off topic, but I also often ask my students to show me their hand before going up, and video that it's not shaking. Then show them, and the camera my hand shaking, and say "I guess you don't know what I know. Let's go find out what I know!" Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

One of the guys at my DZ is very quick with a rubics cube. He thought he could do it in freefall, since he can routinely work it in 20 to 30 seconds. Checked with Guinness about doing a record, and they refused him. Said something about it being unmeasurable. I wonder if someone like Samsung was pushing, weather Guinness would have found the record more "viable"? Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Not bad. Interesting how a lot of what we do is to cover our asses for either tax, or FAA law. "I have to say it, it's an FAA thing." I should add the ripcord statement to our training video, then it's covered, and proven to have been taught. I suppose that in lue of handing the student an altimeter, I would also be covered by saying, "once we leave the airplane, you should count one elephant, two elephant, three elephant..., if we don't have a parachute by "40 elephant", pull this handle." I'm constantly learning stuff here! Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I've been "participating", but "I" don't share anyone's information. I'll ask our tandem students if they're interested in going beyond the tandem, etc. Then hand the card to the student, ask them if they'd be interested in receiving an email from the USPA, if so, fill out the card. I do qualify it with "they will not sell your information, or SPAM you, hopefully I'm not lying to them with that statement! My problem tends to be to remember to send the cards off to the USPA. Now, if they pose "requirements" that I don't like, I'll drop the "TC" like a used condom. I don't really give a shit. Martin Air Capital Drop Zone Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Good insight. It seems that the FARs are a bit like the US Constitution. It helps to understand what went into the thought process behind the laws. I totally agree with the instruction issue. I was doing tandems at a boogie, packing for myself, and making every other otter load (one Otter flying the last day). The time allowed for instruction ammounted to "this is how you arch, I'll tell you more on the walk to the airplane." Some parachutists in command (not really instructors, as no instruction was going on), were making every load, having someone bring them the student, a harness, and another rig. Gear the student up while the Otter is waiting, and "instruct" on the ride up. Anyway. I had a malfunction (two center A/B lines break below the cascade), screwed around with the canopy for a little bit, then informed my passenger that we had a malfunctioning parachute, and to arch again. His reaction was to be pissed. Thinking about it later, he had no idea what "malfunctioning parachute" meant, he didn't even know that we had a reserve parachute. I think he heard 'sorry, but we're dead.' Talk about potential litigation! The landing was less than pretty, we thumped in with the wind, and he hurt his lower back a bit. Long-story-short, I informed the boogie personnel of my opinion in an email after the boogie, made a couple of suggestions, pointed out the legal issues etc. I will not put myself in that situation again! Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

As I read the SIM, and the statement below, it would seem that the USPA is ok with 16 year olds skydiving. No exception for method. USPA SIM 2007 2-1 D. AGE REQUIREMENTS 1. Skydivers are to be at least either: a. 18 years of age [FB] b. 16 years of age with notarized parental or guardian consent [FB] Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

How did the current USPA BOD National Director Michael Mullins start his kids. I had thought that they were doing tandems starting very young, like 8 or 10. Am I mistaken? If not, I have to wonder why the manufacturer didn't pursue the issue. That would have been while tandem skydiving was operating under a FAA waiver as well. I understand that his DZ was not a USPA Group Member at the time, and that the USPA didn't issue Tandem Instructor ratings. As I remember there is a USPA rule of 16, regardless of method. Why did the USPA not pursue the Tandem Instructors working with the Mullins boys? Is this an issue that the USPA BOD is apathetic about, or does is that depend on the sitting BOD. Possibly minimum age is one of the "changes" the Red Bull Boys keep talking about? Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Does anyone have a copy of the Stunts Adventure Equipment tandem instructor contract? I don't really know what I signed, though I do remember there being the normal "under age of contract" issue. That's making a couple of leaps. I doubt that the FAA would be overly enthusiastic in pursuing. Basically on this train of logic, the FAA would find it a violation to take a 15 year old out on a tandem, but no problem with putting a 8 year old out with Static Line, IAD, or AFF. More likely the issue would be with the local authority seeing children skydiving as an endangerment issue. Any opinion on the "passenger" (I prefer to use "student") being given instruction, and access to a main parachute activation device? I found it interesting that that "rule" is left to the discretion of the gear owner, or DZO. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I just looked at USPA.org, appears that you are correct Dave. That being the case, every single tandem skydive (except military) conducted over/on the soil of these United States of America is in violation of FAR 105! I'm go'na to tell. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Separate thought, but related (hence the reply to my own post). (iii) Holds a master parachute license issued by an organization recognized by the FAA, and You may notice the lack of any age requirements for either passenger, or parachutist in command. There's also no requirement to maintain any instructional rating with "an organization recognized by the FAA". So, it has been my contention that were I to drop my USPA instructional ratings, I could take a 5 year old on a tandem skydive, and not be subject to any disciplinary action by any entity. After reading through this FAR again, it appears that were I to drop my USPA individual membership (or have it revoked), and took anyone on a tandem skydive regardless of age, I would be in violation of the law. So, I can legally take a 5 year old on a tandem skydive, and keep doing it legally, as long as the USPA BOD is not informed, and I keep my USPA individual membership, and "D." Another devils advocate question. If I drop my USPA membership, do I still "hold a master parachute license?" I "hold" it, just not maintaining USPA membership. If I'm not a member of the organization, am I still subject to administrative discipline? Disclaimer: Just because I'm the father of a two sons, 4, and 6 years of age, does not mean that I have any intention of taking them skydiving anytime in the near future. I don't own, or have the ability to build a harness to fit them. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

