bbbilly14

But I'm sorry. I don't believe that anyone should jump and not have someone look out for them! Especially the solos. I try to make it known to as many people on the plane if I am a solo, and to look for me when we land. It isn't hard. It means safety first, and how else is there to jump than safety first? Looking for a person. Not too tough. If manifest can't handle it, and I jump at a DZ where they probably can't (no judgement, it's really busy!) then just keep an eye out for other jumpers, First, your partners, and second, the solos. Is that too tough? "Son, you've got a panty on yer head!" Billy

I got my gear this year, and promptly had it re-packed. I jumped the 120 days, and had it re-packed again, never having a problem. On the day I brought it to be re-packed again, I decided to jump on rented, student gear, as it is a 1 1/2 hour trip to the DZ. I always open high, as I want plenty of time to deal with the probable mal. I opened at 4 grand, to 8 or 9 line twists. I have only had line twists once before, as a student, and I was prepared. So what came out of my mouth was, "Goddamnit!" instead of "Oh Fuck!" So I looked at my alti, and I was still at 3500, so I started kicking out of it. I got out by 2300, and took a deep breath. I was ok, and still landing at the DZ. I guess my $.02 is that you don't know who is packing the DZ's stuff, or if they are having a bad day. I don't think you should mistrust the gear, but treat it with more respect. I have NEVER had line twists on my own pack-jobs, but that could be a fluke in and of itself. I have only 20 or so. So, I would say that student gear is as apt to go bad as a fun jumper's gear, and vice versa. Just treat it as though it is going to save your life. It will, if you let it. "Son, you've got a panty on yer head!" Billy

This isn't necessarily the ugliest canopy, but the overall package is really bad. A red with black tie-die Tony Suit, a Javelin that is light blue, navy blue and fuscia, and a kelly green Sabre. Sounds and looks revolting, and I've had a few comments about it. But when it opens sweetly, it is the MOST beautiful grouping out there. And it's MINE! No more rentals, no more wondering who the hell packed it, or who abused it, it's all mine! "Son, you've got a panty on yer head!" Billy

I think that based on your 'classroom skils" you are yet another candidate to join the Darkside. It is really not a bad place to find yourself. Great techno, and freaks that will tell you "how to be" in the air! you already have the flexability! Viking, I wish that you jump closer to me, because I think you would be able to keep up! "Son, you've got a panty on yer head!" Billy

I think that based on your 'classroom skils" you are yet another candidate to join the Darkside. It is really not a bad place to find yourself. Great techno, and freaks that will tell you "how to be" in the air! you already have the flexability! "Son, you've got a panty on yer head!" Billy

I think that based on your 'classroom skils" you are yet another candidate to join the Darkside. It is really not a bad place to find yourself. Great techno, and freaks that will tell you "how to be" in the air! you already have the flexability! "Son, you've got a panty on yer head!" Billy

Marc, And this goes to everyone; Rock is good, GREAT!, but every once in a while dance is good. Sheee.., call it hip-hop, trance, tecno, whatever. Electronic Music is good stuff! Lords Of Acid, Aphrodite, DJ Die, Dj Spooky, Check 'em out! And to all others who like whatever, I could go on and on with what I like. But, I think I have a different view on Rock than most. It's all good! Listen to what you like, and try to respect the rest. Music is a very personal thing. And as for The Gorillas, There're good. I think they're Japanese, and all interviews I have heard have made absolutely NO sense in English. But, they're OK. Don't worry about your kids listening to them, I don't think. Plus, their songs are goofy as hell! "Son, you've got a panty on yer head!" Billy

Skystorm, Icarus is a GREAT company (as long as there is only one Icarus, and that should be right). Anyway, they make absolutely fantastic canopies, from docile to extreme. Whatever you want, I'm sure they can help you with. As far as everything else you asked........ I can't answer that. Be safe, and ask questions! "Son, you've got a panty on yer head!" Billy

This is a late post, but another lesson is to ALWAYS find your jumping partner upon landing. I hate to admit how long she was left (I didn't jump with her!!). You need to locate all those in your group as soon as you have landed! This wouldn't have changed the outcome of this jump, but several hours is NOT acceptable to realize that someone is missing! Be Safe! "Son, you've got a panty on yer head!" Billy

I never realized how spoiled I am until Summerfest came around. Then, I met skydivers from an anonymous (I really don't know which one) Canadian DZ. 5 Cessnas. Then other jumpers from around the U.S., mainly Cessna DZ's. "My God", I thought, "How horrifying!" I have and will jumped from Cessnas, but these poor people! And this is the VAST majority of skydivers! It was than that I realized I have learned from the best (Roger, Rook, and Missy Nelson, Mike Ortiz, David, Em, Dusty, and all there)! How lucky am I to have SDC 80 miles from home? I really don't mean to brag-- that's not my intent. I guess I am just taking this time and space from all your lives to reflect on just how lucky I really am! STL! Billy "Son, you've got a panty on yer head!"

Obviously, I'm not Sangrio, but please do share your Quincy stories. I've never been, but I have heard of equal amounts of good and bad fun (I say fun in the context of any skydiving story, bad or good, is better than a story about "selling units" and going to court). So, please do share... Billy "Son, you've got a panty on yer head!"

