Croc

I took that oath 44 years ago; I don't recall it requiring me to rat out anyone for any reason. Has it changed? "Here's a good specimen of my own wisdom. Something is so, except when it isn't so." Charles Fort, commenting on the many contradictions of astronomy

Weather permitting, there is no reason you can't jump at Jerry's. Opens at 10 am in Sundays. Hope to see you there! Croc "Here's a good specimen of my own wisdom. Something is so, except when it isn't so." Charles Fort, commenting on the many contradictions of astronomy

If America had been founded on Christian principles it would have a theocracy. It was founded on Greco-Roman principles. (The word "democracy" comes from the Greek demos, common people.; "republic" comes from the Latin word publicus, public.) Thanks for the video. Most "Christians" aren't Christians at all, of course. "Here's a good specimen of my own wisdom. Something is so, except when it isn't so." Charles Fort, commenting on the many contradictions of astronomy

What she said "Here's a good specimen of my own wisdom. Something is so, except when it isn't so." Charles Fort, commenting on the many contradictions of astronomy

Once for a friend getting his rating. Even though I helped steer at some point, the DZO charged me full price for the tandem ride! Just kidding, but it was a very uncomfortable feeling on the ride up with no rig. "Here's a good specimen of my own wisdom. Something is so, except when it isn't so." Charles Fort, commenting on the many contradictions of astronomy

As far as casual CRW with just two people, almost any canopy will do. Dock nice, and you don't have to worry about dacron. Stay away from planes, and you don't have to worry about retractable pilot chutes. I've flown Lightnings, Spectres, Storms, Triathalons, and Pilots and docked on Mantas, Lightnings, Velos, Tri's, Spectres, Silhouettes, and a bunch of others I can't remember. More than two people, or doing planes, you'll need a CRW rig. I have discovered that trim is much more important than WL for CRW, BTW. Currently flying a Pilot. My fav canopy so far. "Here's a good specimen of my own wisdom. Something is so, except when it isn't so." Charles Fort, commenting on the many contradictions of astronomy

My bad. I see that your pattern starts at 1000 and the first turn is 500 feet. Nevertheless the principle is the same. It is good to remember that points "B" and "C" are not points above the ground but altitudes. (500 and 300). Had you continued to fly straight until you got to 500 feet altitude and then turned and flew until you were at 300 and turned again you should have been able to land near the target. That having been said, thermals can do strange things. Did you do the safe thing? Yes--you kept your head on a swivel and re-entered the pattern. "Here's a good specimen of my own wisdom. Something is so, except when it isn't so." Charles Fort, commenting on the many contradictions of astronomy

Tandem Progression is a USPA method of instruction. "Here's a good specimen of my own wisdom. Something is so, except when it isn't so." Charles Fort, commenting on the many contradictions of astronomy

The pattern you referenced is not a pattern for no wind days. In a true no wind situation you would not land at point A: rather, you would land much farther out. If there is no wind at all start your pattern opposite point "D". Better yet, fly Brian Germain's "1200-900-600-300 pattern. Also, when flying a pattern you do not fly from "point A to point B". Instead, you enter the pattern at, for example, 900 feet, at your best guess according to the wind conditions. In a true no wind situation, your entry point would be directly across from your target, and your pattern would be a square. You fly your pattern downwind until your altimeter reads 600 feet, turn 90 degrees, and fly crosswind until your altimeter reads 300 feet, then turn downwind. With this method you are making two guesses, how far upwind to start your pattern, and how far away horizontally your down wind leg is from the target. With Brian's method, you reduce the guessing to one thing--how upwind you start your pattern, since, at 1200 ft you start directly upwind of the target. Consult your instructors before you use Brian's method. These methods work with any canopy, at any WL. I think you need to go over the landing pattern, and at what altitudes to make your turns, with your instructors. I was accuracy challenged for many years until I began to trust my altimeter. (A good digital helps!) Good luck! "Here's a good specimen of my own wisdom. Something is so, except when it isn't so." Charles Fort, commenting on the many contradictions of astronomy

Skydive Greensburg is now in Frankfort, IN. I think it's called Skydive Indianapolis. Last I heard, Kip is a Harley mechanic in Indy. "Here's a good specimen of my own wisdom. Something is so, except when it isn't so." Charles Fort, commenting on the many contradictions of astronomy

I know there have been a couple of threads about upsizing, but I wanted to relate my experiences. After knee surgery this winter for a non-skydiving injury, my doctor advised me not to run at all, so I traded my 150 Pilot in for a Pilot 188 (WL 1:1). I was never good at landing, although my skills dramatically improved when I got my Pilot; nevertheless landing was somewhat of a tense time, especially in no winds. Although I was satisfied with my landings, I had to run pretty hard in no wind, and I always had to concentrate on my flair to avoid tripping. (I think I am a chronic late-flairer). What a difference upsizing has made! This is the correct wing loading for my skill level. My landings are effortless, and always enjoyable. I would recommend to anyone who has marginal landing skills (and you know who you are) to upsize. You will be amazed what a good canopy pilot you are! "Here's a good specimen of my own wisdom. Something is so, except when it isn't so." Charles Fort, commenting on the many contradictions of astronomy

I jump at Jerry's Skydiving Circus in Franklin, Indiana. It's a great place, and the DZO is a real character. No place on earth I'd rather jump. "Here's a good specimen of my own wisdom. Something is so, except when it isn't so." Charles Fort, commenting on the many contradictions of astronomy

My last Mr. Bill. Went way ugly. The pilot chute ended up caught between us. I pulled the bridle to get it in clean air and thought, "This can't be good!" It wasn't. Unfortunately I was still holding onto my buddy's chest strap. The opening shock damn near tore my arm off. Later I looked in the mirror and I had bruises on both shoulders, a bruise on a rib that felt like someone smacked me with a hammer, and my back, rib and sternum hurt when I took a deep breath. I'm done with Mr. Bills. I'll stick to CRW, which is nice and safe. (And fun!) "Here's a good specimen of my own wisdom. Something is so, except when it isn't so." Charles Fort, commenting on the many contradictions of astronomy

I have heard and read that the founding fathers of the United States believed in in alien beings. In fact, during the eighteeth century Enlightenment it was commonly accepted that we were not alone in the Universe. The notion that we are alone is a recent one, probably since WWII. Recently the Vatican has announced that the existence of intelligent alien life does not contradict the teachings of the Church. The US government hiding secrets from its citizens? Now, who would believe that! "Here's a good specimen of my own wisdom. Something is so, except when it isn't so." Charles Fort, commenting on the many contradictions of astronomy

We don't need no stinking death straps! I'm the pilot. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eIuycowAo0 "Here's a good specimen of my own wisdom. Something is so, except when it isn't so." Charles Fort, commenting on the many contradictions of astronomy

Post: Has anybody (other than you) in speakers corner ever used that phrase? Pre-emptive ban. I have a liberal friend that uses it. "Here's a good specimen of my own wisdom. Something is so, except when it isn't so." Charles Fort, commenting on the many contradictions of astronomy

I'd ban "gun lust." People who use that term know nothing about guns; and if that is their idea of lust... "Here's a good specimen of my own wisdom. Something is so, except when it isn't so." Charles Fort, commenting on the many contradictions of astronomy

Excuse my dumbness, but what is a Star Crest Award? "Here's a good specimen of my own wisdom. Something is so, except when it isn't so." Charles Fort, commenting on the many contradictions of astronomy

[quotePost: Actually most of the mandated changes in design and construction of vehicles that makes them last so much longer were initially opposed by conservatives. You mean like CNC machining? "Here's a good specimen of my own wisdom. Something is so, except when it isn't so." Charles Fort, commenting on the many contradictions of astronomy

Yikes, I didn't see the date on these posts! "Here's a good specimen of my own wisdom. Something is so, except when it isn't so." Charles Fort, commenting on the many contradictions of astronomy

A near death experience is one in which you are clinically dead and remain conscious but apart from your body. Eventually, you return to your body and it comes back to life. Not quite what you have experienced. "Here's a good specimen of my own wisdom. Something is so, except when it isn't so." Charles Fort, commenting on the many contradictions of astronomy

What he said. "Here's a good specimen of my own wisdom. Something is so, except when it isn't so." Charles Fort, commenting on the many contradictions of astronomy

The US is no longer a capitalist country. "Here's a good specimen of my own wisdom. Something is so, except when it isn't so." Charles Fort, commenting on the many contradictions of astronomy

"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money." Whether she actually said it or not, she believed it. RIP "Here's a good specimen of my own wisdom. Something is so, except when it isn't so." Charles Fort, commenting on the many contradictions of astronomy

I'm with Glideangle--try CRW! Seriously, CRW (I'll never get used to calling it CF) is a terrific discipline, and I have never met a CRWdog who had a skygod mentality.