lopullterri

This is my point and my "Axe to Grind", Ms. O'Hara. Do you have ANY idea how much SSK has spent to defend themselves? They had NO liability whatsoever! The rigger, instead of taking responsibility, chose to "spread the wealth", which I see as cowardly. The cost to SSK, Airtec and any other manufacturer WILL get passed on to all of us. Do you not get that? And removing anything from the scene is tampering with evidence. He did not go out to help..I have seen the photos and believe me, there was no chance or any possible help for this student. He went out there because (in my opinion) he was worried about the rig being in date...at the very least. And I am appalled at your statement, "Clearly this jumper either had a death wish and changed his mind at the last second when he decided to deploy his main at 800 ft AGL'...first of all, he was out of control, spinning on his back and kicking all the way down, according to eyewitness reports and according to eyewitness reports he likely saw a flash of trees when he pulled. Nothing failed here except the rigger and you have got to be smarter than you post makes you appear to be. God, people like you make me despair. ~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~

~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~

~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~

OK...So a lot of people have PM'd me and contacted me in numerous ways asking for what I have in the form if information. Since this incident was just recently posted in the Parachutists magazine, I felt that now might be the time to share what I thought was important. I have no wish to post the pages upon pages and photographs that are available under the FOIA. But the following excerpts are what I thought might be particularly interesting...especially for those who have chosen to support Mr. Mark. There were two pages written by the FAA Investigator and the last page is what is interesting. You be the judge: 'During our conversation, Mr. Bowen mentioned that Jason Mark, the owner of Archway Parachute Center, approached him when he arrived on the scene and handed him the data cards from the parachute. Mr. Mark then advised Mr. Bowen that the CYPRES device in the parachute worn by Mr. Bullar was actually the device from Archway Rental Parachute number 10. Mr. Bowen was perplexed as to why Mr. Mark would be telling him this information and why Mr. Mark removed the data tags from Mr. Bullar's parachute.' The third is a letter to the FAA from Mr. Mark, in which Mr. Mark seems to be pointing a finger at SSK and/or Airtech. Direct quote from Mr. Mark. 'The Cypress AAD was sent to SSK to determine whether or not it fired. SSK is the company who performed the 8 year inspection on the cypres in August 2010, just just two months prior to the accident. At this time, they deemed the AAD to be airworthy. Why was the cypres not sent to an independent third party for inspection? SSK and AIRTEC have a potential conflict of interest in this matter. If they were to say that the Cypres did not fire, they might as well close the doors to their businesses. They continuously advertise that their equipment has never failed to activate, which is a convenient statement if they are the ones who test the equipment. I also question why my request to simply view the equipment in your presence was denied while SSK and AIREC was given complete and sole access to the device.' First of all, I believe that Mr. Mark had complete and sole access while he was digging around the accident scene to remove the data card from the body. The attack on SSK and AIRTEC is a cowardly move, at the least, and his accusations bear no weight since the loop wasn't even through the cutter. This type of statement by him and this type pf defense could be VERY damaging to an area of the industry that is a necessity, especially for student gear...and one that has a very small profit margin. This type of defense could be damaging to skydiving as a whole. I have also seen a photo that SHOWS an intact loop, next to a fired cutter. I have been told that Mr. Mark has spoken of chain of custody. Is he stating that the coroner, sheriff or FAA investigator made a new loop and placed it in the rig? Or is he speaking of the Cypres testing? Either way, it is smoke and mirrors. Just my two cents worth... ~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~

