NovaTTT

Thanks for the replies. In response: I'm going to use this mainly for lines and ligh/medium work such as PC bridles. I don't know if it's suitable for heavy work although I know it is not suitable for very light work. She said the walking foot ate the hell out of some material she was working on (garment alterations) so she hasn't used it in a few years. It must be a 99R because she said it is reversible. The only "downside" is the motor won't last but I've already found a servo for $125 so that's actually an improvement. Asking only $250 for a working machine so I'm happy with the price - and she's going to throw in an old straight stitch machine (head only). Even with the new servo motor it's a great price. From what I'm hearing it's a reasonably suitable machine. Terry, what issues are you wary of with the presser foot lift? My only experience is with and old Singer 20u and a Consew 3115RB. Both were fine so I don't have any experience with messed up lifters. Cheers! Nova "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Anyone using or used a Consew 99 for ZZ work? Pros, cons, thoughts? Thanks. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Right . . . and your point is??? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yB7J7DYi6M "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

I think you're just resorting to polemics, Nicholas. I strongly disagree with you that being knocked out in-air is preventable. Sandy and Tommy are the best examples of this. And there are other incapacitating events which could result in an AAD fire: heart attack, stroke, joint or limb injury are examples. But these are not necessarily preventable issues. We manage risks and prepare ourselves but I suppose the only thing that is 100% preventable is the jump. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

http://www.pownetwork.org/ "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Very, very sad news. The sport in general and AFF in specific has lost a great contributor, jumper and friend. Deepest condolences to friends and family. Blue Skies, Rick "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Hi, Ruthers. I'd like to point out that it doesn't matter whose loop material is being used if a cutter has edges that are wearing the closing loop! The material isn't the problem! The rigger who signs and seals the packjob is indicating that when the rig leaves the loft it is airworthy. During the I&R grommets, pins, stitching, webbing - the entire TSO'd system - is inspected and corrective measures taken if needed. That's why we make the big bucks. Edit: I see you're in NZ, Ruthers - my comments are made in regard to US/FAA rated riggers. I don't know the standards of your country. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Take your AFF course and enjoy it -you'll learn everything you need to know there. But when you buy your first parachute make for sure it's an OVERHEAD model!!! Those UNDERNEATH models are difficult to land - only for experts!!!! "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Yes. Lesson: Carry your own water. Reality: Sometimes that's a real pain in the ass! "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

In my opinion it is completely unneccessary to discuss your matter without identifying the AAD. In that light, your comments about the mfg being uncommunicative are irrelevant. It is relevent to buyers and users of AADs to know if the loft firing is part of a trend or was it a rogue situation; what caused the AAD to fire? Was it a true fire or was it a partiallly cut closing loop that failed at that time? It is relevant to the AAD discussion to identify them so those who are in the market for an AAD or are considering a different AAD will have the ability to consider the company's attitude toward service and openness. We also rely on other riggers to be forthright and upfront. This is not a matter of AAD vs AAD; this is a matter of corporate trust which buyers and users will probably want to know about. That trust involves the basic premise the device will perform as advertised. Customer service and openness are important to individuals who are going to pop $1k+ for a small electronic safety device. .02 "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Thank you for your reply - comprehensive and to the points. Do you have letters from AAD and/or Vigil USA? The typical and unhelpful AAD response is "The unit worked as designed" but perhaps you received a different letter? If so are you willing to post it? PM? Is there a possibility that after the countdown you pressed the button again - and again - and again, etc.? The bootup was normal? The alteration of mode and altitude offset if unit-induced would represent such a spectacular device failure that I suspect the unit would shut down; the issue seems too great for the system to continue operating normally, if at all. To my thinking it is much more likely that someone reset the AAD - perhaps another jumper with a very similar rig? Perhaps a student who mistook your rig for a rental or student rig? Maybe you yourself did it without realizing the changes made? 2011 seems to be the Year of the AAD - and that's not a good thing. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

