danornan

Watch out for your shadow. Mine took me out on my first landing! Dano

There are lots of video people coming up with ideas for shows and then creating short promos that they try to sell. We have had at least 2-3 in the last year or so, shot video at The Florida Aquarium with the understanding that if they can sell it, more will follow. Sometimes I think they use the "show" as an excuse to get a free guest dive with the sharks! Dano

A great solution on the larger DZ's.... On the smaller ones, it is safer to be in the pattern and be predictable. Of course, at some DZ's being unpredictable is the norm and landing far away from the normal landing area is a lot safer. Dano

Oh yea, much cooler in the Carolina's...... We definitely have the humidity, but many times it is "cooler" on the West (best) coast of Florida then many places up North! By a long shot, unless you are in the mountains... Dano

An interesting thread and it brings up an important point. The first being that it is so much better to error on the side of caution then to, "what the hell," maybe he'll do OK next time! Right or wrong, the DZ did you a favor. Might have even saved your life. You should thank them as opposed to trying to change their policy. People die in this sport and sometimes on their first jump. It just wasn't working at the first DZ, but YOU solved the problem. Good for you! and welcome to skydiving .... Dano

You could argue that in the not-all-that-common situation where a substantial wind (say >8mph) changes 180*, it would be better for that load to all land downwind in a predictable pattern than for individuals to start changing the plan "on the fly". It might make people better canopy pilots, too. +1 Simple and safe. If you cannot land your canopy downwind then maybe it is not the correct canopy for you! Better to slide, do a PLF or land correctly then to be unpredictable and kill yourself or someone else. But there is still resistance! Dano

Can you share these better ways with us? Sparky It is very simple - A predictable pattern determined before anyone gets on the airplane. Everyone lands in the same direction or you don't skydive. Dano

they have a landing pattern BECAUSE the runways are immovable, Planes cannot just land "into wind" they have to land on the runway(s) available. We have the luxury of being able to choose our runway each jump. Choosing the correct one seems to be a problem for some people. If everyone chooses their runway, it won't work. The runway must be determined before anyone lands. If gliders can do it safely, skydivers can do it safely. Dano

Nope, I think I agree with you... Don't understand why we don't do it like airplanes. They have a landing pattern and it works. Deviate from the pattern you probably have a meeting with the FAA. Dano

Following the first down is not always simple. It is very easy for more than one person to be landing (first) at nearly the same time. Requiring people to focus on the first down takes their attention away from where they should be focused - the others around them. First down rules suck, in my opinion. I agree!!!!! Too simple and prone to problems. Poor choice, but it seems to be the easiest and has by default become the landing of choice. It is also the source of a lot of landing injuries. FYI - I'm speaking from a larger DZ perspective. Maybe the smaller DZs can get away with "first One Down." Dano

I occasionally jump at another DZ here in Thuringia. They do have a wind sock but the rule is "Everyone lands according to the landing T." Works really well especially on low wind days with occasional direction changes. And even if jumpers have to land 30° crosswind (may happen) that's small change. They also emphasize on "left hand pattern" and "don't spiral down" and - most important - "Everyone fly with a sound mind and open eyes". If someone behaves... well, "strange" or so, s/he gets talked to calmly, but not in the open. I like this policy and attitude and it works, haven't heard of any landing incidents there and they very often have big way days/weeks. and Sounds like a good rational plan - Too bad more DZ's don't follow this simple plan. It sure would cut down on the injuries and fatalities. I don't understand why more skydivers don't speak up! It airports were run like most DZ's the FAA would shut them down. Dano

They either get hurt, cause someone else to get hurt or one or the other dies... I've watched it happen and it's not pretty. Dano

I really think that that is part of the problem, and I know that an answer to a short internet forum may not get your complete intent! If not then I apologize. My example is for a 20 seat otter or several airplanes in the air at the same time and not a 4 seater Cessna. Unless the pattern and landing direction are determined before getting on the airplane, there is always a chance of confusion. First one down, follow the spinning wind sock, accidently follow a down wind swooper can all lead to confusion. Some race to be first one down and then, who do you follow? Wind sock moves and what is your landing direction? Swooper lands down wind and many are afraid to do that! So, now, what do YOU do? My point is that only a pre-determined landing direction will safely work and I don't see it enforced on a regular basis. I land as far from the peas as possible. Dano

