humanflite

ok guys, Im starting out learning how to swoop (dont worry, Im getting training ) but I want to know how a swoop is measured? Ive seen tonnes of videos and the pilot heads for the first gate and carries on down the course, but at what height do they have to go through the gate at? and how is it measured? Ive seen some guys come in 'really' high (as in, it looks too high) above the gate, pull out a pretty decent swoop and it has been measured and counted. Can anyone give me this info please

Well, Im no rigger but theres no way in hell I would use it. For some reason they have put the chamfer on the outer of the steel tubing meaning that the inner edge will be razor sharp looking at it. And its the inner edge that the webbing runs through.... it could have already started cutting it if there has been friction applied unknowingly. Where is it from?! I would guess it will 'likely' be ok,but for the cost of a proper soft handle setup, and the fact that its my reserve... I would take no chances!

Please share the background to your story... it may save someone who reads it....

You've just told yourself one good reason why you should get one. Now. (There are other good reasons, too, like a reserve mal...) In some countries, it's mandatory to have a hook knife on you when you jump. Not the US, but it still illustrates that many in the sport view that piece of gear not as a luxury, but as essential to maximizing your chances of staying alive. Good point! It is mandatory to carry a hook knife in the Uk for A certificate holders and upwards (not students though for obvious reasons)

Bingo Forsaken and iambev Things happen at DZs like this regularly (I know of several I visit regularly) it doesnt make them a bad DZ and posting it in a forum like this does not really help, at all. This thread is about avoiding tail strikes, not dropping a DZO in the brown stuff.

Sorry! Didnt mean it to sound harsh

Also, a great source of information would be if you sent a PM to the user gimpboogie Here is her profile http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?username=gimpboogie; She has overcome lots of hurdles and would be able to give you lots of tips

Yes, Langar will certainly do you a tandem Im sure. I have heard they have done quadraplegic tandems before and also a 94 year old lady!! so you should be no problemo. As for the AFF, like you say, baby steps, do lots of research, and see where that takes you.

It was probably called the "Boxman" and you were told NOT to do the superman, but it being several months have commingled the two. Superman is where your arms are straight out, whereas the preferred arm placement is in a "W" also called the boxman. Sound familiar? As to flexibilty and stength - Glideman gave you a good stretching exercise. For strength, you may wish to try standard Back Raises or I've found the entire Swiss Ball Series of Exercises to be extremely helpful, not only with skydiving, but just maintaining flexibility as I get older. EDIT: I just noticed that the three respondents were all twice your age. Try to keep up. I could be wrong but I dont think Uk static line students are told to exit in a boxman position when still on the rope....

To add/ once you have read all the threads and the full manual linked the post above mine. You will see that the technique has been to use a large strap to pull the persons legs up on landing, to prevent them getting damaged by being caught under the person. however you would not have anywhere near as much leeway as a student who had the use of their legs in biffing in early landings, as landing on your butt demands some element of control in order that it doesnt hurt!! How much do you weigh if you dont mind me asking?

hi Peter There are a couple of 'pioneers' on here who have done a lot of reasearch into the possible problems you may face and ways to overcome them. I have linked the two main threads below. It seems that the UK (where Im from) may be behind the US and other countries in developing access to teh sport for paraplegic individuals however there is no reason you cannot be the first.... My personal advice *I am not an instructor and these are just my personal thoughts* would be to maybe find a good progressive Dropzone that is not too far from you, and do a bunch of tandems there. or do a couple at least to see if you really want to take up the sport. You would need to speak to the CCI (chief instructor) at the DZ you approached and see what, if anything they could do for you. It would take experienced AFF instructors and a lot of commitment on your part, but it has been done by others abroad so it IS possible... It comes down to how much you want it and also who will be prepared to put their neck on the line to offer it to you. What area are you from? http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=1238368;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=3348407;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread

Didnt know Larry but condolences to all family and friends for this tragic loss. BSBD Larry

So why'd you keep failing? Spinning out is my guess

Warmer months? it says in your profile you live in Greece ? I did my AFF through the winter.... it just toughens you up for future jumping is my thoughts on the matter. No time like the present and all that business, but of course, make sure you have healed up and check with your Dr if need be before you return. I too stuffed my first landing, in a big way (didnt flare much at all!!) I was anxious going back, but the hunger was there and I made myself do it

Pictures needed

You would need to be hanging in the harness of course to simulate the pressures from being under canopy

Just found out about this. Hip Ring and 4 Ring main lift web inspections mandatory due to the possiblity of the sewing machine metalwork or needle contacting the Hip Ring and or webbing on these rigs. For Javelins manufactured between 01 Sept 2008 to 31 Dec 2008 See here for the full Sunpath bulletin and checks for your Rigger to make. http://www.sunpath.com/downloads/bulletins/SPSB005-COMPLETE.pdf

Great info here Billvon Thanks.

Bowling maybe?? Andrew Whyte - Out of interest, why would you choose to land in a tree wearing kevlar jumpsuit and uber helmet ? Curious, is all...

Exactly!! Its still an obscene amount of money. These fat corporate f*ks should have to sell their house and get $100k MAX. They screwed up. They have stolen huge bonuses already this year....time to pay I say

And barely missing a truck also means he didnt hit anything So no harm, no foul I say.

An instructor with 275 jumps and 2 years in the sport? Surely this cant be possible?!! Where is the OP anyway....?

Jump numbers does not a skygod maketh... IMO anyway

I think you had absolutely no business doing that. Students are expected to make mistakes - and quite frankly, it's their right to make a certain number of mistakes. They're students, and their instructors are supposed to be educating them and helping them make good choices, but also providing direction and enforcing rules to help keep them out of trouble in the first place. In this case, it sounds like this student was let down by his instructors who let him jump in high wind, and didn't help prepare him for strange circumstances. As an instructor, I'd be very upset if a newbie like you was giving instruction, never mind the bowling speech to one of my students. I've never given the bowling speech. I hope I never will. _Am Bingo! well said that man. I think most of us here have made mistakes as a student (I certainly did) and part of being a safe skydiver is having past experience of how things can go bad... so you can avoid it in future. A good instructor debrief and some refresh training...and this student could have been right back on track.. and used the accuracy trick the next time they are unsure

Well, not Fischer . . . he's dead. Semantics