AndyMan

What? you're gonna wuss out too? I'll be at Eloy showing Lisa who's all talk AND action. Plus meeting Betsy. I've heard she's worth the trip herself! Also WFFC, maybe jumprun.com... maybe couchfreaks. _Am ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

All the chicago area DZ's have 802.11 networks on the dropzone.... kick ass. I bring my laptop out, boss sees me online, I answer emails every couple loads... it's all good. _Am ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

This really isn't very surprising. The US has the slowest adoption rate of high speed internet of any industrialised country. For example, in Canada more then 50% of internet users are high speed, either DSL or cable. And this was even before the gov't started initiatives to encourage adoption. In the US, it's currently about %. High speed internet is also more expensive in the US then anywhere else in the industrialised world. Think there's a connection? _Am ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

Try this one: HERE I've never seen 8X zoom in such an innexpensive digital camera, so on that basis alone it's pretty good. I don't think it'd be a good enough zoom for hot&pop exits, or crw though.... more realistically it's good for grabbing those surrepticious shots of your friends walking back from the landing area, I would think... They also don't say if it uses a digital or optical zoom. The difference is weather they use electronics or lenses for the zoom. Of course, optical is better but digital is cheaper. _Am ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

I didn't. I'm gonna have nightmares now. Thanks. _Am ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

It's true... I've met a handfull of truely striking women this summer. I never knew the women of dz.com were so awesome. Great times with great people - It's shaping up to be a good summer... _Am ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

Kreg, we love ya and all, but you're about 6 hours late on that. It's allready been cross-posted. here _Am ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

AWESOME! How close are we to your target? I can suddenly afford to kick in some more, if we need to... It's ALL about the boobies, Lisa. _Am ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

I stumble accross a message on freefall.com that says WFFC is going to try to segregate RW from FF jumpers onto separate loads... While this is obviously the most complete solution, is it overkill? Is it practicle? _Am ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

I just put out the word.... the vids are moving over to my server shortly. I'd challenge you to put a dent in this server... Welcome to the "always on" world, Lisa. Now ya just gotta get that IM working and we'll be all set! _Am ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

I can't believe this thread has gone on this long, and we haven't had a single Air Farce Kamloops joke. You people call yourself Canadian? WTF? _Am ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

I was going to make fun of your for allowing your brother to get married on a perfectly good skydiving weekend, then I remembered that my brothers wedding will be labor day weekend. DOH! _Am ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

Would a "hot grits in my pants" comment be entirely out of line here? _Am ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

Do I understand correctly that the visor doesn't flip up? _Am ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

Yup, but a new URL. http://www.skydivingfatalities.com/ _Am ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

Woh dude! Git in the back of the line! I was here first! _Am ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

What I plan on doing is checking my gear bag. Not my gear, but my gear bag. Here's my plan: Gear bag will contain Tent, CumfyChair, sleeping bag, general camping supplies, and helmet. My gearbag is largish - not as big as a hockey bag, but still large. Duffel bag will contain clothes, jumpsuits, altimeter, other assorted small gear. Rig goes on my back. I might break down and put it in a backpack. Gearbag, complete with camping gear gets checked. If wearing the rig, duffel bag is carry-on, rig is "personal item" - which most airlines allow. If rig goes in backpack, then duffel bag gets checked. _Am ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

Weird. It looks like they took it out in the lastest SIM. In my older, out of date one it recomended for a B license you read Section 2, 3-1, 4, 8-2, 8-3, 8-4, 8-5, 9-1, 9-2, 9-3, 11, 12 It does not appear that the sections changed, so that should still be correct. I don't think there were any changes in the 'b' license since my SIM was published, just in the 'a' license. _Am ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

I just stole this from Icarus's website, at http://www.icaruscanopies.com/choosing.htm Class 1 Student Canopy .5 to .75 Lbs/SqFt wing loading. This wing loading will perform basically as a student canopy. You may wish to choose a canopy in this range if you are very unsure of your ability, physically injured or disabled in some way, elderly or frail or as a student canopy. A canopy in this class should not be jumped in over 15 knots. These canopies are easily affected by turbulence. Class 2 Docile .75 to 1.00 Lbs/SqFt wing loading. Still a very docile range. This would suit an advanced student canopy or a first canopy for someone preferring to err on the safe side. Again affected by higher wind conditions before most canopies would be. Class 3 Mid Range 1.0 to1.25lbs/SqFt wing loading This mid range of canopy is a good bench mark to work from. These canopies are high enough wing loading to start having a little fun yet low enough that a reasonably competent low time jumper could handle one as a first canopy (check with your C.S.O.) and still have a canopy they want to be jumping in a couple of hundred jumps time. This is also getting into the range that must be treated with a little respect however still has a reasonably good margin for error. Most of the canopies we sell are in this range. From this loading up, most wind conditions allowable for jumping are not a problem. Class 4 High performance 1.25 to 1.65 Lbs/SqFt wing loading Now we're having fun ! We're also into potentially high danger area! Turn speeds are increasing air speeds and speed range are increasing dramatically all of which provides us with a direct trade off between fun and safety. Canopies in this range must be flown to the ground! Recovery arc's are generally over 200 feet and toggle input movements are getting noticeably shorter. A high degree of experience and competence is necessary to handle a canopy in this range. Flying a canopy in this range must be done by feel, every maneuver must be well planned ahead as things are happening very quickly. With a high wing loading turbulence will affect the canopy less but if affected remember you are traveling much faster. Being dropped 1/2 a meter by turbulence under a class 2 canopy isn't even going to affect your stand up landing but being dropped 1/2 a meter in the middle of your ballistic turf surf could ruin your summer. The same goes for other obstacles - buildings, fences, people, other canopies, etc, have much more impact at high speeds. Even uneven ground or short landing areas should be considered obstacles. These canopies will still be traveling horizontally in nil wind conditions. A collapsible pilot chute is recommended. Lowering the slider and loosening ones chest strap is suggested. Class 5 Extreme 1.65 to 2.00 Lbs/SqFt wing loading Not for the faint hearted. If you are one of the few people that want to fly a class 5 canopy consider every aspect of what you are doing very carefully. On the up side there is very exhilarating airspeed, quick response times and powerful maneuverability. On the down side our margin for error has reduced to almost nothing (!), compounded by the fact that if we do make an error we are almost certainly traveling at speeds that can maim. If you have or are considering a class 5 canopy we can't tell you how to fly it in this overview, we must assume you know what you are doing. Most people I watch flying class 5 canopies don't fly them to the limits of the canopy and the performance they achieve from their canopy could be achieved from a class 4 canopy flown to its limits with a far greater safety margin. These canopies generally have to be run out on landing. They must be fitted with a collapsible pilot chute. Lowering and collapsing the slider and loosening the chest strap is recommended. Canopy recovery arcs can be over 400 Ft radius. The step from a class 4 canopy to a class 5 canopy can be quite large i.e. for a 80 kg jumper with gear and weights the difference between a 105 and a 95 feels similar to the difference between a 130 and a 105. Class 6 BALLISTIC ! ! ! 2.0 to 2.4 Lbs/SqFt wing loading. If you are considering this, you don't need an explanation. ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

Yeah, blame the Canadian. OK! _Am ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

There's a page at the start of the SIM that tells you which sections you need to study. In addition to what people've said here, I'd recomend you pay attention to the cloud clearance requirements. _Am ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

Your profile says you have 130 jumps. If this is correct, I can't imagine how you would have nearly enough experience to handle an eliptical canopy at a 1.5 wingloading. I would STRONGLY recomend that you hold off on the 130, stick to the 150. _Am ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

Spinning mals are a risk under any high performance canopy. Some are better then others... The Pisa heatwave is just as bad as the stiletto, if not worse. Atair's Cobalt is aparently very stable. The Stiletto is known for spinning mals, but I think this is only partly deserved. Pack carefully, and watch your body position you should be ok. I've had toggles come off during deployement on my Stiletto at 1.5 and it did not spin up. Any highly loaded eliptical will spin up if you're not careful. _Am ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

Ok... keep in mind this was a foreign country - where drug laws are quite a bit different... I've also lived in 4 countries throughout my life, so don't assume anything about the nationality of the laws I broke. I won't post the details to protect the guilty, but in high school I smoked with teachers, two vice-principles, one principle... three cops, two of which were in uniform. The third cop was a sargeant on the anti-narcotics squad. Some of the shit we pulled was running a counterfit operation out of our school computer lab - we were doing over 20 fake id's a week, 2000 bus tickets... We were knocking off pretty much anything of value, except for money. We weren't THAT stupid. We got REAL popular for the work we did with scanners and color printers. We even had custom paper suppliers lined up. Eventually it was the bus tickets that shut us down, we were paid a visit by the vietnamese mob who didn't appreciate the competition. _Am ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

Are you Pondering what I'm pondering, Pinky? Uh, I think so, Brain, but burlap chafes me so. _Am ICQ: 5578907 MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfe Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999