Michele

Hey, Fred. O.K., so I had the same frustrations, and more. I grew a brain in my right arm; it did it's own thing there, for a while. I had to dump a jump because I was spinning too badly in a floppy jumpsuit and couldn't see my alti. Spinning so fast I couldn't see the JM's or the vid guy's alti, either. Pulled somewhere like 6, when I was supposed to be pulling at 4.5. I have had paralyzing door fear. I literally vomited before one jump (at least not while I in the air). I am scared of heights, of planes, and of falling. I can't stand looking out of the door when I go up to alti. I had a cut away on my 3rd jump. I repeated several levels. I rode the plane down. I was once so scared I froze at the gate, and then I walked to the plane backwards so I could get on the damn plane. You are not alone. I wanted to quit, too. In fact, I did quit - for the day. I walked off the peas, stomped my foot, and just told Ed, that's it, I am not cut out for this, I quit. He let me quit, for about, what, 3 seconds? I think everyone goes through a point where they want to quit. At least most of the folks I talked to had wanted to. But you're not a quitter, Fred. You wouldn't have gotten out of the plane the first time if you had. You are NOT alone in your feeling. You are learning to fly, and, well, that's not something which is altogether easy, y'know? And don't compare yourself to those people who whiz right through the program. Comparison is useless. Everyone learns at their own pace. You and your body are different from everyone else. No matter. Just keep learning. At your pace. In your time. How about trying some suggestions posted about practicing your arch over on the Training forum, under "stable box position". And then, when you get in the air, relax. Relax. Smile, and just let yourself fall. Stop thinking, and just do what you know how to do. Trust yourself that you do know what to do. You have done it already, you know how to do it. Have a bit of confidence in yourself. Just because the bad things happened once doesn't mean it will automatically happen again. I was talking to a very old skydiver (he has like 10,000 jumps) today, as I was going to alti. He told me I was using my brain too much, and it all turns to shit when you think too hard. It becomes HUA syndrome (Head Up Ass). I find it is difficult to enjoy the view when my head is up my ass. When I am in the air, that's the only place I can be - not in my mind, not thinking about the opening, or about the canopy ride. I have to keep my mind in freefall when my body is, and then transition both body and mind together to the next part of the jump. It's NOT easy. But it's also not impossible. If I can do this, Fred, you have no worries. Give yourself a break, trust yourself, have confidence in yourself, and the rest will follow. Ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hey, welcome to the sky! Not as if I can give tons of advice, but Relax is great. Also, yes, program your body. Some of the advice I was given was lay on a coffee table, bed, or floor, and have the only contact point be your hips. That's almost impossible to do, but it will help you in finding your arch. Lift your shoulders, lift your legs, and have the only thing in touch with the surface be your hips... pelvis, if you'd rather. You will feel the pull in your lower back (I don't mean hurt yourself, though). Lift up from your upper back and your upper back legs. Hold for a count of (whatever you can stand), realax onto the surface, and then repeat. Try to do this several times, relaxing each time. Then take a break, and do it again. Do it in the morning, and then do it at night. Also, another trick is placing your feet about 24 inches from a wall, and reach for the wall with your hips. Try to not touch it with anything but your hips. This looks really weird, and feels weird, but it has helped. And then, when you're in the air, smile and relax. You're out there, in the incredible sky, and it's not like you can get bak into the plane, right? So enjoy being in the air, until it's time to get under canopy. Then enjoy being under canopy. I haven't had lots of experience, but the one thing I am sure of: once you leave the plane, youhave made the commitment to see this jump through, so relax and enjoy yourself. Hope this helps. There's lots of advice and help on these boards. Ask you questions, and have yourself a most wonderful learning experience. You'll be fine. Ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Morning, all. With the recent discussions about how to make a career in skydiving, when I saw this I thought I should bring it over. And because it's just about 4:30 in the morning, I couldn't decide where to put it. " PVS is looking for a fulltime Loader/Fueler Perris Valley Skydiving has an immediate opening for someone to work fulltime as an aircraft loader and fueler. This is a 40+ hour per week position. The applicant must be available to work all weekends, with 2 days off during the week. We would prefer someone with aircraft and mechanical knowledge, but we are willing to train. Applicants must be in good health, able to lift 50 lbs or more and be 18 years of age or over. This person will be responsible for starting and loading our jump aircraft (either Otters or Skyvan). This person will also be responsible for fueling all aircraft. Other duties including aircraft cleaning and some light grounds maintenance. If you are interested please contact Jack Gramley by phone at (909) 657-3904, by email at PerrisCam@aol.com or by mail at Perris Valley Skydiving, 2091 Goetz Road, Perris, CA 92570. This is NOT a seasonal position. Perris Valley Skydiving operates 365 days per year and maintains a year-round fulltime staff. If you are a skydiver that wants to work in this industry or if you are interested in aviation, this is an excellent opportunity for you." ciels- me. p.s. now it's time for me to drive out and go get my "A".....jump my own pack job and all..... "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

