gowlerk

The USA is not a nanny state like Australia.There is no such regulation. But there are people in charge who use common sense and judgement at any DZ. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

It's not bothering me that much. I won't lose any sleep, and it won't go beyond here. Just discussing. But your comment kind of shows the point about human nature. If this "deserving" group had simply asked here for $35 donations, they would get exactly nothing. Dangle the remote chance of a glittering prize and just watch the cash roll in! The problem is that raffles are very profitable fund raising schemes that society generally reserves for worthy causes. Or we would all run them. I guess I am jealous. I'd like to sell some gear for that kind of profit. PT Barnum would understand. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

You may be right, and I just don't understand what it is that they do. I am basing this mostly on what they say that they do. It is named PDFT, and they do not say what they will do with the cash. And they do advertise paid coaching. They do not advertise outreach or claim to be doing any. Maybe it's just poor messaging. It appears to be people trying to earn a living, and there is nothing wrong with that. But the rest of the world doesn't get to earn their living from raffles. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

Mostly because Airspeed is a team training for competition, although I do agree it's a fine line. Also Airspeed does not operate as a commercial business with profit as the goal as PDFT seems to do. As well, they are much more low key about it. You can go here and look. https://store.flight-1.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=34 To me it is much the same as if a DZ were to do a raffle and put the money into the till. It would be OK if it was a club, but not for a commercial DZ. I'm not extremely offended by it. But I am concerned enough to mention it here, where I know I will get little to no support because everyone likes the game. It's partly because I hate the gambling industry in general. It appeals to some of the worst emotions in people. That's why it's so associated with the mob. And I am genuinely surprised that PD would support it. But I guess it is very popular, and they could easily have sold twice the number of tickets at the same price. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

That's actually the kind of info I'm hoping to hear. I don't really know what the PD factory team does, other than promote PD products. If they go around providing cheap or free coaching like so many people in the sport do then a raffle is more appropriate. But to look at the website, it's a bunch of people trying to make a living in skydive. A tough task, but not really worthy of charitable status. I'm editing this to add that they seem to be selling fairly expensive professional coaching and are not a charity at all. They are pro coaches running a raffle as a sideline. You can go to the website and check it out. Slick, professional and entirely commercial. I understand why skydivers like the raffle, the tickets sold out quickly because people like the terms of the game. Not because they want to support the team. Just like any numbers game. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

I only mention the PD and Sunpath because they both sponsor the group and are likely supplying them at no cost. Which pretty much means that the raffle would make money for the group that advertises the product. In other words PD gains as much as PD Factory Team in the scheme because it lowers the cost of the sponsorship. There are a lot of worthy charities out there trying to raise money. I don't see how this group gets to raise money this way. I can't see any mention of what the money is being raised for and their website is mostly about how to purchase their services. It seems completely commercial. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

I know I'm only one person, but as far as I'm concerned that is a fairly reasonable description of skydiving. Not completely, but not far off in many ways. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

I've looked at their website and I don't get how they could be entitled to run a lottery. They look like a professional demo outfit strongly associated with selling PD products. PD is certainly not a charity. They don't seem to be a team that may represent the USA in competition, although individual members might. I've seen Airspeed run similar lotteries, but they are a team raising funds to train. Maybe "PD Factory Team" is doing some worthy work of some kind, but they do not make any mention of it anywhere that I can find. As far as I can tell they just seem to want to make some quick cash. I'm surprised that PD and Sunpath ect would allow them to do that. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

So let me get this straight. They are selling $17,500 worth of tickets for a rig and accessories worth about half of that. And using the PD name prominently with no indication of having a lottery license or being a charity of any kind. I always thought only governments and organized crime were allowed to run numbers. Really? You can do that in America? I'd love a piece of that action, but I want to be the house. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

All I can say to this idea is it would be an open invitation for Murphy to come along and kick you in the balls! The first time the load gets cancelled then tomorrow morning you forget and WHAM! Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

I have packed several PD176s and Smart 175s into both W13s and W14s. No problem with that. However, despite what pack volume charts may say, a 218 sq ft Raven II is larger. The charts are not always accurate for several reasons. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

The last time I did the math sell a FJC course was easily more profitable than selling a tandem. But tandem expands the target market to include people who would never do an IAD type jump. It's what the market wants. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

