mattjw916

I have had some less-than-graceful landings, but I have never "crashed" to-date. My main canopy is my friend... not my nemesis. NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

I travel with my rig constantly and always carry it on. I never check it since I don't want it poked or prodded without me there to supervise. The downside I can see from a big hard case like a Pelican (those cases are awesome btw) is that when you are flying on smaller commuter planes they won't fit in the overhead so you will have to check it at the gate. I check the rest of my gear along with my normal luggage. Since I only travel in the US I always have the TSA/USPA documents relating to AADs available with my rig just in case there is a problem. (On the trip I just got back from I actually had to get multiple supervisors involved before they let me get through security and the docs really made it easy to plead my case.) So, basically for small planes I just throw my rig over my shoulder and tie up the leg straps and carry it like a backpack. (I don't like to do this but my Mirage is so big it won't fit in the overhead in another bag.) For larger 737 or A380 type planes I have a soft-bag to put it in. NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

well, my laptop has been x-rayed about 10 times more than my Cypres and it still works. NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

Who said anything about being "locked in" to one position? NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

I used to have the same problem... it was due to over tightening the chest strap when I was just starting to work on my sit. FWIW, stalling the canopy on rears before releasing the brakes always brought it down for me... YMMV. NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

I learned mantis right off AFF and never looked back... forget boxman and get some coaching on mantis. NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

another vote for pounding on the BOC to flatten... even though the spandex on my Mirage is very tight I have had no problems whatsoever. NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

student gear is heavy... at least 25lbs... maybe more... remember wing-load doesn't need to be calculated to ten decimal places so an estimate is fine... NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

yes... esp since so many people use Firefox and Safari now, trying to block right clicks is just lame... NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

I have 4 or 5 tickets for Eloy too... of course I'll go use them if the tunnel is ever completed. NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

found on bimmerforums.com freeway underpass swoop... http://www.hawt.net/viewvideo.php?id=65 NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

I don't think it can... I use mine for H&Ps and have to recalibrate it periodically throughout the day due to the temperature increase causing up to a +100ft error at ground level. It seems to be very sensitive to pressure and temperature changes during the day which skews the indicated altitude. While I have in the past, I am not entirely comfortable using it as my only altimeter in freefall unless it is a solo H&P... and I always have a pro-dytter screaming in my ear as well. NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

A Suunto Vector altimeter watch has an electronic compass... but I have never even fathomed a situation where it would be useful under canopy(under normal sport-jumping circumstances). Your eyes are going to be much more useful in finding a safe landing area (which may not necessarily be the DZ). Clicking buttons on my wrist means I have to drop the toggles or take my hands off risers... not a good move if someone suddenly heads for you. NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

Have fun, pull a handle, land, buy beer, repeat... On second thought, buy beer ahead of time just in case. Good luck! NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

That's incredibly ironic... have you ever seen the french 8-way team train at Eloy? They are the most frightening canopy pilots I have ever seen, bar none. A sentiment echoed by many others as well. edit: huk3d 0n fon1ks NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

lol, got it... NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

Anyone else think this thread has reached it's logical conclusion yet... we might as well debate gun control and abortion while we are at it. How about closing arguments limited to 100 words each. NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

I am familiar with the Sensei... but I have never heard anyone mention that it was lined with Dacron, if so that would be a departure from the recent trends wouldn't you say? NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

...yes I was aware of your points, but thanks anyway. I wasn't disparaging the use of Dacron so I really don't understand the defensive tone of your post. If you want to jump/pack sport, i.e. general use, canopies with Dacron lines, that's a personal choice, more power to you. I just thought the idea of an airlocked canopy with a Dacron continuous lineset was fairly humorous... the pack volume would be hiddeous to say the least. I personally can't wait for the x-braced version. edit: for clarity NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

lol, try reselling that canopy... I'm sure if there was a tangible advantage to the other linesets people like PD and Brian Germain would use them. BTW, I still would love to demo a Nitron... maybe later this year contigent upon my currency. NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

Coach jumps with video are the best way to figure out what you are doing wrong. Anyone who offers advice here is really just guessing since they can't see you in the air. I was taught to pick a heading off in the distance for reference and make sure you are pushing your legs down evenly maintaining your chest level to the relative wind. If you start potato chipping or turning, just stop, take a deep breath and start again. Like everything, it just takes practice... NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

put it in your pocket... NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

I guess you have never seen any of the BMW films then either... http://www.bmwfilms.com "Star" is my personal favorite. NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

I have a K1200RS too... I just might have to trade it in for an S in a few years. Compared to my other bikes, the RS is a total beast. It's great for long trips though and there aren't many bikes that could replace it in my stable. NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

I think you have perhaps lost perspective on what it is like to fly canopies loaded under 1:1 that are 200sq ft and larger, esp at sea level, if you think the chart is aggressive. I could see the potential for a lot more out landings since they are so much more sensitive to bad spotting and wind conditions. My $0.02. NSCR-2376, SCR-15080