Baksteen

Meh, probably the reporter just happened to see it. And admit it - it's way better than the usual "parachute failed to open; death defying experience"-bull.

Just thought I'd share this little anecdote..

I have 40 jumps on a very lightly loaded "older F111 Manta without much of a flare". It's the student gear of my dropzone, so you can guess how many jumps and unintentional water landings those canopies have had to suffer. Still, they fly great - illustrated by the fact that i simply kept underestimating just how far the canopy could carry me, which led to quite a few "unnecessary" out landings. There is also the triviality that our instructors feel that it's safe to let students fly the things. It lands softly - you have to *try* in order to hurt yourself under a (lightly loaded) manta, though it is possible. As to the flarepower, I didn't have any problems with it. I have many "tip-toe" landings under several kinds of wind conditions. It's my opinion that people in general tend to knock F111 canopies because they're not as "hip" as the Zepo ones (not directed at you specifically, gary). While the Manta got me down safely and never slammed me, which is all that a newbie can wish for, I have to agree that the Navigator (which also comes in large sizes) is a much sweeter ride. While still very docile in regard to altitude loss, the canopy is designed to be fun to fly - a turn with 50% brakes vs full flight is quite "exciting". In fact, the only problem I had with the Navigator (240, loaded at approximately 0.8 to 0.9) is it's reluctance to lose altitude. Once I reached, say, 3500 ft I tended to feel that this jump had been fun, but now I'd like to land, please! "That formation-stuff in freefall is just fun and games but with an open parachute it's starting to sound like, you know, an extreme sport." ~mom

Rabbit

Sing once again with me Our strange duet My power over you Grows stronger yet And though you turn from me to glance behind The phantom of the opera is there Inside your mind "That formation-stuff in freefall is just fun and games but with an open parachute it's starting to sound like, you know, an extreme sport." ~mom

"TIMMYY" "That formation-stuff in freefall is just fun and games but with an open parachute it's starting to sound like, you know, an extreme sport." ~mom

If you come up behind me unexpectedly, I go squeek "That formation-stuff in freefall is just fun and games but with an open parachute it's starting to sound like, you know, an extreme sport." ~mom

This morning's paper showed a huge photo of Harry with an even bigger grin sitting behind a giant machine gun.

Me Agree. I haven't got a problem with BS threads as such, but it is nice not to have to fear anymore that an innocent looking thread could get me into trouble at work.

I don't know... I love to skydive, but I like to do it as safely as practical. More chance of doing it again

Why Chewbacca shouldn't have volunteered to be a model at the hairdresser's college. "That formation-stuff in freefall is just fun and games but with an open parachute it's starting to sound like, you know, an extreme sport." ~mom

I think the point of this thread (andf other threads / posts like it) is that people who do not want to be safe should *be* at the bowling alley. "That formation-stuff in freefall is just fun and games but with an open parachute it's starting to sound like, you know, an extreme sport." ~mom

A turtle is it? Oh god...I wonder when Arthur Dent will be along this time. "That formation-stuff in freefall is just fun and games but with an open parachute it's starting to sound like, you know, an extreme sport." ~mom

...admit it? "That formation-stuff in freefall is just fun and games but with an open parachute it's starting to sound like, you know, an extreme sport." ~mom

Reminds me of this baloney Me, I'd keep helping him making an ass out of himself

Completely horizontal.

Tricky turbulence is one thing, 30 knots (15 m/s), possibly gusting to who-knows-what is quite another

Could be worse - same weather over here BUT they are predicting winds of 7 bft for the weekend. as well as a 70% chance of rain. I hope it's all one giant typo... "That formation-stuff in freefall is just fun and games but with an open parachute it's starting to sound like, you know, an extreme sport." ~mom

Oh, hello! How nice of you to drop by

I know - I like looking at my boobies too "That formation-stuff in freefall is just fun and games but with an open parachute it's starting to sound like, you know, an extreme sport." ~mom

Bill, the belly flying vampire cat.... "That formation-stuff in freefall is just fun and games but with an open parachute it's starting to sound like, you know, an extreme sport." ~mom

Look at that little fallen angel.. (edited because I was too late with my other, clever caption) "That formation-stuff in freefall is just fun and games but with an open parachute it's starting to sound like, you know, an extreme sport." ~mom

Close. "I won't bother you anymore." (For real now - I'll stop hijacking) "That formation-stuff in freefall is just fun and games but with an open parachute it's starting to sound like, you know, an extreme sport." ~mom

I am AGAINST skyride... if only I had the drawing skills to illustrate it with a clever cartoon "That formation-stuff in freefall is just fun and games but with an open parachute it's starting to sound like, you know, an extreme sport." ~mom

Pussy eat da mice.... Maar veel geluk verder met je enquete. Van mij heb je geen last meer "That formation-stuff in freefall is just fun and games but with an open parachute it's starting to sound like, you know, an extreme sport." ~mom