I'm wondering why you both turned it on and off and on? Is it not your practice to just turn it on? At your level of experience one presumes you're familiar with the operation of your AAD and your rigger certainly checked the function of the AAD after the I&R. Is there anything that comes to mind about that aspect of this situation that might cause you to think the settings changes were made by yourself? It is nearly impossible to believe someone who hates you is going to screw with your AAD, putting it in Student mode with a -150 offset, unless you're screwing someone's wife or daughter. Are you involved in a situation that makes the tampering aspect plausible? Switched its mode *and* adjusted the firing altitude. That's a pretty significant glitch. I am not aware of any modern AAD having shown such a glitch before and I am ready to be instructed on any such events if they have previously occurred. So, are you saying you believe someone reset your Vigil, including offset? Would it have been noticed that somebody was tampering with your gear? This Vigil response leaves a lot unanswered: Are we supposed to suspect the unit was so faulty that it reset the base mode and offset the firing altitude without user input? Are we to suspect that your own fiddling with the unit was responsible for the settings changes? Are we supposed to suspect your DZ is rife with assholes of a para-criminal mindset and would put your life at risk as a "joke"? or are we to think it was a revenge tactic for a personal transgression that remains hidden? It would be helpful to all, I think, if you posted the entire response from Vigil USA (and AAD, if they are different). ETA: These are real questions, not sarcastic jabs. I think posting the letter(s?) might help frame Vigil/AAD's findings and conclusions. The other questions are best considered and answered by Elf. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Thanks. ID'd the rigger a while back. I appreciate your input! "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Great work! Thanks, Indyz. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Actually they're the best shots in the galaxy. See, Star Wars: A New Hope Ben/Obi-Wan says, "Only Imperial stormtroopers are so precise." Funny, in the whole series I don't recall those stormtroopers hitting any other than that stationary Jawa crawler. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

But according to the Jehovah's Witnesses only 144K will be whisked up into the sky. Fuck all - who's going to notice that? I'm going to suffer today, though. My daughter is having a sleep-over so we'll be over-run with 14 year old girls. ETA: Speedracer: "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Not wanting to join the general clamor, I choose to respond to this point because I see a lack of fundamental understanding here. Your premise is that AADs are not 100% effective and therefore should not be mandatory (students, some countries), right? Well, parachute systems are not 100% effective either, but you're OK with them being mandatory. Altimeters? Audibles? Where do you propose to draw the line? I propose to keep it drawn in the realm of sensibility and reasonability. AADs are shown to be effective tools for preventing fatalities. Do they or can they prevent every fatality? No, but that does not mean they are useless. Far from it. Please do us all a favor and tone down the rhetoric, which is neither constructive nor helpful to understanding AAD issues. Furthermore, if you have information on unknown AAD misfires please share them or indicate specifically where they can be found. Your Secret Squirrel bullshit is just that: bullshit. One is neither impressed with your sleuthing skills nor with your 'Chalice of Knowlege' nonsense. If you have something constructive and germaine to contribute please step up to the plate and do so. .02 "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Whether or not it is a good switch is completely subjective, dgbiss. The Sabre2 and the Spectre are rather different parachutes. Spectre is 7 cells, known for reliable openings and for being a quite fun flying parachute. Sabre2 is 9 cells, known for reliable openings and for being a quite fun flying parachute. Given the same wingloading, the S2 will be a more 'performance' parachute. What kind of jumping do you do? What is your experience? Where are your instructors, coaches and mentors? They would be best able to give you advice suited for yourself. Bottom line, however, is either parachute will serve you well if you choose the right wingloading and fly it with your head up. Cheers. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Never thought you'd be missed? Hope you found what you needed. BS Nova "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

An Aussie is visiting London where an American tourist looking for directions mistakes him for a local and asks, "Say. Do you know the way to Cockfosters?" "Don't know, mate," the Aussie answers. "Drink it warm, I suppose." "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

"Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

According to the show 'Taboo" on National Geographic Channel right now. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

I'd like to point out that the Relative Workshop was named the Uninsured Relative Workshop. I think the name change was related to consolidation of organizations rather than to emphasize insurance status. OP: Ask clients to deliver ALL tandem rigs without mains. This SOP will help you prove deniability. I don't know how you're going to handle inspecting those main risers, but that's between you and the clients! ETA: Sorry about disrupting the thread. In response to PMs, I'm posting this image of the Uninsured Relative Workshop, Inc.'s FL corporate info. The name was changed in 1989, apparently in response to RW being unable to introduce their insurance status in court proceedings. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Contact Sunpath and ask for Aggie: (910) 875-9002 or email him directly: aggieh@sunpath.com He hold the keys and is very approachable and helpful. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Got the instructions - thank you, Jerry!