parachutist

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Everything posted by parachutist

  1. parachutist
    Only the older D-bags (3+ years old) are showing this damage. I don't have any numbers for jumps on each of these rigs, but I'd guess near 750+ on each
  2. parachutist
    We've been replacing the drogue lower sections when they're worn... however in this case it's the webbing loop on main D-bag (the loop that the rapide link connects to) that's getting damaged. I'll try to post a photo later.
  3. parachutist
    I have several Sigmas here showing similar wear on main D-bag: At the loop where a rapide link connects the drogue to the bag. The link is wearing through the edges of the webbing loop. Does anyone know of a way to prevent this wear in the first place? Is there a way to reinforce the already-damaged webbing so they won't get worn further? I did try calling UPT.. rigging loft vm is full. Sent e-mail a few mins ago, but I figured ask here too. Chris
  4. parachutist
    The photo gallery provides some real-world reference, showing differernces among the models. They all look fun... I'd like to be in those photos experiencing the differences. There's just not enough time!
  5. parachutist
    I love this picture from the new page. http://www.tonywingsuits.com/images/escapesleeve.jpg Possible caption "In case of decapitation, the escape sleeve allows one to reach for the severed melon"
  6. parachutist
    Looking at the origin of the wingsuit, it's simply a human adaptation of the flying squirrel's form. Wuffos may be clueless about skydiving, but they know exactly what they're seeing when they watch a wingsuit: "It's a flying squirrel suit!" Why confuse the issue unnecessarily? Call it what it is. Sure we add ram air functionality and airlocks, but these just spruce up the squirrel suit a bit. We have the same goal with our wingsuits: generating lift by moving forward, air moving over spans of fabric (or skin in the squirrel's case).
  7. parachutist
    FYI: At the 83% page in this questionnaire, "Very True" is on the left and "Very False" is on the right. I'm surprised I noticed that because I'd become accustomed to positives such as "Strongly Agree" always being on the right side in this survey. I think it's safe to say you'll get a lot of incorrect answers on that page because some people will be thinking True is on the right as seems logical.
  8. parachutist
    Here's a sample of what I've been getting out of my HD Hero glove: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6u7J_i2FZNc I haven't seen a handcam image from a CX100 that I feel matches the quality of the image from a HD Hero. The wide lenses for CX100s are ok in the middle, but fuzzy to the outside of the frame, with a fisheye ring around the image. So far this HD Hero cam has about 150 jumps on it, passed around to 8 different jumpers over the last 2 months, always mounted to a glove. We haven't had any issues with it yet (knocking on wood). The only annoyance I've found is the inaccuracy of the batt indicator. It'll appear fully charged when you pick it up, then die several minutes later. As long as I charge it after a few jumps it's ok... just don't trust the indicator
  9. parachutist
    Now that I did not know! What about Oquirhh??? It's pronounced like Ogre, except with a K instead of a G... so "Ohker"
  10. parachutist
    Working with my HD Hero glove. Thanks to Josh Eckl for shooting these photos... it was a gorgeous day Chris
  11. parachutist
    In that case you have a few options. If you were wanting to do more than one at a time for bulk speed then you'd be limited to Sony Vegas. I'd still choose Vegas, probably the Studio edition for you because it's pretty cheap and still has lots of bells & whitsles, and it's compatible with every video format I've thrown at it. However some people like Premiere, or other apps... maybe they can chime in. Chris
  12. parachutist
    See attached image. It has explanations of what I've been seeing. Chris
  13. parachutist
    Is each videographer going to edit his own footage, or do you plan to have a full time editor who does them all?
  14. parachutist
    Of course you can. However if they'd try just a little bit, the manufacturer could close off the current snag point in question. It's evolution. Should the manuf wait til someone does kick the bucket because of this exposed RSL lanyard? I dont know about anybody else's ,but my skyhook is not exposed at all on the back. Can you post a pic or a better description of the exposed part? Sure, after I repack the one we're discussing, I'll post some photos (either tonight or tomorrow). Chris
  15. parachutist
    Of course you can. However if they'd try just a little bit, the manufacturer could close off the current snag point in question. It's evolution. Should the manuf wait til someone does kick the bucket because of this exposed RSL lanyard?
