BIGUN

http://skyhivisuals.tripod.com/malfunctions.htm Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

If you are taking over the business, does it have any contracts (existing or new) that can be used as collateral to secure the loan? What type of business? How much do you need? Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

http://www.inc.com/resources/tax/articles/20060901/colombik.html Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

According to the Princeton on-line dictionary; "Judgment is the cognitive process of reaching a decision or drawing conclusions." IMO that can be done one of two ways. 1) as you state, "through [often bad] experience," or 2) proactive education. In either case, it is education. The question is; can one afford to learn from their own bad experience if the result of learning is fatal? What have others learned from these fatalities? Dr. Kallend - You're the man who gave us a computer model that taught exit order to an entire industry. How many lives did you save by demonstrating the FF'ers should get out after BF'ers? Between yourself, Billvon, and Winsor, shattered the notion of a 45 degree rule and taught us it was wrong. I know you saved my life at least once when my four way refused to get on the plane over the ff'ers protest of, "we always do it this way" and we pointed them to your model. Because you taught us, we learned and exercised judgement. Because we exercised judgement based on your educating us - they learned and are now exercising judgement. John, sometimes I just don't get you. An educator opposed to education who's demonstrated education works and can save lives. Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

33% of all fatalities per annum during landings. No... Not recent. Almost every year. Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

And, what PD does is appreciated. But, we're talking about a more localized and focused approach than "information out there." As discussed earlier, perhaps the repository of information warehoused by PD could be a part of the formalized solution in the educational path. IMO, think it's going to take a combination of a top-down (USPA Guidelines) and bottom-up (skydiver, DZO, manufacturer) joint effort. Would PD be willing to be a part of a committee that puts together the training program, approach the USPA and assist with those guidelines that can help reduce these fatalities? Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

Tom, First, thanks for the excellent post. The key is in jkm2500's (josh) post. In one section, he states, "Just like people die driving their cars, riding motorcycles, hiking, camping, eating, etc..." However, later on states, "A possible solution (not a neccesary solution) is to come up with a class similar to the comprehensive defensive driving courses that are availble. Teach people how to drive their canopies in traffic. Teach them how to be proficient with their canopy. Teach them what to do to avoid collisions, traffic mishaps, etc by being one step ahead of the game." This is where the gap is and allow me to expand on my previous post. Do we need to do what I suggested in the first post and interlace canopy knowledge/swooping with a License - maybe not. However, swooping is an increasing discipline in and of itself. We honor the USPA's PRO requirements, the FJC course outline, IRM, recommendations on specialty jumps, etc. On one hand, skydivers demand more for their dues to the USPA, but want less USPA intervention. Do we want the USPA to just be a cool magazine and data recording association or do we want the USPA to provide us with educational recommendations (not regulations). And on the other hand, we have the opportunity to have people such as yourself (a published author with vast amounts of experience and communication knowledge). We have people like Billvon with aeronautical degrees, Dr. Kallend, Quade, Scott Miller, Brian Germain, manufacturers and a vast pool of rising pro-swooping superstars. All of whom could come together to create a book of knowledge with narratives and diagrams on swooping, modern canopy aerodynamics, DZ swooping operations, steps to swooping, MSL variations and its effect on canopy performance, how to swoop 101, setting up the swoop, abandoning the swoop, when to use front risers, when to use rear risers, when to use the toggles, the outline goes on & on. Wouldn't this compilation of information be the equivalent of an automotive defensive driving course or required motorcycle safety course before one got their "M" endorsement on their driver's license? A few years ago, Sangiro set up a special locked forum for several people to post and/or review safety articles for consideration in the "Safety" section of the site. I can't help but think that he would be receptive to do the same for a swooping book where the top level "sticky" is the outline and those listed above could contribute the necessary components towards the compilation of that sticky outline towards an educational path of reducing 33% of all fatalities while under a fully-functioning canopy. Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

