skydived19006

I thought of an interesting analogy which has found its way into our lives. In my opinion it’s a huge marketing scam, and has wormed its way into most Americans lives. I’m thinking about credit cards. We don’t need the damn things, and regardless of what anyone thinks, it does cost every one of us to use them. I run a DZ, and virtually have to accept plastic, and pay a fee for doing so. It costs me (you) $.40 to run a debit transaction, and .20 plus 1.8% to process a credit transaction, all this plus a base monthly charge. Business being what it is, and this being an expense of normal business these days, these costs are passed along to the customer, and generally passed along to every customer regardless of payment method. Some small businesses at least have taken the initiative to pass the expense along to only those who choose to “take advantage of the convenience” of plastic. Ironically (or not so), when the 3% cost is made apparent to the customer, the vast majority choose to avoid it like the plague that it is! One of my regulars insisted for a year that he “needed” to pay with his plastic because it made his accounting so easy. I say for a year, because I decided to increase my prices, then give a cash discount. Interestingly when the cost of the convienance was passed along to “Mr. Plastic” he no longer needed the convienance. This may be a little harsh, but when someone hands me a credit card for payment they’re saying “fuck you” as they’re cusing me additional expense. I in turn return the sentiment by saying “Oh, you get to pay full price.” Aka “no, fuck you.” I know I’m off topic. The tie in is that we’re all lazy, McDonalds drive through convenience oriented these days. Skyride takes advantage of this, as anyone willing to do the very basic leg work, and spend an extra 5 to 10 minutes will educate themselves enough as to not fall into the Skyride trap. Many DZOs are also lazy (regardless of how hard they all work!). It may require a few hours of time initially and a few dollars, but setting up par per click advertising, so the customer will ALWAYS see an add for a real DZ every time they see one for the Skyride sites is a no brainier!! Also, there are a whole lot of crappy DZ web sites out there! Every DZO should take the time, and/or spend the money to put up a nice, modern, and efficient web site! Also do the basics to make sure that our web sites perform well in natural results with the search engines. Even USPA refuses to do very basic web site optimization! I’ve asked, and was told “We’re work’n on it.” That was a couple of years ago. I know that Jan Meyer has also pressed USPA to do basic optimization to no avail, and she’s on the BOD! Sadly I’m preach’n to the quire here. Have a good day, and pay with cash! Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Good points! I bought another "closet rig (A few years old, but with 3 jumps on it)" from Shoobie a year or so ago. He sent me a prototype main 350sf, also with very few jumps on it. This canopy was built before they went to the tapered plan-form, I jumped it once with a 160 lb skydiver in front of me, and I'm not at all sure I could have flared it without his help. I put it in the mail back to Ca. I'd like to discuss how to have the student assist. Without the double toggles, it's a bit more of a challenge! You can let the student put his hands in the toggles, then grab above the toggle, but I see this configuration as typically ridding in breaks as the student can't reach high enough to put the canopy in full flight. The other option might be to have the student grab the TIs wrists, or maybe to grab the toggles as you flair? These options would most certainly require a few practice flairs, which you'd always want to do regardless. Trick I see is to balance practice, with wearing yourself out! Thoughts? Again, I have a water landing option on the airport. I just need enough ability to steer to it, and hopefully to a shallow spot. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I was just about to write you and say the same thing. The only exception to what you wrote and what I was told was 800 lbs. It's been a few years, it may have been 800 lbs. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Mark "Shoobie" Knutson did our TI training. More as conversation than anything else, he explained the certification process that they went through to get the Precision Tandem Reserve through. He said that it opened somewhat consistently "slow" regardless of speed/weight. He also related that after they'd passed certification, they were screwing around with "destruction testing" deploying the thing out of the back of a Casa at or over 200 kts, and upwards of 1000 lbs suspended. The thing never did disintegrate, but sure landed hard (no flair). Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I was reading the thread regarding heavy TIs, and it occurred to me to ask how many of you who load up to the 500 lb range have had a reserve ride at that weight. I weigh 210-220, and will take up to 240 lb student (220+240+50=510 lbs), and have 1600 plus tandems with zero reserve rides (knocking wood as I type). The one thing (well, not the only thing) that worries me is a reserve ride at that heavy loading. FYI, I own and jump Eclipse rigs, all with Precision TR375 reserves. Always thinking, I figure that if I'm scared by the flair, I'll put it down in one of the ponds on the airport (as long as it's not dead of winter and frozen over). Thinking that a wet rig is better than a broken skydiver. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I heard of a guy who carried a couple of "beverages" up, and consumed under canopy on the last load. Don't ask me who because I'm not admitting anything! Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I just posted the most updated version of this list in a dropzone owner/manager specific forum. Just a touch of heat to the feet of a few DZOs. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Has anyone called Ryan here? Why not simply call 1-800-skyride and ask for Ryan? Does he work for Skyride, or just a troll? Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Oh, when he called to inform you that he was no longer going to trade with you, and you asked him why he said "Because my buddy told me to". Sure he did. I don't care who you are, that's some funny shit! Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