I would interpret that as a p/c in tow followed by a decision not to cutaway then a two handed reserve pull. The cut away or not procedure has been debated thoroughly with no resolution. You should indeed maintain an arch while deploying your reserve, but it could be difficult to do that while pulling with both hands. One or two hand training? Another endless debate, but I think two hand training is just plain stupid FWIW. I don't really see where he made any other mistakes. Sometimes you just have to act now, and that is what he did. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

True dat. I especially appreciate the hint about looking for the "double bumps". It's simple, but I never thought of it that way. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

Those instructions show a "centering lug" on the riser that would keep the ring in place. Obviously those links using those instructions are not compatible with regular risers. I assume they only work with the Pdf risers that must match those instructions. Non? Also has a large warning at the bottom to use only genuine parts. I wouldn't use those on my rig. I'm with Rob, soft links need a lark's head knot to secure them with regular risers. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

-Joey- we need your type here. You come here and talk like a fool and it gives everyone a chance to explain why you are a danger to yourself. Others who are new are watching and they get to hear just how risky poor decisions can be. Don't you see? It's not about you, it's about the influence you give us on others. Don't be teasing us about changing. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

From the PD website: So you’ve decided to step it up from your Sabre2… The Katana is a fully elliptical nine cell canopy that is the ride of a life time for the experienced canopy pilot. Warning: this canopy is not for the faint of heart. Soft smooth openings, long control range, steep dive, light front riser pressure and powerful flare make the Katana an excellent choice for those looking for the engine to push their limits. Whether you’re considering an 83 or a 170 square foot wing, the Katana can provide the canopy enthusiast with the ride they are looking for now, and will continue to challenge their piloting skills for years to come. The Katana may look similar to a Stiletto at first glance, but beneath the surface they are two completely different machines! That's what they say. Here's what I say FWIW, which really isn't that much. Not all elliptical canopies are the same. Katana is a more advanced and extreme canopy and not really suited to intermediate pilots. But that still doesn't mean you can't try it, just that you need to get good coaching, choose a time with good conditions including when you feel sharp, and know that you need to be wary. But if a less aggressive wing is available, that would be a better experience for you because you would be able to have more fun and less stress. I don't know you and I don't know why your friends would push you in this direction so quickly, but the wisest pilots I know say that you don't need to downsize/upgrade until you are getting the maximum out of what you are already flying. Now granted, a Sabre one is an older design and you may very well have begun to outgrow it, but probably not to the max. Ellipticals are more fun, no doubt about it. Like switching from a station wagon to a sports car. But a Katana is a huge step, more like 2 or 3 steps up. Still doesn't mean you can't try it, just don't get fooled. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

It depends what you want out of a canopy. You need to decide that yourself. But a Katana is not the best learner canopy. I'd suggest a Stiletto type canopy first. Everything happens pretty quickly under a Katana, because they are trimmed so steep. Why do you want an elliptical? Is it just because it's being offered? Or do you feel ready? To directly answer your question, there is no average. Many people never make that move. But in my case 200 jumps. I went from a Cruislite to a Stiletto at about 1.1:1. Elliptical canopies are way more fun, but have several bad habits. If you are confident that your friends are giving you good coaching, it's alright to try it. It will help you decide what you want. But I will say that if you aren't sure you are ready, then you aren't ready to switch. But trying one and switching to one are not the same thing Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

Not only is Arizona not in the northern USA, but I don't think Burner is anywhere near home in August! Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

I can understand why you want to do the cool swooping stuff. I don't understand why you need the attention you get here. It almost sounds like a cry for help because you know the risk, or you just love all the reaction you get. Either way you need the kind of help that you won't find here. But we keep biting and snarling at you, so I guess you'll just keep on putting that stick through the bars. I really hope your bravado is just a game and not for real. Real hurts. A lot. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

Would be a good POV for AFF. New trend. I'm sure -Joey- could get nice landing shots as well. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

I believe the "Ted" comment was a reference to a jumper who came to an unfortunate ending. -Joey- is a different "special" person. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

That is indeed a nice shot. But I don't think too many people are going to jump with a 70-200 2.8 and a full frame. Yes shallow DOF can make nice shots, but it's difficult to use and compose correctly without a viewfinder. Your skills are well beyond mine. It would be easier with the fast 50mm. Was it wide open, or stopped down a little? Ken Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

Nice one Joey! You got a rise from Dave again. Will he ever learn? Check this auction out for some cheap fun. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Javelin-RS-Velocity-79-PR113-/200934631074?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ec8a326a2 Don't say I never helped you out. You're welcome amigo. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

Cool. That POV makes me wonder if you ever considered commissioning a "Bobble Head Brian" doll. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.