What does (4) mean? Who is "owner/operator?" Does this rule mean that supplying the "passenger" a main parachute activation devise is required only if the "owner/operator" so desires? Or, is only the main parachute activation instruction up to "owner/operator" discretion? Who is the "owner/operator"? "Owner" I take to mean owner of the gear. Is "operator" the business owner, or operator of the gear, ie "parachutist in command?" I take owner/operator to be owner of the gear/operator of the business. Also, as I understand (1)(iv), and (1)(v), initial manufacture instruction, and certification is required. No maintenance of said manufacture rating is required, no annual renewal, etc. http://rgl.faa.gov/REGULATORY_AND_GUIDANCE_LIBRARY%5CRGFAR.NSF/0/5D73A27815BE37A986256EED005E150D?OpenDocument Sec. 105.45 Use of tandem parachute systems. (a) No person may conduct a parachute operation using a tandem parachute system, and no pilot in command of an aircraft may allow any person to conduct a parachute operation from that aircraft using a tandem parachute system, unless-- (1) One of the parachutists using the tandem parachute system is the parachutist in command, and meets the following requirements: (i) Has a minimum of 3 years of experience in parachuting, and must provide documentation that the parachutist-- (ii) Has completed a minimum of 500 freefall parachute jumps using a ram-air parachute, and (iii) Holds a master parachute license issued by an organization recognized by the FAA, and (iv) Has successfully completed a tandem instructor course given by the manufacturer of the tandem parachute system used in the parachute operation or a course acceptable to the Administrator. (v) Has been certified by the appropriate parachute manufacturer or tandem course provider as being properly trained on the use of the specific tandem parachute system to be used. (2) The person acting as parachutist in command: (i) Has briefed the passenger parachutist before boarding the aircraft. The briefing must include the procedures to be used in case of an emergency with the aircraft or after exiting the aircraft, while preparing to exit and exiting the aircraft, freefall, operating the parachute after freefall, landing approach, and landing. (ii) Uses the harness position prescribed by the manufacturer of the tandem parachute equipment. (b) No person may make a parachute jump with a tandem parachute system unless-- (1) The main parachute has been packed by a certificated parachute rigger, the parachutist in command making the next jump with that parachute, or a person under the direct supervision of a certificated parachute rigger. (2) The reserve parachute has been packed by a certificated parachute rigger in accordance with §105.43(b) of this part. (3) The tandem parachute system contains an operational automatic activation device for the reserve parachute, approved by the manufacturer of that tandem parachute system. The device must-- (i) Have been maintained in accordance with manufacturer instructions, and (ii) Be armed during each tandem parachute operation. (4) The passenger parachutist is provided with a manual main parachute activation device and instructed on the use of that device, if required by the owner/operator. (5) The main parachute is equipped with a single-point release system. (6) The reserve parachute meets Technical Standard Order C23 specifications. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Just as well use idiotic lottery logic. I heard a guy on a quick TV news quip quoted, "It's all 50/50, you either win or you don't." Just like skydiving, you either die or you don't. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I had not thought of that, I'll keep an eye on my drogues. 2000 tandems, and I'm still always thinking, and changing what I do. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

This is the comment I was referring to. Ah, that was actually the comments of someone which came to me in a PM. I also spoke to the issue of posting PMs. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I think that someone else said that. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

As I remember the manufacturers wanted USPA to issue a TI rating. I could be wrong, but I do know that here was a lot of discussion between USPA and the manufacturers. For me, the USPA "makes" no money by the TI requirement, I also hold SL and IAD Instructional ratings, it's one $40 regardless of the number of ratings. I went exclusively to a USPA Tandem I rating about the time USPA started issuing the TI rating. I own Eclipse gear, and the timing of Eclipse folding up their tend, and USPAs TI rating were at about the same point in time. I sent my money to Jes Rodregize (sp?), didn't receive any paper back, and have been jumping with no manufacturer rating since. I know, I know, there's now some guy (Terry Goode) in Texas or Oklahoma collecting money, and keeping a spreadsheet on Eclipse TIs. I for one don't see a need to send him $40 to put my name on his list. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I've come to the conclusion/opinion that this mal is caused by a rushed, or otherwise fast deployment of the drogue into the burble. If the tandem pair is somewhat on their left side, you're putting the drogue out in the burble. I've decided to put the drogue out at arms extension, and let the bridle extend in the realative wind basically pulling the drogue out of my hand. My thinking is that the bridle is then fully extended, reducing or eliminating the chance of the drogue passing through a wad of bridle on it's way up. After having this happen the second time, I had to get my head around it in order to be comfortable again. I need to always expect the best, and be prepared for the worst, as opposed to in the back of my mind expecting shit to not work. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

What does that video have to do with hand cam, other than he got video of it while wearing the camera? Am I supposed to assume that the camera hand somehow caused him to pull the reserve handle on opening? Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Resurrecting from a search regarding Vectran: My opinion/answer is both. Our Icarus tandem canopies will tend to get a bit weird in opening. Real snively, line slack below the slider on opening, more rogue, etc. I've also noticed a deterioration in the flair. When our canopies start showing these characteristics we'll get it relined, and it flys like new once again. This is anecdotal, as I've never tried to measure for trim before sending for reline. Mel Lancaster does the work, but I doubt that he measures before cutting. I've also had Vectran suspension line on tandem canopies break, both times at the A/B cascade point. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Hand cam does not get stills, so less value. We also are motivated to do hand cam as opposed to outside. We're a two man operation, jumping a 182. So, 7 jumps a day with hand cam is 14 tandems with video. 7 with outside is 7 tandems. We charge $50 for hand cam, $85 for outside vid/stills. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