except you pray on peoples ignorance. Skydiving is something that the vast majority of the public is ignorant to, therefore they have no idea what to expect. People should be extra dillgent when it comes to something like skydiving, and quite a few are. There are those who will simply call the first phone number they come across, believe everything that they are told by the person on the other end, give over their credit card number, and spend $50 to $100 more than they would by going direct, and more than likely drive farther for the same or less service. My guess is that Travelosity and Orbits thrive because you can generally get a better deal going through them than you would by going direct to the airline, or hotel. Ironic that people will spend considerable time to save $20 on an airline ticket, but allow themselves to be sodomized by Skyride for their skydiving experience. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Paraphrase: Now we have the ability to efficiently screw thousands of gullible people on a daily balsas! Skyride gets in excess of 99% of it's traffic through internet searches (obviously). They pioneered the use of pay per click (PPC) add use for this industry. I started spending $20 to $30 a month on PPC campaigns with Yahoo and Google ($30 a month combined) a few years ago with the rise of the Skyride demon. I learned how search engines rank sites, and did a few things to make my site rank well in natural results (something USPA.org is in desperate need of!) My thinking is that any and every time one of my customers comes across a PPC search engine add for skyride they're also exposed to one for a real DZ in Kansas (mine, and generally one for Skydive Kansas as well). Because of this very few Kansans are sucked into the skyride black hole. Well, maybe a Democrat here and there go for the high pressure used car sails man "today and today only" routine, but you would expect that. If you're a DZO and Skyride is pulling business from you, I'd advise that you make sure your customers can find you at least as easily as they do the boiler room! As far as Ryan goes, the whole Skyride operation is based on deception. The problem with a habitual lier is that it's virtually impossible to tell when they're telling the truth so one can only assume that everything that they emit is false. Or, you can tell when they're lying simply by the fact that they're lips are moving (here; fingers were typing) Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I'll be the last one to ever defend Skyride, I did take their certificates for a few months a few years ago, so I know how it works. That said, in the past I had called acting like a first time tandem customer, and asked where I'd be going. They would generally tell me that they had a drop zone a few miles SE of Wichita, which is my DZ and I obviously know that I don't take Skyride certificates. A few months ago I did it again, the guy on the phone actually told me that they did not have an affiliated DZ near Wichita. I said that I thought there was a DZ or two near Wichita, he said that these DZs were not affiliated with Skyride. I was amazed, and figured that this guy simply was not cut out to be a Skyride boiler room operator, as he had a serious problem with actually being honest. So, give em a call and see what happens. Not that any of this changes my opinion, they're still a parasite regardless of their tactics. You can wash a turd, but it'll still be nothing more than a shiny piece of shit. Edit to add cut/paste from shiny turd web site titled "Skydiving Wichita" "For directions to Skydiving Wichita from anywhere in the area, please call us at 1-800-791-5867." Price given for Tandem in Kansas "*$145 Student rates and Group discounts are available." Maybe this price simply hasn't been updated in 10 years? And they even have a "Directions" page. Who said that they use deceptive tactics? Here's how you get to "Skydiving Wichita"; "For directions to Skydiving Wichita from anywhere in the area, please call us at 1-800-791-5867." I called to find out how to get there, unfortunately all their representatives were "busy helping other people's dreams come true". I lost patience and hung up. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

My guess it that Ryan's slow to respond because he also suckles at the Skyride penis. Don't want to bite the penis that feeds you! What's the forum rule about trolling a troll? I may have to edit that response. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Chris, Good point, but there is one DZO in the Kansas City area on the Missouri side that does trade in the devils currency. So there could actually be "legitimate" certificates sold to Kansas residents who end up jumping in Missouri. The Missouri DZ is closer to Kansas City Ks than the nearest Kansas DZ. We have attempted to do an intervention/exorcism with Mr. MRVS but alas to no avail. Since he's the only DZO within a few hundred miles who will suckle at the Skyride penis, he no doubt does assist in the anal sodomy of quite a few gullible students. Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Three DZs in Kansas, zero Skyride bed partners! So, Iowa and Utah down, only 48 states, some territories, and the globe to go. Baby steps. Illinois, California, and Florida, can I hear you say "Amen?" Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Even saying a 5'6" woman at 200 lbs is a bit to vague. If she's a 120 lb woman with an extra 80 lbs in the ass, it's a larger issue than if the weight is distributed from her fat little toes right up to pudgy cheeks. Also need to consider age and level of fitness. The simple "H/W proportionate" statement on our web site, as well as some generic verbiage over the phone tend to keep most of the problem children from showing up at the DZ. It’s a whole lot easier on everyone if you can head em off well before they walk in the DZ! The person who’s work’n the phones is generally way underappreciated! Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

