JustChuteMeNow

To sport jumpers 65 jumps does seem low but most military jumpers don't even get one jump a month on the average due to training dollars, deployments, and other issues. My point is that it takes a long time to get to 65 jumps in the military. Also jumpmasters need to go to jumpmaster school and the wash out rate is extremely high. Add in the fact that the normal military jump is often a night combat equipment jump (rifle, rucksack, a big ass radio for the como man or a mortar for the weapons guy) where there are no helpful lights on the DZ and 65 jumps might seem more special. It is f#@#ing dark especially if there is no moon.

The above quote seems to have very little to do with the question unless you are implying that this badge is easy to earn. If that is the case I guess we will need to disagree and I would ask if you have ever been in an airborne unit. Military jumping is not sport jumping. I would also ask if you are trying to stir the pot here Nick. It is always so easy to poke fun at the other services but since you opened up the door I guess I'll play. I'm sure if Marines were smart enough to read a map and find a set of woods that the Marine Corp might also offer an award for taking a crap there. There is a reason that Marines are affectionately called jarheads but I think an example would be in order. Two Marines were arguing one day about what the "N" in Marine stood for. One Marine said it stood for intelligence and the other Marine said it stood for knowledge. Since you already informed us that you are a former Marine Nick you might not get this joke but if you know of any servicemen who aren't Marines I'm sure they can explain it to you. FWIW I have nothing but high praise for the Marine Corp but every service has the occassional person who can't feel secure unless they tear down the other service. It is fun for me to interact with those types of people. Think of how stupid the average person is and realize that statistically half of them are stupider than that.

The C-9 is an approved parachute according to the FAA and so is legal. ParaPhernalia actually sells the C9 in some of their seats. Regarding the pilot chute they would be the ones to answer that question. FAR Section 105.43(d). 1. Parachutes manufactured under a type certificate (an early method of approval). 2. Parachutes manufactured under TSO-C23. This TSO, the most recent version of which is TSO-C23c, prescribes the minimum performance and quality assurance standards for a parachute which is carried aboard civil aircraft or by skydivers for emergency use. The manufacturer must meet these standards before labeling its parachute or components as complying with the TSO. 3. Military parachutes (other than high altitude, high speed, or ejection kinds) are identified by a Naval Air Facility (NAF), Army Air Field (AAF), or Air Force-Navy (AFN) drawing number, an AAF order number, or any other military designation or specification number. These parachutes are often referred to as demilitarized or military surplus parachutes. I have on many occasions put them into Strong Squadron seats as well as the ParaPhernalia (Softie) warbird seats. Think of how stupid the average person is and realize that statistically half of them are stupider than that.

Can you say steam bath. Great memories just thinking about it

I absolutely agree with you. Students need to know cardinal directions in how they relate to the DZ. This type of basic info can help them land safely. ie winds are coming from the west and so here is what you need to think about on this landing yada yada yada Think of how stupid the average person is and realize that statistically half of them are stupider than that.

Again I go back to it can be important information BUT IMO there is already a lot of information that needs to be digested by our students. Knowing the difference between true north and magnetic north won't be as beneficial IMO as taking the time to practice more basic survival skills. We could cover many more issues in greater detail but ultimately we need new skydivers to know the basics before we introduce more advanced skills. I think we should concentrate on the following tasks like a wise skydiver used to write in his sig line......Mykel AFF-I07 Skydiving Priorities: 1) Get a parachute over your head. 2) Land it safely. 3) Don’t hurt anyone else. 4) Repeat… Think of how stupid the average person is and realize that statistically half of them are stupider than that.

IMO this is WAY to much information. We are teaching a first jump course and not a map reading seminar and many students would find this overwhelming. Many students have a hard time trying to digest all of the important information that we do give them. If I were to teach how to covert magnetic north to true north using the declination diagram and having to teach them LARS (Left add Right Subrtact) to convert between the two numbers AND then explaining how some times the differences are greater than 45 degrees AND then having them practice this conversion a few times to show they understand it AND............. I am betting we will have some really really confused students. I do agree that this type of information is helpful but I don't think it should be part of a student program. Think of how stupid the average person is and realize that statistically half of them are stupider than that.

Airspeed is still kicking ass in 8-way and to my understanding they didn't really train very hard for 8-way this year. Of course this is only after two rounds and Fastrax/Golden Knights might still give them a run....... Think of how stupid the average person is and realize that statistically half of them are stupider than that.

