LloydDobbler

I see I'm not the only one who thought this trolling had a familiar tone. Put away the troll food, people. Ah...NOW I recognize it. Figures. Good call, Sparky. Signatures are the new black.

Funny...I didn't see any whining in his post. Seemed really 'Mea culpa,' to me. Signatures are the new black.

Depends on how long the beer light's been on. Signatures are the new black.

I assume you're referring to the flaps not lining up...? In that case, it all depends on the rig. I'm not too familiar with the Vortex, but on some rigs - a Vector 3 or a V3 Micron, for instance - the grommets on the L & R flaps aren't supposed to line up. On a Javelin, I believe it's different. Like I said, not sure about a Vortex - just wanted to point that out, though, since I've heard some people recently who were under a different impression. Perhaps someone else will chime in who better knows that type of rig? Signatures are the new black.

You sure? I always encounter mandatory jetway "surrender your large carryon bags or else" thing, on all the sub-100-seat regional jets that only have 3 seats abreast. Basically, they go under for this flight, then you get your carryon back when you disembark. Yep. Pretty sure, since that's what they told me to my face. And yeah - your scenario is exactly what I've done, more than a few times, when I was flying a regional jet. But in this case, the people who check your ticket before you even get to the TSA screeners were telling me 'No, we don't do that anymore.' Or at least, that was their response when I asked, 'Okay - so how about a compromise - you let me through security with this, and then I gate-check it when I get there." Apparently that no longer flies at LAX. My suspicion is because that means they can't charge you for the extra checked bag. But who knows? Regardless, that's what they told me. I haven't flown since, so I have no idea if that's become the new SOP, or if that was just someone having a bad day and taking it out on me. Signatures are the new black.

Funny -- I flew United and they never gave me a problem. But then again, I wear a gearbag backpack... Interestingly enough, I had never had a problem, either. INCLUDING on the United flight out, with all the same gear. But like I said, my bag used to fit in the sizewise containers...not so much anymore, apparently (or at least the ones with a big United sign on them). It was about .5" too long. You also mentioned the gate-check - I've done that a good bit, too. In this case, though, the United people informed me that "We're no longer doing that." Not sure if that's a standard thing, or just the way they were doing it at this airport. But food for thought. Signatures are the new black.

Dude, EXCELLENT work!! Talk about a good reason to get motivated and take that weight off! Have a blast on your AFF-1! Signatures are the new black.

To the OP, Grant's advice is EXCELLENT. particularly the part about wrapping the chest strap around the reserve handle, as well as having the TSA notices printed out. Heck, I even went so far as to highlight the important parts of those docs, like "The rig's owner must be allowed to assist...", etc, just in case. In ~20 flights, I've only had one problem, but that was with the size of the bag, now that United has started charging for checked bags, and has thus downsized their SizeWise containers. I kept trying until I got the supervisor...and lo and behold, she had just made a skydive the previous weekend at Elsinore - the same place I had just spent the weekend jumping. After discussing the issue with her a bit, she decided to let us through. But I somehow doubt that'll happen to most people. Signatures are the new black.

Cal City used to do something like this - though not a *full* promo video, it did have a brief teaser at the start of each tandem vid that at least gave the students a taste of other things that went on at the DZ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qqg9C4W0Vk I always thought it was a great idea. Signatures are the new black.

Because for most of us who started packing via the one-shoulder method, the two-shoulder method is the hard way... (When I was learning, I found things much easier to sort out with the lines on one shoulder and the slider touching the grommets than when I tried it all tangled up in the middle of things. I've packed that way since then, and taught a few people how to pack, and still consider the 2-shoulder method "the hard way.") It's all relative. Signatures are the new black.

