mccordia

Small/tight/cool rigs seem a bit more prone to have the bag 'lock' for a few seconds on half to full flight pulls. The direction the pilot chute is pulling, pulls it into the bottom of the container, instead of lifting the bag out. To ad to what Scott points out in the video, the moment the direction changes (due to loosing forward speed), the angle the pilotchute is pullling changes, and easily lifts the bag out of your container, and initiates deployment. Canopy size vs container size (tight fit or not) can be of influence. A bit of a loose fit (canopy/bag in the container..NOT talking loop/pin tension!) helps a lot. Ive seen similar delays on some (deep) mirage containers. Twisting the bag 90 degrees from its normal orientation (packed 'grommit to pin') seems to fix the issue on most containers. Though not all rigs allow for this style packing. But it moves the attachment point up, making it easier for the bag to be pulled out, regardless of pilotchute orientation/flight angle. JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

If you set a max and min distance for a flyer to be in a slot, its rougly compare-able to the min/max reach an arm has. If towards the back, everyone flies max distance and the spread gets to wide/far to reach..you loose a dock. Same for flying distance without docks. If you imagine the distance between flyers a set min and max distance, its closer to docked flying than you may see (in terms of quantifyable results). JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

On FS/FF formations/skew is also not a problem on lines/wackers, even in the most extreme forms. As long as you are docked to you neighbour, its a 100% valid dock/slot flown.. JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

first couple of hundred jumps I made in a wingsuit where on a Vector2, with a Bridle that was as short as they get, no container mods or anything. Never an issue. Only when you get into insanely large wingsuits, and you're not collapsing wings/going back into normal freefall before deployment, can some mods be needed (mostly bigger pilotchute/longer bridle) IF you start experiencing opening issues. For most people, it wont be needed. JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

A few years ago in Germany, the same German guys where jumping even earlier prototypes (It was called SkyRay in those days). There is an old demo video here. Appearantly the wing Felix Baumgarter jumps, is also a derived copy of a prototype wing the company lent/sold to Felix/Red Bull. Lots of funny stuff going on behind the screen I guess.. Phiish and Tristan have been involved in some filming of Yves wing, and several people got to fly with Yves in Empuria. Wingsuits and the winged flyer (in braked mode). Watching him shoot of in full flight at seperation is an amazing thing to see. Its in the PF videogallery, titled 'Phoenix Fly wingsuitboogie Empuria Brava 2007' (jump to 2:50). Ive heard several people talk/boast about 'soon' jumping/testing some these wings. But aside from Yvess, Felix and the testjumpers for Gryphon/Skyray, few others actually have... Most of the designers (rightfully so) seem quite protective on who they allow to jump their gear. As in the dev. phase, one accident or fuckup on somebody else playing with their gear, can and will probably close/end all funding in one go.... JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

Flying to the best performance or even just 2/3 of the least flyer, is a whole different thing than the lesser flyer doing freefall and everyone adapting to that one. The urge to get everyone to fly their best, not even always, but striving for improvement, often is mistaken for being an asshole. Somehow its not seen as an urge to improve, but rather like bitching and critisising past achievements. Im always flying with everyone, and wont ever skip or ditch a flock or flyer for his build or skill. But if gay smiles are the only thing one is allowed to take from a jump and improve on, its for sure the way to have our dicipline grind to a halt in terms of development in skills and achievements... Andreea just made a really nice post on this exact same subject. We are one of the most emotive diciplines (ment in an extremly good way), all about experiencing the love of fun and flying. Its a shame that same emotional attachment to 'our' flying makes an objective look at where we should/could go imposdible for a lot of people. Only a year ago, the people with the loudest voice against official validation with regards to bigways, are now the ones pushing their validation method for worldwide acceptance... The people telling others to not comment, are now the ones doind the opposite... Dont be afraid to see where we can improve..together... Its the objective view that has us grow in terms in safety, skill, performance and most of all...fun! JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

The tucking of your hands in front or behind you is an action you do after pushing of. The same exit can be done both ways. Only a lot of additional control when tucking them to the side or behind. And no accidental opening up possible when tucked behind. That aside, being either arched and smooth like a banana at a kamasutra seminar, or completely flat is a big key. The flat position keeps the airspeed, which makes flying on level with the plane, even after opening up 2 seconds late, possible. Being headlow, you can even use the airstream to push you down. Straight into a controlled dive (where most people also tuck their hands behind them). There isnt a distinct right or wrong. Both methods work. And whatever works, is safest for that flyer. The only point Im trying to make is that, when practiced, the second method (no mummy style hands crossed in front) offers a lot of additional control... JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

I also believe technique, airspeed and suitsize are three factors that (seperate or combined) are the main contributers to the risk factor of tailstrike. With the airplane design (rear stabiliser placement) being an equally important factor. Choosing between a group exit from a Turbolet or PAC 750, I dont think a single jumper would have dificulty choosing...Both possible, but the later for sure demands more care.. Trying to point to 1 factor as THE cause is IMO not possible... JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

