Miami

AM-490 they get 35 hours of ground school, and they can be booted from the program if they fail to meet the objectives of the ground school. They all do 5 jumps (unless removed before hand due to poor performance) from 4500 feet, all jumps are debriefed with ground to air video and retraining is accomplished after every jump, if needed. The rigs are all equipped with FXC's on the mains (set for 2500 feet) and Cypres' on the reserves (expert). If a class drops too many ripcords they all get to do a fod walk on the airfield to find them...and no one likes doing a fod walk. If they apply for and are accepted to the Wings of Blue program they get 10-15 minutes of tunnel time and go through a modified AFF program. They are a joy to teach, too...rarely is there a group that is more enthusiastic about learning to skydive, and it shows with their dedication to the program...both while they are going through it and later when they are the ones teaching it to the next generation of 490 students. Miami

Why is it taking so long to stow your slider? Miami

I bought a video and still camdom from competition helmets not too long ago, and I also had trouble getting in touch with them. You can try pming Bob.Dino on here...he helped a ton in getting in touch with them. Good luck in making one...I tried that route first and it is hard! Make sure you have neoprene that is lined with nylon on both sides at least...that will make it a bit easier to sew. Miami

Whoa...ok. Was just curious why someone would ask. I mean there are threads all the time of someone saying "look at my new odyssey" or "look at my new mirage g15" or something and no one says "Why would you order one of those over the other rigs on the market?". Maybe it's just me but it seems obvious why someone would pick a racer... Miami

Ohh, I'm jealous...you're right there next to them! Didn't realize that was an option though...thought they made them standard that way now.

Anytime after May, but probably closer to the end of the year. If all goes well I'll have tech on before I get there. Miami

Haha...that's the best analogy I've heard! I'm good but we need to head out west for some in-n-out soon! I'm going to be heading back to play in the sandbox next year so before then! Miami

Funny...I'm jumping 2 Elite NOS racers that both have tuck tabs over the shoulders and walrus teeth on the main flap. Tim, you might want to call JS to double check your facts. Miami

That's my preference, too. The NOS still has double tuck tabs over the shoulders and tabs on the main flap. Everything is tight and the rig fits and moves with you like a glove...and of course nothing out there is more comfortable. I like #5...not a big fan of pin stripes. I think my first racer had them but my last few have not. Miami

The pc109 should fit fine in any FF2 because of it's size. I was recently able to put an hc20 in my FF2 built for a pc110. If you have any problems fitting it (need to raise the plate, move the mounting bolt, etc.) drop me a line and I'll do what I can to help. Miami

Seeing as how I don't sell racers I seriously doubt my sales of them are threatened. I just really like them and provide a link there. When was the last time you inspected a racer? Or talked with someone who is a racer owner? The pin protection is fine...I freefly frequently in mine and there are no problems. While I don't have Wendy's knowledge of crw, that does not mean I am a crwdog as well (closed 16th in the 28 way diamond for the Mississippi state record actually). I would venture to call my knowledge adequate. Never said you did...rest of my statement was just laying out my opinion. Sorry you took it wrong. Miami

I was hoping you would reply to this thread... Ditto on the tuck tabs...they are bulletproof. Never had problems with mine, and I'm constantly tucking in tabs for others on various rigs. Miami

This statement is completely false...I'm curious why you feel this way though. edit to add - Also they are not any harder to close (IMO they are easier), riggers generally don't like them because they are unfamiliar with them. Miami

Why not? Miami

Main and reserve side have nothing to do with experience levels of the instructors. Miami

That kinda sucks you got thrown in the call on such short notice...it happens but I hate when it does. It could have just been a fluke...new instructor trying to look like they knew what they were doing in front a new person on the dz. Did the student really need the corrections that were given? If I were in your shoes I would most likely talk to the other instructor first, try to find out what their plan is for the bottom end (and the rest of the dive for that matter) to avoid confusion should the reserve need to be deployed. From there I would talk to other instructors at the dz...see if this instructors actions are common practice. If not happy with the answers maybe talk to the chief instructor/S&TA to find out if they are in the know of how students are handled. To stay diplomatic just don't come at anyone with an accusatory approach...always inquisitive and it should keep from putting others on the defensive. Hope that helps... Miami

Sounds like a blown sinus. Any blood from the nose afterward? Miami

This is pretty interesting, and has me curious. If I can remember this weekend I'll take a holter monitor from work and hook it up to myself for a day of jumping. I can download the info next week and see what happens. I'll post the results then. edit - for clarification...a holter monitor is basically a 5 lead EKG that is recorded onto a memory device for up to (in the model my office uses) 24 hours. The EKG is then downloaded to be viewed and scored after the 24 hour period. Heart rate and any abnormal rhythms will be recorded, and during the recording marks can be placed during specific events (exit, opening, landing, etc.). Miami

I took a girl who was 4'9 or 10"/84lbs a month or two ago, harness (new sigma) fit her fine, although it wouldn't go much smaller. Me being 6'4"/200lbs it hardly seemed like there was anyone there! Miami

And Bob, here is a link to the FFX for you.

10-12 weeks, although I believe the FFX's are a touch faster. PM me or even better contact me though my website and I can go over everything with you. Miami

It's listed in pounds, but I'm pretty certain with a little effort you can find a nice discount...right here on dz.com! Miami

I have to every year (military) but this year it was the mist instead of the shot. Neither has made me sick. Miami

i don't think its a good idea because the glue substance from the gaffer may melt in hot conditions or under the direct sunlight the results are ugly If you're leaving your camera someplace to get hot enough to melt the glue on gaffers tape then tape residue is not your biggest concern. As long as you are using good quality gaffers (not duct tape!) you should not have problems with tape residue. Direct sunlight (uv rays) should not affect gaffers tape in the way we are talking of using it (you don't leave your camera out in the sun all day do you?). Maybe someone from an area that might present the most extreme of conditions...bone dry and blistering hot (Arizona/Texas) can comment on this though. I've mainly jumped in areas that have some humidity so my experience may be a little different. Miami

I've heard that when a watermelon goes in it just leaves a big wet spot. No seeds, no rind...just a big wet spot. Don't know how true that is but finding out sounds like fun to me! Miami