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The captains were up early on Sunday morning working to come up with an alternative transition plan that would allow the whackers to hang with the base as the base. On the first 2nd point transitions there was significant movement in the formation as the transition was made. First whacker line off the 3 way loops was tossed around which kept 2nd and 3rd whackers from attaching. As base dropped grips they sped up while the whackers continued to hold grips as a line. It was ugly! On the 2nd attempt at the 2nd point transition, the whackers anticipated the changing fall rate and many of the lines docked, but there was still significant movement in the diamond builds and pods off the base. What the captains came up with was a reverse build where the whackers would transition, then the next section closer to the base, then the next. This staged transition would keep movement to a minimum and minimize the impact of the change fall rate. The changes felt good during the dirt dive and we suited up, walked it a few more times and went to the aircraft. Next thing we knew, we are being told to stand down. The captains held the attempt due to some clouds moving over the dz. Unfortunately that was the best weather we would have on Sunday. Cloud tops at 4500 ft and bases at 1300 ft. Breakoff from 6500 for the outer 2 whacker lines with deployment at 2500 would have been exciting! ;) All in all we were very pleased with this year's TSR. Almost everything went as planned and getting the second 150-way was a great bonus. There were several personnel changes between the attemps so we actually had more than 150 jumpers get into the two 150-ways. Plane/Sector captains were great, jumpers were great, dz volunteers were the best I have seen and the dz, pilots, photographers, and aircraft were outstanding. Having the army visit with an Apache, giving a demo, and then riding with us on an attempt as the Otter copilots was fun. It was also interesting watching the jumpers being interviewed by tv and newspaper people. Everyone's attitude was so upbeat and positive, and the energy level was maintained throughout the event. Even the A-team was pumped and did a series of 16 fantastic jumps. Of course they kept losing people to the 150-way, but it always seemed they were doing multi plane 20 to 30 ways. Hats off to Scott Latnis the A-team captain for giving us a fantastic resource to pull from. All the jumpers that moved up did a fantastic job. It was disappointing that we were not able to get the last 3 jumps in. Especially to the two A-team members who had been pulled up and then never got to jump with the 150-way, Next time guys! Thanks to everyone who contributed to making the event a success and all the participants who achieved the record on Texas Independence day. Footnote: How many world team jumpers does it take to spot and exit a Casa? A bunch....and that is a whole different story! Blue skies, Jim

Very current jumper who was on an 8 way team that competed in the TSL and Nationals last year. Probably did 200 team jumps and at least 100 fun jumps. Blue skies, Jim

As John and Cory said we got two 150 ways on Saturday. As with most big ways it was obvious from the way the formations were flying that they were either complete or very near--quiet and calm. It was a great effort by the captains to move people around to their best slots while moving a few people up from the A team. When it clicked, it really clicked. The last attempt today was a 2 point 150 way from 21k. It went very well with only a few people who went low. The transition was smooth although the fall rate changed between the freefalling base and outside whackers. Lots of movement and elevation differences which caused problems maintaining the formation integrity for more than a few seconds. There are three attemps from 21k on Sunday. What a great day. Congrats to all the TSR jumpers and the support staff who made it possible. Blue skies, Jim

DAY TWO: Day two started out with what looked like morning overcast. The A-team was sent up to determine altitude and how "broken" was the cloud cover. Except for a little ice at 18k and landing off the dz we were good to go. The first jump didn't continue yesterday's near completion. Lots of backpacking around the formation. People seemed to be hurrying and not watching for jumpers moving along the near radials. With a few changes and cuts, the jumps continued to improve with 5 sectors out of six complete several times. On the 4th jump a line of low clouds over the dz caused the formation to cruise around over South Houston for a long time while climbing to 18k. Returning to the dz with jump run approximately 180 degrees off the planned route, breakoff was signaled around 7,500 ft instead of 6,500 for the first wave. The early break-off confused some jumpers, but all the locals knew we were way off the dz. Although some made it back, there were a substantial number of out landings and a cutaway by Rich Williams. By the 5th jump the skies had mostly cleared and we had the best jump of the day with 5 sectors completed and 4-6 out. Formation was flat and quiet. On landing, one jumper had a toggle come off a line just as he flared and he face planted and got some pretty nasty facial cuts and scratches. Another jumper attempted a cut-away because of a step through. The main would not release and she landed the two out with no injuries. One other TSR jumper had a cut-away on the same jump. The captains called it a day after dirt diving the second point so that everyone could eat early and get some rest. Biggest issue today seemed to be getting in a hurry. Tomorrow is looking to be a great day..... Blue skies, Jim

DAY ONE: Weather was great although a little chilly at 6:30 AM when I left the house for the dz. We made four jumps today from 18K with the full 150 jumpers. Typical first big way day. On the first load the planes were not lined up correctly. In right rear trail we were way to low compared to left rear trail and had a long climb up the hill to the base. Fall rate was significantly slower than expected after the 3-way lines docked on the base. A substantial number of the whackers went low. Jump 2 was much better with one of the sectors completing, but still people low. Jump 3 was again better with 3 sectors complete or nearing completion although there was a mix up in signals and the superfloater left 4 seconds before the base. Another long climb up the hill to the base. Jump 4 three of the sectors were completed and everyone is feeling good about tomorrow. Way to much World Team blue in the base! ;) Tom Jenkins had to change to his red WT suit to give us a better key. Jack Berke who was our pull-out for the first wave at break-off couldn't find his pud and pulled his reserve out of the base! Great video of his pilot chute and free bag launching off the main. Everyone is doing a great job of following all the safety rules. Absolutely one of the cleanest break-offs I have been involved with and we are so spread out under canopy and during landing, it's like jumping from a single Caravan. One jumper had a slightly sprained ankle during the first landing since the landing direction was slightly down wind. Jumper continued jumping the rest of the day. Kudo's to Spaceland for repairing one of Paul's Otters. Cost us one jump today, but the mechanics removed and replaced the brake caliper and pads in less than an hour. Saw two videos of the A-team jumps and they looked like a lot of fun and were complete with multiple points. Was great seeing everyone again and meeting some of the "new to me" jumpers. We are attempting 6 jumps tomorrow. More then. Blue skies, Jim

Weather forecast starting tomorrow is low 50's at night and high 70's during the day. Partly cloudy to mostly sunny through Sunday. Looks like it will be a good event. For those of you in the Houston area, come on out and jump the Casa and watch the show! Blue skies, Jim

Although it is not an "official" rule, a lot of big way organizers will not accept jumpers who do not have a minimum number of jumps which is around 500. The D license or foreign equivalent is an easy way to document US jumpers with 500 jumps. I believe that even Dan, Kate & Tony's big way camps require 300 jumps or so. Big way qualifications are significantly different than other skydiving disciplines. You have to have a "big way" resume' and be known to the event captains usually to even be considered. Having thousands of jumps or having a D license alone will not get you on a big way. You must also be a "team player" and show that you are willing to pay the price to get on the big way jumps. How do you pay the price? 1. Attend big way camps that are taught by national or international organizers and captains. Work hard during the camp to improve and show the captains what you can do. Make sure to introduce yourself to the captains and your teammates and get to know them. 2. Spend time enthusiastically on the A-team and be ready to step-in on a moments notice. 3. Fly reliably and consistently each and every jump. Be known as someone who can be in their slot 100% of the time quickly, safely and quietly before taking a no momentum dock. 4. Admit to your mistakes when asked and work to improve your weak areas. 5. If you get on an event and get cut, you stay on-site and enthusiastically support the team and do what you can to help out while you are on the ground. 6. Do not cause the captains any problems. Do not talk bad about other jumpers, do not point out other's errors. Be on time for dirt dives, get on the correct airplane. Show up with all your gear. Never, ever ask to leave the event early or if you can skip a jump to eat, etc.! 7. Be persistent, consistent and follow all the rules. No hook turns on big ways, fly the pattern, following the landing rules even if it means landing downwind. No removing booties in the air. Always clearing your air after deployment. 8. You must be able to track long, far, flat and fast! If you can't track practice on every jump you make. Talk to someone who can track and imitate them. Follow your tracking leader...do not track off alone unless told to do so by a captain. Deploy only at the assigned altitude. Break-off only when the captain tells you to break-off. If the break-off signal is the base kicking, ignore your dytter and wait for the kick. 9. Never, ever leave the DZ during an event. 10. Stay current. This means 150-300 jumps per year. 11. Listen to the captains. They have seen a lot more big way issues, what works and what doesn't than you probably have. If they tell you to add weights, don't argue with them....just do it. If they put you in a slot there is a reason. Show them you can fly it better than anyone else and then they might consider you for a different one. 12. Although not the end of the list by any means, recognize that even if you attend the camps, follow all the rules, and fly better than you ever have before...you still may not get a slot on a specific event. If I apply for an 80-way slot and there are 80 World Team members who have also applied, there is a damn good chance that I won't get a slot. The organizers are in a tough spot. In a 100-way that costs $700 per jumper there is $70,000 invested in the event. If they add good 'ole boys and friends and leave off better jumpers, and consistently fail to reach the event goal the jumpers will stop coming. On the other side of the coin, if I am on an event that fails because one jumper broke early or went low and failed to get a grip I am pissed. It's a very tough job dealing with manifest, the DZO, the pilots,and the jumpers. They may slot a few people who you think are less qualifed than you are. Have you ever asked a captain why you didn't get a slot? Maybe you should. Blue skies, Jim

People are already showing up! 2 of the captains are here and jumping today (Sunday 4/15), Truett, Whitey and other mixed in with the 92 tandems, and Lew Sanborn competitors. Busy day with no clouds. Temp started out in 40's with a high today of 70F. Woohoo! Blue skies, Jim

Hey J what do you think of these? Blue skies, Jim

We have an issue when the winds blows from the South which is most of time since we are near the coast. The main landing area is like an upside down L that wraps around the South side and East side of the hanger. Total landing area outside the main landing area is 126 acres and is for the most part unobstructed. With a South wind most of the non-swoopers will land East of the hanger with final to the South. Some of the swoopers prefer to land crosswind, so they will land with final to the East. Since the hanger sits inside the L it creates a blind corner where jumpers may cross each other. Wind from any other direction seems to work ok. Blue skies, Jim

Ummhhhh....let's see..... Golden Knights Anomaly Guano Sugar Gliders Jank and I am sure there were many more. Blue skies, Jim

Here is the Anomaly 16-way completed on March 7, 2006. A 20-way was attempted, but not successful. We use the maximum 50% belly flyer definition of a hybrid. Blue skies, Jim

Last weekend at Eloy I saw the new policy in action twice. Both were local jumpers and both were grounded for the day (1 Saturday & 1 Sunday). Larry and his staff are serious about this. Blue skies, Jim

PM me your email and I will send you the jpg file for both points. Blue skies, Jim

Thanks. Now it makes more sense. I would add a column to adjust the canopy price for line replacement on fixed intervals too. Also might add a column for abnormal wear that we see on some rigs and mains. eg., poor condition = -15%, average=-0%, etc. Thanks again Blue skies, Jim

See Brettski74's reply above. Aircraft insurance costs about $7-9k per year per plane, maintenance can run $75-$300 per flight hour, depreciation on the aircraft can run over $100k per year, Uncle Sammy can take up to 40% for his share, and on and on. Besides Spaceland only charges $20. Blue skies, Jim

I agree with Bill/Brians numbers for the Super Otter at 30 gal per load to 13.5k. Blue skies, Jim

The image file is very large which is why I removed it from the tabs. A lot of jumpers computers were timing out due to slow loading. If you do not have a cable internet connection or DSL, you may not be able to download the large image.

We are waiting to hear about this as well. I've heard that the event is a go, but nothing I've seen from the FAI or the Russian organizers. It'd be nice to get some firm info since getting travel arrangements and visas will take time. Blue skies, Jim

Since it's protected, I cannot verify your formulas or open the hidden columns to at least see them. Useless. Blue skies, Jim

Last year my smaller bag was plucked off the carosel in Atlanta with my helmet and jumpsuit. AirTrans kept saying they would find it, but it never showed up. Good luck! Blue skies, Jim

Re-slotting has been completed for 1 Casa and 6 Otters. Formation and slots are posted on the website at http://www.texasstaterecord.com. Blue skies, Jim

Re-slotting has been completed for 1 Casa and 6 Otters. Formation and slots on website http://www.texasstaterecord.com. Blue skies, Jim

We're working on the reslotting now. One of the CASA's is down. Formations are on the website. Blue skies, Jim

We will be doing formation loads March 31st and April 1st, 2007. RW Jumpers wishing to warm-up for the TSR and jumpers wanting to learn more about big ways are encourage to participate. Camp is limited to first 40 RW jumpers who register at http://www.bigways.com. If enough freeflyers are interested there may also be freefly formation loads. We will cover "dressing for success", formation keys, approaching the formation (sheep-dogging, stadium and radials), docking, flying the formation, break-offs, tracking, and big way safety. A minimum of 200 jumps is required. Smaller, organized jumps will be available to jumpers with less than 200 jumps. Please contact Scott Elmer, Jim Alkek or http://www.skydivespaceland.com for more information. Blue skies, Jim