Thats a technique for experienced flyers on high speed exits (anyone asking for 140 knt exits on FFCs from side door planes needs his head examined). But the headdown description is accurate. There are some bellymount shots in my last video with some 'flat' exits. Not that hsrd, and in control and flying your body straight from exit. On FFCs, and all normal speed exits, a hard arch is all thats needed. Much like normal exits taught on aff/sl courses. Legs on the butt, arch, head back, arms back (or in front, as some seem to prefer). With arms besides/behind you giving you more subtle snd immidiate controll straight away. Doing exactly the same youd do in a dive (with or without wingsuit). JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

how to make clicky Just drag over the text you typed (link) and click the URL button. Thats all there is to it. Same for bold, underlined, purple mike and incorrect stuff... JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

Congrats on your new suit dude! I was quite happy to see this stock model fit you so well. With a small stretch in the booties, it will be perfect. Booties tend to stretch 2 or 3 cm after a few jumps. So could be that it doesnt even need a tweak. And otherwise we can sort that one out in the factory as well, so its done proper.... Hope to see you fly it soon! (if the shit weather improves:)) JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

Id have that same fear when my half where on my cutaway/reserve handles in the front. But I guess only Richard Branson pulls those for no real reason The relative wind keeps em closed..its a concious decission (and effort) to open them. I wouldnt even know how to exit otherwise... JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

It works fine for me at speeds at and over 140 knots...and I more than regularly do those. Even 130 knot exits from cessna's with the tail lower than my body on exit, and A LOT closer than it is on an otter. I exit flat, keep the fwd speed, but do a bit of a drop. Slowly open wings, and ride at level with the cessna for quite some time. Putting the arms allong your body, like in a resting position. presents no wing at all to the relative wind. Profile wise, if you are flat, also no change. The things you mention seem to indicate you get hit on the chest/front by the wind (standing upright), which makes no sense if its the tail you are worried about. You want to be flat immidiately, as this only presents a head and shoulders to the relative wind in terms of profile, compared to a full body when standing upright.. And thats ignoring immidiately being able to fly. Why bleed of the airplane speed, and than work to start building it again. Be small and flat....keep the fwd speed. Dont have your body (small as it is) be a big airbrake pushing you towards the rear stabilisor.. On small airplanes, with the tail within hands reach after exit, the difference is quite obvious in both techniques... Aerodynamicly, you guys are saying a distorted front profile, is better than a smooth bullet-shape. Which seems to make no sense. But again..if it works for you....dont change a thing.. JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

Im not talking about the position in the door, but just the position you adopt the moment you hit the relative wind. Personaly, I achieve higher speeds with the winds collapsed behind me, as it turns me into a smooth arrow. If you watch the hercules boogie video from 2004 on flylikebrick, there is quite some footage on Perry 'trying' to get down (in a belly to earth position, not talking diving) but the arms in front of his body are actually cupping wind, breaking, and making him wobble quite a lot. Attached a still-frame showing Robi do a diving exit in this exact position. Looks nice and streamlined, no armwing flapping (and this is a big suit, and a big rig). Just tilting his hands outward already give him control of his wing. Ive hit 225 mph in a stealth2 during a dive in this position. Im a tad heavier than you, so probably roughly comparable speeds, would I lay of the donuts and half a liter of coka cola every day... I like the delicate and immidate controll I have over the armwings with this method, which i cant imagine having with my arms crossed in front (which I do in the opening, be it to grab my risers/mlw on my rig). But as I mentioned before..I guess different techniques work for different people..as long as you stay small...the end result is the same..and there are probably pro's and cons one could come up with for both methods. JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

If you look at incidents in the door with canopies coming out, its also the main hackey that deserves most attention. Especialy for people who use a hackey-ball. Having the arms tucked back, and around your rig also aint that bad a position. But again, the smoother transition to controlled flight is what concerns me most. But as long as it works, every technique is probably okay.. JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

I dont teach anything else in the FFC. Exit, arch. Head in your neck, arms back, feet bent and on your ass. Its the 'mummy' arm position other people use that surprises me. If you want to dive in freefall, and minimize lift, I gues they also swoop their arms back. I dont see why (in the exit) you would suddenly do different and put your arms in front.. Counter productive in many ways.. JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

Its quite similar to the normal 'hard delta' bodyposition, taught on most DZs for staticline courses. Tailstrikes aside, its also an armwing position allowing more control, flying your exit (flying as in, having tight controll surfaces. Dont fold wings and turn em into cupped plastic bags. Keep them tight, always, as one smooth surface, and have your shoulder be the hinge. Its one simple move. But if your past xxx wingsuitjumps had a different exit/flying style, changing that habbit will feel insecure/new strange compared to what you are used to. Look at how the wings on Yves Rossi's wing unfold...its a hard wing, but the same technique... I will try and post some foot/bellymount shots. But just think about the mid position opening up. Back to front, or arms crossed in front of your chest. The later one still doesnt give you any control surfaces, and once you open them up. 100% will be your next step.. Regardless of technique..keep watching eachothers exits, and give your friend/flyingbuddy a firm slap on the hand if you see something scary. Watching out for eachothers actions in exits, seperation and donning of legstraps is what keeps us alive... JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

