Jewels

Uh oh. Hey--can you find me a link to a photo of the kind of exit you want to do with me from the Caravan? Okay, I know we're pushing the time frame a LOT on that one but I want to see what I'm in for. (I am starting to feel like the gullible kid sister. . . . ) TPM Sister #102

Well, hurry up! The skies are waiting! (On the other hand, I might still be on Level 2 by then, so you won't necessarily miss anything in the interim. ) I need a good push now and then. TPM Sister #102

I don't have enough jumps to give you a fair answer to that question. I will say that the video of my Level 1 is horrendously dull, and I like it that way. It shows three of us passing time while I do things like check my altimeter and do practice pulls. I wasn't receiving any signals to correct my leg position and freefall was very stable. If you do invest in some tunnel time, you will work on stability first but can then move on to work on turns and the nuances of your leg position. It sounds like you're already turning, but the tunnel can help you with control and can help you with the body position awareness that you're talking about. Oh--and I highly recommend that you get a DVD of your time in the tunnel, because what you FEEL and then what you actually SEE are not necessarily the same thing. Go over the video of your tunnel time just as you would with your AFF jumps. Your instructor might be able to take the time to debrief it with you and that's very helpful. You'll see a lot of discussion about this sort of thing in the Wind Tunnel forum. Many people like to buy time and split it into a couple of blocks so you can do some preliminary work, debrief, and then go back in for a little more practice. I think it's a good idea! TPM Sister #102

Yeah, NORMAL people don't require this much time and team effort to get them to jump. Just think--six more levels to go! I promise not to make you experience each one right along with me and in such detail, unless, of course, I just can't stand it and have to tell you every little thing anyway. (Is that a helpful promise??) TPM Sister #102

Hi! You have more jumps than I do, but I have a ton of tunnel time and if people are suggesting it and you have a tunnel in your vicinity, I would tend to agree that it's a good idea. It won't just help for purposes of your Level 5--it'll help overall. I'd say it's money well spent. Good luck!

Thanks for the information. I was just curious and have no real frame of reference with respect to jump planes, engines, and their appropriate uses.

DON'T take this the wrong way, because I really don't know, but why are you so sure that the plane was meant to handle multiple shut downs and restarts, etc., when PW says it wasn't? Did they market it for skydiving use in other contexts? TPM Sister #102

Excellent! Good luck in Wyoming.

What?! You only got in one jump?! Edited to add that I hope it was a good one and you had a great time.

Nice one! Good job.

Excellent! So, there's hope for all of us! (Interpret that any way you like.

There are a million reasons not to eat grits, all of which include the word "taste" or "flavor" or "texture." But yes, yes, absolutely yes--keep your blood sugar up by eating something and your stomach will thank you for it as well. It doesn't have to be a heavy meal, but you'll do better if you're not jumping on an empty stomach. (At least, that was true for me!) TPM Sister #102

Uh oh! Which birdie has been talking? 25 by the 25th, huh? Ummm, I think I need a repack--fast! TPM Sister #102

Oh, yeah, that's all we need--a fallen wrench in free fall! I think Barbie is a much safer option! TPM Sister #102

Just think of the possibilities! Only problem is, I don't really think Jason can induct me, so we'll have to work on finding someone here who can. TPM Sister #102

Yeah, I just can't relate when people don't immediately understand that whole business about being in love with the sky. I may be slow at getting around to doing this, but I completely understood it from before I did my tandem. I was lost after my first tunnel flight. Now it's just . . . worse. TPM Sister #102

Thanks!! If we could just find a way to avoid having to actually EXIT the plane, I'd be good to go! As for the smile, I'm afraid we're too late. I think people already wonder about me enough as it is. This just confirms it. TPM Sister #102

Yeah, but I'm still trying to figure out how to get one of those custom made. TPM Sister #102

Hmmm, bullet proof, not so much. I'm still in the "feeling incredibly lucky" phase. Take away my ginormous canopy and the radio, and it would be a completely different video! TPM Sister #102

Payback is a bitch! ROFL, yeah but it is SO WORTH IT!! It's a day later and I'm still grinning like there's something just not quite . . . right about me.

True. Gum is not a good solution while sleeping! TPM Sister #102

Beat me to it... exactly what I was gonna suggest. or get those mouth guards that boxers and football players use, might help when you sleep... There ya go! TPM Sister #102

Oh, well, yeah, that makes sense! Your poor tongue. Chew some bubblegum and wrap it over the tip. TPM Sister #102

Wait--did I miss something? Why are we assuming that a dentist is out of the question? (Yes, even in Georgia! ) TPM Sister #102

TPM Sister #102