NovaTTT

You're probably right, Doug, but it seems they chose the wrong jumpers if that's the case. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

The bottome line is the skydivers should not have jumped into that airspace. The video shows a lot of paraglider traffic and there is no reason for skydivers to invade occupied space. My vote: Dumbasses. Lucky dumbasses. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

There's a Safety forum??? Seriously - the S&T forum gets a lot of posts and replies and it seems to draw in a fair number of new and young jumpers who are looking to learn about and understand safety issues. You have a good point, Mike, in that the forum should be perused by young jumpers. But let's not stop there. It's a good idea for all jumpers to keep an eye on current, and past, safety concerns. The life you save may not just be your own. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

You have received here all the advice you need, Dave: Wait for the course and talk to your instructors. If you're just unable to curb your enthusiasm, read a book. Specifically, read this book. It's full of good information that you can apply to any instructional method and it will give you a head-start on the information side of skydiving. Knowledge is power, as they say. Have fun! Nova "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

At this time in your skydiving career, this rig is not good for you in any configuration. There are many discussions of good gear choices for beginner/new jumpers. Use the search function. You can start here. Again, I encourage you to speak with your instructors or a local rigger for gear advice. They know the gear and they know your strengths and weaknesses. Good luck! "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Since you're asking this particular question, have just registered and have no profile information, one presumes you are a young, inexperienced jumper. Based thereupon, given your natural weight alone, this rig is not for you. Speak in person to your instructors or a local rigger to get gear advice. Nova FAA Senior Rigger "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Great article. Seems you had a splendid time. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

RIP - BSBD He was one of the good ones. "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

Let me get this right . . . you hijacked this image? You're sure you're just LD Cooper? "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Skydiving is not for everyone. Lutz is everyone. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Now you have a problem. Possibly, but probably unlikely. Is it known to have happened before? I know that is no guarantee it won't happen, but it might be considered precedent. FWIW. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Maybe it's another sign of the Post 9-11 World, but given the flaming hoops of fire I had to jump through recently to get a US passport, I'm thinking the interview process might be more extensive than you're considering. A Canadian, newly British, looking for a passport as soon as your citizenship is minted? They might have a thorough interview in line for you. Good luck! "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Until I Googled it, I was blissfully unaware of this 80's-throwback monstrosity. It's about as much fun as being Rickrolled. The Bad Touch "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Ultimately I guess that's for the courts to decide, but since an "X" can suffice for a signature, I suspect an unique stamp will also suffice. The point and purpose, as I, not an attorney, see it, is: Is the "signature" unique and identifiable to an individual? I have a ticket and two ratings but I do not work for the FAA and that's just my perspective. ETA: "Hugh Jorgan"? That's what she said!!!! "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

I use a stamper. It's easier, can't be pencil-whipped and it's legal. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

I have no problem with that - but this guy isn't looking for an opinion. He's looking for an experienced appraisal of his situation/damaged rig. From that angle, and with your self-confessed lack of experience, your conclusion is not only wrong but could add unnecessary fuel to this fire. I'm just sayin'. Paraman - please post photos of both damaged areas and the box the parachute was received in. Was this an Ebay purchase? If so, was it done outside of Paypal? Nova "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

It's disturbing that you found and watched this, and moreso you want this translated. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

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

It would be Django or Flight Concepts. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

If you just want to know why the CYPRES freefall activation altitude is ~4.5 sec to impact (750'), it is my understanding that it is so because: (1) they decided to make it high enough to allow the reserve to deploy and stabilize but (2) low enough that the jumper is separated (vertically) from other jumpers in the sky and deploys in clean air. A quick email to Airtec will get you the best answer to that question. info@cypres.cc The second parameter, which is most likely a malfunctioning main, is higher so the skydiver can have additional time to deal with a likely two-out situation. Again, a quick email to Airtec will get you the best answer to that question. info@cypres.cc ETA: Dave - Airtec is very tight with their software so we may never know if it is intentional or by-product. I'm not a technical writer, but if I were I would rather clearly spell out a risk than to clothe it as a separate feature. But as I said, I'm not a technical writer so what do I know??? "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

According to page 10 of the User's Manual, the activation altitude is split on the Student CYPRES. One presumes that's intentional. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Please re-read Post #2. The activation altitudes are not arbitrary. What you must understand is that the AAD is not there to save your life (that's your job). It is there to cut your closing loop under specific conditions at a predetermined (and low) altitude which hopefully will result in a lifesaving reserve deployment. This is your last hope. A student who is under 2000' with no parachute or a malfunctioning parachute has not done his job, for whatever reason, and is in real trouble. If that student is at or below 1000' feet, that student has FAILED. Failed to act, failed to respond, failed to clear - for whatever reason, be it incapacitation, fear, confusion, whatever. The student is in a world of shit and the time for "let's wait and see if he'll work this out" is gone, gone, gone. In this case, the Cypres is designed to activate, to cut the loop. Airtec doesn't say their device deploys the reserve, and they don't say their device will save your life. They say their device will cut the closing loop. There is no chance for a reserve deployment if the container is closed. There is a chance the reserve will deploy past a malfunctioning main. There is a chance that more fabric out will decelerate the student to a survivable rate of descent. If you don't like their parameters, and you are using an Expert Cypres, change the firing altitude. I wouldn't call it a good idea under normal conditions, but it can be done. If you don't want to be bothered with this, then you can design your own AAD and encode it with what you consider to be better parameters. But keep in mind Airtec (and the other AAD manufacturers) have a lot of research, testing and field use behind their designs. They know what they are doing. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Re RiggerPaul's comments: Don't we know it. The PIA Rigging Committee should draft something in clear language that the FAA would be willing to consider. Does anyone know if it's in the works or has been tried before? I think this doesn't apply, because the reg is "if improperly done", which I take to mean the task is accomplished but is done so improperly or inadequately. What you are describing is simply a mistake, a screw-up along the way, which adds work and/or rigger cost to the repair. Agreed. Again, perhaps the PIA Rigging Committee should be looking at this. I specify the PIARC because were it to be left to the manufacturers, we would not have the desired uniformity of understanding. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73