Aviatrr

You know I'm in.. Mike

If the pain is coming from the side of your back, it's probably kidney. If it's a sharp pain(or it can start as a dull ache, but will get worse) and is accompanied by some nausea, it's probably a kidney stone. Drink tons of water, and go see the doc ASAP if you think it is. It'll hurt like hell, so ask the doc for some pain meds....but the biggest thing is drink as much water as you can possibly stand, at all times, to help pass it quickly. Mike

There used to be a jacuzzi at the DZ....just behind the volleyball court....but it got kinda run down and they trashed it....'twas a shame. Try to talk Vic into getting another one.. Mike

Yes, downwind landings are a good skill to have...but landing downwind in 20mph winds intentionally is like cutting away at 500'.....just so you know what it's like. My reserve is loaded around 1.4. I've landed a reserve at 1.8. I don't jump a reserve that small because it's out of my comfort range for ALL situations....but for the specific jump(h&p from 7k right over the dz to demo a main, which mal'd on me), I was comfortable with it. I don't jump a reserve that small because of off field landings. If I was sure I would land ON the dz every time, I would jump with a much smaller reserve. I would not, however, land that reserve downwind with a 20mph wind just to see what it's like. I wonder how many others were thinking it, though? So do you cutaway at 500' so that you are experienced at it in case it happens for real? If not, are you not confident enough in your abilities to do so? I quote you....."If you want to argue that you can have this confidence without actually DOING them, then I'd counter by pointing out that if you are so confident, then doing them is no issue." Why can't I land downwind intentionally with 20mph winds? Because I don't consider it a smart or safe maneuver to "practice". Downwind landings - done many, all but one intentional. Hell, I even do some downwind swoops now and then....but not with winds over about 8mph. Plus, downwind swoops often end up with a quick pop and turn or carve at the end putting me crosswind, dissipating most of the forward speed. I'm certainly not an expert canopy pilot, but I am very confident in my canopy skills - without doing things I consider not so smart(I'm trying to keep it civil here). Why don't you ask some of the pro-swoopers if they do their swoops downwind with a 20mph push. I don't personally know anybody that fits into that category. Planning and preparing for something is one thing....but, as I said before, I feel that what you did - and what you are suggesting others do - is stupid. Hell, I'm not going to land a 300sqft reserve in a 20mph downwinder intentionally....so I guess you feel I should "jump a larger reserve", or just quit altogether, huh? If I want to "practice" landing downwind at over 20mph, I'll jump off the back of a truck doing 25mph or so. Doesn't sound too smart, does it? Mike

It was pretty obvious on 3 of 'em...one I wasn't sure about....but also, your sis is apparently drunk when she's giving you the tongue.. What's with the Riddle sweatshirt in the packing pic? You go there, or just have the shirt? Mike

It does get down around freezing here....a few nights a year.....but not this early. Early Dec to mid-late Feb or so it can pretty cold at night....cold for Florida, that is. It's nothing compared to the time I spent in the Arctic(or even for you folks from north of Georgia!), but it's definitely cold for Florida. You still looking for a ride from MCO to Sebastian? I saw the times for your flight....and I could get you down there on Friday, but can't help on Monday....I'll be returning home on Sunday cuz I have to work early Monday morning. Mike

I'll throw in $10.....just don't let me get ahold of the fireworks after the beer starts flowing. I may be down in Sebastian tomorrow....if so, I'll catch ya then. Mike

Are you sure they are actually coming loose? I see many people tighten their legstraps on the ground(while standing), but then when you sit down they seem looser due to the way your body is positioned....so they tighten 'em up while sitting, which can make them TOO tight when you get under canopy. Are they loosening enough that you can actually see it? Mike

That's an incredibly stupid statement. I'm not comfortable landing ANY canopy downwind with a 20mph wind. And yes, the thought scares me. Does that mean I'm afraid to jump in high winds? No...it means I'm smart enough to know how to land INTO the wind. If I'm under reserve, and forced into a downwind landing - so be it. I'll deal with it then. I'm not going to go out and land my reserve(or a canopy just like it) downwind in hellacious winds just to "show that I can do it". Do you go out and smash your car into a brick wall at 50mph just to see if your airbag deploys and you will survive it if it happens when you're NOT expecting it? Same logic, except it would be like using somebody elses car to do it. Practicing downwind landings are a controversial subject, but one that I am in favor of(assuming reasonable winds - no point in putting yourself in a ridiculous amount of danger by trying it in 20mph winds)....BUT...what you did borders on either insanity or stupidity - I'm not sure which. Mike

Naw....that was just directed at a specific canuck that I know it irritates the hell out of.. Mike

If you've already ordered it, you should have it before then. I ordered mine about 3 weeks ago, and I was told to expect it "on or about Nov 11". Mike

I was mean to my Sabre2 last week....I packed her way too fast and cursed at her several times during the pack job.....and she spanked the hell outa me on the next opening! Be nice to your canopy. Mike

Based on what I've heard....you should be able to fly it from Calif to Eloy no problem! You may want an extra couple thousand feet of alti....ya know, so you can have a few minutes to check out the DZ at Eloy before landing.. I'll have a spare suit(classic I) for those wanting to jump one.....fits me at 5'11", 190lbs. Mike

[homer voice] Mmmmmmmm.....beeeeeeer...the cause of - and solution to - all of lifes problems....mmmm...beeeeer.. [/homer voice] Mike

What kinda work do you do Dave? Sorry to hear it. I know a lot of people in the same boat....most seem to be in the computer field. Mike

That sucks that you missed it.....they play a kick ass concert! I'd never expect anything that good from a bunch of Canadians... I wish I could've gone with ya....but I was kinda far away at the time and didn't see the post until now.. DOH! Mike

Whoa....naked beacon rides?! WOOHOO! Mike

Hmmmm.....you look sober in only ONE of those pics......how YOU doin?! Mike

Holy shit....what kind of solar power system did you set up? How much did it cost? I'd love to set up something like that. Do you have a battery bank, or just wired straight to the power grid? The inverters must be massive.. Mike

Dude, you've gotta tell about the Cypres fire.....the rest...well, I can do without that....I get enough of that with my sex life.. Mike

Woohoo! Sounds like a plan to me. I'll be sure to bring a sleeping bag at least to crash on any leftover floor space.... I remember you saying you have many South Park episodes on your computer....sounds like good drunken entertainment, to me.. Mike

Well....I know that at least one of the Airspeed members lurks here, and may see this post and decide to come to the party......and maybe you can catch a ride.. Mike

Let us know when you know when/where....maybe we can flock! Mike

Happens to most of us if we don't log them right away. Hell, I haven't logged anything in the past 6 weeks or so(and we're talking close to 50 jumps). I can tell by the speeds on the protrack what type of jump it was, and that's all I really care about. Quite honestly, I've failed to log a couple hundred jumps over the years....and have essentially lost them. Mike

Holy shit! That's ridiculous! It's a simple airtight chamber with a vacuum pump! Can you post a pic of it? If there's really some interest, I can probably make a few of 'em fairly cheap. Mike