LOL To the OP, I'd also point out that 1) Seems like Cal City had enough government contracts to keep it going for a long while, but Van & Alberta got an insanely-good offer from the city that they couldn't refuse. Retirement = cause of closing. & 2) Elsinore recently got fixed up - they had previously let it go a bit because they thought they were going to have to move. Not so much anymore. New paint, fences, creeping area covers...and hands-down the nicest DZ bathrooms I've ever seen. Signatures are the new black.

didn't you find when you went off to school after high school that the kids with the most rules went crazy ?? i know all the girls that i knew that had harsh rules were all party freaks. a good thing for me..... i would think a bad thing for you Don't you think there's a difference between "rules for the sake of rules" and "choices and consequences"? It's not like he's setting a 7PM curfew for her...he's simply made an agreement outlining requirements, and is holding her accountable (while meeting his end of the bargain). On the other hand, telling her 'No, you CAN'T ever go skydiving' would likely have the effect you mentioned. On the flipside, if everything in life was free, I doubt it would mean as much. I certainly would hate to see a 16 y/o at the DZ with a sense of entitlement. Even though I knew some of those girls myself. Signatures are the new black.

Personally, I agree with your reasoning. Now, the question is, is a 3.7 close to attainable for her? Or is she at a 2.5 now, and would need to REALLY step up her game to a level it's never been before? You don't want to make it an unattainable goal. 3.7 would've been a bit tougher for me, but I could've made it happen. And might've, if I had a good incentive. Regardless, the way I look at it: 'earn' is NOT a four-letter word. I think it's good to make her work for it. It's a big thing. And this is a sport where self-discipline is key. Yes, we've all broken the rules...but unlike soccer or basketball, breaking the rules here can get you killed. So I'd have no problem making it a conditional thing. The bit about packing for you, then starting packing for others is a good one, too. Not only is it a good way to make cash (esp. as a teenager)...but she gets the bragging rights. "Where do you work?" "McDonald's. You?" "Meh. I pack parachutes on the weekends." Signatures are the new black.

First off, you're probably having a harder time because at your jump numbers, you're jumping a bigger canopy. It's often tough to pack bigger canopies over your shoulder until you get the hang of it. Might want to use the hook, as someone else just suggested. (But don't get to where you depend on it - a lot of DZ's don't have 'em). As far as line groups go, look for an older video called 'Pack Like a Pro'. It shows some interesting angles of the line groups in a pro-pack that really helped me. Here's my suggestions (some of which are repeats): 1) Make sure you give it a good shake. See comments above. 2) Keep the lines over one shoulder, and leave the slider down. Use the slider as a guide - the grommet closest to you on each side only has A/B lines, and the one furthest has C/D/brake lines. 3) Don't think about the lines, so much as the fabric in-between the lines. So you're looking for the space between: A-B groups - 1st grommet B-C groups - between 1st & 2nd grommet C-D groups - 2nd grommet 4) If you start from the outside & find the stabilizer in-between each line group, then work your way in, it's easier. Again, think of separating the 2 line groups by folding the fabric in-between them - not grouping the line groups together. Hopefully some of that made sense. It's tough to describe without a visual aid - best bet is to talk to someone at your DZ and ask for their pointers. Everyone's got a trick or two, and some will work for you, some won't. One thing's for certain - it only gets easier with practice. Good luck!

My point exactly. Signatures are the new black.

You can actually get people riled up in real life too. But it's immature and pointless, and cowards choose to only do it on the internet. (And then said cowards realize what a small world the skydiving community is when they start meeting all the internet people at random DZ's...).

Whether Republican, Democrat, or Label-Resistant, I would caution us all to be vigilant. I'm reminded of a very well-written bit of text, which I'm sure most of you have read before: A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship. The average age of the world's greatest civilizations has been 200 years. Great nations rise and fall. The people go from bondage to spiritual truth, to great courage, from courage to liberty, from liberty to abundance, from abundance to selfishness, from selfishness to complacency, from complacency to apathy, from apathy to dependence, from dependence back again to bondage. --attributed to Sir Alexander Tytler (1747 - 1813) Looking back over the campaign (and the promises that were made of new social programs and 'spreading the wealth around'), I'm a little concerned about Obama, Pelosi and Reid in control of the country. (And I'm not even a Republican). We have given one party - the party of big government - check-and-balance-free control of the nation. So just as I said to myself in 2000, I'll say it again - no matter what side of the aisle you're on, be vigilant. Just food for thought. Signatures are the new black.

I'd also recommend going to talk to a physician. One thing that may or may not be relevant - I've had nosebleeds on jumps before. Not from contact with anything - just something to do with the altitude, air conditions...etc. Seeing as how ear, nose and throat are all connected, it could perhaps be a light nosebleed that's draining back into your throat? All this is speculation, as I'm no doctor. (Not an instructor, coach, TI, or rigger, either, FWIW, so please - whatever you do - don't listen to me). Signatures are the new black.

Hey, Spot - Y'know, it *could've* been worse.... Enjoy the new rig. Thanks for sharing! Signatures are the new black.

Ya I actually did have a really good time just doing belly RW with my coach today. Since I've done that stuff with the coach and got my A license check dive signed off should I be able to start jumping some 2 way RW with other experienced jumpers or stay with the coach for a while longer? I'd like to just be able to pair up with someone thats going up anyways instead of buying another ticket. Glad the coaching went well. I know it can be frustrating looking for a coach to jump with (or being able to afford it), but in the end, it's worth it. Even with your check dive complete, the regs say that you're not allowed to jump with anyone besides a USPA Coach/Instructor or a D-license holder until you officially get your license. Sucks, but that's the way it is. As for the freeflying, yes, it's something you can work on by yourself (which, as some mentioned, is why a lot of people move straight towards it off of student status...AND why so many of them suck at it). But that's usually because they don't like the idea of going to the DZ, introducing themselves to other people, and trying to get in on an FS jump. Regardless, there's so much you can learn on your belly, I think it makes sense to do a lot of it. Heck, I've got a really nice sitfly, but I'm still trying to get better on my belly. Back to a very important question that was already asked (but I didn't see your answer - maybe I missed it...?) - are you renting gear? Are you certain the gear is freefly-friendly? If not, you could be setting yourself up for a very messy mal. Not a good idea. Food for thought...good luck with the rest of your student training! Signatures are the new black.

Nah, the really lame approach would be to go to a DZ party dressed like that. Signatures are the new black.

No offense intended, but I find it a little silly that a guy who keeps arguing that 'my jump numbers are my business' is judging someone else based on their jump numbers. Signatures are the new black.

Like many have said, if you continue you'll likely have those 'Why the F**K am I DOING this?!?!?' thoughts again, usually on the way to altitude. (And of course, it all goes away the second you're out the door).

:-D Yep...I told this girl she has to get video, so the rest of us can see how it goes down. [:D] Signatures are the new black.

This brings up a curiousity of mine: How is AFF modified to adapt for tunnel rats who may actually end up bellyflying better than their AFFI instructors? I imagine more focus will be made on safety and lifesaving aspects such as altitude awareness and practice pulls, since it'd probably be easy for the tunnelflyer to do everything else? I imagine release can be very early (such as during AFF2) I've been doing some research on this, since there's a girl who flies 10 minutes in the tunnel each week with me, but who hasn't gone through AFF. Naturally, it all depends on the DZ. For the most part, instructors seem to be pretty cool - especially if they know the student and their tunnel experience. Main thing is, the student still has to accomplish all of the freefall goals in sequence - stability Lvl 1, turns Lvl 2, release Lvl 3, etc (or however it works at your DZ). Difference is, if the DZ isn't determined to milk the student out of the cash for each level and the instructor is comfortable with it, they can combine some objectives on each jump. So Lvl 1 may include turns, or Lvl 4 could include both 90-degree and 360-degree turns. Provided the student stays altitude-aware, pulls on time, and flies their canopy safely, usually it's all good. Like you said, though, the main thing to worry about is all the other things besides bodyflight. If someone's done a *lot* of tunnel time, their internal clock might already be set to 2 minutes, so altitude awareness will be CRUCIAL. Canopy flight as well, and all the EP's, spotting, etc. I'm not an AFFI, but that's what I hear from the ones I've discussed it with. Signatures are the new black.