NovaTTT

The set-up for this story is getting better and better. I hope you're a quick typist!! "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Well done and congratulations, Terry. You know your story must follow, right? ETA: Am I the only rigger whose pulse just quickened and started salivating like a rabid hound!!!??? "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Nice write-up, Rob. Very good information - all in one place! I rig for two soaring clubs and while it seems I often have a question coming at me about one matter or another, I have found the most common question to be, "How do I operate the parachute?" To some this means, "How do I exit the glider with a PEP on?". To some it means, "How do I open the parachute?" and to others it means, "How do I fly and land the parachute?" But nobody seems to question why wear a parachute. It's just part of the program; glider pilots wear parachutes. I'll think of this post if and when the Why? question arises. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

I didn't hear of it either so I jumped over to Argus to see if there is a new SB. There is, sort of. They've shifted the blame for the Poland incident (and any other Argus cutter problems) to install & maintenance issues. I guess those SS cutters weren't so great after all. The Sept. 2010 SB is attached for reference. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

According to Aviacom there isn't a problem with the cutters, there is a problem with installation and maintenance guidelines being strictly observed. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Post 8 This is one place where you said you would wait for your AAD. If your reserve arm is unusable you should use your right arm to reach for and pull the reserve. Post 11: This is another place where you indicated you would wait for an AAD fire. Post 14: This is another place you indicated you would wait for an AAD fire. In Post 24 you mentioned a concern of becoming unconscious at some point on or after leaving the aircraft - but you didn't mention that concern up front. That is for many jumpers the primary reason for having an AAD, not a concern that their left arm, due to a prior injury, will be incapacitated. It happens to be my opinion based on what you've said in this thread that you should sell your gear and invest in a ball, bag, shoes and accessories and join a friendly bowling league. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

This is a different scenario than you presented. This incident involved a missing/obscured/entangled handle. I don't know what happened, but I would bet my eye-teeth this jumper used both hands to try to find the missing handle. An RSL or AAD might have prevented that fatality. You said your left arm is unreliable and you will wait for your AAD to fire. You didn't say anything about being unconscious - you said you would just wait for your AAD to fire. That's a completely different kettle of fish - or lane of pins. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Thanks for the feedback, Kelly. I'm sorry - I think I didn't express myself well or make myself clear in that other post. When I said "it's not available" I meant the RAX, not the Collins lanyard, and when I said "real" and used the I was implying that there isn't a problem with the RAX - other than it not being available! I know UPT won't license the CL, which is the KISS solution to the other riser concern. Some of us, though, consider the other riser concern to be not as important as the cutaway-no pull concern. So while the CL would be nice, I don't consider it or its equivalent a necessary aspect of a MARD system. But I don't use an RSL anyway! If I did, and wanted a MARD, I would choose the RAX (with or without the CL) if it were available. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

It's YOU'RE, by the way. So you've made this adult decision . . . STFU already and stop looking for validation online. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Well, I think we all have a pretty good idea of what is "royally fucked"!!! And I don't mean Kate Middleton!!!!! ETA: But you're right, Wendy, in that some are more vindictive than others. Some might say I was royally fucked because I left with only some few personal possessions. But I got the kids and that was worth 10x what we had in the first place. I may have been screwed in every other aspect, but I never complained because I got the riches! "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

I know you have a lot of options there, Wendy, but IMO it's still not enough! 1 - Perhaps an option for "no better, no worse" 2 - "Kids" option doesn't specify custody: Child Support vs supporting and raising child(ren). For example, I have kids and I had full custody of them. They're both over 21 now. Based on the two year mark I chose Option 1, although if she had paid child support I would have chosen "no better or worse". "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

Bollocks to the naysayers. "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." Helen Keller "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

So you're conscious in this scenario, but unable to pull your reserve because you have a wonky shoulder, right? Well, you have another arm that you are unwilling to use. You see a fatality because you can't be bothered to use your other hand? I have a bit of advice for you: Take up bowling. Soon. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

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

I don't think it is, but is the arm shaft screw a LH or RH thread? If it's LH you will be tightening it while trying to loosen it. Is this in your manual? Just a thought. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