I know for a fact that down in Latin America that the use of an ST-one really helps out when using prop wash for clothes. Think of how stupid the average person is and realize that statistically half of them are stupider than that.

I think statistically most people won't rely on statistics to make their decision on entering this sport. And even if statistically you could prove it is "Safer" than say driving there are some people that plain shouldn't be in this sport. I guess what I'm trying to say is that people need to know that people can and do get hurt in this sport. Hopefully they will get the information they need to make an informed decision. FWIW there really aren't any statistics and you and me and the rest of the jumpers on this forum didn't need statistics in order to make the decision to jump. Think of how stupid the average person is and realize that statistically half of them are stupider than that.

Thanks for posting the video. It looks like you got some great footage. Think of how stupid the average person is and realize that statistically half of them are stupider than that.

I'm pretty sure you won't stand a chance with Jeni until you lose some weight because right now she is really worried about all of her panties stretching out after you parade around the house in them. Think of how stupid the average person is and realize that statistically half of them are stupider than that.

Well its time to go back to J's thread on back-handed compliments. Here is one from his thread that might let you be a little more active passive aggressive

Hell Yeah, Those pr' ricans know how to party and have a good time. Margaret was talking about renting one big ass trailer for next year but with the whole DZ coming maybe you guys can rent the whole fleet. We look forward to having you guys back but come early so you don't miss the hog roast. Think of how stupid the average person is and realize that statistically half of them are stupider than that.

It is always a great time at Couchfreaks Mr Hixxxxx and thank you for not going on the lingerie dive this year. Not that you are not damn sexy. Also a thank you to Merriah for organizing and filming the lingerie dive this year. As always the keg bowling was awesome. Think of how stupid the average person is and realize that statistically half of them are stupider than that.

I have seen some minor abrasions like you have mentioned on some kevlar lines. However, it is a wear pattern very similar to abrasions on a brake line. Generally speaking on the Strong reserve if the choker is tight like it is supposed to be then I haven't seen any issues. I say this because I have done repacks where the previous rigger did not close the chokers and this for sure allows the line a lot of movement and IMO will cause wear. The bigger issue for me was THE CHOKER wasn't closed and this is dangerous. FWIW if Strong says the rig is airworthy I'm sure it is. It would obviously be in their best interest to sell you a new line set. I'm equally sure that they wouldn't want an incident on one of their rigs due to a line breaking. Think of how stupid the average person is and realize that statistically half of them are stupider than that.

Have HH put a fee on having the ability to edit another person's post. I would pay good money for this kind of fun

Check out this thread. Buying Used Gear Think of how stupid the average person is and realize that statistically half of them are stupider than that.

OK, I admit I do appreciate the little woman doing my laundry and cooking me breakdfast, lunch, and dinner. I also appreciate that she picks up the house and takes care of the kids and brings me beer.

Oh I totally agree that it is wrong to abandon any animal. My wife took in a cat this winter that when the owners moved they just left the cat. It was winter time in Iowa and the cat was totally used to being cared for and feed. This was wrong However, we took the cat and had it spayed and checked out at the vet. I am also willing to spend reasonable money on this cat's care regarding ongoing vet check-ups but there is no way in hell I would ever spend big money on this cat. I would humanely have it put to sleep. I have a daughter in college and I would rather spend my money on her. Think of how stupid the average person is and realize that statistically half of them are stupider than that.

Some people are poor and only make $300 a pay check or less. Animals can bring a lot of happiness to poor people but personally I don't think they should go into deep debt to pay a vet bill and believe me if they are poor they aren't going to have a big savings account. If people have the money sure they should do whatever they can for the pet but common sense says that people can't always cough up big bucks to put the vets son through college. Society is hard on poor people and most if not all of the poor folk would do the right thing if they had the money. Think of how stupid the average person is and realize that statistically half of them are stupider than that.

Deer hunting is something I do every year with my Dad. He is 84 and still muzzle loading. We hunt in Iowa and we have some good corn fed deer. Think of how stupid the average person is and realize that statistically half of them are stupider than that.

Bigger canopies are more forgiving when mistakes are made by the pilot. This is just something to think about prior to downsizing but you are a big boy and capable of making your own decisions. I hope it works out for you and your skills really are better than most people at your jump numbers. Think of how stupid the average person is and realize that statistically half of them are stupider than that.

How embarrassing

Charge cards will be accepted. Think of how stupid the average person is and realize that statistically half of them are stupider than that.