OK. You despise the rumor mill? Then what have you done to get the facts of this fatality? I have worked hard at it and made official requests, not just discussed it with “numerous trusted people”…there are official reports that you could have received also, but it is easier to just listen to “numerous trusted people”. Additionally, where is this information that you speak of? Perhaps you should take the time to call your Central Regional Director and speak to him and you can get the facts from the person you are accusing. If a USPA Board Member called a litigants attorney I would be really surprised. Just can’t see it. The attorneys can get all they need the same way any of us have received the official reports. Kelly…what are the facts to support that his personal feelings guided any action? You do know that it takes more than one person for the USPA to take any action whatsoever…and that it takes a LOT for any action by the USPA (one of my major complaints), so have you ever went to them and asked? Have you talked to Gary Peek? This was the DZ that you were jumping at…that I believe YOU wanted to be S&TA at and you never asked USPA why the Group Membership was removed? Weren’t you even curious enough to find out why the DZ that you are defending and jumped at on a regular basis, lost their group membership? Did ANYONE ever ask or did you just listen to the ramblings of a scared little man? I assume that is what you are talking about...the removal of the Group membership? Call your Central Regional Director…or are you afraid that it may be an eye opener? And for me…I apologize if my little rant here offends anyone, but it appalls the heck out of me to see anyone who is involved in a sport that is considered to be high risk…and they won’t even take the time to get information for themselves...keep their head on a swivel and ask questions when things just don’t look right. A lot of people keep saying that “you are responsible for you” (more or less). Well take some responsibility and ask questions because the only one who has your best interests at heart, is you. ~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~

If Skydive Chicago kicked me out then I was completely unaware and would be surprised. You do know that I was one of the first responders who who tried our damndest to save Roger Nelson? And my group basically quit going there shortly after because we just "lost steam" and it just felt so bad? I have never even BEEN to Chicagoland so know nothing about it, but have never had plans to go there and again, if Mo River Valley preemptively kicked me out, I was unaware and was NEVER contacted, but that would most likely be in response to his friendship with Jason Mark? Where do you get this crap Kelly? Here is what I DO know. Kicking a person off your DZ because they open their mouth when they see things that are wrong is a powerful tool. It sends a VERY clear message to EVERYONE on the DZ. SHUT UP or I will kick you out too. To quote you, "Open your freaking eyes". And I have a copy of the entire report (to my knowledge). The eyewitness accounts...all the letters sent...the photos and I have stated facts while you are attacking a person who has always wanted to see improvement in this sport, but when a skydiver with ego buys a DZ, it is not usually run like a business and that is part of the problem. And why are you attacking Gary Peek? I haven't even seen him post here...I doubt very much that he would assist the attorneys here Kelly. Talk about diarrhea of the mouth, where is your proof? I have mine where is yours? All you care about is whether or not you can skydive somewhere near your home! I KNOW you have heard Jason talk about 'chain of custody' with that rig. Does that say to you that he took any kind of responsibility? ~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~

Not asking legal advice...stating information and 'wondering' out loud. ~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~

ENTIRE ARTICLE For the first time in about two decades, Vandalia Airport is not serving as the home for skydiving operations. About a year after the Vandalia Park District Board of Trustees decided it would not renew the lease with the current fixed-base operator of the airport, the board has decided to discontinue the partnership more than 10 months before the expiration of their current agreement. Mark Miller, president of the park board, said on Tuesday that the board is parting ways with Jason Mark and Anita Wuertz, airport operators since 1999. While serving as the airport’s fixed-base operator, Mark and Wuertz, have operated their skydiving business, Archway Skydiving, at that facility. The opportunity for them to do so was provided in exchange for Mark and Wuertz serving as the fixed-base operator. Cash payments were not required of either party. Miller said that the park board’s recent decision ends the relationship with Mark and Wuertz on Feb. 15. It is a decision, Miller said, that the park board made because of liability issues related to skydiving. In a written statement he provided on Wednesday morning, Mark said, “Under my ownership, Archway and its jumpers have been a part of the community for 13 years, even longer when you consider the previous owner. “Whether they live here in town, or hundreds of miles away, the Archway jumpers consider Vandalia their home. “It saddens me to get the e-mails and facebook posts from so many people grieving over the closure, and talking about how they will forever hold Archway and Vandalia in their hearts,” Mark said. “We had hoped that the park district would work with us, but unfortunately they have chosen to terminate the lease.” The board decided to discontinue skydiving at the airport at its meeting on Jan. 13, 2011, after Mark told park district trustees that he had a potential buyer for the skydiving business. The board’s decision came a little more than six months after the family of a Maryland Heights man who died while skydiving at Vandalia Airport on Oct. 9, 2010, filed a lawsuit alleging negligence and lack of reasonable care. In each of the 12 counts, the parents of 24-year-old Jonathan Bullar seek compensation of more than $75,000. In addition to Archway Diving, the defendants in the suit include the park district and Vandalia Municipal Airport, as well as two companies involved in the manufacture of skydiving safety equipment. Bullar’s family alleges in their lawsuit that their son’s skydiving equipment was “inadequately rigged or inspected,” that the business failed to provide qualified personnel and that their son did not receive adequate preparation. Bullar had reportedly jumped eight or nine times prior to his fatal jump. A Fayette County coroner’s jury ruled in January 2011 that Bullar’s death was an accident after hearing testimony alleging that Bullar’s equipment failed. Miller, and other park district officials, are confident that the district can be dropped from the suit. However, he said, the district will be required to spend a large amount of money in legal fees to even get to that point. The license agreement between the park district and Mark and Wuertz states that the two operators were required to provide insurance protecting the park district against claims for death, injury or property damage, and “Licensee does herewith covenant and agree to save and hold harmless the licensor (park district) from and against the claims of all persons for death, injury or property damage occasioned by the acts or omissions of (the) licensee … as may result from participation in sport parachuting operations.” It further states that Mark and Wuertz were required to “defend any and all such claims hereafter made against the (park district).” Mark and Wuertz bought the skydiving business from Dave and Dianne Verner in 1999. The Verners moved their skydiving operations from Sparta to Vandalia in the early 1990s, doing so as they were employed as the airport’s fixed-base operators. Miller said that while the park district board has to make some final determinations on the future of the airport, he can see it continue without a fixed-base operator. He feels that would be possible because the airport has been automated to the extent that personnel are no longer needed. ~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~