You purchased 31 raffle tickets at $23 each, and didn't win anything, but you did get 31 "free" jumps! I'm seeing a couple of different records, the Couch Freaks style, with a bunch of drunks stacking without assistance of anything other than a few extra kegs to stand on. How high do you think one would need to drop an empty keg on a human head laying on concrete to cause it to crush like a cantaloupe? I'm guessing somewhere around 5'. We ain't have'n fun, till we call 911!!! Boogie! Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Thanks for laying off on the all night music this year! I know a lot of people who slept, and made a few more jumps because of it! Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I think that would be the same jet that had been promised the last few times at WFFC. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I quit competing after I won a couple of years ago. Figured I'd just as well quit while on top! It's more of a popularity contest anyway with the guys. Doesn't work that way with the girls. Just about anyone can win as long as they work it hard enough! Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

I can sleep through a thunder storm with 50 knot winds in a tent, so the noise doesn't keep my up. I do have friends who aren't quite as good at sleeping as you and I and are spending some their money on rental cars, and motel rooms for the first time ever because they have issue with the noise. My guess is that you haven't heard any complaints because it is "the no rules boogie". Just because people haven't complained to your face doesn't mean that people aren't annoyed by you. You reference me controlling what goes on at my DZ, and you are right. Ironically we’re on the same wavelength, at my place people tend to get pissed at what I do as DZO but never complain to me directly about it, rather "wining" amongst themselves. Apparently we share the opinion that if they can't say it to my face, then fuck em. So, fuck you too! It's not keeping me up. It is no rules so if what you do pisses people off fuck em! If what I do pisses you off then fuck you. Kind of like the free love days of the 60s (which I'm not quite old enough to remember). That is how the free love thing worked isn’t it? I'll buy you a beer. Look me up. Martin That was primarily satirical, hopefully not viewed as an attack (breaking forum rules). I did say that I'd buy the beer after all. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

On the "after party", where and when do you guys sleep? I want to set our camp up right next to your tents, so we can run really loud music (of our choice) next to your tent while you're attempting to sleep! Personally I don't have any problem sleeping, something about being worn out, combined with copious consumption from the milk truck. But, there are a few from Kansas who are paying for a room this year because some idiot is "sharing" his music which from a distance is even more annoying, until sunrise. I have heard that you guys don't stay at the airport, but go into town to sleep in a motel room during the day. That seem to have some irony, you don't want to camp out because those damn skydivers are keeping you awake with their airplanes, PA calls, etc? Be an American for god's sake and tone it down a bit! Your rights end at the tip of my nose, or in this case ears. Some of us go up/down to party, but also want to get 3 or 4 hours of sleep so we can play during the day as well. Have fun, but try not to be quite as large an ass hole with YOUR fun! Boogie!!! Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

Jesus Christ! Yeah, that would be just like those Freaks, the ol bait and switch. They'll price slots at whatever covers their cost, etc. I've been informed that the tandem concession is the only thing on the airport that is doing anything more than breaking even (for the club). So, show up, pay your money, shut up, and JUMP! Martin Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

http://www.ksn.com/news/local/9324827.html?video=YHI&t=a http://www.kansas.com/news/story/155595.html Wichita pilot, plane missing in Africa BY MOLLY MCMILLIN The Wichita Eagle A search is continuing for a Wichita pilot who has gone missing in Africa. The pilot, Lori Love, disappeared the evening of Aug. 17 after stopping to refuel in the Ghanaian capital of Accra. Ghana air traffic control tried to contact the plane about an hour after it took off and asked another aircraft to try to establish contact. Neither attempt was successful. Love was flying a 1997 A36 Beech Bonanza for an aircraft delivery company, Wings of Eagles. The company, based in Tampa, Fla., used to be located in Wichita. Steve Hall, the president of Wings of Eagles, said Wednesday that Love was en route to Windhoek, Namibia, to refuel before traveling to Cape Town and then to her final destination, Stellendosch, South Africa. Hall is a native of Wichita. The search is continuing but has been made more difficult because there is no emergency signal coming from the aircraft's electronic locating transmitter, Hall said. There also is no signal from a hand-held signaling device Love carried with her. Love, 58, has nearly 15,000 flight hours, including about 3,000 hours in helicopters. She has completed about 4,000 parachute jumps, flown jump planes and crop dusters, and is a Southwest Region Aerobatic Champion, Hall said. In addition, she holds flight instructor certificates in single- and multi-engine aircraft, helicopters and gliders. "She's one of the best stick-and-rudder pilots I've ever seen," Hall said. "She's just a crackerjack pilot." Love also delivers aircraft for Wichita-based Pilot International. She most recently completed a trip to India for the company, Hall said. She also has taught emergency medical training for Butler County College and is completing a doctorate in special education, he said. Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ

One needs to look and see if they think they have the right to expose the student to more danger without informing them of the risks. How much time to you spend explaining the additional risk the student is putting the tandem pair in by not arching immediately off the airplane? Do you explain that you could end up in a side spin, what a side spin is, what the outcome could be worst case scenario? Or do you simply explain it explicitly, make them practice it, and deal with what you get once in the air? At some point before the student leaves, and generally when I present them with their certificate of achievement, I'll generally tell them "Thanks for not killing me!" They generally think it should be the other way round, but if we're "in trouble" to date it's not been attributed to my actions. Now, be safe out there! Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