pilotdave

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Everything posted by pilotdave

  1. pilotdave

    containers

    pilotdave replied to Lenzo's topic in Gear and Rigging

    I much prefer a main flap that folds upward instead of downward. I can't lift my Vector by the main flap, but it's also still closed every time I land. The nice thing about that type of flap is that the bulk of the main doesn't affect the flap's ability to stay closed. They also tend to be easier to open and close for pin checks. But I like my Vector for a lot of the same reasons you like the infinity. Riser covers, closing loop on the bottom flap (which has disadvantages too), etc. Plus the Skyhook, collins lanyard, big strong reserve pin, etc. Dave
  2. pilotdave

    containers

    pilotdave replied to Lenzo's topic in Gear and Rigging

    It's not really that. Most people buy containers that they see at their dropzone. If basik wants to gain popularity in the US, they have to get their containers out there in the hands of experienced jumpers. My DZ is full of rigs from South Africa because of a couple people. The real key is a good US sales rep/distributor and DEMO RIGS. I'd buy american though. Not so much to support american (mostly central american) workers, but because it's a real pain in the butt to ship a rig to europe/africa for service. I have walked my rig into UPT's rigging office to get my container fixed and dropped my canopy off at PD down the street for a reline while I was in the neighborhood. My friend's Vortex showed up slashed right through the reserve container (and through the reserve inside) by customs, probably checking for drugs inside. That doesn't happen often when the rig is coming from Florida. Dave
  3. pilotdave

    containers

    pilotdave replied to Lenzo's topic in Gear and Rigging

    Not saying you're wrong, but why? A lot of people like to recommend a particular brand, but they rarely give any reasons why that brand is better than the others. What made you choose Infinity? Design features, looks, comfort, quality, other people said it was good, etc? Dave
  4. pilotdave
    Sounds to me like some people are talking about coaching under the USPA ISP and some are talking about post-A-license coaching. For student jumps, the coach spends a lot of time with each student and helps them finish the requirements for their license. If they're meeting the standards they should be, and spending the amount of time necessary, they should be getting paid something. My DZ pays slot plus $5. I personally think $20 is way too much. And a couple people have mentioned that if they do it for free, the DZ pockets the cash. My DZ makes no profit on coach jumps other than 2 slots worth and gear rental. If I want to do it for free, I ask the DZ to manifest us as 2 fun jumpers, plus a gear rental, and I don't get my $5. The DZ gets paid the same, so they don't care. As far as post-A-license coaching, you better have some really special skills if you're charging. That's where we can pay it forward. But that's got nothing to do with a coach rating. Dave
  5. pilotdave
    I don't know if there's a reason it can't be done with the CX100, but can you just use autofocus and then switch to manual focus to lock it? You can get technical and find the optimal focus distance to maximize depth of field, but it works fine to just focus on something about the distance you're going to be and lock it there. Dave
  6. pilotdave
    I'm borrowing a Sil 135 right now. I'm finding it much quicker than my Sabre2 135. It turns a lot faster. Much less toggle needed to really whip it around. The brake lines are a little short on this one, but I was really surprised by the performance. The flare is not nearly as powerful as the Sabre2's flare, but I just need to get the timing down. Openings are brisk compared to the sabre2, but not hard. It's a nice canopy. Not gonna replace my Sabre2 with it, but I might buy it for my backup rig. Beats my Tri 120 in all areas. Dave
  7. pilotdave
    This is a perfect example of how NOT to buy a used piece of skydiving gear. Well, it's better than sending a check to nigeria for a used reserve. There's good news though. You're only out $250. Good bargain shopping! I've got a PD150 for sale if you're interested. The brake lines are so short it will stall at half brakes. But it's only $400! (Just kidding... its not for sale). Dave
  8. pilotdave
    I know the study you're thinking of, but that's not quite what it was about. They had instruments, but they were non instrument rated pilots (in a flight simulator). On average, even with the help of instruments, they lost control after 178 seconds in IMC. Dave
  9. pilotdave
    Just an illusion. He put himself into bit of a linetwist to face the camera. You can see both 3-rings. Dave
  10. pilotdave
    That's the idea. It's low enough that if it surprises you, you messed up. But it's high enough that you can still break off or pull safely, very close to your assigned altitude. I'm not talking about for students. IMO, audibles for students are completely out of the question, except like you suggested set very low as a last resort backup. I'm talking about newly-licensed jumpers, anyone new to audibles, or anyone that got an audible because of a problem with altitude awareness. Dave
  11. pilotdave
    And it only took ya 13,000 jumps. Impressive! Dave
  12. pilotdave
    I personally don't recommend an audible for at least 200 jumps. People love toys though, so if they NEED an audible to log their jumps for them, I recommend setting the breakoff and pull alarms 100 feet low. If they hear it and haven't already acted, they messed up. If they mess up every jump, it's probably time to put it away for a while. EDIT: For the record, an experienced AFF instructor once told me "that's dumb." Dave
  13. pilotdave

    Sneaking up on Doug

    pilotdave posted a gallery image in Canopy Flight

    Sneaking up on Doug
  14. pilotdave

    Wingsuit Rodeo

    pilotdave posted a gallery image in Wingsuits

    Wingsuit Rodeo
  15. pilotdave
    Kevin lines up over the pad
  16. pilotdave
    A little dramatic over the cost of one packjob, don't you think? Dave
  17. pilotdave
    Hanging harness in action from Safety Day attached... We also use vests with all the handles, which is a lot quicker for repetitive practice. But everybody gets in the hanging harness for a little more realism. Dave
  18. pilotdave
    I don't think it's black and white, safe or unsafe. There are a lot of other factors to consider, but in general it would be safer to use the entire runway and take off into the wind. But that doesn't make this unsafe. My DZ used to operate a super otter with 23 jumpers off of an 1800 foot runway. If we had 2500 feet, that would be safer. But it doesn't make operating off of an 1800 foot runway unsafe. Now the Caravan that used about 1799 feet... that's another story.
  19. pilotdave
    The "Information Bulletin" came out in June 2008. Where ya been?
  20. pilotdave
    Both times you've taken it out of the box? Dave
  21. pilotdave
    I wouldn't expect that this will make a very good video camera (in general). You're much better off getting a CX100 now and a still camera when you've got at least 100 video jumps. Dave
  22. pilotdave
    Wingsuit shuttle jump, now with tons of stupid comments! http://i.gizmodo.com/5181921/people-skydiving-to-see-space-shuttle-launch Dave
  23. pilotdave
    Canon Digital Rebel T1i: http://i.gizmodo.com/5182772/canon-eos-rebel-t1i-first-hands-on-50ds-sensor-1080p-vids-899-. Dave
  24. pilotdave
    Call both dropzones and find out what you're getting for your money. Make sure you're comparing apples to apples. Dave
  25. pilotdave
    = Lots of fun. I have no idea how much I have spent over the last 10+ years. I don't want to know. All I know is that it was worth every penny. Don't worry about the cost of skydiving. It costs every dollar you'll ever make. The less you make, the less it costs. It's an amazing thing. Dave