Gravitymaster

there is no increased risk. I've heard it all, ants in reserve container, coke spilled. As a rigger you have no controll over what happens to the rig when it leaves the loft. We know that 6 months is safe because everyone else has been using it. A yearly repack with a external inspections every 4 months like pd asked for would be even better. Less wear on the canopy and would help keep jumpers jumping. The latest position I have heard from PIA is they generally are in favor, but are still not ready to give a blanket endorsement to the 180 day repack cycle. Thats why I said the jury is still out. http://www.pia.com/piapubs/pia180_2.pdf I am unaware if they have officially changed their position since this publication. Does anyone else have any additional info? Bob

One of the most common mistakes made hooking up a main is installing it backwards. Be very careful and have it checked by someone knowledgable before you pack it.

I hear you complain a lot John, but I never hear you offer any suggestions. How about telling us what President John Kallend would do differently in this situation. I'm sure there are many here who would like to know. Here's your opportunity to shine, John.

My concern with this set-up is a potential problem with how tight the container is when you close it. Is it so loose the main pin could slip out? When you close the container and insert the pin, try pushing on the flaps to see if this is possible. I would strongly urge you to have a competent rigger look at this and advise you before you jump it again.

Aerodynes got the pack volume listed at 420 ci. Not a good match-up to the container. Can you get a refund on either?

The reason I listed the steps I would take in the order i did is because I am pretty sure the problem lies in the canopy/container/D-bag match. Assuming that isn't the problem (which it probably is) I would then check the riser lenghth because it is remotely possible, not knowing the history of the container, that someone with very short arms could have installed short risers and 7mm Rapide links they purchased at Home Depot. I was just suggesting this "IF" the container/main/D-bag were compatable.

It's really not a matter of inspection quality, it's a rigger's quality of life issue. Fewer repacks=less $$ at the same price. Raise the price and they can still afford to eat. (barely) I would be willing to pay more just for the reduction in hassle. E Agreed. Repack prices have stayed fairly stable for the past few years while incomes in most other professions and expenses have gone up. Look at how much canopy prices have increased just in the past 3-4 years. Longer repack cycles benefit the rigger and the jumper as long as it can be shown there is no increased risks involved in extending the cycle. I think the jury is still out on that aspect though.

I don't remember what the recommended pack volume for the main tray is on an older Vector 2-V8, but I would start by calling Relative Workshop and finding out. Then find out what the pack volume is on the Triathlon. Are they compatable? You will also need to factor in what type of lines you have. Is the D-bag the same one that came with the container or is it by AR or another manufacturer? If so, is it the proper size for the canopy? If the main, container and D-bag are within the recommended specs, then I would take a look at the riser length and Rapide link size.

In what way would the inspections be closer than they are now?

Neither did your reasoning that the protester weren't able to fit anti-Saddam tags on their signs. and: One might also ask if thats the best you can do.

Hey Bill... I found pictures of a few protesters who were able to "squeeze........." their message on a sign. Why do you think so many of the "Peace Marchers" had a problem doing this? Perhaps it's difficult when you are only allowed to play with crayons?

That was one guy who really knew "what it's all about.

Careful Kallend. If Bush is the rabid mad dog 'You' think he is, he may read your list and decide to act on it.

I think a more honest evaluation would be that it was really about American dominance in the world rather than "it wouldn't fit on a sign". A sign that said Saddam Disarm NOW For Peace would fit on most signs I saw.

You missed a few signs, then. I saw half a dozen that said "enforce inspections, don't drop bombs", "disarm iraqis, don't dismember them" etc. at the march in San Diego.*** QuoteI gathered by your previous comment on this issue that there were more than half a dozen signs of this type. Why do you think there is such an overwhelming majority of people who protest against a war with Iraq and so few who see an equally large component of a peaceful solution being Iraqi compliance with 1441?

View what?

How many of the "peace marchers" did you see who were demanding Saddam Hussein disarm and get rid of his WMD, stop torturing his people, and respect womens rights? Just wondering.......

What I get tired of is people like John who come to this country to take advantage of what we have built and then bashing our President, the American people, and much of what we stand for. Then lecturing us about patriotism. John has been in this country for over 10 years sucking on the American nipple and very seldom does he have anything positive to say about America or the American People. He apparently has a certain degree of guilt about living here which is why he refuses to answer questions about it. Yes, I think there is a difference in what is Patriotic in different countries around the world. I think some countries are more beloved by there people than others. You think what is Patriotism in N. Korea is the same as it is in Canada?

You aren't a native born American, are you, John? How long have you been a naturalized citizen? I would guess quite a while since you feel qualified to lecture us on patriotism. John, I believe this is the second time in so many days you have confused me with someone else. I haven't made a single statement on this thread or any other, regarding Patriotism up to this point. I haven't said what I thought it is, declared whether I was or wasn't, criticized anyone who said they were or weren't, or made a single comment regarding Patriotism. Your question to me and the obvious defensivness of your answer is not only out of line but unresponsive. If you and I were discussing something skydiving related, I don't think it's out of line to ask about your experience. Therefore, don't think it's out of line to ask where your base of knowledge regarding Patriotism comes from. Patriotism isn't something you read about in books. It isn't something you understand by debating. Short answer is its something you feel in your heart. If you have been in this country for some time and haven't applied for citizenship, I think it's important to the have that information on the table. It is germain to this discussion and helps give the reader some insight as to what your life experience has been and whether or not you truely understand the emotionality of being a Patriot. A Patriot loves their country and is willing to die for it. If you don't feel that way, then you really have no idea what Patriotism is and explaining it is like explaining skydiving to a whuffo. So are you a citizen or aren't you? If not, why not?

You aren't a native born American, are you, John? How long have you been a naturalized citizen? I would guess quite a while since you feel qualified to lecture us on patriotism.

Just about any online gear store sells them. Just pick your favorite.

Please paste the specific post I made that you felt required you to tell me this. You also need to check your attitude.

Better traction Heard that brother. Satin sheets are supposed to be so sexy, but damn they're a pain. Talk about a traction problem. Yup, I almost broke an arm when I lost traction and shot across my king size and crash landed on the floor.

And you are telling me this because ???????????//

http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/37a/032.html Here's one from Amnesty International pleading with South Africa not to supply the Rwandan Military with many of the weapons they used to massacare 500,000 people.