I notice a lot of people doing this. Why not just put your arms behind you. You have the option of controlling the amount of wing you expose (from 0% showing/closed to 100% open), and there is no danger of wind getting caught in/under your arm wings and snapping open the surface with a big bang. On top of that, for a lot of beginners, putting arms in front of their chest, crossed, seems to also tuck their chin, and combined create the bad tenancy to lean forward in the exit, de-arching. Cupping air, and doing the exact thing you're trying to prevent. Putting the arms back forces people to do a better arch as well. But the safety issues aside, the first point mentioned, having more control over the mount of wing you want (or dont want) to expose, is the biggest plus. It also presents a smoother underside to the relative airstream, and when combined with a nice flat exit (not standing upright, bleeding of all the forward speed, and than going into the flat flying position to start building up forward speed again), enables you to do smooth transitions into full flights (once past the tail). If you're doing high speed exits from a tailgate aircraft, going from zero wing to 100% wing from a 'hands crossed in front of the chest' position is also the way to explode/tear your wings. As the wings receive a sudden hit of wind. Forcing them open. As opposed to your arms determining how hard you push against the wind. And muscle strength determining how smooth or hard you are able to push the wings open. Instead of needing force to keep them shut. Its also people who suddenly slap their wing open like this, that usually end up slapping other jumpers in the face on those same high speed exits.. I have 400+ wingsuit jumps from Cessna 182/206 aircraft, where you can almost put your feet on the tail when sitting in the door. And even on high speed exits, its not an issue. Also note that there are two ways of exiting an airplane, and hitting the tail. Standing upright, and opening up. 100% drag. Sudden deceleration into the wing. Usually this has people hit (or come close) with the back of their head. Its just the wingsuit turning into a massive airbreak. Or flat, and flying. Speed/Lift being the cause of the flying going upward (which seems to be what we see in most video examples here). The plane diving is also one to watch. Make sure the pilot gives you a few seconds, and doesnt throw it fully into its side/nose the moment you exit. side-note I am working on a new flight-manual video (or should say, was a few months ago, and should continue) on exits/body positions. As a lot of people seem to be interested in this subject. If anybody has nice examples of exit positions in video (preferably one person in frame), shoot me a PM if you would like to contribute.. JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

A problem a lot of light flyers under-estemate when they go for big wings, is that they lack the wingload to fly it at the same speed the others are flying. Even though you may be flying the same glide-angle, you will be doing at at much slower speeds (in both directions). Going with something more fast and agile (less drag) is usually what makes a world of difference. Light people coming of big suits will usually notice they can all of a sudden keep up with flocks and get there faster.. Its not that much different from canopies in that aspect.. JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

Awesome...how did all of you manage? Esp. Mike! Curious to hear about all the new personal records JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

Yea..100% agreed. Just because a wingsuit has backfly inlets, or the ability to fly a certain glide ratio or fallrate according to other people/manufacturers, that doesnt do a single thing, unless you actually have the skills to make it fly that way. And the $800 to $1000 one spends on a bigger suit, is (for a lot of beginning flyers) often much better spent on some actual jumps... JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

Glad you said 'upsize' and not 'upgrade', as thats not always what it is. I think for most people its like cars. You always want the coolest/newest. And these days, bigger and bigger seems to be the thing everyone pushes for from the start. Quite similar to premature downsizing in canopy flying. Not fully learning the performance curve of the model you are flying, and expecting the bigger one to improve your exit, approach, docks, pull, body podition etc. All of which wont really happen. Sometimes actually the opposite. Only hangtime may improve, due to the added surface area. But the other things will actually take more time/effort to learn. Depending on funds, quite often, using the 'big suit money' to do more 'smal suit jumps' makes people a lot better flyers, and in general, much more agile. Smaller suits are also much more ideal for aerobatic manouvres/learning to backfly/docks etc, as its your body you are flying. On bigger suits, its more of fight sometimes to make the suit/fabric behave the way you want it to. Only for big/heavy people, larger suits can change their flying quickly, when coming of a xmall suit. As suddenly, they are flying with a formation, and learning to fly relative, docks etc. Compared to smaller suits, where all they can do is fight to stay up... I did my first 400 or so wingsuit jumps on the (6 years ago ENORMOUS

Thats what I wonder everytime I see anything you post here Sangi JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

More important...camp Edward or Jacob? Shame on you if you know what Im talking about! JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

Im afraid finances dictate Ill be celebrating Xmas at home with family But if Benedikt is still planning on heading that way, I will feed him some demo Phantom 2Z's, Stealth2's, V3s etc. JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?