A shame as it was truly my all time favorite place to skydive, but that was when Sammy was there...providing that famous easy-going vibe that he had. By all means things were never perfect...but you felt good being there. And then came the new DZO's. In a heartbeat it all changed and even Sam left. http://www.leaderunion.com/content/skydiving-ends-vandalia-airport ~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~

So...now that (I would assume) we have all seen the reports on this fatality...do you still just think I have an axe to grind? I did for a long time...yes and with good reason (if anyone had bothered to ask me why maybe they would understand. I didn't just get kicked off this DZ because I would not keep my mouth shut...i was ripped off by them, but THAT is another story). My main issue is what I read in all of the documentation on this fatality. After many...many requests, I finally received the actual copies from the FAA (previously all I had was what I had obtained by...'other' means). I know have the actual information obtained through the FOIA. Eyewitness accounts, photos...it is disturbing, but backs up EVERYTHING i previously stated in two threads, including this one. The loop was not through the cutter (and all of you 'DZO followers' who actually listened to the riggers BS about chain of custody...shame on all of you...just who is he accusing?). In addition, the DZO walked up to the coroner at the scene and handed him the data card from the rig on the deceased and and stated something about the AAD in the rig not matching the info on the card. Isn't that tampering? He most likely had to move the body to get the card (as a matter of fact the photos seem to back this up). Nothing about any of this was handled correctly...a short suspension of this rigger /DZO's ticket was not enough and that is why I always fully supported the civil suit that the family chose to bring. I DO NOT believe that Airtec should be held accountable, but believe that they were included as leverage for further information or testimony to go after the real targets...I hope. That's it. I now have the documentation acquired through proper channels and I stand by previous statements. Why bring this up now? Well...I BELIEVE that I heard that ASC had a "SALE" today? Not certain how they managed this if it is true. Can they sell their inventory if they are being sued? ~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~

I have cleaned a lot of rigs. First of all, if you get mud on a rig let it dry completely and then knock off the chunks and use a shop vac hose to vacuum (no attachment). This way you aren't rubbing or grinding any dirt into the weave of the fabric. I don't like to use a brush unless absolutely necessary as it is hard on the fibers. Then if you need to clean further (or for other types of stains) I use either dawn dish soap or shampoo made to clean tear stains off of dogs(great for grass and blood stains). They are both very mild, are great stain removers and are formulated to rinse clean. Like Stratostar, I always wash them by hand and in a bathtub with a shower attachment (comes in handy for the final rinse), using tepid to warm water. If the owner wishes...I Scotchguard it after it dries. ~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~

After an experienced jumper at a DZ was saved by a Cypres firing...his SECOND Cypres save. "Well there you have it...technology interfering with natural selection." ~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~