Z-Hills..... That would not happen...... Everyone gets on a load. Plan a trip out and you will skydive all day! Dano

I use Catcrap and it works. Key is to get the inside as clean as possible and use as directed. I use it inside my motorcycle helmet too. If you don't have anything, just get the inside clean with soap. The cleaner the better. Dano

And then there is LA International! The worst. Makes Miami a walk in the park. Dano

An AAD does not open your reserve************ I'm sure that you don't mean to, but with respect, playing with words (cut a closing loop better!) seems to occupy the time of many on this forum and does nothing to promote safety. Would you prefer that no one use an AAD? Sparky I am 100% FOR the use of AAD's. HOWEVER, I am also 100% in favor of knowledgable rig owners too. No BS. MOST no-pull accidents could be saved if an AAD was properly installed, maintained, turned on and calibrated for any landing zone altitude differential. BUT, they have their functional limitations and are not able to do anything more than they are designed to do... They do NOT open the canopy, launch the pilot 'chute or even open the container. If all goes well, they cut the closing loop. After that, all the same variables come into play as if you had successfully pulled the ripcord (more or less). Know your gear! (and get, install, learn, use an AAD.) JW JW - You are jumping to conclusions. I know that it only cuts the closing loop. When someone says that it opens their reserve, MOST people understand what is said and what is happening. Lighten up Francis!!!! Dano

An AAD does not open your reserve************ I'm sure that you don't mean to, but with respect, playing with words (cut a closing loop better!) seems to occupy the time of many on this forum and does nothing to promote safety. Would you prefer that no one use an AAD? Sparky Dano

If I "really" needed it, I would give everything that I have and go out and borrow more, if necessary! Since none of use have that opportunity, I would pay what ever the free market would charge for an electronic piece of equipment that is meant to open my reserve, if I'm not able or haven't opened my parachute above ~1,000 feet. Dano

Nice looking belt and it looks comfortable. Dano

Not a good plan..... I spend a lot of time in the water weekly with lots of lead and if you are wearing normal skydiving gear/shoes and land in the water, you better have great skills or help handy. You will rarely go under after a big breath, it's after you exhale. Swimming with lead takes some practice and is not something to learn "on the job." Dano

Looks like a small group! Mine was late 99 and I didn't walk with pressure on the leg for 6 months. Bone grafts, blood transfusions, lots of screws and metal and I didn't jump for 2 years. 5 operations, lots of rehab and now mostly back to "normal." I was told that I might need a new knee 5 years after the accident, but it had been 11 years and no discomfort. Range of motion is just slightly greater than 130 degrees. Light exercise is ok. DON'T RUN. It's not good for the knee with prior damage. I did a little jogging last year and stopped because I could feel the discomfort. Swimming and bike riding with low stress seems to be best for me. Keep away from stressing the joint. Lots of cartilage is missing. Dano

Thanks for picking it up - It would be nice if everyone just picked up and disposed of one a day! Better if not left on the table, but, ...... Oh well ! Z-Hills does recycle. Bottles and skydivers. There are containers all around. Thanks TK... Dano

Aside from what is above, I personally prefer an analog watch over a digital because I'm glancing to know how much time I have before I have to do something. It's rare that I need to know that it is 3:45. But a glance tells me I have ''about" 15 minutes before it is 3:00. Same with an analog altimeter. Red/yellow means I need to be taking action quickly! Before that, it's just a number for reference. I don't care that it's 6,800. Doesn't mean much to me. I do notice my pull altitude with my eyes, audible, my altimeter and other's altimeters. Dano

I personally like an analog on my mudflap. It's there when I need it and out of the way when not. It is a reference for me and not an absolute. I do have a Viso, but don't use it very much. Dano