Beerlight

ok, that site screwed up the Farenheit lapse rate. Should be 2C for every 1000 feet.....or 3.6F for every 1000 ft..... So, I'm watching this Country, yes country (CMT) video right now and their's a redhead singing, and a guys walking to a plane with a rig, and it shows a Caravan taxiing in the background..... Kelly Willis is the singers name.......hmmmph

You f****s! I gotta work today. Your tax dollars at work. But, I'm still going "COMMANDO" to work..... Do I wrap to the left or right today...hmmm...

we did it at the DZ one year. It was eerily accurate...

Dang, ya gotta luv Google........ Mathematics Determining Cloud Height: While this admittedly is a science lesson, it incorporates a lot of math, too. It is a method for determining approximately how high the bases of clouds are overhead by determining the dew point (temperature at which water condenses out of the air), and combining it with what meteorologist call the adiabatic lapse rate (the decrease in temperature that occurs with increase in altitude). As air rises, it cools. When a parcel of air has risen high enough to cool to the dew point, clouds form. This activity will determine the approximate altitude at which the dew point is achieved. First, find the dew point of the air outdoors. This can be done by using a glass jar or tumbler partially filled with water. Using a celsius thermometer to measure the water temperature, then slowly add ice cubes to the water, stirring gently. The moment that condensation forms on the outside of the glass, read the thermometer. This reading will approximate the dew point. Now use a dry thermometer to find the current air temperature. Unsaturated (dry) air cools at a fairly standard rate as it rises. That rate is a decrease of 10? Celsius for every 1000 meters of ascent (5.5? Fahrenheit for every 100 feet, if you don’t want to attempt Metric). Thus you can calculate the approximate cloud base height by using the formula: air temperature ºC – dew point ºC 10º C x 1000 m =approximate cloud base height This is a great example of "real" problem solving!

Also I do the water in a glass, dew point thingy....pretty accurate in determining the base of clouds in the summer........

I remember Mullins' pilot controlled door in his old Helio Stallion......he used a long stick with a hook

http://aviationweather.gov/ http://www.noaa.gov

Thanks for the idea. Think I'll go "Commando" today at work........

- Belts for 17 skydivers - Pilot-controled jump door (Wonder how?) Isn't that just a lexan door? Buck

Just some news off AOPA site today..... wonder which DZ's will be purchasing. NEW ZEALAND TURBOPROP GETS FAA NOD A new single-engine turboprop has entered the U.S. market. Pacific Aerospace Corp. of Hamilton, New Zealand, has received an FAA type certificate for the PAC 750 XL. The airplane is powered by a 750-horsepower Pratt & Whitney PT6-34 engine and has a useful load of 4,400 pounds. The company plans to deliver its first U.S. aircraft in June. http://www.utilityaircraft.com/

Ok, I totally change my mind. What VectorBoy said. Definitely some "airbatic" time! This would put a grin on your boys face...

Handheld Radio = Backup You wanna reply to me again, do it in a PM.......

For his Instrument: A. Get a quality handheld radio. A MUST in the IFR environment. - ICOM IC-A23 Nav/Com Transceiver -- Price: About $400 If he doesn't need the nav feature, it'll be $100 cheaper.....I'd get it though. B. A quality, less expensive one is Sporty's SP-200 NAV/COM transceiver - (price $299) C. Handheld GPS (with aviation database) - Lowrance 500 Airmap (it's very nice, easy to use)...(approx. $499) Check with Sportys.com....their prices are a little higher, but they warranty the shit out of their products and back everything 100%. For me a present that is useful would be best. But I'm older..For him? Looks like he has most of other items already. CASH is always great..... Congrats to him! Buck

So you understand how important that first "hello" can be.... In between flying loads, on an occasional pee break, I would find the "lost" people and introduce myself, if manifest or DZO hadn't. Some just wanted to watch, others became customers.

I respectfully disagree with you. But, I see where your coming from.