Thank you from everyone. All valid points. As far as venting here, I felt I had no choice as he will not talk. Says he is not big on emotions and I did not give him a good enough explanation as to why I needed his support. I agree with everyone at this point. Counseling or a change in spouse is in line. I don't know if I can get him to counseling. RonD1120: I agree about the addiction. Every week he starts frantically getting ready to leave...laundry, packing his bag...then leaves after work Friday. He seems to calm down somewhat in the winter. Belgian Draft: I really agree with what you said. I see no excuse for this behavior. I am so hurt I am not sure that anything can help at this point. As for everything else...venting here? I had no choice, I felt. I suggested going to the DZ with him so I could skydive (it has been a while) and we could talk and he said he did not want me there because he was pissed off at me and I might start trouble. I have no way to talk to the guy and he won't talk, just make statements like that. I wanted him to see that what he did was cruel and borderline hateful, because he thinks that I am unreasonable and that I am the only one who feels this way. Sure there is other stuff. This started 3 years ago when he refused to stay in town when I was in the ER. I am at a loss. So thanks to all. ~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~

I buried my sister today. She was young and it was very unexpected...sudden. But this is not about her death, exactly, but about skydiving addiction. Besides the death of my sister and the fact that it was so unexpected, is the fact that my husband refused to take time off to go to either the visitation or funeral on Friday. He sent no flowers and as a matter of fact did not even call me while I was 4 hours away. I asked him to stay home this weekend and spend some time with me and he asked why. Told me that he had made a commitment to do tandems for a DZ near Chicago and that work came first and then left for there, last night, just as I walked in the door from my almost five hour drive from my sisters funeral in Northern Illinois. I am speechless. For once I am speechless. Is he that addicted to skydiving? Does his commitment a DZ come before this? Three and a half years ago I was in the ER n a Friday...the Dr. said I should stay the night and that he was worried about what my heart was doing (Turned out to be dehydration and stress). My husband says, "Well I guess I am not going to Chicago this weekend". Called the office manager at the DZ and told her what was going on...she told him it would really put them in a bind if he did not show up (his statement)...so you can guess how this went. I checked out of the hospital and he left for Chicago a few hours later. I know what some of you are thinking and it has all been said to me before, but he claims it is purely because his commitment to work comes first. I have taken a back seat to this addiction for years and I am fed up. I used to go every weekend, also, but my job and other commitments (like family and people we love) took precedent, and even though I miss skydiving terribly, I could never do what he did. Is this addiction so powerful, that you place it before everything? I have been there, believe me, but this is too much. ~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~

Apparently, the BOD removed the Group Membership of Archway Skydiving Center! I am impressed! Way to go, ladies and gentlemen!!! http://www.uspa.org/Portals/0/Downloads/Min_BOD_2011_07.pdf ~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~

Best sign I ever saw at a DZ...and it was at check in where experienced as well as first time skydivers could see it... "All unattended children will be sold as slaves". Add dogs to that and it would be fair warning, I think. ~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~

All in all...if there is a door available, why risk leaving it open? It does create extra drag to leave it open and there is the risk of a PC out issue. If we are required to have seat belts on until 1000 feet, then the door should be closed. Personally, I have sat by an open door many times in the past for takeoff and preferred it, because I was doing video and you get a better video. Was it the safest decision? No. Why risk it if the door is there? ~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~

So...I was browsing the USPA website and noticed that Archway is no longer listed as a USPA member. Does anyone have any information to add? Was this the choice of the Drop Zone or did USPA remove their membership? Does a representative of the dropzone or USPA care to comment here? Enquiring minds want to know. ~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~

There is no 'secret' information. Only people who want to remain ignorant to the facts. The information was presented by the coroner and is available through the FAA Freedom of Information act. The contents of THAT report and some of the other facts may well appall you. If anyone bothered to try and get the facts themselves instead of claiming that I have an agenda...This is the type of bashing that is designed to veer the issue off course. I do have facts...what do you have? And I do have an axe to grind and have never hidden that fact from anyone. If there is a DZO out there that needs to and deserves to lose some of his rights...it is this one. If anyone really gave a darn...they would request the information...but you would rather make statements yourself, without having the full facts. At least I KNOW what I am talking about... ~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~

Well now Kelly, I do have an axe to grind and have never hidden that fact, but if you want to use that to take the discussion into another direction, I'm not biting. I stayed silent about this guys poor rigging and malice for 6 years and look what happened. If you feel good about about that and can sleep at night...good for you, but keep in mind that there are a lot of facts here (and in the past) that you know NOTHING about. If you continue, you will just make yourself look like the lemming you have always been. ~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~

Good god don't muddy the waters here. There are instances of the AAD being Out of Date that do not fall under your description. ~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~

No, really the problem is people like you. The people who are concerned with only the cost to the industry. The people who think that the Waiver should protect any moron from a truly inexcusable and negligent action. The people who think that only the perfect performers in this sport deserve the right to live and skydive (and I challenge you all to say that you never screwed up badly enough in your skydiving career that it could have killed you, but you lived...we should all be so perfect). Your line of thinking is part of the problem, but I can't fix that... I am one of those people who does not just complain...I take action. However what kind of action I did or would take is something that you will have to WAIT to hear about...if ever, since any complaint is met with the previously mentioned information...NO ONE will do anything. My suggestion? It is wrong that the only thing the FAA can do is go on a DZ and do a ramp check and THEN if any data card is out of date or AAD out of date, it is the Pilot that is hit. If there is any irregularity of ANY type...it is the pilot they go after, and this is wrong. I believe and pretty much know for a fact, that the FAA does not truly have an understanding of how the Skydiving Industry works. If we, as a self regulated sport, don't start regulating, the FAA may be forced to step in. USPA needs to start doing some major wrist slapping and publishing of names and DZs that do not uphold their standards, as a start. If a DZ wants to own, lease or otherwise USE an airplane to make money, then they should be held accountable. Does the pilot have the time to check every data card and should he have to? The pilot is usually the immediate target and this is a loophole. Now if someone tried to change regulations, THEN the USPA would get involved and probably spend plenty of $$ lobbying to keep the industry from incurring additional costs, which is what any change in regs or laws with the FAA would do. Cost skydivers money. Solution? USPA needs to truly step in and regulate Group Members and the FAA needs the ability to not just go after the pilot, but go after the entity who is using the aircraft for monetary gain, when there is an infraction. Is this enough? Probably not, but it would be a start... ~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~

Hmmm...let me see. We are self regulated by the USPA. The USPA does not have the time or money to inspect Group DZ's...and a few years back, when they tried a voluntary inspection program...it failed miserably. Why? Because NONE of the Group Dropzones requested the inspection...well maybe one did...not certain. Why? Well, one could assume that they were afraid of failing inspection (and this was JUST to get a certificate and their name on a list of inspected DZs) USPA cannot walk onto a DZ and ask to see ANYTHING. As a matter of fact (someone please verify this), my husband heard that the owner of Archway has told the Central Regional Director that he is not welcome at the DZ anymore. If this is indeed true...good god...how is Archway even allowed to remain a group member? USPA has always been VERY slow to react to any issue with a DZ or rating holder. Why? Because it is not a popular move. Too many people trying to second guess the validity of the action and USPA NEEDS the membership dues. So...they are in a difficult position. The FAA DOES have its hands tied. For the most part, the only person they can go after is the Pilot. True, they can remove a riggers ticket, and in this case I am guessing they will, but it is slow to happen because even the FAA has to jump through hoops...validate the action and prove that they have their facts straight. It takes time. But as far as ANY other action, they cannot DO much to any DZ. A DZ can use a TI who has no medical, no valid USPA rating...and no one can do anything because even the manufacturer will say, "Well, he passed a TI course with one of our examiners and that is pretty much all we can request." We have a 'facade' of being regulated...but it just isn't so. ~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~

I BELIEVE that what I SAID was..."Most people who make a single skydive and most students do not realize that the Skydiving Industry is not regulated." So, YOU are saying that a person should thoroughly research the industry and whether or not it is regulated before making a skydive? If THAT happened, 1st time jumps would be cut in half. "Reading is fundamental". Don't just READ...try to comprehend... ~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~

Wow!! If you think that the closing loop on a Wings container can be threaded through the cutter...and then "jostling" of the container could dislodge the loop and not be noticed by the rigger, who then closes it...wow!! If THAT happened, then that rigger is a moron. If he left a partial pack job unattended and then closed it...he is a moron. Seriously, is this the best you could come up with? ~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~