DiscoStu

Maybe we should start using the phrasing" I crashed my parachute". That way Whuffo's will think of it more like crashing a car. I don't know about anyone else but the chute not opening remarks and comments really get on my nerves.

Repeating others here, I would be more concerned about gear maintenance than the end cell closure. As for the spectre end cell closure spin, unfortunately I can't comment on the spectre specifically, but my sabre almost always opens with one or two end cells closed. It has put me into to a spin violent enough to give me mild spining line twists on a couple of occasions (and for those whom will say get it checked by a rigger it was relined 15 jumps ago). Usually a quick tug on the rear risers is enough to open them. As for should you expect this to happen frequently. It probably doesn't really matter as long as it remains managable and is not dangerous. Any canopy can randomly have and end cell closure or open off heading. Expect it everytime so on the occasions it does happen you are prepared, can respond and prevent collsions with other canopies.

You are definately thinking too much! Break it down into steps so it becomes a procedure like in your FJC. Also don't grip the handle on the side of the aircraft, use an opend palm on the inside of the door, that way you can't keep holding on when you step off. Just think you have basically done level 6 already because of your solo exit on level 5

Where was this advice during my AFF? (Sprained rotator cuff) While I may be a beginner I am an engineer. As an engineer I can say is Riggerbob is absolutley correct. Think of your arm as a lever. The further away the toggle is from your shoulder the more force is required because your muscle is on the wrong end of the lever to get mechanical advantage. Also this will allow much stronger muscles to do the work (tricepts, trapizoid, pecs) as opposed to the muscles in the shoulder which are very weak in comparison. The only thing I disagree with Rigger bobs stament is that it doubles your strength, it does way more than double it and produces much better speed control and range. I am surprised this is not drilled into all new jumpers as I know may flares and landings improved out of sight once i did this.

I never told my family for my first tandem. After that I told my Sister and Dad seperately and they both agreed with me it was best not to tell my mum until a few jumps in. After 5 or so jumps I told my mum. She did the pretend to be fine with it but I know she was pissed off and couldn’t do anything as I had already done some jumps and prepaid for the course. On my last AFF stage she came out to the DZ and after that her perspective changed on skydiving. Seeing all those canopies open throughout the day eased her fears, plus she spoke to some other jumpers and I think was surprised they weren’t crazy suicidal pysco’s who needed counselling. Now she wants to see as many videos of my jumps as she can (it's actually getting annoying). She is also visiting me this weekend and is asking if she can head out to the DZ with me. I think this is proof taking them out to the DZ and showing them good safe fun videos will help put their mind at ease. If it worked on my mum(hates planes and heights) I am sure it would work on the majority of parents.

Get her to read the link provided by Daves response. Its best she knows what the pros and cons of downsizing are, and dosen't only rely on soley others judgment, her saftey is her responsibilty too. Also it may pay to get her to enquire directly to Phil, cause again as Dave said he will probably expose restrictions. If she has mainly had one instructor also get them to advise her. I downsized from the 240 to a 170 (just under 1.0 WL). This was a big step and I sought advice and blessing from one of the tutors who had taken me on several B-rels and knew my canopy skill level. Also from memory I though I saw a 220 student main at the drop zone. Unless its been retired might pay to take a look.

I am no TM but I am sure a TM could work this in somehow. I once said to my mate:" If anyone needs me I will just be outside" Also on my very first jump the TM said "If you don't smile on the way down, the parachute won't open"

I saw you on the ground but didn't see the landing. I am very glad to hear your OK!!! From a new jumper to another. Ask the instructors at the DZ. Provided they are not too busy I have found they are usually more than willing to help. Don't get too focused on following others, some people delibrately land cross-wind and down-wind as part of their own training to learn their canopies capibilities. If you are still not confident with your landings don't get hung up landing in the intermediate area. The area between the intermediate pit and the student cross is BIG, FLAT and usually out of the way of other traffic. This way you can concerntrate more on your flare with out the distraction and danger of other canopies. I have deliberately landed there several times when I was on a new canopy and needed/wanted the space. Also (I should be doing this myself) maybe deliberately PLR your next few landings even if you think you will stand up. Its good pratice and will help prevent injuries if you land hard. I know one instructor who seems to make every student he TA's PLR their landing. Have fun and stay safe

Try these B-Rel exercises with an instructor. In OZ you need to pass stage six just to be able to jump more than a two-way with an instructor. http://www.apf.asn.au/Documents/Publications/blicman2000.pdf

Ok may be I am wrong here but the idea of a super pilot chute at terminal, I just don't get. I am assuming you mean the main being fully open and acting as a super pilot chute on the reserve at terminal. A main has a slider so I don't see how it could be fully infalted at terminal when the reserve gets pulled out by the skyhook. Therefore the superpilot chute at terminal must be the equivilent pilot chute size of the slider. I wouldn't think the drag from the slider would be so excessively greater than that of a pilot chute that it will rip you on opening. Just my thoughts, I may be wrong.