NWFlyer

Weather (high/turbulent winds). No problem with the aircraft, in fact, we used it for scenic volcano tours instead of jumping. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46758094/ns/us_news-life/#.T2NlQGJWr5g Poor dude! "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

I'm a power user of the library. It's rare that I go in and browse for books, instead, I just put things on hold and when they're available, they're delivered to my local branch and I get an email telling me I can come pick them up. The library system here allows you to have a maximum of 10 books on hold at any time, and I always have my list full (and I have a huge list that I maintain elsewhere of books to read so that I always have something to move onto my library queue when a slot opens up). Sometimes it's challenging to get through a book in 3 weeks (since much of what I'm reading is recent enough that other people also want to read it, so a renewal isn't possible), especially if I get several at a time, but generally I think that getting things from the library instills a sense of urgency to my reading so that if I'm faced with a choice of TV or internet or the book, I might pick up the book since I know it's due back in a few days. After a bunch of moves where I was purging books to avoid packing/hauling so many books, I realized that the vast majority of books that I buy, I never read again, and I really do not have any need to own them. So now, if I enjoy something so much that I foresee re-reading it, I'll buy it *after* I've read it at the library. I do buy used books from time to time (usually from the used book sale shelf at the library so my purchases also support the library). Those are handy to have for traveling, as I can just leave them somewhere or give them to a friend (as I did with some of the books I brought to the Nicaragua Boogie last week, as we all had much more reading time than we'd anticipated!). "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Totally agree! I was an avid reader as a kid - part of that was because we lived in Greece from when I was age 5 to age 8, and at the time (late 70s) there wasn't much English language TV on for kids (except the Muppet Show! yay!). But we had a library available and boy did my brother and I read! After we moved back stateside, I continued to read a lot, and to be honest, a lot of it was "junk" reading. I appreciate the fact that my parents still let me read it, because it kept me reading actively and made reading something I had fun doing. Heck, even into early adulthood, I read more fluffy stuff than serious stuff, but in the last decade or so, I've revisited a lot of the classics and I read tons of more serious newer stuff (about 70% nonfiction, probably 30% fiction). The Hunger Games trilogy (I've just recently finished the first one and am eager to get the other two from the library when they're available) and the Harry Potter series are good examples of books that have turned a generation that's used to television and electronic devices on to reading. So they may not go down as "classic" literature... they're still getting people to crack a book! "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

That's only because you were hugging his wife. He saw your long hair and wondered if he was finally going to get some girl-on-girl action. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Well, Rich, it sure wasn't what we all expected, was it? Even though there's not too many (okay ONE) jump in my logbook from the boogie, I'm consoling myself with the fact that just having a civilian skydive in Nicaragua logged puts me in some very esteemed company, as this is definitely the first (and I'm guessing the last) time folks will be jumping there. I'm not sure who convinced the wind gods to smite us, but whoever did it did a fantastic job - you couldn't have asked for sketchier conditions than those crazy uppers and constant offshore ground winds. Add in the prodigious demand for Cipro by our crew, and you could have had a mutiny on your hands. It's testament to you (and your whole team's) past success in running boogies that instead, you attracted a great group of folks instead who rolled with all the punches and had a great time nonetheless. Sure, we were frustrated, but no one had to be "that guy" about it. Looking forward to using up some of my leftover jump tickets in Oceanside and wearing the collector's item Skydive Nicaragua t-shirt with pride! "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Poor Remi. Hanging out in the courtyard of the hotel in Managua enjoying a nice tropical breeze after an amazing breakfast. After the drunks on the first flignt in from Miami get here, we're off to the resort. Ahhh.... "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Mine arrived on the 27th (northern CA). BTW, be sure to ask for extra copies so you can send them to family/friends. They're usually quite happy to provide extras for contributors. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Don't be silly, Remi. We'll be far too busy sipping Flor de Cana on the beach to bother posting here. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Nah, I think this is exactly the type of stuff that Parachutist should include. Parachutist is for all skydivers, not just the world champion badasses. I personally like the fact that they include content that features and appeals to skydivers of all experience levels. Part of the goal of the magazine should be to retain newer jumpers, and while all the talk about competition and records can be aspirational and exciting for a new jumper, it can also seem very far off for someone who's just working on getting their A or B license and for whom two or three points on a four way is a really big deal. Your drawings fit right in there as something that all jumpers, but particularly the newer ones, can relate to. It also fit nicely with the article later in the magazine on events/opportunities for newer jumpers. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Just another type of aircraft, and it sounds like the FAA is already considering the implications of widespread civilian use. I'm not sure precisely where USPA would add any value above and beyond what the FAA would do in this case, since managing civilian airspace is the FAA's purview. And I agree with the previous post that while we shouldn't ignore the risks of aircraft (that is one of the reasons we spot, and you do spot, don't you?), another parachutist is a far greater risk to you than any other aircraft. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Well, "low opening" never meant 1000'. But if I understand your reply he made up an acronym, and used it to ask his question? Matt Sounds like it. Remember, we're talking someone with 24 jumps... maybe doesn't know that HALO is in contrast to HAHO (e.g., straight out the door), not in contrast to a "typical" skydiving opening altitude. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Anywhere to do this near the west coast? The FAA used to contract with some Air Force bases to provide training to civilians, but that program appears to have been suspended, so the only option I'm aware of now is at the FAA's training center in Oklahoma City. (I had hoped to do the training up at Beale AFB, but when I looked into it, the program was suspended, and now it appears to have been discontinued). http://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/airman_education/aerospace_physiology/ "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

That's about what it'll cover. Parachutist does pay a small amount for contributions - not enough to make a living producing content for them, but a nice acknowledgement of the effort nonetheless. Looking forward to seeing the duck in print! "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Dropped my rig off with Tim for a repack when I still had my Pilot. Me: While you're at it, can you look at my main lines and tell me if I need a reline? Tim: How many jumps on the lines? Me: About 500 Tim: Yeah, I'm not even going to bother with that. You need new lines. I put about 300 jumps on a Pilot, and I've since switched to the Pulse (same size). The Pulse has similar flying characteristics, but a higher flare point, which I prefer. It also packs smaller, which made packing much easier. I had a couple memorably-hard openings on the Pilot. Generally it's snively and soft but when it decides to get angry, it gets angry. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

I have about 350 jumps on Pulses now. I put about 300 jumps on my first one, and when I was looking to put together a second rig, I bought a second Pulse. So, clearly, I like 'em. I've had occasional off-headers, but never too bad, and they're pretty rare. For the most part, the Pulse likes to open soft (but not snively) and on heading. The one truly bad opening I had was due to a pilot chute issue, not a canopy issue. I had about 500 jumps when I got one, but if it had been available when I was a new jumper, I probably would have gotten one then, too, and been happy with it. I am not looking for high performance now, and I wasn't then. I jump conservative canopies at moderate-to-low wingloading. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

I actually have that book somewhere. It came in a gift pack with four wine glasses that I won as part of a JFTC raffle a couple years ago. Donation to a good cause and more glasses? Yes please. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Skydance in Davis CA does them regularly. I haven't done them, so I'm not sure of the cost (I *think* it's in the $400 range but don't quote me on that). You're also required to have high altitude chamber training beforehand, and I'm not sure what the other prerequsites are. I'm sure you could contact them for more info if it's something you're interested in - there's a 30,000 foot jump scheduled for late May. http://new.skydance.net/skydance_skydiving_events_and_calendar/skydance_skydiving_events.htm "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

This would not have been an appropriate response for a coach (assuming we are talking about a USPA-rated coach here, as it's the only country's rating that I know). Assuming altitude was still available to observe, the coach can continue to observe, but coaches aren't trained to pull for students, and shouldn't be pulling for students. At some point, though, the coach needs to get some space and deploy for him/herself, and it's possible the act of turning and tracking will cause the student to finally give up on the main and go to the reserve. This student had already tried four times at the point the instructor pulls for him, and I'm not sure I agree with the assessment in the video's description that the student "reacted properly and continued to be altitude aware and was ready to deploy his reserve with both hands on his handles." I don't see that "readiness" in the video, but it's possible that's what the instructor saw when he/she was going in for the pull. Such as? There's nothing in the specifics of this video that would lead me to recommend a change. Curious as to what you think are the much needed changes. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Shame no one's thought of that already. Oh wait ... they seem to have thought of it twice. http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?forum=7; "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

You posted in another thread that you were thinking of a PD 176 or Smart 175, based on a recommendation that a PD 176 would be an appropriate sized reserve for you. The condition of the Stellar 140 is irrelevant. If a 176 is the appropriate size for you, the 140, any 140 is not the right reserve for you, regardless of its age, condition, or price. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

And then listen to everything else Bryan has to say. Seriously. Buy the man a couple beverages of his choice and just listen. Great stories, great info, told with dry humor and insightful analysis. And I can guarantee you that he won't yell at you. People talk all the time about getting "Burked" at Eloy (or other dropzones where Bryan is traveling with the SDAZ aircraft). People who've never seen it think that it means you're getting yelled at. Oh no, that couldn't be more wrong. I have compared getting Burked to the feeling you get when your parents said, in a quiet voice, "I'm very disappointed in you." I don't know about you, but that always felt worse than being yelled at. Bryan doesn't raise his voice, but he makes his points in a strong and meaningful way. And you'll learn a lot from him as long as you listen. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

The motion has been approved by the board. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Actually, it has moved out of committee and will be voted on by the full board soon (Todd Spillers is giving his committee's updates and motions now). I'll update soon on how the full board votes. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Ditto. With a big glass of milk. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke