tombuch

Do you mean the pin BROKE or bent? Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

I don't like doing it, but it is legal, and in this case it was appropriate. What I sealed was just the pin, and I noted that reseal-only on the data card. The rig was under my control at all times so I'm sure the packjob wasn't altered...that's different than a jumper bringing me a broken seal and "claiming" it hadn't been tampered with. Do you see an alternative? It was a beautiful morning and load 1 was on a 15 minute call. The customer needed his rig checked and I did that. In the process his seal broke. The rig was packed by another rigger at a different DZ. Should I have said "Sorry Charlie, your'e outta luck...grounded!" He would have been forced to take the rig to his own rigger who might then look at it and rightfully say it had been out of his control, and thus needs a full internal inspection and repack. The customer would have faced a heavy repack charge and a great day of skydiving would have been missed. At The Ranch we try to keep people safe, and we try to keep them in the air. Generally we do a good job, I think. When something goes wrong, we look for solutions. This one was a no-brainer to me. Safety was never compromised. Tom Buchanan Sr. Parachute Rigger Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Well, I learned a bit about ripcords today. The Capewell test standard was published yesterday, so this was the first shot at testing our customers rigs at The Ranch. We tested about 25 standard rigs, and about 15 student rigs. We are NOT charging for the test, and trying to accommodate people as best we can. It is only about 5-10 minutes per test, but that adds up at a busy DZ. The second ripcord I tested had almost no resistance, and the pin pulled through the loop as I delivered the 15 pounds. That broke the seal, but the pin didn’t completely clear the loop and I was able to keep the rig closed. HOT TIP number 1 is to keep track of ripcord pin movement, or have an assistant lend his fingers to the task. It wasn’t my pack job, but I put my seal on the rig and made note of that on the data card. If you are testing other riggers pack jobs, be prepared to deal with a broken seal and be willing to replace that seal with your own. The test needs to be noted on the ripcord handle with a marker, but markers tend to wear off over time. HOT TIP number 2 is to cover the ripcord marking with clear tape. I was actually writing on the part of the handle that is inside the pocket so it wouldn’t wear as much, or look sloppy. That adds a bit of trouble for the owner if he/she needs to prove the test was done, but it keeps the rig looking nice. Some soft handles are black, and traditional black markers will not show up. HOT TIP number 3 is to have a silver marker on hand. Alternatively, you can just shrug your shoulders when you encounter the odd black soft handle. Initially I was filling out the packing data card just like after a repack, that is with the date on the left. That makes it difficult to quickly check the date of the last repack, and also makes it hard to quickly see if the test was done. So, HOT TIP number 4 is to mark CW03-01 in the left hand column, then put the date in the comments column. That makes it harder for somebody to confuse the test date with a repack date. Toward the end of the day we had a ripcord pin bend on the first 15 pound pull. That creates an interesting question that has been echoed around the country. If a pin bends, can it still be jumped? Our customer was angry about the bend and wanted the ripcord replaced…who pays for that? Capewell? The drop zone? The manufacturer? Me? As I checked around I heard from manufacturers that they had bent pins with just nine pounds of pull force, and Aerospace Standard 8015A specifies that pins should not yield under an EIGHT pound pull at 90 degrees (See The Parachute Manual, Volume 2, page 39 (4.3.1)). I feel for the customer…if I saw that bent pin on a repack I would insist on replacing it. A pin either shouldn’t bend with a 15 pound test load, or if it should bend at that load, the test should be done with a lower load. If Capewell is going to specify a pull force that is higher than the minimum performance standard for a pin, then they need to approve the use of bent pins, replace those that bend under the test conditions, or somehow explain to the customer why their rig is fine before a test, then suddenly unairworthy after the test. Our single pin bending happened at about 5:00 and we were not able to reach Capewell, but will chat with them in the morning. In the meantime, the rig is out of service and the jumper is on the ground. That’s a rotten outcome. I’ve heard from others in the field that bending pins are a common problem with this test. I’m glad we started the testing on a Thursday, and not a Saturday…there are plenty of questions still to be answered. Oh hey, another note: Relative Workshop integrated RSL pins are NOT included in the test requirement. Those are the pins with a rounded “eye” on the end. Those pins will stand out, and if you have any questions, you can call RWS. Some coding elements: A ripcord that has a code PL99 is from Parachute Labs (Jump Shack) and was manufactured in 1999 and doesn’t require testing. PL02 is from 2002 and does require testing. SP99 is a Sunpath ripcord manufactured in 1999, and doesn’t require testing. SP03 is from 2003, and does require testing….that stuff is pretty easy. The nice folks at Mirage Systems said that their ripcords only need to be tested if dated between January 02 and July 03, NOT the dates listed on the Capwell order. That’s because they were using older stock until 2002. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to figure out codes on the Mirage ripcords yet, so while I can determine the date of rig manufacture, I can’t confirm the date of ripcord manufacture. (Sample Mirage metal handle code: ARC1003-27). Some ripcord pins have blades on the sides. These are not specified in the order, but they too need to be tested. Javelilns often use the bladed pins, and the friendly folks at Sunpath confirmed that style of pin needs to be tested. In a nutshell, any pin made by Capewell, or suspected of being made by Capewell between November 01 and now should be considered suspect, and should be tested. -Tom Buchanan S&TA, The Ranch Senior Parachute Rigger Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Never, and it pisses me off when I see other people do it. Folks who are rolling tend to loose their direction of travel, slow down forward movement, and confuse the break off pattern. I suppose some people can do a solid on-heading roll, but I don't ever bet on it, and rarely see it accomplished. Separation begins on the dive. I work to know where everybody is at breakoff, then just watch the folks in my quad and keep track of them as I fly away. I'm always scanning left and right, and have a pretty good visual above me too. I tend to pull on the low side (2,000-2,500) so in this day and age their aren't many folks in my space, unless it's RW people on a biggish way, and they are pretty clued in. If the dive turns to a zoo, I'll breakoff a bit early, find the missing souls, then go on my merry way. When it's pull time I do a quick stop, very visual wave, then dump. There is enough time in that process so if there is somebody above me my intentions will be clear, and they will have time to slide away. I'm also very aware of people on my level, or slightly above and below, and keep track of my opening direction in case of an off heading opening that drives my parachute toward somebody else. I think awareness and consistent/predictable behavior are the keys, and I don't see a roll helping with that. Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Sounds right. PL02 means Parachute Labs 2002, and PL03 means Parachute Labs 2003. PL703 means Parachute Labs AFTER ripcord pin hardness inspections began in 2003. PL is, as you guessed, Jump Shack. That information comes from a conversation with Nancy LaRiviere in early July. I would guess that PL92 means 1992, but that's just a guess. I can't figure out some of the other codes, and I have a ripcord on an old Mirage with just a star stamp and nothing else. It seems like the best thing to do is to inspect every ripcord. It would be nice if USPA or PIA called each manufacturer and prepared a "white paper" listing all the codes and manufacturing history, but without such research it seems the best thing to do is an every ripcord check. Anybody know how they are planning to handle this at the WFFC? How about other drop zones? The PSB is mandatory...are other DZ's enforcing that? Tom Buchanan S&TA, The Ranch Senior Parachute Rigger Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

I had been told by one of the manufacturers as recently as three weeks ago that the problem had been isolated to a single batch of bad steel delivered to Capewell. When I chacked that with Bob Francis, VP at Capewell last week, he was surprised by that because he said Capewell had not yet figured out what the problem is, or what ripcord pins might be involved. The Product Service Bulletin extends the concern to ALL ripcord pins manufactured by Capewell between November 28 2001 and July 15, 2003. Just about every ripcord pin in use in the United States was probably manufactured by Capewell. All drop zones should make a big push to have all ripcord pins tested ASAP. The test looks simple. http://parachutehistory.com/equipment/rcpin.pdf Tom Buchanan Senior Parachute Rigger S&TA The Ranch Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Let me offer a quick and blatant plug for JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy, a book I recently wrote for McGraw-Hill. JUMP! is designed for prospective students and people with questions just like the ones you are asking. It is packed with 228 pages of answers. JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy is available at local bookstores, many larger drop zones, and many on-line retailers such as Amazon.com. There is actually a chapter called "How Skydivers Fly" that deals with the basic arch, standard parachute flight, formation skydiving (RW), freefly and vRW, high speed skydiving, wingsuit flight, skysurfing, high altitude jumps, swooping, CRW, exhibition jumping, BASE jumping (that means jumps from fixed objects like Buildings, Antennas, Spans--bridges, and Earth--cliffs. The book also includes a 135 term glossary and an extensive index. Check out JUMP! and share this book with your friends. There is also another great book called "Parachuting: The Skydivers Handbook" by Poynter and Turoff that includes tons of information. This book is also available at many local booksellers, drop zones, and online at Amazon.com. It will serve you well past your student jumps. Tom Buchanan Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

There are no federal laws about opening a DZ, but there are Federal Aviation Regulations about about flying skydivers. In general, the FAA will want to be sure you are following part 105 and part 91, and that your pilots are certificated and meet experience requirements. They will also be interested in the condition of your airplanes and maintenance , but that's about it. Some states have regulations that cover skydiving, and some have regulations that cover airports and require airplane registration. The "members" area of the AOPA web site has a list of state aeronautical agencies that can answer questions about state laws. Some local municipalities have regulations that cover skydiving, usually under zoning regulations, and usually only if they have had troubles with skydiving before. So, call your local FAA office to say hello and ask what they look for. Call your state aeronautical agency to ask what they want. Speak with the local airport owner about local history and regulations, and if you want to be sure, visit the town/village hall. Tom Buchanan Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Tandem gear is certified to hold between 500 pounds and 650 pounds, depending on the specific manufacturer. Keep in mind that if you weigh 300 pounds and the rig weighs 50 pounds, and the instructor weighs 175 pounds, then you will be in the 525 pound total weight range. That instructor will be managing three times his own weight in freefall, and that can be a serious safety problem. )See pages 12-14 in JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy) Any operator that suggests you should overload tandem equipment beyond the manufacturer limits is very wrong, no matter what the actual test limit may have been. Freefall speed IS a factor of weight. Heavier people have a faster terminal velocity, so any AFF instructor will need to be able to fall at your speed. Most schools do have staff that can handle that. Be cautious, however, because most single person gear is only certified to 254 pounds, so the school may choose to put you under a modified tandem rig. The other thing to consider is how you are built. A 300 pound student who is in good condition is a better candidate for skydiving training than a 300 pound person who is out of shape. There should be a concern about how you frame is loaded, and how the weight is distributed. The drop zone with the best reputation in Southern California is Perris Valley Skydiving. Check the USPA drop zone link in my previous post, then call several DZ's in the area you are interested in. Also check out a drop zone in Elsinore. Avoid the guy in Florida who said he can exceed manufacture guidelines "IF" conditions are right, and you have 500 dollars. He really sounds sleezy. Tom Buchanan Instructor, AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem Author JUMP! Skydiving made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

That sounds VERY fishy. The 500 dollar charge is excessive, and that should raise a red flag. Likewise, 300 pounds is super heavy for a tandem jump, so that should raise a red flag. Heavy people can make skydives, and 300 pounds is not completely unreasonable, but I think you might be better off making an Accelerated Freefall skydive using a modified tandem rig. The Relative Workshop has modified their rigs for this use, and I know the folks at Skydive Deland (386-738-3539) have worked with this mod a few times. Deland is north of Orlando and may be a good bet for you. The place you are speaking of may be a USPA affiliated drop zone called Palm Springs Skydiving Adventures. I don't know anything about the operation. In any event, you should call several drop zones in your area and ask questions. Learn all you can about each drop zone, then choose at least one to investigate in person. Visit your first choice before making a skydive and get a feel for the operation. Learning to Skydive is an expensive and potentially dangerous activity. You should approach the selection of a drop zone with caution, and as a well informed, proactive consumer. You can find a list of USPA affiliated drop zones at http://www.uspa.org/dz/index.htm I actually wrote a book for prospective students like you that is designed to provide answers to your questions about skydiving, and then help you develop great "consumer" questions to use when evaluating a drop zone. The book is called JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy and was published by McGraw-Hill this year. It is available at many drop zones, local bookstores, and on-line booksellers such as Amazon.com. The lilst price is just 14.95, but places like Amazon have it on sale at 30 percent off. There is another great book called "Parachuting, The Skydivers Handbook" by Poynter and Turoff. Asking questions and reading, then visiting drop zones is the best way to select a good operation. Keep at it... informed consumers rule! Blue Skies! Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Yes you are making sense. It's just a small amount of power either way. I'll offer a direct quote from page 20 of my Cypres Users Guide: "General recommendation: If in doubt, re-set the Cypres. The battery life is designed to cope with this and will not be adversely affected." -Tom Buchanan Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

