krkeenan

I had the freakiest thing today. Tracking off after a small RW jump @ Sebastian, I was just pulling out my PC after waving off at 2500', and I dropped past a very large bird that was about 25-30 ft. away. The bird was obviously trying to avoid me, as he was contorted in a wild position, that I think was a diving right turn. I picked up the motion about 30 degrees below the horizon, and off to my right. It scared the shit out of me, because at first, I thought of another jumper. But we were first out, with nothing but tandems behind us, and I was positive everyone in my group was begind me. About the time it passed my level (approx. 1 nanosec.) I realized it was a brown and white bird, and I was going to miss it. We have some big Turkey Buzzards around this part of Fla., and I think that's what it was. Anyway, it was gone in a fraction of a sec., and my PC was out by then. I started laughing as the main opened. You have to rely on the "big sky" theory, which says that says, "I am a small object in a big sky, so chances are small that I will hit another object." However, I know that if I had hit that fucker, we both would have been toast. Oh well, danger is our business... Kevin K. ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

This is very excellent. Marcus has reworked this from an ad that he did in Skydiving a while back. It's brilliant. When it appeared in the magazine, lots of people swallowed the line and wrote letters about how this thing could possibly work. National Lampoon calibre. Kevin ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Damn !! That was one hell of a jump story. Thanks. Kevin K. ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

For those unfortunate souls who missed it, the CRW camp at Skydive Carolina, in Chester SC, was a great success. This is a really nice DZ, with a staff who worked very hard to make the event run smoothly and make sure everyone had a good time. The old SC state CRW formation record of 13 was shattered several times, the final formation of the camp setting the new record with a beautifully-flying 30-way.

Well, they are talking about ways to add drag to the outside corners... Maybe the pilot could remotely fire off the ones that are needed Kevin K. ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

My preference is to wear one. My rationale is that, small as the possibility may be, it is possible to be rendered incapable of pulling during the short period of freefall involved in CRW. That "one guy who hit his head" was Brad Foster. He was a good guy and a hell of a CRWDog. For him, on that day, the possibilities were 100%. Are we all good enough to have that never happen ?? We certainly know how to find out, don't we. In the case of the wrap scenario, I don't think there has been a case of an activation on a CRW jump. My opinion is that if you are in a situation where the activation criteria are met in altitude and vertical rate (i.e. really low and hauling ass) adding nylon can't hurt, and there are very few practical alternatives left at that point. Having said all that, I feel that the choice should be individual, not legislated. I don't preach the use of AADs in CRW, but if asked, I will give my opinion. While I don't need it, (and would never advocate rule-breaking) I really liked the idea of using the cut-off CYPRES head to deal with beaurocratic DZ rules. Kevin K. ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

With all due respect, Doc, my opinion is that you should pack it into the nearest dumpster and call for immediate pick-up. I realize that was not a constructive suggestion, but I try to not miss an opportinity to express my opinion on that particular piece of gear. I'm sure that you will get some real advise from folks on the group who love that canopy, and can tell you plenty of useful info about it. Kevin K. ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Blue Skies - Black Death !!

That was an old Twilight Zone. kevin ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

My experience and information indicates higher deployment speed = faster opening. Whoever said that sub-terminal deployments give faster openings was incorrect. Kevin K. ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

This is sad news. Sam was known all over Florida as a very heads-up AFF instructor and Tandem Master. I only got to know him a few years ago on a 16-way team at DeLand. He was a good flyer and a great guy to jump with. I know all of those folks will miss him as well. It was good jumping with you, Sam. Kevin Keenan ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

If the DZ is renting out such crappy gear, they are really leaving themselves open to legal action. Sure, the ultimate responsibility for checking the equipment lies with the jumper, but the fact is that most people who rent gear are apt to be low-timers. It seems that the DZ has an "ethical" responsibility to give them something that won't kill them. This brings to mind the adjustable Javelin. These harnesses have killed two students so far. Sunpath issued a grounding order for all of them until they could be inspected - but the inspection is by the owner and mostly meant to cover Sunpath. How many of those rigs are in use in marginal condition? Kevin ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Hey Billy, Glad to see you are finding your way around after so long. It looks like there are a lot of old Spacelanders here. And lots of good stories. Kevin Keenan SCR 3022 ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

