MikeD10834

Vallerina, Try http://www.tek-tips.com/ for any Access questions you may have. Hope it helps...

Folks, Loads of new info, not sure where to begin... Let me preface this by saying that my primary concern is safety of my fellow jumpers. Thankfully, were in a largely self-policing sport and in this case the appropriate action is being taken before a fatality resulted (of which I could have been). I don't know John Lindstom personally, nor do I have any ill will towards any party involved. I've spoken to the originator of the email, the rigger spear heading the investigation, John Lindstrom, and the FAA investigators today on the phone. According to the FAA, a statement is being pushed through their legal department and will be distributed as quickly as possible. I'm not sure what I can/should post, but for clarity sake, here's what I know. John Lindstrum was busted for pencil packing reserves. How I'm involved, and the reason I'm speaking up, is that he also assembled my new rig and misrouted the reserve ripcord so that a reserve total "could" have resulted (Wings container/PD reserve; ripcord routed under top reserve flap, around and over said flap (forming a loop) to close the container). According to Denis Grimsly (sp?), lead FAA investigator, I'm not alone in that other rigs 'may have had reserve deployment problems'. This is why I'm speaking up, there may be others out there with suspect rigs, and are unaware of all the facts. I will post additional information as I get it or answer any questions that I can. PM me if you like. MikeD10834

An email was distributed today (presumably to those on the clubs email distribution list) notifying us that pursuant to an FAA decision, all rigs packed by John Lindstrum are to be considered un-jumpable (effectively grounding the rig). An "official" update should be distributed within a couple of days. I certainly don't want to see this thread degenerate into speculation, let's wait until we get the facts. Hopefully, the original sender of the email (or a club member with facts) will keep us promptly updated. This being said, I strongly urge anyone who even MAY have had their rigs packed by him to check and be sure. Speculation aside, and not meaning to fan the flames or anything, and with first hand knowledge... your life (or friends life) depends on it. Double check! I believe his seal is "TZA" (please someone correct me if I'm wrong). This whole situation, of which I find myself entangled, has me wondering... Does anyone know how to research the qualifications, record, any official complaints, kudo's, saves, number of repacks, type of ratings, etc. of a rigger? Does anyone know of a way to get any background knowledge of a rigger, without going by a recommendation(s) of jumpers (which is usually what I do until I get to know the person)? Until later...

Ludwig, Let me tell you a little bit about my dad, Jay Thompson D9538. He lost his right leg at the hip in Vietnam in 1965 and was thus labeled "100% disabled." Not that this stopped him though. He became a private pilot (limited to tri-cycle gear) and after a harrowing experience with a ruptured fuel line over the Smokies, got the entire family involved in jumping. Dad made his first civilian jump in 1982 at Keystone Airsports in Florida, under the instruction of Joe Davis, D4887, and eventually earned his D license and PRO rating WITH NO WAIVERS!. Thats right...he qualified under the same criteria as everone else and as far as I know, he was the first if not the only one thus far to do so. He also earned the following: Falcon #413, SCS, SCR, and was a member of POPS 1839, and had almost 750 skydives under his belt. The going was rough at first, as you can imagine. With a total hip disarticulation (no stump), a custom harness had to be fashioned and TSO'd. Naturally his stability was a major hurdle. I can remember many times just sitting around trying to think of what we could do to counter his inherit right turn (more like a spin actually). Think about it... make a paper cut-out doll to resemble a skydiver and drop it. It will pretty much fall straight down. Now clip off the right leg at the hip, and drop it again. Because his body wasn't symmetrical, he had a spin that was down right dangerous if he let it get out of control. He finally stumbled upon the idea of using something like a rudder to correct it with, and eventually came up with using a modified scuba flipper with leather/velcro straps that he would wear in free fall to enable him to fly. He used it just like a rudder! A bit odd (if not a bit funny) to look at in the air, but it did work. If I can find a decent pic of him in the air, then I'll post it. For a main, he jumped a 375' Goliath, which he could put down on the target and stand up with only 1 leg. He would ground himself if the winds were to high, but otherwise hung in there and did what he wanted to do. I'd be happy to share what knowledge I have of his training, but loads of folks took part and they all deserve accolades. I'm sure there's some folks out there who remember my dad, he's kinda hard to miss. He was generally the only jumper with one leg and wearing a flipper... Sadly, he's no longer with us to share his knowledge but everyone who knew him couldn't help but be inspired. That's not to say they necessarily liked him mind you, but they did respect his accomplishments and character. Ok...he's my dad and all, but he's still a giant in my eyes. I'll check this forum occasionally and respond with any inquiries anyone may have to the best of my ability as far as his training or experiences go. Until then, Blue Skies and remember.... Most handicapped folks will surprise you in their abilities and determination to succeed. Regards, Mike Thompson D10834