IslandGuy

Hey James - had a great time flying with you. Lots of birds, nice flocks, perfect weather, no wait for the planes - awesome time. Hope you get to join us for Flock n Dock. As I was heading home, I was thinking that I should have asked you to swap suits with me for a load as I've never flown the Raptor before and we are close enough in size that it would have probably worked. I've tried the Mach 1 but I don't think there is a Raptor demo in our size yet. Anyhow, a thought too late - plus, really, what are the chances I could have parted you from your new toy anyhow? Safe travels! Play like your life depends on it.

Perhaps if you can’t find a hotel, maybe go to Wal-Mart and buy a tent and a sleeping bag for $50 and donate it a homeless shelter when you’re done? Plenty of space to camp and it’s Florida (warm). Or, rent a minivan and sleep in the back? There are showers/restrooms, a take-out grill/cafe, a bar, etc. right there on the DZ. Also, there must be other places to stay a little further out. North Tampa, like on Fowler Ave. by the University of S. Florida, only about 20-30 minutes away. There have got to be a number of hotels on that road. Anyhow, just a few suggestions – hate to see you miss this. Play like your life depends on it.

Big-Ways I personally like the big ways, as Mark pointed out, they really are the defining moments of the boogie – and you just don’t get to do that type of flying any day of the week. I’m hoping to do Cochstedt, so for me, experiencing the formation of a multi-plane big-way “migration” would be great, the more birds in the air the better. No Bird Left Behind As others have pointed out, I think we’re pretty much in agreement that we need to adopt the “no bird left behind” policy - there should be something for everybody, and that works both ways. It shouldn't be boring and it shouldn't be impossible. With the large number of folks that will be there, unless you really do fly-like-brick, you can’t help but to have a ton of fun - and that's the whole point. 3-D The 3-D formations (like the double-flying-vagina at 2.5) especially offer challenges for all skill levels. The vertical part (usually more challenging) and the horizontal part less so. Fill the slots accordingly – something for everybody The Big Z Also, the “Z” formation offers a wide variety of challenging slots. A few of the slots being key and the others requiring flying in a line. Legs-Out I also like the idea of getting at least one “legs out” flock going. I think it would be a lot of fun, especially with the wide variety of different suits that will be there. (Too bad Paralog only works on one computer with one GPS. This makes it virtually impossible to be of any use to compare each other’s same-flight data right there at the DZ. Anyone know of any software out there that can be used for such comparisons? If not, sounds like a great software opportunity to me.) Sunset Loads Big-way sunset loads are a real treat, and what really makes them special for me is having the time to take in the incredible beauty surrounding us and having the opportunity to share it with the flock. To me that means flying it loose. No pressure to fly your slot perfect (if you even have a slot), or to fly your base rock solid. It’s the one jump you really just want to just slow down and enjoy everyone and everything around you. That said, we may be competing with the 200-way (at least Friday and Saturday) for the last load of the day. Science Experiments I’m always up for just about anything, but IMO, on the flocking loads, things we want to avoid would be the science-experiments, like trying a Mach 1 after having a dozen jumps on a Prodigy, or trying out the “suit of death”. Go ahead give the science experiment a try, just not with the flock. Sorry if it seems like I’m pointing out the obvious (or even if you don’t agree) but sadly, I’ve seen these types of things happen before with poor results. Well, just my 2-cents. Play like your life depends on it.

If not tighter, then a little prettier. The labia were a little ragged at the top.

This sounds like - What's the best beer in the world? Of course, it's the one in your hand. IMO, the best wingsuit in the world is the one you are flying. People generally own (or fly) the best wingsuits for them, whatever flying they do. Maybe a poll (if it hasn't already been done recently given all the new wingsuits now available) would be: What wingsuit(s) do you own? Or, what wingsuit(s) do you fly most often? Play like your life depends on it.

