Craig

It would not be too far off to say about 40,000 to 50,000 dollars each. Don't forget about $10.00 an hour anytime those props are spinning for overhaul costs.

ya, I would like to see the new Mindwarps people are speaking of also.

Ditto with the customer service. I e-mailed them to say that some if the image files were broken on their site and they even sent me an e-mail back thankful for the feedback and had the images fixed. And Hell, I didn't even mention buying anything.

Please do

It has to do with the f-stop of the camera (iris setting). On most (if not all) SLR's it is adjustable so you can get desired affect. He was using a high f-stop setting which closed down the iris.

Some info here: http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=347143;search_string=VCD;#347143

This is called a "slackrope". I have seen people doing this on TV a couple hundred feet up at least in the mountains except they were trying NOT to fall.

Pretty sure this is how it should read.... At 400,000 feet, a pre-entry phase begins in which the orbiter is maneuvered to zero degrees roll and yaw (wings level) and a predetermined angle of attack for entry. The flight control system issues the commands to the roll, yaw and pitch RCS jets for rate damping in attitude hold for entry into the Earth's atmosphere until 0.176 g is sensed, which corresponds to a dynamic pressure of 10 pounds per square foot, approximately the point at which the aerosurfaces become active. The aft RCS jets maneuver the spacecraft until a dynamic pressure of 10 pounds per square foot is sensed; at this point, the orbiter's ailerons become effective, and the aft RCS roll jets are deactivated. At a dynamic pressure of 20 pounds per square foot, the orbiter's elevators become effective, and the aft RCS pitch jets are deactivated. The orbiter's speed brake is used below Mach 10 to induce a more positive downward elevator trim deflection. At Mach 3.5, the rudder become activated, and the aft RCS yaw jets are deactivated (approximately 45,000 feet).

"Good"

Here is a little info on costs... http://www.utilityaircraft.com/unfinancedcostcomparisons.html Edit: This is from a company trying to market a jump plane keep in mind. I am not sure how realistic the numbers are.

It HAS to be a C-130. Everything is pointing that way. It cannot be a C-160, look at the main gear wells.

The cabin altitude can be anywhere from ground level at the gate, to about 7,000 feet during flight.

Shipping shouldn't be much. I paid pretty much what you would expect to here in the states for shipping when I ordered my D-box. It was sent Australia Post for 7-10 USD and arrived in about 7 days.

Yes, yes it is. Hopefully it will start warming up around here pretty soon, although a beach trip sounds nice

Heh, I got my spring at Lowes Home Improvement

Yes, it is a Cookie D-Box. I am confident it is not going anywhere. I would guess that mounting it on an Optix would be no prob. For my cutaway I used some 3/8" nylon webbing (actually it came from the existing camera strap had to remove it cause it fits the box so closely). I took one end and passed it through the loop in the cotter pin and sewed it down. then took the other end and formed a loop and sewed it and attached some velcro as well. I put some gaffers tape over this part cause I do not think the velcro will hold up as narrow as the webbing is.

I was waiting for that

Just finished my helmet...

You KNOW I told you guys in person that I loved the newly redesigned, non-"penis" looking MindWarp! It was a great fix. Speaking of your booth: me and Steve were hanging out a couple of nights ago. Chuckie So, when will we get to see this new design? I just turned my old Bonehead external audible into a camera helmet, so, I need to get a new helmet (minus the "penis" look) for those jumps where I don't want a camera hanging off the side. Anyone have any pics?

I received his D-box about a week or so ago. Very nice! Fits my PC-101 like a glove. I will post pics when I get a chance.

Wendy may be able to add or clairify but: The shuttle will "roll" to the side to decrease the amount of lift being produced and provides a higher sink rate. It is used to help with the "range" of the orbiter, or the distance it will travel. They are performed to the left and right and are known as "S-turns" or "Roll Reversals". They will increase the amount of heat the orbiter sees but is signifigantly less that if pitch changes (nose up or down) were used for the same purpose. It is a routine menouver used at the time Columbia was lost.

Here is a post http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=352121;. This post started shortly after Columbia launched I believe. Towards the end we were talking about orbiter emergencys Just to add a friend called me this morning waking me up, to tell me of the accident. It took me a minute to actually register this was for real and I immediately recalled Challenger. Half asleep I was thinking of problem during launch, then when he said no, this was reentry I remembered Columbia was due back. This was even harder to believe, and I think I am still at a loss for words. Condolences to all. oops, helps if you click URL instead of underline

November 24th here in Ohio

What altitude difference does your altimiters read between the landing area and the airport? There is the altitude difference, pretty darn close anyway. In my opinion you really should set your AAD as close as possible to what you landing area will be. Lets use your settings as you stated above. The landing area is 300 feet above the airport but yet you set the AAD for 450 above. Now, as long as the CYPRES works as stated you just set it's activation altitude for 900 feet AGL. If I remember correctly the CYPRES can fire at up to 1,200 ft AGL if you are going through the opening sequence at about this time (example pull at 1,500 ft). Now raise these numbers 150 ft...1,350 and 1,750 respectively. I would really be hoping to not have a need to "take it a little lower" for whatever reason and especially hope not to have a snively opening. On the other hand, if you set the CYPRES for and altitude lower than the landing zone....well you get the idea. Just some things to think about I guess.

He has been soliciting the rec.skydiving group for years, formerly under "RealTv" and possibly another show. I hope this guy takes a hike and does not start this here. Also, I would not bother asking him questions in the forums since he probibally will not reply.