You are your own worst enemy. Did you see where I said: If you spent as much time skydiving as you . . . . That was the part on which I hoped you would focus. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

I tried to describe it, Jerry. But I didn't remember the pin locks to the bridle when the flap pocket is cleared. I popped that into my notes about the device so I learned, or relearned, something today! I'd like to know, if you don't mind sharing some of the information, what the pros/cons are of the bridle pocket about which you and Kelly don't agree. And if it's not breaking privacy, I wonder what other aspects are in . . . well, gentle dispute? I see that without the pocket the bent pin on baglock isn't an issue - but what other issues concern you? Has the positional durability been tested? Meaning, will the RAX remain in place for 180 days of typical rig use if there is no bridle pocket? I'm a fan of the device, as I think you know, and the only "real" problem I've had with it is the missing Collins Lanyard (or equivalent) - that and the fact that it's not available! "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Ditto. Will we see the RAX in the Infinity anytime soon? "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

This again? If you spent as much time skydiving as you do worrying and posting about Go-Pro and jump numbers, you'd have the numbers and experience that would make this a moot point. . . for you. I'll be glad when you tire of this particular topic - or at least keep it in the P&V forum. .02 "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

@Paul: Sorry I can't post the photo - it's too large for Dizzy. I think it's available to any web-connected computer, facebook or no. I'll send you it on Gmail. @Andy: The RAX is not similar to that image. The pin on the RAX is attached to the device, which resembles a steering toggle. The white loop, which is attached to the bridle, comes through the grommet and is secured by the pin. The ends of the device are secured in two pockets - one on the bridle, one on a reserve flap. A length of suspension line leads from the device to the RSL and to the reserve ripcord. In that photo you can see the portion of the device that extends to the right and is tucked under the flap. I think that was for the aesthetics of the photo. That is where the suspension line is attached and it can be seen in the photo running up along the right riser next to the closing flap. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

To clarify, I say "overpowered" to mean, exerted a force necessary to release the device, such force in that moment acting greater than the force exerted by the MARD. But the force might not be greater; it might just be in a different direction (vector). It might just take a split-second of the bridle in an unloaded state for the skyhook (or other MARD) to disconnect due to force pressure from the RPC. I don't know if testing to identify this problem is viable. Once or if the cause(s) is(are) discovered, it would be very expensive to repeatedly test the condition against possible improvements to the MARD system. And in the case of the Skyhook, all that testing is against a system that works correctly (guesstimate here) 98%+ the time. It's one's choice in re benefit vs risk and I don't think we'll ever get something that absolutely will work every time. Not a complete rig, AAD, altimeter, Dytter or MARD. That margin of uncertainty is an aspect of the sport. BSBD "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

I don't know the test-jump results, Paul, and I'm not sure this scenario has been tested on any MARD system. I suppose the RAX would release if the reserve PC "overpowered" the cutaway main. Like any component it has benefits and risks. Of the three MARDs I've seen I like this one best for its simplicity, use of common materials and straight-forward function. FWIW. I put a photo of the device on my FB page if anyone wants to see it. Jerry, if you prefer I not post that photo, please let me know and I'll remove it. RAX Device "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

I think Jerry might explain his system, but as I've handled it I can give my observations. This isn't intended to be a detailed explanation or even a complete one - I'll leave that to Jerry if he so chooses. The RAX device looks rather like a toggle, complete with a grommet. A small pouch is sewn to the reserve bridle and one end of the RAX device is inserted therewithin. Next to the pouch a white loop, such as is found at the 3-rings, is attached to the bridle and inserted through the grommet in the RAX device and held in place by a straight ripcord pin. That pin is attached to the other end of the RAX device which is inserted into a pouch sewn to one of the reserve flaps. A length of suspension line connects the RAX device to both the RSL and the reserve ripcord (via a ring). When the RLS pulls the reserve, the RAX pin keeps the bridle attached to the main. When the reserve pin is pulled, the RAX pin releases from the bridle. It's a simple and elegant device which is made completely of common materials. Sorry, Jerry, if my explanation stinks. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

I found this makes good weights: 2" tubular nylon "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73