I "believe" it was the March 2006 Parachutist that stated, "Ten years ago, less than 3% of fatalities were under a fully functioning parachute, while in 2005 33% of fatalities were under a fully functioning parachute." [paraphrase] Not to mention the number of non-fatal shattered femurs, ankles, pelvic bones, vertebrae, etc. For almost the same amount of time, we've heard the chant, "Educate, don't regulate." Yet the most we've developed is a downsizing guideline. 1. The USPA requires specific basic canopy control sign-offs for the A license card to be completed to get the license. With the advanced aerodynamics and serobatic capabilities of the modern day canopy; would it be too ludicrous to suggest an advanced performance-oriented canopy course card to achieve the C license? I mean we're talking advanced aerobatics here, why wouldn't we have an educational path to demonstrate that level of proficiency? 2. Could we not include the manufacturers as part of the solution - no advanced canopy control class or "C" license in the USPA database = no sale. Would that not also give them "some" additional liability protection? The manufacturers could actually sponsor the courses (They sponsor 4-way teams, vRW teams, swoop teams, etc.,that look cool; why not sponsor an advanced canopy control team in the interest of safety and education?) and send qualified advanced canopy pilot Instructors to DZ's around the world to do the certification? That would not only assist in making the sport more safe, but be good PR for their product lines. They build them, they sell them; be a part of the solution. We can continue the chant or ask the USPA and manufacturers to sit down and develop an educational path. Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

On a lighter note, so how was the HALO JM Course? Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

It "may" be a difficult market to penetrate. Most skydivers are brand loyal. Look at rigs for example. All rig manufacturers have quality products, equal standards, great customer service, etc. As to jumpsuits, I've strayed from my loyalty to Flite Suits and Tony Suits once and it was a BIG mistake (think Hawaii). I stick with them primarily cause they get it right for guys my size the first time and because they're always appreciative of my business. Another factor is endurance. There's been a lot of suit & helmet manufacturer's jump in and a year or two later are gone. Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

Not a Rigger, so no vote. Here's my question which may result in another interesting poll thread. If the repack cycle changes to 180 days; will Riggers increase their reserve repack pricing? If so, how much? 1. Enough to cover the one "lost revenue" opportunity per annum? 2. Considering they are now "signing" for 180 days vs. 120. 3, Market Saturation/Opportunity Costs 4. Other variables. Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

And, for your 100th jump, you just slip on a pair of shorts over your legstraps, walk to the plane, then take them off before you exit. Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

Steve, Since you're jumping an Eclipse, I'd probably contact Terry G. or Chris M. (Eclipse I/E's) at Skydive Spaceland for recommendations. Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

Me too... Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

We have a winner. Forty Creek's on me next time. Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

Nope. There was no mention of Edgar Allen Poe in Cool Hand Luke. Clue 3: Gayly bedight, A gallant knight, In sunshine and in shadow, Had journeyed long, Singing a song, In search of...... Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

I'm glad it worked out for you in this case. Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

Nope. Clue 1: Circa 1967 Clue 2: Edgar Allen Poe Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

Nope... circa: 1967 Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

The best resource for any diver driver types of questions is on DiverDriver's website. http://diverdriver.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=ddd6f17ccbd4e3055756e48869635a52&board=1.0 Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

Hot coffee, Tabasco, hot peppers, Ipecac and gunpowder. Hold his nose and shove it down his throat. Name that movie... Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

Thanks for the correction, Drew. As for the older Ravens, none of them caused me concern either (as long as they were properly W/L). Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

When I don't have a hankie; I use this!! Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

I've jumped them all except the R-Max. Why is that? Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

PD has you send it back in for recertification after 20 repacks. Others do not - most riggers recommend not keeping gear beyond 20 years and will advise you along your skydiving path, not only about your reserve, but they are also certifying your harness on the repack cycle. Please don't confuse quality with price in this industry. I'm a really big guy with several rigs and have Precision, PD, and Smart reserves. I'm not afraid of any of them blowing up if I need them. Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.