SkymonkeyONE

I just watched the DVD and was surprised how much I liked it. I am not really into CGI stuff.

Let me be more specific: I am a retired US Army guy. The small retirement check I get from the government each month is the only "other" form of income I have and report every year other than the 1099 instructor work I do. The jumps I do, both at my home DZ and those where I am coaching/instructing/mentoring, are ALL considered "instructor proficiency training". Skydiving is not my "hobby," Likewise, I believe that any rated instructor who spends his weekends training others, regardless of what he does during the week, is entitled to those same deductions. I am not sure how "into it" some of you other inidependant instructors are, but I have a LOT of time and money invested into this sport. I own my own tandem rig, my own AFF rig, two instructor/sport rigs, 12 wingsuits, at least ten other jumpsuits, two camera setups, video editing equipment, and I pay for a teamroom. If you have anywhere near that level of commitment, regardless of what your "day job" might be, then you are not going to get any hassle from the IRS when you itemize all of your expenses (so long as you can show your profit/loss by means of at least a 1099). Chuck

I have a later version of the "old" Raptor and love it. It's still a great suit.

see you both on Spence's ride then?

I deduct every single jump I make and depreciate every bit of my $50k worth of gear every year on my taxes. So long as you can show at least one 1099 from income earned in an instructor capacity, then it's all valid. I also write off the cost of my teamroom, jumpsuit laundering and mending, and all repacks (reserve and main), plus CYPRES maintenance. PIA symposium travel expenses, etc as well. I have been doing this though my tax professional for years. Chuck Blue D-12501, AFF-I, TM-I, SL-I, PRO, S&TA

My tinker toy. Never mind the other bikes in the garage. A man MUST have his own shop. Have fun with the build, Chuck

PS: I have a lot of motorcycles

I have owned both and I prefer the road glide. No, it's not "strage" that the headlights don't move with the forks; they don't on your car either. I can hear my stereo better on the Road Glide and I have much easier access to the storage cubbies while riding than I did on my old FLH.

Whenever Kelly or anyone else announces a date for an ash dive or a simple celebration of Chris's life at Z, please let us all know the details. My bike is gassed up and ready to make the road trip. Chuck

I like it. I like it a lot. Anyone showing up at Raeford in June shall practice for this event just to see how much we need to practice for November! Lovely.

Chris was a great guy and he will REALLY be missed. He was one of the original Z hills wingsuiters and one of the first two to get his BMI rating. He was super-fun to be around and always, no matter how sick he was, positive and inspiring. He will be sorely missed by so many. Chuck

Mike Igo was great....for a Jarhead!! LOL! When I was a travelling vendor/organizer for BirdMan that guy showed me the greatest time ever for a DZO. I showed up, got treated great, and even volunteered and did some AFF for him just for fun. He liked me and I really liked him. He was solid. So sad to hear about his death. BSBD Chuck Blue

DragonFly Wingsuit Weekend at Raeford Parachute Center, NC. CASA 212, Super Otter, PAC 750. In conjunction with 50-way RW sequentials. Demo suits by PF, Tony, Fly Your Body, BM, Nitro Rigging. Come to Raeford and flock it up with us. Let's establish a nice NC wingsuit record for the books and have fun in the process. Bring a good attitude and what few braincells you might have left. I would like to focus on linked exits, backfly leading, and achievable slot-perfect formations. First Flight candidates welcomed. BMI/PFI training available if there is an interest. More details to follow, Chuck Blue DragonFly Wingsuit School

Guffaw!! That was EXCELLENT shit, Scott! I am so happy I logged on today and read that. Chuck

Ben is a nice guy. Good on him.

I totally agree. Particularly on any issue concerning training, which has always been my first priority. Chuck Blue, D-12501 AFF/SL/TM-I, PRO, S&TA DragonFly Wingsuit School Raeford Parachute Center

That's excellent.

Super nice footage and great flying. I am stoked that there are guys on this team that previously gave lilttle thought to the discipline. I know all of them, minus Miles, from swooping events. Good stuff!

Nice reply, Costyn. I was hoping to hear something like that.

Debbie ALWAYS had Natty Lite in the can at her camper. After she died, we adopted a special way to toast with Natty's. She would definitely approve. As a result, I ALWAYS have Natty Lite in the can at my camper. Chuck

Has not left the building. Feel free to visit me in Raeford. PS: if you have previously earned yours, but never got the shirt, I just ordered ten new " chuck blue ruint my life" hoodies.

I have already responded to USPA on the blog. Breathe deep, don't die

I have been very busy doing "real job" stuff lately and have not kept up with this topic. But, this particular proposal seems very-heavilly supported and well thought out. As, primarilly, a trainer I have refrained from throwing my hat in with either side of this debate. That said, I am particularly saddened by the fact that this letter writing campaign has degenerated into a few notable (yet few in number) wingsuit organizers all throwing each other under the bus. That's too bad. I am particulary offended by the off-hand comments in one of the letters saying that the authors of the "other" letter are un-qualified to voice their opinion because they did not participate in the past two "record" jumps. I didin't make either of those jumps either due to monetary and work restraints and obligations. Does that disqualify ME from having an opinion on this? Chuck Blue, D-12501 Founder: Z-Flock Wingsuit School and DragonFly Wingsuit School

I am sure that Grey Mike will be up for it as will anyone else who has not worn their arms out on those type jumps. Chuck Z-Fl;ock

Spin stops, roll-over drills, exit drills, vertical/lateral proximity drills. The tunnel is a tremendous tool to work on that stuff as well. Agressiveness and being totally mentally "turned on" are definite requisites for passing the course. AFF jumps, all categories, require your total attention. Chuck Blue D-12501, AFF/SL/TM-I, PRO, S&TA