nightjumps

It depends. Usually, I have observed to the point of figuring if this person is going to be in the sport for awhile. If they have potential, are constantly trying to improve themselves (showing up and expressing a willingness to learn more even if the weather is marginal, learning something and trying it a multiude of times on thier own, etc.). If they are sporadic, not a team player and I am unclear about their longevity in the sport, I'll ask them to pay my slot. I don't rely on the "telling" me how great the sport is and pumping sunshine up my butt about their being in it for the long-term - it must be demonstrated and I must have observed it. I've seen too many hot flames burn out quick.

Holy crap. I recalled (Which is still on the USPA website), The actual BSR states; Thank you, Rick K.

Thanks for clarifying, Eric.

I probably mispoke - by the time I learn of stuff its probably been 6 months after it was formally announced, I know of the following: 1)+/- 3 months from scheduled maintenance date. 2) New water proof model (or resistant, I think is the proper term). 3) I was "told" (=grain of salt), going to a 4 year only maintenance cycle). 4) Buy back program Anyone know of something I missed?

You are correct about the Vigil test dummy That was the first deplooyment of their software and they upgraded it and re-tested. I too, am interested in this new unit. Anyone else notice how quick after they announced its deployment that Cypres started changing their policies on maintenance? "Competition is good, it keeeps us efficient" --unknown

I just "think" barrel roll and it happens.

OK Thanks. I 'thought" that's what you meant, but as the thread progressed, made me wonder if I (and perhaps others) misunderstood.

Are you saying that jumps I-VII are done with USPA rated AFF Instructors, but then when the "graduation" solo dive is done, they are handed off to other folks who don't have an Instructor's rating. Because a USPA Coach can do categories G & H. Once they're done with that, "technically" they can jump with anyone (within reason) until they are off student status (completed 25 skydives and completed the A License proficiency card). Please clarify this for everyone.

No matter where you go, its important to interview your Instructors whether they have a USPA AFF rating or not. There are very good Instructor's that work at "bandit" drop zones (some of whom used to have USPA AFF Instructor Ratings) just as much as their are bad AFF Instructors at USPA DZs. The opposite is also true. Ken Coleman - World and national champion who created the accelerated freefall program was actually doing "bandit" AFF's for years before it was adopted by the USPA. I will not say that where you went is good or bad. I can tell you that I am intrigued that they have 2 JM's on all levels. This could be good or bad. It could be good in that they recognize that a high percentage of AFF students bail at Level 4 (that point that the dive flow becomes more complicated and the student is suddenly introduced to only one JM in the formal AFF program). It could be bad in that they recognize they need two "just to be on the safe side." It would be better to go to a USPA DZ that has USPA AFF-rated Instructors if possible.

1,349 jumps since 1980 (23 years). 9 year layoff from 90 - 99

I will not overload a reserve. I jump a Safire2 169 at 1.6 and a Precision 249 Dash M reserve (rated to 277). I would much rather look up and see too much reserve, than to have my last thoughts be, "I shoulda got a bigger reserve." Its not your last chance, its your only chance. Course, I'm old school so... its probably worth about a half a cent.

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I've known the Founder and the Parachute Company Commander for 20ish years. We served in SF together. I used to be a member of ADT, but gave it up because I couldn't split my time between teaching skydiving and ADT membership effectively. Their jump course is the same you would get at Benning. Yes, they do two courses a year, more if the demand requires. They are going to Europe again next year to make a demo jump for the 60th Anniversary of D-Day.

I'm sorry, quade... I'm sitting here laughing me butt off... Feel like I been biotch slapped. OK. To answer your question, they do it very well. Actually, they prefer previous Airborne-qualified folks. If you're not Airborne, you have to go through the two week Airborne-model course. Once you've completed the Airborne-qualified refresher or gone through their jump school, you must purchase authentic WWII uniform and boots. They fly around the country and Europe doing the demos and call everyone to see who can make it. Meet at an airport, pick everyone up, go do it. They have a rigger's shed that is complimentary to anything you'd see at Bragg (even have a harness machine that some of the local sport riggers use on occasion) and supply all the parachute and reserves. If you want your own, they can purchase and house them at their HQ and bring it to you before the jump at the RP. That's really about it. Keith

BINGO!!

Well, I don't know if they're T-10 specific. Nor, is their mission statement focused on WWII - but there is a group in Florida called, "Southern Comfort" that jumps static-lined rounds - most of whom are retirees with a wallet full of military certifications. From memory (someone correct me if I'm wrong), I believe they still hold the record for the "most" guys to do a HAHO static-line jump from 26,000 feet. I know some guys from UK made higher, but their weren't as many at one time.

Not true. The USPA is a not-for-profit organization. The FAA "recognizes" the USPA as the "oldest" organization to provide ratings, but it is certainly not the only. Over the years, a lot of folks became disenchanted with the USPA and started organizations of their own... including Roger Nelson. The FAA doesn't give a rat's ass about anyone jumping out of a plane as long as they have a reserve in date and comply with the FARs. You could start a new skydiving organization tomorrow and it would have the same entitlement to the sky that members of the USPA hold.

The odds are - anything is dangerous if you have your head up your ass.

WOO!! WOO!! I had a nine year layoff. Yep, little "rusty," but it comes back quick and even more important - and, ya know - it just felt right. Welcome back.

Small claims court with all your bills and pictures.

46 now 23 then 46:23 Nine year layoff

Hey Skratch - tell DJan Nightjumps (Bigun) said, "Hi." And, I was supposed to tell DJan to tell you that Pete Morris says, HI too. He and I just started a dz - tulsatandems.com Anyway, your input on direction to Derek is appreciated. And, while I understand your concerns regarding the SIM sludge factor, writing it up one way only to have them tell us to write it another would be counter-productive. I've worked in many bureaucracies where submission format is as important at getting your thesis read as much as it is about content. The bottom line is; if its already formattted in a style they recognize, they will be more receptive. If they were receptive to plain english, that's how the SIMs would read now. I'm not as interested in style as I am in results. For years, folks have been singing the "Educate, don't regulate" song, but nobody is dancing to the tune. So Derek and I will put something together. Sometimes the powers that be just need something to throw darts at. We may not make a lot of progress, but we will at least get some attention. The real goal is for someone... anyone to address the issue of canopy control education. On my Dz, we do not allow "Hook Turns" - at all. It would be nice if we had some kind of formalized licensure or education program that we could point at for the skydivers to educate themselves to a level of proficiency, rather than experiment themselves to injury. That is the goal. Keith

You take too long. My approach is: Telemarketer: Hello Mr. Rodri {click}

I chose bottom left cause I'm thinking the blue is more dispersed over the entire suit rather than the blue in the other two focusing all the attention on your fat ass