And you have to learn that those who don't jump don't understand that this is a really physical sport, if done right, or even wrong! It isn't about pulling the ripcord before you hit the ground (though that helps the death thing a bit). But, they will NEVER understand this whole gig, unless you get them to jump enough to get them into an AFF or AFP program. I think they doen't really want to understand. It's unfortunately that easy. Billy "Son, you've got a panty on yer head!"

I love being last out for this exact reason. Whether it is to work on landings, or just giving me extra altitude to screw around (without endangering others) under canopy, I have learned more from being last out than anything else, aside from coaching from the ground, but that opens up another topic, entirely. Billy "Son, you've got a panty on yer head!"

The only problem I have ever had jumping in the cold is my goggles freezing up during freefall. That's really scary! But keeping your altimeter on your goggle helps! I can't wear a full face helmet-I freak out. But even in winter, I know plenty of RW'ers who have had their full face shields frost over. Oh yeah, I forgot about the frostbite. It's kind of like bruises from a bad pack-job. Deal with it, but don't forget it! Billy "Son, you've got a panty on yer head!"

Aside from your firsts today, the two lessons you either learned or just realized are REALLY important! Good for you! Billy "Son, you've got a panty on yer head!"

NO one ever told me there were rituals for the 69th jump. I did mine last weekend--SOLO--and was none the wiser. I just decided that it was a good number to leave in my logbook for a week. Hell I didn't even get someone else to sigh it! Billy "Son, you've got a panty on yer head!"

What is a loop jump? Am I stupid or just "not from there" Billy "Son, you've got a panty on yer head!"

Viking, As this is my first checking of posts, I am not sure if you passed or not, but CONGRATS if you did!! As for your hard arch, I didn't mean the tear-drop you are so good at!

As if skydiving weren't already enough, some brainiac had to create these forums! I don't know most (really, any) of you, but I come home from bartending, and I feel I must read what has been written that day! I feel the need to check out what skybitch or Clay or spectre230 or all of you have to say (sorry I left so many of you out!--it's late, even by my standards). Yet I feel lonely. You are ALL asleep by the time I am on. The problem is, I work, and I skydive. Added to that, I heve to check out this forum, which keeps me up past my already late bedtime. So to make the long anticipated point, is there anyone else who jumps at DZs where I jump (mainly SDC) who is up late? Or at least isn't going to work as I am posting for the last time before bed? Now sleeping....zzzzzz.......zzzzzzzz.......(hopefully) Am I just alone? Billy "Son, you've got a panty on yer head!"

Yes, Viking, It's me AGAIN! Take spectre's advice, I think. Although this forum has me listed as a Newbie, I think I have at least enough experience to respect what he has to say (check out his experience as posted in the umm, can't remember the exact list, but something to do with "What Jumpships have you jumped from"). I know you apologized to your flame, but just check out everything he has to say. Billy "Son, you've got a panty on yer head!"

Congrats!!!!! I've posted two now completely tardy postings to you, so pay no attention to those. Welcome to the family!

Oops, all, I didn't read enough ahead before I started repling. I guess that's why I'm a newbie! (other thread) umm... what they said. Try to keep your legs out. You should feel some tension (aside from the obvious wind forces) against your lower legs and feet. Try jumping without socks on (but keep the shoes! for now) to see what I mean. That is what I was taught, and it worked. But arch on the floor in front of a mirror, or on a creeper, or in front of a JM, and get the feedback you need. You're well on your way. Just don't ever forget to breathe. Deeply. That is always the key. "Son, you've got a panty on yer head!" Billy

Viking, If you've not already corrected this problem, spinning and whatnot, I experienced this on my first few solo student (if that even makes sense-AFP instructor with me but not docked) jumps. I found myself spinning uncontrollably (later watched the video and I spun 13 times, I shit you not, 13) and was scared to hell. I finally thought to just HARD arch, as if I had first exited the aircraft, and it solved the spinning immediately. Try it. It works. Billy "Son, you've got a panty on yer head!"

And I once thought I was paranoid for forgetting to zip my jumpsuit up all the way and velcroing it shut! I don't leave the hangar without being fully tightened on all straps, whether it is for freeflying or RW (well, hardly ever RW, watching tandems is more exciting than RW). I think I check 'em all ten times gefore I even get on the plane (the "Holy Trinity Check" (handles, harness, rings), then I check them again two or three times before jump run. Then I check them AGAIN before I get to the door. Call me whatever you will, but I live to skydive, and even relatively minor injuries mean I can't jump for at least a couple of weeks. That sucks enough, let alone getting killed. Then I can't skydive at all! BE CAREFUL!! I think we all forget what that really means, especially out of the mouth of a skydiver. Billy "Son, you've got a panty on yer head!"

Ummm, Clay, Are there any, uh, well, you know, mmmm, ? Do you have any issues, you know, good or bad, that you might like to share with us? Nooooooooo, that is not an aggressive question, no matter how it sounds. Just wanting to "help" you with your alleged "issues" with the alleged "Armed Forces". Billy "Son, you've got a panty on yer head!"