The guy on the right is Mark Brown, load organizer extraordinaire (I call him the Flying Rabbi, and I don't even think he's jewish...) And the guy on the left? Well, he's Rob, oh he of the georgous legs....too bad they don't show in the photo, and he has great eyes (also not in the photo). Relax, Dude. There may be several of the whole gang up on the net tomorrow, in the evening. I can probably talk Jack into getting one of the dz.commer's in the late afternoon.... ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

See, now, the way I pack, it would take me about 3 hours. So, I would have made damn near $60. Which would have paid for quite a few pack jobs....hmmmm.... cisl- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hey, Lisa I had the same problem with the dream part. And then I talked to... yes, you guessed it, Skygod ED!!!!! Know what he told me? "Good" Huh? I ask. "Yeah, good. If it's gonna go bad, might was well have it happen in your dreams and not out there" and he points to the sky.

O.K., guys. I'm gonna be "mom" for a moment...If you choose to leave work early, and get to the DZ, remember that everyone else is going to do the same thing. Therefore, a 75 minute ride will take like, uh, 4 hours.....people will be heading out after noon, so I suspect the traffic will be nutzo nightmare time through at least 8:00 tonight. And what do you get when you have nutzo nightmare traffic? COPS. Lots o' them. So drive safely, drive with one eye behind you, and take your time!!! FYI, Cal Highway Patrol tends to overload their night shift on holiday weekends, with a goal of drunk drivers. Night shift starts at 11 and goes to 7 a.m...and the overloading starts on Thursday nite and continues through Monday/Tuesday shift. O.k., I'm done being mom..... Have great trips from wherever you're coming in from, and we'll see you tomorrow! ciels- m "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Wingi, there's a bar there called the Bomb Shelter. You can buy beer there. However, you can bring your own, but you have to drink in the specified area..... See you tomorrow....!!!!!WWWWWWWWHHHHHHHAAAAAAHHHHHOOOOOOO!! ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Viking, Now, I know I'm naive, but wtf is a fucking CockNacho????? (I have the strangest mental image of Nacho sauce sprinkled with jalepenos on a, well, ahem.....shall we say, hot dog.....) I suspect - don't know, but suspect....that one of the reasons he doesn't allow experienced jumpers is the condition of his gear. From what I have heard, that would be something which would be fairly easy to spot by an experienced person, such as, say, substandard equipment that an experienced person would have a hissy fit over (and rightly so). How does one get the USPA to investigate the condition of the equipment and/or property? Any ideas? I would, however, hesitate to stand outside with a megaphone and shout details of which I do not know anything first hand. Especially without a permit from the local police. Being arrested is not my idea of how to spend the day. I think there are better, more productive ways to put a dent in his business. But I just gotta say I love your enthusiam, Viking!!!!! But I think we should do what we can to make sure the FreeFlying Hatfields v. the CReW McCoys doesn't break out.... ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hey, Jenn All the instructors know who I am, so if you can't find us in the group, have them point me out to you. Or alternatively, have manifest page me. What time are you doing level 2 and 3? Who were your JM's for level 1? Arthur, yes I want those stills, but $$ is still tight. Barely enough to jump on Saturday. Lisa and Cptn, I will most likely be staying to watch the night jumps on Saturday night. Should be on the patio of the bar, watching my friends toast the skies (I get to stay sober because I am likely driving home late Saturday night....pout...). Ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hey, Fred Always blue skies, and for the guys' sake, only the skies!!! ciels- M "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hey, Carl. I have not suggested that he be forced to allow fun jumpers. His business, his profit, his life. I am suggesting simply that if he is accredited, then you are accredited on the USPA site, and not removed because it causes him too much trouble from those jumpers which protest being "discriminated" (oooohhhhh, the "D" word) against. If those jumpers show up and give him a hard time, that was his choice, right? If he doesn't like it, don't be accredited. There are several non-accredited dz's which do a good business, so the argument that it will affect his business negatively is thereby countered. I just don't like the duplicity inherent in his actions. ciels- m "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hi, Steve! First post? Beer!!!!!!! As to who will be at Perris, here is a partial list of DZ.commers who will be there. Me, Zclubber, DZbone, Monk, Wingnut, Gman, Albatross, ltdiver, Shark, (afternoon Saturday) Mark Brown. Possibles include Kimmer, and a host of others. I have times I will be at manifest, hoping to meet all of you. But I forgot those times, so I will go look them up and post/edit in a few... I'm back: here's the schedule: "I will be getting there early, like 7ish, on Saturday morning, so I propose the following meeting times/place: 9:00-9:15 am at manifest 12:15-12:30 at manifest 3:00-3:15 at manifest 5:00-5:15 at manifest." This is a great weekend for you to renew your Perris acquiantance. There will be so much going on!!!!! ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hey, DZ Honest, sincere question here. I am curious as to how you would suggest we do this if we are not allowed to jump there? And to whom should we raise our voices to? The DZ owner has not replied to my e-mail, and I doubt he will. The USPA has given me direction as to whom to take this to, and I will. The only policy change I am suggesting is that if you are accredited, then you are *listed* as accredited with the USPA. Period. No changes, no ommitance, unless and until the accreditation is lost and/or revoked. If he doesn't like the amount of traffic this accreditation generates, and has a problem with fun jumpers who see his site as accredited, then that is his problem, right? Either change the dz's policies to allow us to jump there (not that I would, mind you), or to remove the advertisement and the prestige that comes with the accreditation. It's a matter of eating his cake, and having it too. I don't think the USPA wants this situation, and there are avenues which we, as the membership, can walk to suggest changes. Whether or not those changes are made is up to the Board of Directors.

Hi, Lisa Question: I have been jumping the Spectre for the last 8 jumps, and have landed on my feet for 6 of them. How does a Sabre2 compare? Should I consider trying it? Your opinion is needed here..... ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hi, Randy Just wanted you to know I did a little follow-up with the USPA this morning. Here is what I have discovered: As I understand it, the issue with the USPA accreditation is that Michael Hawkes asked to be removed from the USPA list last fall, after becoming tired of having jumpers make the $50 (round trip) cab ride to jump at SDLV and be turned away (Note: I gathered that people were not very happy when they found out they couldn't jump). This instigated a request to have the listing removed. USPA accomodated him, and removed the listing. However, SDLV has remained an accredited dz, and can in fact advertise that on their website. There is nothing in the accreditation procedures that will allow the USPA to address the subject of SDLV and it's rejection of fun jumpers if licensed elsewhere than his dropzone. However, as I pointed out to the gentleman, this causes considerable confusion when checking out the "away from area" dropzones via the web. As it stands, Mr. Hawkes can advertise the accreditation with USPA, and can also have it not listed on the USPA website. I voiced my my concern that Mr. Hawkes is using his website to attract jumpers (potential and licensed), which seems to defeat the stated purpose of his request to be removed from the USPA's website. There have been several complaints to the USPA, and in my discussion with Eb (hi, Eb!), he directed me to Mr. Harry Leicher, the regional director. Mr. Leicher is the person to contact with the complaints, and with any suggestions as to how to handle this issue. There are no policies in place which will allow anyone to take action, and to have policies changed, it is up to the membership (us) to request that the Board of Directors take a change into consideration. The Board of Directors is aware of the issue, but it's hands are tied without membership instigation. Mr. Leicher's e-mail: itllclear@aol.com Mr. Leicher's telephone #: (310) 701-0854. In regards to advertising, and "truth in advertising", there is a Nevada Bureau of Consumer Protection (deals mainly with fraud and Securities issues, but will address this issue, as well). Thier website is: http://bcp.state.nv.us/ I am not sure that this is the direction "we" should take any of this, but I think that if there is enough interest, and enough concern over this, these are the proper avenues with which to address our concerns. I know I will be calling Mr. Leicher later this afternoon, and voicing my concerns. And before anyone thinks I am bashing any dz, please understand I am not. I tend to like to get the accurate information, and then, if I personally feel that I should take steps to voice my considerations, I do so. On a different note, the people at USPA are way cool, and do in fact know of, and visit, this site. The gentleman I talked to likes this website, and thinks it's a good place to visit (he even knew who I was from my stories!!! How cool was that!). Anyway, the above information is FYI. Ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Congratulations. Here's to the second veteran poster!!!!! ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hi, everyone I read this post, and then went and checked out the website. Sure enough, there are restrictions on the fun jumping. Also, keeping in mind what PhillyKev said (and you have some interesting points), I went back and looked for the word Club and/or Club membership. There is no mention of a club. However, one can be inferred by several statements made, such as "only jumpers we train can jump here", etc. (I am paraphrasing now). Therefore, if a club exists, it still is subject to the civil liberties act (I think). I did send them an e-mail, and wonder if there will be a response. Here is a copy of the e-mail: ******************* August 29, 2001 Dear Sir: I am deeply saddened and disappointed in your restrictions as to "fun Jumpers" on your dz. I have reason to be in Las Vegas approximately a dozen times a year. I had hoped and planned on jumping at your dropzone most of my free time (especially in the winter). However, I read your restrictions, and while I do realize your right to place such restrictions on fun jumps, I cannot understand it. What I guess I don't understand is if I have graduated from AFF, hold a valid USPA license, sign all the waivers, and have a clean safety record (as evidenced in my log book), why are you not allowing me (and many of my friends) to jump at your DZ? I also have just run a check on the USPA main website for USPA accredited dropzones, and your dropzone is not listed, despite your claim to the contrary. The only dropzone listed is in Jean, which is not a problem for me, but I would have preferred to have jumped closer to my meetings and such while in Vegas. Understanding and respecting your right to run your business according to your personal choice, I will also make my personal choice and when asked for recommendations as to out of area drop zones to tandems and potential students (which is often; in my line of work everyone knows I jump), I will make it a point to steer them away from your dropzone, and towards a different, USPA listed and accredited, dropzone. I am saddend and disheartened to find this is your position. I truly hope you will rethink your policies, and open it to the licensed skydiving public in the truest sense of the word. Sincerely, and wishing you blue skies, Michele D. Lesser ********************** And yes, I went to the USPA website, hit the Western section, no Skydive Las Vegas. Then, just to be sure, I went to the names of the state, and went into Nevada. The only one listed is Las Vegas GravityZone, which has a different address and such. Ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Perris!!!!!!!!!! Of course, that is the only one I have ever jumped at or even seen, for that matter, but that should change soon. "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hey, RedBull I, uh, am psychic? Actually, having the weather forecast is good....it tends to include moonrise, as well as sunrise/sunset, so that's what I checked. Here's the website for the Perris one..... http://www.wunderground.com/US/CA/Perris.html Ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hi, Everone. O.K., there has been a lot of thread creep re: Perris, Labor Day weekend, night jumps, etc. so I thought I'd post a thread which consolidated it. Everone who is interested, on Saturday at Perris, there will be: ~$17 jumps all day ~4 planes: 2 t/o's, the SkyVan, and a Turbo charged DC-3 ~Night jumps (call manifest to let them know) ~A band Saturday night ~many people, and much fun. I may be getting my "A" on Saturday, as well. (Not that this should inspire anyone, just sort of mentioning it in passing.) The people from DZ.com who may be there are: Michele Clubber Albatross Gman (???) Monk Wingi DZBone Shark Mark Brown I know I am forgetting at least two people. and hmmmm, I just reread the list, and it seems as if I am the only girl....maybe Kimmer will get her requirements out of the way, too....) This should make for a 9 way, at least. I believe that Albatross is doing the skills camp, too, so yeah, it will have to be later in the day (which would also give me the time to get the final requirements out of the way....). As for the exact sunset load, well, I dunno, but I *might* be able to"convince" manifest into letting us do it then (I've done it before). Depends on the winds, I guess, and who I can beg and plead with to allow that. At the very least, we should be able to get a large group off the ground between 6-7 p.m. As sunset is about 7:25 on Saturday, that would put us close to the gloaming twilight, with a full moon as our backdrop (Oh my god, that sounds so intense!!!! - mental picture: golden sun rays rimming the mountaintops, shadows stretching out on the grey brown mountains and desert floor, dark blue melting into light blue, orange, purple, and pink, with the full moon shining silver bright over in the east....). So someone is going to have to make sure I know the wind directions, please......hahahahaha!!! But, really, guys, I am only good at falling. You can't put me where I could do any damage, o.k.? I don't want to screw this up. I will be getting there early, like 7ish, on Saturday morning, so I propose the following meeting times/place: 9:00-9:15 am at manifest 12:30-12:15 at manifest 3:00-3:15 at manifest 5:00-5:15 at manifest. I will be wearing a lavendar t-shirt with grey shorts, and I have lots of brown hair (likely in a long french braid). I'm shorter and chubby. Monk will be in a white jumpsuit, and Wingi will be in a green Airforce t-shirt (I hope I remembered that right, guys). For those of you who don't know Mark Brown, he tends to wear a neon green jumpsuit, has a full beard, and wears a button down white shirt and glasses (I call him the Flying Rabbi, he goes by the Green Hornet). If worse comes to worst, go into Square1 and ask them to point Mark or me out to you. Or have manifest page me. I will be hanging out in the packing area directly in front of Sqaure 1, as does Mark. (Ya think I should tell Mark that we're doing this? - lol) O.K., does that about cover it?????? If I forgot something, let me know. And if you've just now decided to show up at Perris, cool - let us know that, too, and we'll look for you. Or just show up and find us! Ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hey, Wingi I believe that Albatross is doing the skills camp, too, so yeah, it will have to be later in the day (which would also give me the time to get the final requirements out of the way....). As for the exact sunset load, well, I dunno, but I *might* be able to "convince" manifest into letting us do it then (I've done it before). Depends on the winds, I guess, and who I can beg and plead with to allow that. At the very least, we should be able to get a large group off the ground between 6-7 p.m. As sunset is about 7:25 on Saturday, that would put us close to the gloaming twilight, with a full moon as our backdrop (Oh my god, that sounds so intense!!!! - mental picture: golden sun rays rimming the mountaintops, shadows stretching out on the grey brown mountains and desert floor, dark blue melting into light blue, orange, purple, and pink, with the full moon shining silver bright over in the east....). So someone is going to have to make sure I know the wind directions, please......hahahahaha!!! If I have this figured right, we may have the following in the group: Michele Clubber Albatross Gman Monk Wingi DZBone Shark Mark Brown (I know I am forgetting at least two people. and hmmmm, I just reread the list, and it seems as if I am the only girl....maybe Kimmer will get her requirements out of the way, too....) This should make for a 9 way, at least. But, really, guys, I am only good at falling. You can't put me where I could do any damage, o.k.? I don't want to screw this up. Ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hey, Sharkie.... After 9 1/2 cases of beer at my graduation, I should think that I'd have a beer credit........but I'll bring a 12 of Sam Adams and a 12 of Bass, if someone brings the ice chest and ice.... "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hey, all. I expect to be getting there really early (like 7:15), because I want the gear I am comfy in, not the harness I got last weekend (I still have bruises showing up all over from that bad boy). How about we set several meeting times/places for those folks who have other commitments (Sharkie) and/or their plane isn't coming in (DZBone) until the afternoon, and then plan something for the late afternoon (like 6 or 6:30ish) for a "group" grope - I mean, jump? I propose that we meet in front of manifest at the following times: 9:00-9:15 for us early birds, 1:30-1:45 for the afternoon arrivals, and 6:00 for the latecomers adn big way campers...we may be able to jump close to sunset (only if you all remind me which way the wind is blowing!!!!!!!) as a group that way. If you have a better idea(s), please set them out!!!! Looking forward to meeting you guys!!!!!!!!!!! ciels- M "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hey, Monk Well, Saturday looks like it will be the big day....I should complete my RW and jump my own pack job, all hopefully by 11:00 a.m. Then off to take the written test, pass it and fax it off, and then, well, perhaps I can convince the S&TA to let me jump with you guys in the afternoon..... I do hope I can jump with you all. That would just be the best, most excellent thing. I know! If they let me, could we let me out, and then you all kinda just join me in the air? I guess I am envisioning me jumping first, then all of you linking up with me, as I just fly there, doing nothing, no turns, or anything,. because I sure don't know how to regrip, and I don't know that two more RW will teach me all that.....or maybe some freeflying in a big circle or something. I dunno, might be boring to you, though. I'd even be willing to pull at 3.5 for this, but pulling that low does scare me (don't laugh - remember I only have a few jumps...and I am still a newbie...and I get scared easily.). Maybe I can convince one of the camera people to video this, and then we can get stills, and post them, or something. Kinda like a party in the air. (Steve? Paul Quade? Either of you available?) And yes, I am thrilled I didn't land in the trees. !!!!