chrismgtis

Whoa sounds like a lot of you are in the IT field. I'm a network administrator myself. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

They need to get my copy to me. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

That sarcasm or do you actually know who this person is? Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

I did some research a few weeks ago and sent a few emails to some doctors, because I wanted to know what is going on during the ride to altitude and the descent, especially after I experienced some problems with my left ear drum on my first dive. This is an email I got as a response from one source. I thought others might find it useful so I posted it here. ***Below is an article which may help you. We have also sent your email to Gareth Holder who wrote the article and to a skydiving doctor. Hopefully they will provide more specific advice. Best wishes Lucie Lucie Fenton, Editorial, The Mag, 5 Station Road, Ailsworth, Peterborough PE5 7AH UK lucie@skydivemag.com http;//www.skydivemag.com No Wind Situation A subject close to every skydiver is the expansion of gases within the human body. So, when you have all finished giggling about the wind problem we are all aware of, read on for useful information about the more serious effects that failure to understand the subject can produce As Mr Scott was wont to remind Captain Kirk on occasion, "You canna change the laws of physics, Captain!" In this particular case, the laws that govern the rate of the expansion of gases. Although complex in detail, they basically state that a body of gas will expand if the surrounding pressure drops. We decrease the air pressure around us every time we ascend to altitude and we do it without the niceties of controlled cabin pressure. This means that any gas contained with our bodies will start to expand. Air is found in several areas of the body; most obviously the lungs, but also the sinuses, stomach, bowel, and middle ear. There are also other places it can be found and where problems can arise. In a nutshell, as long as these gases can escape to the outside, their expansion should not pose problems. However, complications such as pain, disorientation and even damage can occur should they remain trapped. Let's look at the troublesome areas: The Ear The ear is the place where we most feel the effects of the slow ascents and rapid descents of skydiving. It's a very complex but surprisingly fragile piece of biology, subject to a lot of stress during a day of skydiving. The middle ear is the part we are concerned with. It is separated from the outside world by the eardrum but it also has a passage to the outside via the Eustachian tube which connects it to the back of the throat. As we ascend to altitude, the air in the middle ear expands, pushing against the eardrum and causing it to bulge out. This is the cause of the slightly full feeling that you get as we climb. Once the pressure is sufficient, air can escape through the Eustachian tubes, allowing the eardrum to settle back, causing the 'pop' we all know. This expansion and settling will take place all the way to altitude. It can be aided by yawning, swallowing, sucking sweets or any other activity which opens the Eustachian tube. On the descent, the opposite is true. Pressure increases on the outer surface of the eardrum, causing it to bulge inwards. Again the Eustachian tubes will equalise this pressure. However, because the freefall descent is so rapid compared to the ascent, and also because the Eustachian tubes are better at emptying the inner ear than filling it, ear pain and discomfort is more likely to be caused. A properly executed 'valsalva' manoeuvre where the nose and mouth are pinched shut, and air forced into the middle ear by blowing can alleviate this - but don't attempt this until you know what you are doing or you could cause damage to your ear. The problems here are nothing that every skydiver has not dealt with but they are dramatically compounded when pressure equalisation is disabled by something as simple as the common cold blocking the Eustachian tube with phlegm. The eardrum will bulge inward or outward until, depending on the circumstances of the ascent or descent, it ruptures, causing severe pain and sometimes disorientation. Vertigo experienced by a failure to equalise pressure in the middle ear can range from mild to severe and can pose a serious safety concern to any skydiver struck with it during freefall. Avoiding problems Do not jump with a cold, flu, sinusitis, or any other ailment that may affect your ability to equalise pressure efficiently. What may seem only a mild bother on the ground can become a serious problem in the air. Most commercial pilots will ground themselves for these ailments - and they have the luxury of being able to control their descent rates and cabin pressures. We should do the same. The Sinuses The sinuses are air-filled cavities within the bones of the face. I have absolutely no idea of what they are supposed to do other than to keep decongestant manufacturers in business. They have a passageway into the back of the nose through tunnels in the bones of the face. In a similar fashion to the inner ear, expansion and contraction of trapped air during ascents and descents will take place, with pressure equalisation happening through the nose. As it is a little more efficient than the venting of the Eustachian tubes, most people are not aware of it happening until the system fails to work, such as when the jumper has a cold or sinusitis. When the equalisation cannot take place, severe pain in the affected sinus can be felt, accompanied by profuse tearing in some cases. It can happen quickly too and without prior warning, as I can personally attest. The loss of equilibrium can be alarming and sudden. Avoiding problems Basically, don't jump if you have sinusitis or a cold or flu. Even with common decongestants you are at risk, as these are not formulated with skydiving in mind. As a sobering example, a fatality occurred some years back on a major record attempt which was believed to have started because a jumper continued to jump with a severely blocked sinus. The ensuing rupture at altitude and loss of vision due to blood and subsequent disorientation, led to a freefall collision that resulted in that jumper's death. It's just not worth it. The Digestive Tract Okay, here's the bit you really started reading this article for (which I why I put the more important stuff ahead of it.) Our digestive systems can contain anywhere up to around a litre of gas. This is comprised of the by-products of digestion, swallowed air, and all the carbon dioxide in that Diet Coke that you gulped down whilst packing. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to work out that, as the gases expand, they have to go somewhere. Go somewhere they do, through the outlets traditionally supplied for this purpose; the mouth and the anus. Depending on the amount of gas present and the altitude you are at, anything from mild to extreme discomfort can be experienced. It may be socially polite to hold it in but this just may not be an option. Show me the jumper who claims that they have never given in to temptation on the way the altitude and I'll show you a liar! Avoiding problems Adjust your diet to reduce the amount of gas-producing food that you eat. Anything from the cabbage family, pulses, beans, and carbonated drinks are the main offenders. Do yourself and the others on the load a favour. I realise that some jumpers owe their entire notoriety in the sport for their prowess in this field but I really don't need to experience it every time I ride to altitude. You can stop laughing now. Teeth We've covered the main areas where air and gas traditionally lurk but there are other areas where it can crop up unexpectedly and cause problems. One of these is in the teeth. Gas can be lurking in fillings, abscesses you didn't realise that you had, or in the gums. If you start to experience mild to severe tooth pain on a ride to altitude, there's not much you can do about it then. However, it is a timely warning to get a dental check-up as soon as possible. Injuries There are other ways that air can get introduced into the body, mainly through injury. In a serious medical evacuation by air, sometimes the persons transporting the patient will insist on sea-level pressure in the cabin. This can be to avoid unnecessary damage caused by air expansion in a fracture or wound. Obviously we are not looking at such an extreme but if, for instance, you have an eye injury such as small sliver, you may find yourself at risk from damage due to expansion of introduced gas. If you are jumping with any injury and feel pain on the way to altitude, it's probably a good idea to stop jumping until it clears up, as you're not doing yourself any good. In Summary Basically all we're saying here, is that there is a lot of gas inside us and it's fighting to get in and out of the body all day, in a way that not even most experienced aviators get to experience. We have to make sure that we are in a physical condition which allows us to achieve the necessary equalisation in a controlled and comfortable manner - before it happens in a painful and potentially damaging one. To put it bluntly, don't jump with a cold, flu, sinusitis or a suspect injury. And for heaven's sake, lay off the beans! Article by Gareth Holder Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

No.. You're wrong... Even very flimsy and loose lingerie will stay on. Trust me. Stay on sure, but stay in place? Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

Good job. Continue to be safe. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

On my first jump I did a tandem. I personally think it's a good idea just so that you know you're not going to freak out when it's time to step out of the airplane. It kind of worries me when I see fellow AFF students going up for their first jump ever. People do it all the time though. After I completed my tandem I signed up for another tandem. I thought maybe I would work on canopy control a little more one more time on a tandem just to get the feel for it, but I changed my mind soon after and signed up for AFF instead. Once I made my first AFF jump and was under canopy I saw how easy it was to pilot. I landed on my feet and tripped over, but it wasn't a bad landing. On my second AFF, I hit the ground very softly and landed on both feet, then just kind of slowly bent my knees and kneeled down cause there wasn't a lot of remaining momentum. I thought it was a perfect landing. As long as your comfortable with diving, I think your fine to continue AFF, but thats only my opinion. Do what you think you're comfortable with. That's probably the best advice anyone can give. If you don't think you're ready for something then definately dont do it, but AFF doesn't seem to ever be as near as bad as it can seem. The hardest thing for me personally is standing up, walking to the edge of the airplane and getting over that fear of falling out. As my instructors say, were jumping out anyway and I just look at it like, I'm going to jump out of this airplane and thats why I'm here so what is the point of being afraid, I might as well just relax. That does actually tend to help. Remember this is just a student's opinion. :P Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

I hope those lingerie are on tight. Those are some high winds and they might fly off. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

LOL. For a moment there I thought you knew what a woodcock was and I'm thinking, damn I'm still clueless, but I guess I'm still not the only one. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

I gotcha. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

I'm assuming that means for example if I complete Level 1 (do everything correctly and pass to the next leve), this counts as 1 jump. Though if I make my Level 2 jump and need to redo it because I didn't complete all the objectives of that dive, then I have to take it again and it won't count as a dive towards the 25 until I complete Level 2. My tandem would count as a dive also even though there aren't really any objectives in a tandem? Is that right? But then again it looks like most people here are saying everything counts as a jump if it's a jump. So even though I need to repeat Level 2 and I've made 1 tandem (1 Tandem, 2 AFF jumps, but need to repeat Level 2) that means I still have 3 jumps counted towards my 25. Which one is right? :P Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

You're right. I had to ask, what does "mudsuckered" mean? lol :-P Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

N/A

I will most definately be there. I've got an AFF jump to do that Saturday anyway. This weekend will be my first jump out of a CASA. Can't wait. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

It's funny that I look back at this thread and you actually did end up being my videographer. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

I'm not really sure. There were 4 AFF students there that day and all but two of us left, after waiting for several hours to get on a load. The wind finally calmed down and they rechecked the wind speed and an AFF instructor went up to coach a more experienced jumper to see how it was. When they got down they said they could take one of us so I went up. The wind was bad enough all day that they weren't allowing AFF students to jump until the very last load. When I was in the air under canopy I didn't have any problems with the wind myself (other than landing off course). I noticed that I was drifting a bit to one side and had to keep making small turns to keep on target with the area I was aiming for. I was entirely under control and didn't have any issues other than that. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

They said the it was because of the wind. I also spoke to the pilot later on and he said the same thing. I heard that someone actually landed in a tree. At first I thought it was my fault, but I landed right next to another diver. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

Congratulations on passing your first AFF jump. I passed mine myself this past Saturday. I can relate to a lot of what happened to you. The first AFF jump is a lot different than a tandem, so if you have ever done a tandem before AFF you expect one thing, but things feel a bit different and it kind of catches you off guard. Sensory overload I can definately understand. I had some issues in freefall, because of that. I would say it's pretty natural. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

Completed my first jump in AFF Phase 1 this weekend. We had a lot of issues with the wind on Saturday and Sunday. I was the only AFF student to go up on Saturday and Sunday the dropzone only got to take one load up the entire day. The wind finally calmed down enough that I was able to get on the last load late Saturday. The landing was way off because of the wind and I had to find a clearing between the trees. I would say I was pretty lucky, because I am very inexperienced. I was beginning to think I was going to have a quick "crash course" in learning how to (or how not to) land in a tree. Not complaining though. I had fun, landed without any injurys, had a successful skydive and got to laugh about it afterwards. Aerial view of DZ: http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/4637/2386267390ec0ccb042dn9.jpg I also made a mistake and decided not to PLF. I thought I was coming in so slow that I could successfully land standing up. Which I almost did, but Iput my feet on the ground and still had some momentum so I tripped and landed on my face. No injuries though. I actually thought it was pretty funny (might as well find humor in it if I'm not hurt.) Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

I completed my first AFF jump Saturday. I didn't have any issues whatsoever with pressure this time. Was pretty happy about that, even though I landed way off target because of the wind. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

Were you attempting a valsalva while descending? Don't do this on an ascent as this is just adding to the already existing pressure and will make it worse. On the descent you can do this, but it is dangerous and you should not blow too hard. Another maneuver I have learned that is better to attempt and safer is the pinch and swallow technique compared to the pinch and blow (valsalva). If you were already on the ground and had just come down I guess it's still ok to do a valsalva, but don't quoet me on that. Either way from what I've heard in lots of places valsalva isn't safe. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

Well thats the theory that I and a few others have come up with so hopefully we are indeed right! lol Hopefully someone will read this post in the future and go have a doctor look at their ear before skydiving like I wish I should have. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

Yea, I have an appointment Friday to check up on my ear. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

Ah ha! I may have found the answer to my problem! I understand someone else said this was possible and I myself did a large amount of research on how atmospheric pressure works between the ear canal, middle ear and is equalized by the eustachian tube. So I wrote the following email to a website called MedToGo about this paragraph on the website: "Pain may be experienced in the external ear canal or the eardrum may rupture if wax or earplugs obstruct the external canal. When closed to the outside world the external ear canal has become the closed space subject to the pressure changes of ascent and descent". http://medtogo.com/l/scuba-health-safety/scuba-diving-health-risks/ear-lung-barotrauma.html It made sense to me that this was possible after doing a lot of research. So, I've written the following email to MedToGo to see if I can confirm this further: Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

I really hope it's that easy and that there is nothing wrong with my eustachian tube causing my left ear to not be able to release pressure fast enough. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan