nightjumps

Vote: Depends Like AD said, "I flare, unless it is a Cat A or a Cat B jump, then the student helps."

Well, stop it.

Other Eclipse - w/Icarus 365 and Precision Reserve.

First, check to make sure you have the proper spring-loaded pilotchute for the rig. Sometimes, military surplus gets the wrong pilotchute put on it since they are usually "procured" without it. Second, you mentioned single stow on the rubber bands, are they loose or "can" you put a second wrap on the band without too much strain on the band. Third, I do a "sport" flat-pack on mine where I roll cells 1-3 and 5-7 tight towards the number 4 cell which is exposed. I will tell you that the "sport" flat-pack creates more bulk and makes it difficult to not only get in the D-bag, but also the main pack tray. Finally, SkymonkeyOne, LouDiamond and Slotperfect have a lot of experience with the MT-1XX, you may wish to PM them for additional advice.

Ya beat me to it.

I didn't become a TI until two years ago for that reason. However, since being embraced as an instructional methodology and really learning how the AFP program works from one of the DZs that employs only that methodology did I see how effective it can be. With the ISP, there is no reason to not commingle any of the methodologies to provide the best tailored program for any student.

You make it sound as if the AFP program is one tandem jump "as a real training jump" rather than an instructional method of progression unto itself.

Actually it is a very practical way. Why invest 8 hours in someone's ground training when 1 out of 100 walk away after the first jump, another 1 in 100 the second jump, but if you get them to make the third jump and then do the FJC, by then you know the time invested is worth it. Those DZs that are implementing the AFP are actually seeing that it is more efficient in processes and as high a graduation ratio as AFF (some even higher). That's why they are making it mandatory. I'll quote, "If the tandem progression method had come along before AFF, there would be no AFF.

Thanks, RR. http://www.rigginginnovations.com/pdf/OwnersManual/tln2manl.pdf Starting on page 38.

Under the seat or on the nightstand - properly lubed and ready for use.

http://www.mdw.army.mil/fs-h15.htm

http://www.macnuts.org/foodpage.htm

Norton

Why do psychics ask your name? No No Yes No No

I do not, but have watched the RWS video on how. If you can scarf one, it's well worth it.

Ditto. About 5 years ago, I was jumping an nVertigo freefly helmet with the ProDytter mounted in the L&B external bracket. On opening, the risers slapped the bracket and knocked my dytter somewhere on planet Earth. I purchased another and sent an email to L&B explaining what had happened and made a couple of suggestions regarding the bracket that would prevent others from the same situation that I had. L&B thanked me for the suggestions and sent me a new one - no charge. Not only do they make a good product, but their customer service makes them a great company.

No worries, mate. Having come to "know" you somewhat, knew it was an emotional response rather than your usual logical ones.

Man, that looks an awful lot like the 1975 Ducati 750.

Hey bro, The issue here is not about "bias." Its about disclosure and safety. Did the student stipulate those meds on that waiver? If not - one can explain to the student that they gave you "knowledge" (a legal issue) that they did not disclose prior to skydiving and you are required to ask for a doctor's release to continue skydiving. In the unlikely event that something should go wrong. the courts "could" say that you "had knowledge" of the situation and "could" make the case for "gross negligence." Imagine being on the stand and being ask, "So, Mr. Instructor, the student "X' told you the were on anti-depressants and you still allowed them to jump?" "Did you ask for a doctor's release?" At this point, you are hosed. On a separate note, IMO there are too many doctors prescribing anti-depressants for situational depression, rather than clinical depression. However, we as Instructors are not clinical psychologists or psychiatrists and have neither the ability or need to differentiate between the two. Once that student discloses their situation, they have left you no choice but to ask for a doctor's release.

I'm 270# OTD w/personal rig. 290# with my tandem rig. We operate a big boy DZ (Oklahoma & Texas does that a lot) We have a system whereby we run for 2 loads with MAXIMUM reserves. After the second load, there are two 5 gallon jugs on the ground. The pilot jumps out and "sticks the tanks." He tells us how much fuel to put on. One of us on either wing drops the 5 gallon jugs into the wingtips and fuels up what the pilot tells us. The pilot "resticks the tanks" and if satisfied, climbs back in and everyone loads up. Total time - about 3 minutes. With this, we can run 20-25 loads per day. It is a complementary blend of communication, teamwork, respect and systematic testing to make an efficient team for the pilot, manifest, students, fun jumpers and the DZO. It requires a "little" team effort in the beginning to get the tempo, fuel and flying coordinated. Not that unlike a "pit crew" at Nascar. By doing this, we have increased our total number of loads, opened the channels of communication, and increased our FPM from 500 to 800'. We get 10,000 in 15-18 minutes. In testing, even if we dropped the 10 gals in EVERY load, Total turn around time is 22 minutes (takeoff to reload). Assuming 30 minutes per turnaround with potty breaks, missed communication, checking oil, etc. Therefore, 13 hours of operation/30 minutes = 26 loads for the day. Perhaps your DZ should consider building better team processes rather than having individualized lines of responsibilities. Its everyone's job on the DZ to work together to turn barriers into bridges.

No wet blanket on me. I am in total agreement with everything you said. The tandem is about them... not us, not the video guy, them. Stable, safe exits.

Yes, it does suck. Can't imagine why the locals at your DZ can't get a little more creative in helping a fellow skydiver from being frustrated. You are a perfect candidate to help those in your area achieve the vSCR award, where no more than 50% of the 8-way formation may be on their belly. Read: http://www.scr-awards.com In other words, you can be the belly solo and have 7 FF folk dock on you to win the award.

I chose other. It is not my intention to do flips of any kind on exit. However, if I find myself trying to "fight" a stable into the wind presentation due to the student's body position and flipping would get me into the relative wind sooner, I will accelerate the flip or barrel roll. For example, I had a student on a Casa. We backed up to the door for presentation into the wind. Somewhere between "Set" and "Go," she bent her knees and on "Go" shoved me so hard that we exited butt to earth. It was easier to flow with it; tuck and flip.

I disagree. Just because the company is less than honorable doesn't mean you should lower your professionalism.

If you want police officers, hire someone who can run with 40 pounds of crap pulling their pants down.. If you need swimmers, hire Cubans - They got no problems with that whole 90 miles of ocean thing.