I imagine the other Z-Hills regulars will be there: Go Fast Scotty Mark C Normiss Tony & Packing Ryan (who both should both be mended and back airborne by then) Chris Leigha Rigger Ryan I'll be out there Sunday and confirm the names that I can. If someone talks with anyone before hand, please add them to the list. If the growth of the flock is any indication, we should have enough birds there to do a 3-plane (double Casa and an Otter) formation load - don't ya think? Play like your life depends on it.

OK - list starts. Looking back trying to get those that indicated they were going (if I make a mistake, please make corrections or additions as necessary) Lurch Island Guy Mark M aerodynamite badenhop PhoenixRising SkymonkeyONE Notsane Play like your life depends on it.

Sorry, overlapping would probably have been a better choice of words than concurrently. At least for the 30th and the 31st all three events will be on - it's gonna get a little crazy, but in a good kind of way. Just bring a tarp to pack on. Play like your life depends on it.

Who’s going? Also, anyone have any details other than what’s been posted on the Skydive City website? Looks like there will be a ramp load of Casas and Otters to support the 200 way and the Easter Boogie (which will be running concurrently). I can feel some big flocks coming on. Play like your life depends on it.

Awesome Matt, thanks for your excellent work! Play like your life depends on it.

I remember that event - tough day. And that picture was taken with the flash on red-eye reduction.

Great pics Scotty - Thanks!! There are some real good sequences in there. Both great views and excellent for analysis. And, it was especially convenient when they were available on the screen for viewing/debrief there at the boogie. Thanks a bunch for going thru the extraordinary effort of not only taking and posting these pics, but having all that technology assembled and available at the comfortable air conditioned roost you provided for the flock... way kind and way generous. Again, thanks for everything! Play like your life depends on it.

I'm missing something. I've always been under the impression that most conventional (non-slotted, etc.) wings stall at an AoA of about 18 deg. When I stall a wingsuit, I pretty much stop flying and start falling, just drop out of the sky. Looking at the charts, how is it that the best L/D is at AoA of 20 deg, with a wing that is presumably stalled? So, with that said, what is it that I'm not getting. Is it the reference plane for measuring AoA or lift and drag? I know the math is all there, I'm just trying to understand so I can apply it to what I experience flying. Play like your life depends on it.

I don't know how set your plans are but there is a Space Shuttle night launch scheduled for Thursday Dec. 7th at 9:38pm local time EST (0238GMT on the 8th). The launch window typically extends for 6-10 minutes. It is probably a 2 hour drive to the east coast for a good viewing spot. Just thought I'd mention that in case you are interested. Half the time though, there is a delay due to weather or some technical problem so if you can't make it on the 7th, there is still a chance you'll be able to see it if it gets delayed. I am planning on being out at the DZ this weekend and can get you Judy's phone number then, or will try calling the desk and PM it to you. Having a car is nice because mass transit in Florida sucks. If you want to go jump at Sebastion for a day or cruise on over to the Kennedy Space Center and check it out/take a tour, or hit the west coast for a sunset and grouper dinner, you can do it - just remember - keep right. A small car goes for about $125US/week. You can get your reserve inspected and repacked right there at the DZ at Paragone Rigging - Sally runs a fine shop. You can call her if you want - phone number should be on the Skydive City web page. Play like your life depends on it.

Hi Yuri, Very good point - nice observation. I didn't go thru all the math or check all the curves, but what you have pointed out is I think relevant and related to what student pilots (powered aircraft) are taught about the flight regime called the "back side of the power curve" or the "region of reverse command". In this flight regime, you need to add power to fly slower. An example of this is if you want to slow the plane down to the point just above stall in level flight. At first you keep reducing power and pulling up the nose. This works good until you get to the point where where the drag begins to increase because of the nose high attitude and you need to add more power to compensate for the increased drag. To go slower, you increase pitch even more and now you have to add even more power to maintain level flight. Of course, this continues until the point where the wings begin to stall. To get out from behind the power curve, you have to add more power (for acceleration) and reduce the pitch angle to get the plane flying faster. Well, in a glider (wingsuit), your only option is to nose down and turn your altitude into airspeed to get back to the desired flight regime. So, I think I understand what you were pointing out. I'll give this more thought and a try myself this weekend. I find GPSs work great. Their data is about as accurate as can be in no wind (or light and variable) conditions - not uncommon here in Florida. Yes, there may be a few data points in error that give rise to wild max speed figures etc., but like flying in turbulence and taking readings from an airspeed indicator or altimeter, there will be errors - it's the nature of instrumentation, it's never perfect. Play like your life depends on it.

Right now, I'm 95% sure I'll be there - no conflicts. And, after talking with Scott, I'm pretty sure he'll be there, especially since he's been listed as the organizer. That makes three so far. Play like your life depends on it.

Mark, That would be a gross understatement. And now that we are off beer-light savings time - it is only going to get worse (or is that better - hmmm). See ya Sunday! Play like your life depends on it.

Excellent photography Matt - really great work, angles, composition, you did it right. The Keys background has it all, clear skies, clear water, awesome sunsets, must be what it's like flying in heaven (not that I'll ever know for sure

Hey Yonathan, Great flying and partying with you (and everyone) - had an excellent time - looking forward to the next boogie. See ya in PR or at FD3.0?? Till then, take good care.

On any weekend you can figure there will be 4-5 other birds jumping and usually more. I don't get out there very often during the week so not sure about how many you can expect then. Either way you can work on your flying skills with or without other birds. For places to stay, check out the Zephyrhill Lodging options on the skydivecity.com web site. Even better would probably call the Sky Dive City main number and ask them for Judy's phone number - as I understand it, she rents trailers right there on the DZ. Don't know any of the specifics but rolling out of bed and into the Otter seems appealing. Besides that you can crawl home drunk instead of driving. Ahhh, the life. When you arrive, you may want to get a briefing from Chuck Blue, Chris Ware or one of the other resident regulars. Not sure where you jump but here there are a mix of tandems, gliders, ultralights, and regular aircraft to be aware of. Plus, even though the LZ is large and easy to find, there are a bunch of outs and a few hazards that might prove helpful to know about. See ya soon!

Very fine Matt - excellent job. Myself, lacking a great memory - this will certainly help fill in the gaps for years to come. Thanks. Play like your life depends on it.

Mark, I thought you did fine. You had altitude and were solving the problem. Line twists happen and the first thing that comes to mind is to get untwisted, not chop it. I figure with the wing/webbies still on - it makes that job a lot harder, so get them off. Plus, if it comes time to chop, seems like webbed gloves could complicate things (don't know for sure - uncharted teritory for me). And then, if you need to use the hook knife, who knows. Lacking time and altitude, naturally, priorities change dramatically. It might be fun some weather hold to get in the training harness with the webbed-gloved wingsuit on and see what works and what doesn't - or maybe that's already been done. Thanks for sharing the video, I learn a little more from each of these events and subsequent discussions. Play like your life depends on it.

Excellent Matt, very nice job... thanks a bunch. Those pics are going to bring back some fond memories some day. Let's go do some more!

Awesome day, 7 flocks total - none less than a 9-way. It just got better every load. Caught some cloud on one. Katie had the new Tony Suit wired on her second jump. Scott flew base like a laser guided missile. Micky and Scott conspired to get us perfect spots. Scotty B got the hang-onto-the-outside-of-the-plane-the-longest award. (It is going to be a long time before that one is broken - and it is on video and it did happen.) Matt provided excellent debrief video. Cameras on just about every other helmet (and Jeff's hand) so there has got to be a few good shots out of all that. And, on the sunset load, Scott had cold beer waiting for us in the LZ - and thank you Janet for distributing. All this on the first day - looking forward to the rest of the weekend. Yup, just another flockin' day in paradise. Can't wait for some more of that 3-D stuff. Two more days - yahoo!

Friday list: notsane normiss birdman mike 111 mike m Play like your life depends on it.