Jeff, Mary Weber is no longer on the active astronaut roster. She's now the Associate VP, Southwest Medical Center in Dallas, TX.....She flew on STS-70 and her last flight STS-101......not sure if she is still actively jumping. Mike Bloomfield is still an active astronaut. He flew on STS-97 and 110..... If I see him, you want me to say hi........ Buck

I would love to come by. But oops, I'm stuck in Houston. I just flew near Coolidge a last year ferrying a plane from Vegas back to Houston. Should've stopped by..... maybe next time.

So I take it that you haven't been flying jump planes long? If that's the case, who explained how to spot to you? And last, this isn't the place to flame a DZ bro........ over,

And for any of you pilots that are flying for free: STOP........ Your hard earned ratings require compensation. Although it will not be much.....! But, the more pilots that fly for free, will ultimately reduce compensation for all......... You wanna build flying hours for free, go fly banners.... Buck

Once again I agree with Napaguy99. Scenario: A would-be student approaches a DZ. They've been thinking of jumping, but just aren't quite sure yet. Then a regular walks over, intro's, shakes hands and makes that person feel comfortable. Man, that can go a longggg way with introducing a new person to this sport...... New jumpers add to jump plane slots being filled. Jump plan slots being filled adds to DZO pocket. In the long run, this can do a lot with keeping jump ticket prices DOWN.......... It's a big circle...... So, jump up and introduce yourself and flash a big smile.... Come to think of it, there are a few DZ's in Texas that could use a little warmer hospitality.........

Tink, isn't it "Coolidge" or have I been incorrect all these years???? Buck

Ha, you caught that huh! Glad it's still up....... Buck

Hey, no problem. After reading what I wrote, I was confused!

I sometimes wear ear plugs on the ride to altitude (which I remove before exit) believing that I'm protecting my ears from excessive noise. Are you saying that this will lead to loss of hearing? What is your reasoning? The gum method used to work for me when I first started jumping and was suffering. I found after about 60 or so jumps that it was no longer an issue. Wear earplugs anytime your exposed to noise!!! Short term exposure to high ambient noise will result in loss of hearing. Long term exposure to even low ambient noise will eventually result in loss of hearing. Basically, being around/in jump planes (some planes are quieter than others!), you risk the chance of ruining your hearing. Earplugs are a cheap alternative. But they must be worn correctly. Sounds funny, but most people do not insert the plugs correctly. Ever get down from a jump with ringing ears? If so, you've had some damage to your hearing.... ---- And some people can clear there ears/sinuses with no problems while others have issues.... Hope this helps, if not feel free to PM me.... Buck

I would caution against taking ANY medication before a jump. This goes for those with sinus problems and those without. However, if you are already having sinus problems, tainting your blood could be quite detrimental. You would like to be 100% pure when you go up to altitude and decrease your oxygen, pump a bunch of adrenaline in your body and then try to make a skydive. The valsalva method, or "equilising" is only for the ride down. It is not to be used on the ride up to altitude. Instead, try the aforementioned gum chewing, yawning or other methods. Just be sure to spit out or swallow your gum before jump run . I started jumping with a Pro-Tec - a helmet that has open ear slots. I never had an issue with my sinuses when I jumped that. I recently bought a Mindwarp. This helmet has closed ear slots and is quite a snug fit on my skull. Since I started jumping the Mindwarp I have had ear popping problems under canopy, but nothing that couldnt be easily resolved. If you are not currently jumping a helmet that allows your ears to "breath" I would suggest checking in to one. Best of Luck! Napaguy99 was the most accurate on this issue. I am fully qualified to discuss this issue. A. DO NOT jump with a perforated eardrum. I can't believe your doctor (evidently someone not qualified to discuss flying issues) would say it's OK to have pressure changes across a perforated eardrum. B. DO NOT valsalva on ascent. ONLY on descent. (A lot of people get this one wrong.) Pressure in the middle ear will automatically equalize during ascent. Gum chewing good, valsalva bad. If you would like further clarification, please PM me. For all others, do not jump with a cold, wear earplugs or you will be deaf in a few short years. And pull your snug helmets away from your ears after the canopy is open..... cheers, Buck