>>Passed on from Jimbo

To those concerned about the Lk. Wales Twin Otter, that had a run-in with Hurricane Charley. I'm pleased to report that the fine craftsmen at Carolina Sky Sports had it ready to fly on Saturday morning, and flew jumpers all weekend. It seems that "FrankenOtter" will always deserve its name, since it now has a nice red tail and some freshly painted patches on the wings. kevin ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Come to the Richmond Boogie. There will be CRW happening there. kevin k. ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Yeah, probably. kevin ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Be careful what you say, too: "If sucking's what you want, keep me here." ;) That quote has been taken badly out of context. I was trapped and manipulated into making that statement. kevin ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

I think it's a stretch to call this a reputable forum, but that just goes to show you, be careful what you write down, you never know where you'll see it again... kevin k. ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

It was definitely a fun (and scary) experience. I was also rather far back, but had a good visual on the formation right after opening. By the time I got there, there were only a few people maneuvering around on my side, so traffic wasn't too bad. Once in the formation, the anxiety level was pretty low, since it was flying so nice. I think everyone was on their very best behavior. I remember thinking that this was the only time on the whole jump when we all knew exactly where each other were. After breakoff, I was really concerned about the DZ location. I followed a few people who looked like they might know where they were going, but I didn't pick up the DZ visually until about 1500'. I tell people that occasionally CRW reminds you of how scared you were on your first jump. That keeps it exciting. Too bad about the photo support. The sad thing is that it could have been fixed with the right amount of planning. All in all, it was a great jump to highlight a really fine weekend. It's always great to jump with the West-Coasters. Thanks to all for an awesome time.

Since you are approaching this so technically, it should be noted that the system is more complex. Only that part of the ripcord assy. hanging "down" will be accellerated in a direction that will try to pull the pin. If you are oriented "feet-to-earth" during most of the accelleration, then the part of the ripcord that goes over your shoulder and down to the pin will be pulled down, counteracting the force from the handle end. Of course, there is much less mass on the end without the handle. Then, there's the section that actually passes over the shoulder. that part will be accellerated down against the inside of the housing, causing more drag against any movement. The whole system works in accord with F=ma, but all the different directions make it complicated. Time to call J. Kallend... kevin ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Errr, ummm, it starts Thursday the 29th. C'ya there. Yeah. That's what I meant. I guess my calendar was upside down... kevin ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Well, we're off this week to Perris Valley. CRWDogs from all points will be converging for what will probably be the biggest gathering of the year. With CRWDogs spread so far and thin, you have to draw from a lot of places to get more than a few. I think there are over 50 signed up for this boogie so far. It will be great to see all of the old friends and do some high-quality flying. In addition to being able to showcase their skills to the selection Committee for the 2005 World Record attempt, participants will be working on a new Calif. State record CRW formation (currently 46), and maybe a new World Night CRW record. All in all, I'd say it's going to be one hell of a fine weekend of Canopy Formation flying.

Well, we're off this week to Perris Valley. CRWDogs from all points will be converging for what will probably be the biggest gathering of the year. With CRWDogs spread so far and thin, you have to draw from a lot of places to get more than a few. I think there are over 50 signed up for this boogie so far. It will be great to see all of the old friends and do some high-quality flying. In addition to being able to showcase their skills to the selection Committee for the 2005 World Record attempt, participants will be working on a new Calif. State record CRW formation (currently 46), and maybe a new World Night CRW record. All in all, I'd say it's going to be one hell of a fine weekend of Canopy Formation flying.

Don't be fooled. Bubbles pulls right out the door so that she can put off landing as long as possible. kevin ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...