We had a problem with a Tandem Cypres that illustrates a concern all jumpers should all be aware of when using an electronic type of AAD. The problem was identified on the ground just prior to boarding the plane, and there were no injuries. A tandem rig was inspected just prior to boarding the plane at about 4:00 PM and the Cypres was found to be off. The rig had been jumped several times that day, and the Cypress is believed to have been inspected at the beginning of the jump day, and may have been checked prior to each of the previous jumps. A follow-up investigation determined that the rig was probably put in service at about 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM the previous day for an evening jump. It was stored for the night, and then placed back in service in the morning. It is unclear who took the rig out for the first jump of the day, but it is believed the Cypres was not reset (turned off, then back on) prior to the first morning jump. A Cypres will automatically turn itself off after 14 hours. This unit may have reached the timeout point in the middle of the second day. This problem is NOT limited to the Tandem Cypres. Every Cypres is programmed to shut off after 14 hours. Skydivers should be alert to this problem and should reset their Cypres each morning if it is still on from the previous day. This problem is most likely to be encountered by a regular “fun jumper” who arrives at the DZ on Friday evening and makes a quick jump or two, and then jumps the same rig the next day. The time-out issue is most common in the summertime when the days are longest. The suggested remedy is for a jumper who finds his/her Cypres unit “on” in the morning to turn it off, then back on prior to jumping. This process is detailed in the Cypres User’s Guide and will reset the internal clock for a new 14 hour day. This is not a new problem, but rather is one we should refamiliarize ourselves with from time to time. Tom Buchanan S&TA Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

We had a similar incident this weekend. The chest strap was properly routed through the tension bar and was inspected prior to the jump. It came undone anyway. See the post in the INCIDENTS forum (http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?do=post_view&post=558097#last with photos. Tom Buchanan Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Instructors that have tandem and AFF ratings and do some packing, and then migrate south for the winter, can make as much as 30,000 to 40,000 dollars. Most must buy their own gear and health insurance, and finding work in the winter is tough. You can learn a bit more about employment options in my book JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy published this year by McGraw-Hill. It's available at many drop zones, local bookstores, and online booksellers such as Amazon.com. Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

There are specific rules at Rantoul, but there are also FAA rules that require a packer to be a rigger, or under the direct supervision of a rigger. The FAA rules are covered in an article in the S&TA area of RanchSkydive.com at: http://ranchskydive.com/safety/tb_article11.htm Check with the folks at the Convention for local rules. Tom Buchanan Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Is that such a good idea? Doesn't styrofoam melt in a fire, and might there be toxic fumes if it burns? -Tom Buchanan Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Check the 2003 SIM, page 12, section 3-1 (USPA Licenses), subsections "C" and "D." I believe the water training is a skill requirement, so it needs to be signed by a USPA Instructor, I/E, S&TA, or BOD member. The completed application also needs to be signed by one of those officials. The water training should be conducted by an instructor, an S&TA or BOD member, or under the supervision of one of those officials. The person who conducts or supervises the training is probably the easiest person to get the signature from. You will find a very quick reference to the requirement for the trainer on page 125 of the SIM under the bold heading "Why Jump In The Water," section 6, as well as the bold heading "Wet (practical training)," number 6(a). Tom Buchanan USPA Instructor (AFF, S/L, IAD, Tandem) S&TA Author JUMP! Skydiving made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Check the course listings at USPA.org (http://www.uspa.org/news/courses.htm). Tom Buchanan Author, JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

This is hardly a reputable source of information. The specific accident sounds like it wouldn't have been helped by anything but a full face helmet, and that might have actually caused a serious neck injury. This accident reporting site on the web sounds official, but it's not, and the reoprting of both accidents and conclusions listed here needs to be taken with a grain of salt. A full face helmet can block vision in some cases. A camera helmet can side load the neck. A standard Protec offers little protection in a face first landing. A chin strap can get caught on a tree branch and break a person's neck. The list goes on and on. No helmet is perfect. I have yet to hear of any reputable testing of any of the standard skydiving helmets. You assertion that frap hats "concentrate" the impact hasn't been tested or proven, and the situations where that may happen have never been compared to situations where the extra padding actually helps. All the "sources" you presented are simply individual skydivers offering their opinions. Frap hats are not great helmets and they will not do much in a full on impact, but they do protect us against simple knocks and abrasions. I was very happy to have mine on when a tandem student slammed my head into the ceiling of an Otter, and I was super glad my student was wearing one on another jump when she shoved her head back into my jaw. Last year I tended to an injured jumper with a frap hat...his head was slammed into the side of an Otter door on a 20 way exit. Under the helmet he had a nasty gash that extended for at least two of the ribs, and he was very loopy. The force was so strong that if it had been his bare head I'm confident he would have been unconscious, at best. A hard helmet would have been better protection, but no helmet would have been far worse. That's my opinion drawn from examining his injury. My experience, based on 4,500 skydives and 1,000 tandems is that frap hats can help in some situations, and I have yet to hear of a confirmed case where they actually caused more harm. I like the idea of requiring tandem instructors and students to wear some kind of head protection. Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) EMT-B Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Source please... Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Please explain why Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

AFF is fine as a first jump, but most people do start with tandem. If you know you want to stick with skydiving, or you have some experience with other high risk or intense activities (mountain biking, snowboarding, flying airplanes, etc.), then an AFF jump is probably right for you. You are asking some interesting, but basic questions, and I'm sure you will get some great answers here. You might also pick up a copy of my book, JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy, published by McGraw-Hill earlier this year. It will probably answer a ton of question you wouldn't even think to ask! JUMP! is targeted at people just like you are are interested in trying skydiving, but wonder what it's all about, what training method is best, how to select a drop zone, and how to relax on the actual skydive. Another good book is "Parachuting, The Skydivers Handbook," by Dan Poynter and Mike Turoff. Both books are available from many skydiving gear stores, many local bookstores, and web dealers such as Amazon.com. Blue Skies, Tom Buchanan Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

If you are flying with other people you may also be having a problem with "performance anxiety." Many new jumpers stress-out when they are flying with more experienced skydivers because they feel they must perform to the other person's skill level. That's the time to just "chill" and fly the way you fly. Be honest about your experience and skill, and then relax...if the skydive doesn't go as planned the other people should understand. I have made more than 4,500 jumps and just really like flying my body. I can do that solo or in groups...it doesn't matter. The folks I'm jumping with can be really great flyers or beginners...it doesn't matter. The only person that can screw-up my jump is me. So, if you are feeling stressed about measuring up to somebody elses standard, or messing up "their" skydive, relax and don't worry about it. Here's another way to think about skydiving performance: The whole point of our sport is to have fun, so the very best skydiver is the one who is having THE MOST fun. That could be a superstar relative worker, or it could be a first time tandem jumper. It could be you. It doesn't matter if you score one point or a million, as long as you are having the most fun, you are the best recreational skydiver. So, challenge yourself to relax and just enjoy what you are doing. Don't worry about the other guy having fun...that's his job. Tom Buchanan Author, JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

My very strong suggestion is to NOT do a slide landing. It is a reasonable landing method for tandems, but NOT individual skydivers. Lifting your legs for a slide landing can result in putting all the force on your butt and spine, and can easily cause a spinal compression. If you believe your landing is going to be a bad one, get your legs together and below you, and do a PLF. Do NOT try to slide. Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) Author, JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Ahh, nice to see so many people mentioning my name! I actually wrote a book called JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy that was published by McGraw-Hill early this year. JUMP! is targeted at people like you who are interested in what the sport is about. It's ideal for folks who haven't made a jump yet, and for those who have made one or two jumps and want more guidance before continuing. There is another book called Parachuting: The Skydivers Handbook by Dan Poynter and Mike Turoff. This one takes a reader from the very first jump and adds tons of material for experienced skydivers. I like to suggest JUMP! as the best bet for beginners, and The Skydivers Handbook for folks who know they will be sticking with the sport. Both books are available at many local bookstores, at many drop zones, and on-line at places like Amazon.com. Enjoy the sky! Tom Buchanan Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy