Beerlight

No, not everything is bad news. I just finalized my plans to go to Eloy! That's good!

I think "larsrulz" hit the nail on the head with his assessment. And don't knock being a jump pilot, I logged over 2000+ hrs flying jumpers, although I would never consider myself a "professional" pilot. ie., I did it for the fun man, plus I like my day job.... Jump flying (in the right equipment) offers one of the quickest time building methods out there. And watch out for those fly by night freight companies! Good luck!!

It would be nice if you filled out your profile.... And this is General Skydiving Discussions.

Oh shit, your right... Oh wait, your not Clay....

True...true..... Wendy, that's gotta be one of the best post I've read yet Buck RTF: STS-114

I "heard" there were some high-speed exits at 175' during Grenada ops........?

I used to have a "TROLLING" motor on my boat, now i use a paddle..... Go to Bonfire amigo..

Did you "chicken" out before you arrived at the DZ, at the DZ, or while in the door of the plane? If it's the first or second, you need to try the third before making any longterm definitive assessments about skydiving.... Suck it up and jump! you might love it.....

Their taking your money. Ask all the questions you wish. If they don't like it, walk and find another DZ... Good luck....

And even then it doesn't always work out right. An uncle of mine flew a B17 during WWII, mostly from altitudes ranging from 22K to 30K feet. On his 25th mission he was shot down over Poland and he and his crew bailed out from 24K. By his account he passed out then awoke somewhere around 10K. He deployed his seat pack, landed safely, was captured, and spent the last 9 months of the war at Stalag Luft I on the Baltic coast. His co-pilot wasn't so lucky. Uncle Jack says his chute failed. I'm guessing he never woke in time to pull. Mind you, this wasn't an average (or even not so average) skydive. Bob When I do work at higher altitudes I wear this. Hooked to an O2 console on the way up and Twin 53's (bailout bottles) on the way down. Sparky heeheehee....very nice! that's a good lookin HGU-26/P? I had one but now wear a 55/P lightweight with a MBU-12/P mask also. Buck

Hey Sparky, that would be hard to determine. Individual tolerance really. Most nasal cannulas are not tight fitting enough to prevent air from entering your body along with the 100% O2. New on the market, is a nasal cannula that is tight fitting and provides positive pressure on demand. But, I'm thinking it's not feasible for most DZ operators or necessary on jumps below 18K msl. Did that answer your question? Buck RTF: STS-114

True Bill... There is supersaturation. As an example. One day I was breathing 100% O2 for about 4 hours straight at 25,000 feet. Decided to see how long I could hold my breathe. (Now my normal sea level ambient air breathhold is about 1 min 30 sec.) That day, due to supersat, 3 minutes easy... There ya go...

Bwahaa! Try to tell a jumper NO Alcohol..!!!

I'd like to add to my original comments. Your body cannot "store" oxygen. If you don't think so, then hold your breathe. After one minute on average, you need to breathe again and therefore theory proven......(However, you can store the hell outta nitrogen) and a whole separate story there... Staying relaxed on the ride to jump altitude (lowered metabolic rate) will aid in warding off some of the symptoms of hypoxia. Also it's recommended: - Using supplemental oxygen when available. - Staying physically fit. - Not smoking/dip 4 to 6 hours prior to flight. - Reduced alchohol intake prior to flight. - Staying hydrated and fed. - Remaining out of the exhaust (more of a problem with turbine a/c). - Plenty of sex..

Deep slow breathing? maybe not... It's really all about oxygen transfer at the aveolar level. ie. The law of gaseous diffusion. You can breathe slowly and deeply all you want, but if the pressure across the fence is higher than what's in your lungs, ineffective transfer will occur. At least a reduced transfer. Trying to artificially increase lung pressure via a muscle contraction will not be effective either. To few oxygen molecules to compress and you can't hold the contraction long enough to be effective anyway. (It's actually counterproductive) Your useful conciousness time will be reduced due to increased metabolic function from the muscle contraction. ie., your burning oxygen to increase oxygen transfer? Tom Buck hit the nail on the head. Stay out of the exhaust fumes of turbine and recip engines (yea right) and Hypemic Hypoxia will be lessened. No smoking prior to unpressurized flight, no booze 12 hours prior to jump, staying hydrated, fed, plenty of sex, and it all equates to a better tolerance to reduce partial pressure of oxygen at altitude. RTF-- STS 114........