  16. parachutist
    Almost all modern rigs have their reserve cables covered protected so they won't get snagged. This is why they run through hard cable housings, and why that cable housing ends beneath a flap to cover the cable. The only place that most reserve cables are exposed is where the reserve handle is stowed on front of the rig (as long as reserve pin cover flap stays in place).
  17. parachutist
    Today we were riding in the Caravan to altitude and when moving toward the door, one tandem student freaked out and stood up, thrusting the TI into the ceiling as they moved to the door. There is an air vent in the ceiling, with a 1" long shaft which an on/off air flow knob used to cover. That 1" shaft pointing straight down was enough to catch the skyhook RSL and pull the pin. Out fell the reserve PC into the floor. Thankfully the TI immediately pulled the door shut and the plane landed without incident. It would be a great idea for UPT to cover this known hazard on their rigs. The Sigma is a great system, but as someone said to me earlier today, it does have this Achilles heel. Chris
  18. parachutist
    I've had good experiences with their e-mail contact... it usually takes 3-4 business days to get an initial reply though
  19. parachutist
    Actually I videoed the exit to which you're referring, from inside the aircraft. The instructor's shoulder was slammed into the side of the door as the student simply released his grip on the aircraft, instead of launching. So in effect the instructor was mostly inside the plane, his shoulder hit the door wall, and his body pivoted hard around that door wall. There was no hotel check, no up-down-arch count... the instructor was setting up for exit and the student just released. Now it can be argued that you should always be ready for whatever the student may do, and be ready to push out of the plane at any time, but this was a fast exit and impact, and it would have been difficult for anyone to be ready for that. btw, the instructor was very reluctant to release... it took dislocation of his shoulder before he let the student go.
  20. parachutist
    I have an older Singer model 89-26, and I've been having similar experiences. It works great bartacking all lines and most fabrics... until I get to 1000 lb Dacron fingertrapped back into itself. In that case there will be a bee's nest of thread on bottom side of the bartack after the cycle has completed.... unless I make the top thread tight enough that it's getting a little damaged as it feeds through. Chris
  21. parachutist
    Can you elaborate on this part? And where's the pics? :) I thnk this is what he is talking about... http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=690989920&ref=name#!/photo.php?pid=2917647&op=1&o=global&view=global&subj=194427988323&id=747289530 then http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=690989920&ref=name#!/photo.php?pid=2917648&op=1&o=global&view=global&subj=194427988323&id=747289530&fbid=185483884530 Just a guess though.. Scott C. I like that retracting idea. I've seen enough tails that got worn badly in the middle from dragging while walking.
  22. parachutist
    Can you elaborate on this part? And where's the pics? :)
  23. parachutist
    Aspect ratio is one factor that will affect how the canopy flies with an unconscious jumper. For a very square (low aspect ratio) reserve, if the passenger is slumped to one side the canopy will have less of a tendency to start spiraling in hard than if it were a high aspect ratio canopy. So I'd probly go with the lowest aspect ratio canopy if unconsious scenario is your concern. I just checked Paratec's page & didn't find AR listed, PD however lists it as 2.1:1 for the PDR 176: http://www.performancedesigns.com/products.asp?product=pr And of course wing loading plays a role too. The bigger the canopy, the better, would be a general rule I'd use for unconscious jumper.
  24. parachutist
    Nice stuff :)
  25. parachutist
    I bet you're having an issue with the little trigger inside the card socket that detects whether or not the lock switch is engaged. I don't have my cam here, so i can't confirm, but I believe it's a little piece of metal in there that likely got pushed out of place. You can probly fix it quickly with a tiny screwdriver and a good light source. 'luck