weid14

bos?!?!?!? hahhah that's a funny one....

I don't disagree that the new pilots should have the training and the bad ones weeded out. so if USPA did it -- how would you handle non-group member DZ's? I don't think the FAA knows enough to help (they would legistlate training is necessary, but they wouldn't administer it would they?) so really you're left with the local organization (or lack there of). For a big DZ, the senior pilot has a certification for training and signs off the potential newbie pilots in their log book, ok that would work, but what about the small cessna DZ -- who would train them -- shoot some of the big DZ's don't even jump a cessna anymore, how would you cert them? its a good idea, the implementation is where the thought needs to be.

nope, it was the real deal. shirt splits up the back, not sure what to do in the case of a mal though. everything was engineered correctly.

just a point of clarification -- I believe it is the states that determine what is needed at the ski areas. I know in VT a full on cable and chair inspection is needed on every lift annually. No one else really careas about mountain configuration (once you get past the environmental stuff that is). trying to draw the same analogy to skydiving operations is a stretch. and yes, there is mandatory lift operation training, but it isn't all that (most of the certs are required on inspectors who review the lifts each year, and that is ski area dependant). The "senior" pilots I have been in contact with at jump operations know their crap. I wouldnt hesitate to have them train others in flying the aircraft, but then again, I've probably been lucky in that regard.

I posted a question awhile back about the "power tool" closing thingy potentially nicking up my main flap closing grommet (the final one). Well, I had my rig at the manufacturer's place -- basically to order new risers and PC, and while I was there, I showed them the nicks. First question was -- Do you use a pull up tool? well, I don't but then again I dont' pack, and most of the packers do

check your closing grommets -- I bet there are dents in them.

any chance of posting that video on pilotdave's FTP site?

fish and chips is nothing but fried sushi! you liked it come on admit it -- especially the company!

Do they have sushi as good as here in the UK?

JM1 to JM2 (female) -- could you please check his (student's) package -- JM2 immediately checks legs straps for correct routing. I had a little chuckle watching.

my Mirage is.....

If anyone had to do it and standardize it across the industry I'd say USPA (although I think its a bad idea). I wouldn't want the FAA to do it, because, frankly, I don't think they understand jump operations. The best way to do it, IMO, however, is the senior pilot breaking in the new guys, and training them, I see this done at all the bigger (and actaully smaller) DZ's I've been to. Maybe I've been fortunate in that regard.

and the blond to her left is Nicole Fouche... or maybe her twin sister (they both skydive).

flights aren't to bad to FL, it's warmer, and the nicest weather of the year is coming up!

your d-bag grommets are probably getting marred because they hit against one another. I have no metal in the d-bag (PC bridle attaches to canopy via looping through itself), and the grommets still have little dents in them. if you tack the soft link, I don't see why it would be an issue though.

talk to Bill... info@miragesys.com but they specifically state, one size smaller than designed -- they based their container volume on PD canopies, however, so a "bigger" reserve with less reinforcement tape and stuff may have a similar pack volume. Best to check with them.

Speaking from someone who's had a friend leave us, I can assure you the words and thoughts of others do make a difference. We had a guestbook at our website that all of a sudden became a memorial, the biological family was blown away by the words expressed there. yes, it does make a difference.

the de-arch is incredibly common -- the other thing is just use your arms, keep your shoulders square and rotate the arms in the shoulder joint (hips and shoulders (or chest if that helps) stay in the same horizontal plane and shouldn't rotate)

which time? oh you don't really want to know....

No. Oh holy smokes no! But I have seen her wearing some pretty skimpy stuff during the summer. Believe me, not too many guys mind the view. when she strolled out in that all white outfit at nationals 00, -- whew! I was a very sad day when passion 8 disbanded.

whew, at least they weren't coming to talk to you.... that is kind of nerve wracking (not that I would know or anything)

you've said a couple of things that I find interesting -- you say you can fall stable but cant turn --- I'm guessing you feel like you're washing all over the sky when you try to turn... here's what I think you may be doing (of course I haven't seen you fly, but I've seen this ALOT when watching people learn in the tunnel) -- instead of droping a knee and keeping the hips down, you're actuall sticking your butt up in the air, cupping air in your mid section, this makes you wobbly and will wash around. The trick isn't necessarily being more flexible (every little bit of that does help though)-- it's using your legs to turn while maintaining your slightly arched postion. think pinched butt muscles (already suggestd) while turning, you may have to exagerate it to learn how, but that may fix your problem (another symptom of the de-arch during the turn is fall rate issues with the others you're jumping with). you may find it helpful to jump with someone who falls a hair faster than you so you have to maintain the arch and when you turn (do 90's first) concentrate on levels also (ask the other person to fall consistently and not make up any levels).... give that a try.

yes and she still hasn't come to DeLand.... she would be very welcoome!

when did U land in a tree? you could still lose a tooth at the golf course!

there are a few out there like that, I think the cover of parachutist had one on it once upon a time. I know the team formerly known as FX had a nice 4way pic with the shuttle in the background lifting off. Titusville used to routinely due shuttle launch jumps. Brian Erler (spelling) used to fly camera there a lot, and I bet he has some stills.