Not as a contractor - that's where your workers comp comes in. True...true.

Got it thanks. Yeah the house owner will not fix the issues. That was quite clear that he bought this house as an investment. He was asking 96k for it, so I offered 93k. I think I have almost no chance since there was another offer made the day before....Any rate I will know tonight. I figure for 3 grand I can get some skydivers, paint and beer and get the inside rooms painted. I have a friend that told me whould get carpet and have it in in less than 4 hours and it would not cost much at all. The dishwasher....Well it will take longer, but Ialways have Joy and my two hands till I get that done... Of course all of this is mute if he rejects my offer...Which could very well happen in this houseing market... Im tellin ya, I have seen houses gone in 2 days. My only real hope is that he knows my VA backed loan will go through since this house was under contract and the financing fell through. I'm offering 3 to 4% lower than the asking price. Our home cost around Houston (at least the ones I'm looking at) are on a decline. I'm seeing homes here on the market for almost a year. Good luck....

I totally agree with you. And the VA is looking out for the VA and not for the homebuyer! Pay the extra bucks for a good inspection and the lawyer Ron.....!!

on your way out of your bosses office, you trip on the door jam, and grab your back in pain all the while yelling obscenities... (I believe this would be where workers compensation comes in)

Ron, Veterans advantage on taxes. Yep. You'll need to take your disability documentation to your tax appraisal office and show them. (I'm guessing this is US wide?), and not Texas specific. Your mortgage company will need your veterans (I forget the document #), that will eliminate the VA origination fee. And on those home repairs, have that written into the contract! and they might repair them instead of yourself!! Ask for them to pay closing, ask for the freakin moon... Read everything. Sign nothing unless you are fully aware. Also, the contract should state that the VA must approve home before you will buy, and you will only purchase upon a satisfactory rating by an inspector of your choosing. All in writing. Do not take a verbal on anything. Personally, I would consult a real estate lawyer and let them look over any documention before you go to closing..... Good luck amigo..... Buck

Maybe my eyes deceived me Laurel, but.....but.....but while you were bent over...i swear your ass crack was...a...displayed?? Not the proverbial plumber ass crack, but a crack nevertheless...... BTW, nice show, you look great!

You can pay the VA funding fee separately, thereby avoiding inclusion in your loan. Also, if you put money down on a VA loan, it reduces the VA funding fee. See www.va.gov for more.. And when the VA inspector goes out to inspect your potential purchase, DO NOT think he/she is there to protect "your" interest. They are only checking the appraisal on the home before the money is lent. Do you have veteran's disability? If so, your taxes can be reduced considerably. Also, the VA will not charge you the funding fee. If your mortgage lender (consult at least 3 before going with anyone), gives you a rate lock, have them fax the rate lock form to you all signed. Verbal agreements don't mean shit...... cnn.com finance area has tons of good info on purchasing a home. I'm in my 4th month of house hunting in Houston. And also a veteran...... Cheers, Buck

I never post anymore, but I have to make a small exception for this thread. I agree with your "minimalistic" lifestyle. I too live that way..., although with a job. But turning down $200K per year? Not saying you should, but maybe work two or three years, put some cash away and/or give some to charity? From all the talk, social security will be virtually non-existant in the coming years.... I work, I play, but I save too. Buck

Can you explain why you think it's an "outer" versus a "middle" or "inner" ear infection? B2

Cool beans..!! I knew most of the crew at the Edwards unit, (and I'm curious to who that was!) and it's a shame they closed it. Oh, and I forgot, it's currently $50 (non-refundable), if anyone wants to go through a military altitude chamber (which I highly recommend).. Here in Houston, we give the training for free, although we have stopped civilian training temporarily until we work out some "new" red tape with the FAA... cheers everyone, Buck