NovaTTT

Ah - he'd have to be a member to run. Otherwise, as usual TK, you're right on it. ;-) "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Technically a malfunction is an abnormal deployment or failure to deploy, sure. But there is a real difference between a malfunction and a nuisance occurance. Closed end cells, slider hang-up, line twists: these are nuisance occurances and are usually corrected by simply pumping the brakes. Malfunctions are clearly defined and outlined. If you don't have a SIMs, get one. Speak with your instructors and/or experienced jumpers at your DZ. Malfunctions and handling them should have been exhaustively covered in your FJC. Knowledge is key and the ability to act on that knowledge is paramount. Frankly, it doesn't matter if you recognize the specific malfunction, as long as you recognize you do not have a landable parachute over your head and execute the correct EPs to correct that problem. Good luck, have fun and blue skies! Nova Edited to add "specific" "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

It sounds like you're doing a fine job of preparing yourself educationally. You should also prepare yourself physically and start a light exercise program, if you're healthy with no underlying condition. It' won't be hard, but getting yourself in good physical condition will help you enjoy skydiving and should make the learning curve easier for you. Congrats, good luck and blue skies! Nova "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

The premise is bogus, yes, but one look at the PD wingload chart will answer the question. The Velocity is not recommended for any jumper who is not D licensed or equivalent. That said, just having a D license isn't sufficient qulification to pilot a high performance canopy. One has to have experience and training to truly enjoy hp flying. I'd like to get the 107 - ask your friend if he's selling What's the color scheme? "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

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

Being bitten is nice. Biting is better. Nice and hard. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Try info@sky-science.com "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

But you'd donkey fuck her? "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

For RW and sit-flying I've found that large-lens sunglasses with Croakies work just as well as goggles. I don't think you will get good protection for VRW with sunglasses. .02 Edited to add: Impact/Shatter-resistant sunglasses, that is. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Got mine last Fri. I'm kind of bummed because I finally got my photo in the mag - not one of the many shots that have been sent in over the years with me skybound. (I'll never understand why the 1994 4-way exit at dawn photo at Z-Hills didn't make the cut. It's a beauty.) Nope - it's a lame ground-bound Safety Day shot. Well, at least I finally got in there! Nova "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

I want to give massive props to Alti-2, in general, and Jenn @ A2 in particular. I've used only Altimasters since my first jump (Sept, 1985) because I can rely on them. Never had one break or malfunction, even one that should have been smashed to hell (when I was). The two times I've needed service or help with an Alti they took care of me ASAP - made me feel kinda special. So after a talk recently with Jenn about an unrelated matter she went out of her way and sent some helpful things down our DZ. It's a demonstration of caring about customers like this that keeps me, as a consumer, coming back. It's the quality of the product that gets me there in first place. Thanks to Jenn and Alti-2! "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Dale - congrats, man. Hero: 1. (snip - it's mythological) 2. A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life 3. A person noted for special achievement in a particular field It's you dude! Well done! "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

The 3-ring looks fine. It's good that you show it under tension but it's not under load - that is, you need to see how it looks when you're under canopy. I see why you are concerned about the small ring but there doesn't seem to be an excess of webbing-loop. The loop appears to be new and very firm. The white loop appears to be fine. Your risers appear to be new. With use and age the webbing will soften and the rings will sit more naturally. In response to your initial question, the correct method for inspecting the 3-ring, I'll copy something here directly from my safety day presentation. I hope it's helpful PERIODIC MAINTENANCE 1. Every month operate the 3-Ring Release System on the ground. Extract the release cable completely from the housings and disconnect the risers. 2. While the system is disassembled, closely inspect it for wear. - Check the white locking loops (the ones that pass over the smallest ring and through the grommet) to be sure they aren't frayed. - Check the Velcro on the release handle and main lift web to insure that it adequately holds the handle. - Check the stitching, including that which holds the large ring to the main lift web and the hand tacking that prevents the release housings from sliding through its keeper. (This keeper is located a few inches above the padded release handle). 3. Take each riser and vigorously twist and flex the webbing near where it passes through each ring. The idea is to remove any set or deformation in the webbing. Failure to do this might make the release hesitate when activated in response to a low-drag malfunction such as a streamer. 3-Ring Inspection (SIM Sec 4, Cat D) 1 - ASSEMBLY a. Each ring passes through only one other ring. b. Each ring sits atop the lower and larger ring. c. The white retaining loop passes through only the topmost, smallest ring. d. The white retaining loop passes through the cable housing terminal end. e. The yellow cable passes through the loop and secures in its housing. 2 - CONDITION a. Look for wear in the loops holding the rings. b. Look for wear in the white retaining loop. c. Check the fittings on both ends of the cable housings for security. d. Look for kinks in the yellow cable, which may indicate a problem with hard openings or the 3-ring assembly. e. Look for nicks, kinks and burrs on the yellow cable - especially on the end. f. Check the front and back of the riser webbing for fraying or strains around the grommets. g. Look for broken or loose tackings on the cable housings. h. Check riser inserts (for cutaway cable ends) if installed. 3-Ring Maintenance (SIM Sec 4, Cat H) 1. Owner maintenance of three-ring release system: a. Disassemble the system every month to clean the cable and massage the ends of the risers. (1) Nylon riser webbing develops a memory, especially when dirty. (2) When disassembled, twist and massage the nylon webbing around the two riser rings. b. Clean the cables. (1) Most three-ring release cables develop a sludge-like coating that causes them to bind, increasing the required pull force. (2) Refer to the manufacturer' instructions for cleaning. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

For the 3-ring system to function properly and reliably (it is a release), the rings must rest one on the other (small on middle, middle on large). From what you described, it seems your 3-ring system isn't properly configured. Show your rigger and allow him to inspect the risers and 3-rings. He will be able to determine if the risers are airworthy or not. Photos would help. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Wasn't Marilyn Chambers the Ivory Snow girl? Here she is showing the goods. Marilyn Chambers "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

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

Some people... some people like cupcakes exclusively, while myself, I say there is naught, nor ought there be nothing so exalted on the face of God’s grey Earth as that prince of foods... the muffin! FZ "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

You're being a dick. All you have to do is pretend to enjoy the movie and get through it. Then you would be giving the dick instead of being it, see? "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Hi, Scotty. OK - it's your personal gear. Consider having it checked. You might find somebody locally with a barometric testing unit. If it's bad, and new, you should send it back and (a) get it exchanged for an Alti III, or, (b) get a new one. I don't work for Alti-2 and I have no outside interest in them, but I've used their altimeters exclusively for 24 years and have never had a moment of trouble with one. If it's not wonky, then you should wear it elsewhere. On the chest, mudflap, wrist - somewhere different but visible. But if your altimeter can't be trusted, get another! Good luck! "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Congratulations on getting your A. You definately did the right thing. You'll get better at judging altitude visually with experience and becoming familiar with the view compared to your (working) altimeter reading. Now that you're licensed it's time to get epuipment. You can start with an Alti-2 Galaxy (nee Altimaster III). No more worries. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Why? Not because of magic mystery sauce inside the reserve container. Skydivers aren't a superior group that have better than average common sense or supernatural intellect. Sometimes my observations lead me to believe contrariwise. Nonetheless, I don't think the reserve system is a big mystery to skydivers in terms of construction and use. We know parachutes want to open and if properly packed it's pretty hard to pack one that won't open. The reserve is different. It has to open; we rely on that. And it has to open fast. My experience is the reserve is a mystery in terms of maintenance and packing for the no-fail factor. That's the magic: Rigger Skill. The reserve system, while robust, should be kept clean, undamaged and protected from the environment. That environment includes food, drink, pets, dirt, solvents, &c., &c. I also encourage people to open their reserves and get familiar with it - with their rigger, who can explain how its construction differs from mains, how it fits together, functions and why it should be kept protected from the environment. But IMO it really isn't necessary for a jumper to see their reserve prior to its activation. Is seeing it going to create that magic sauce you mentioned? Is seeing it going to make them a better 7-cell F-111 pilot? Reservations/concerns about the reserve are dispelled by learning and instruction, not by playing around with a parachute system. There is good reasoning behind the instruction & training of and licensing of riggers. There are good reasons for one's rigger to observe the pulling/opening the reserve container. Let your rigger play with the reserve and he/she will certainly be glad to explain it all. You have another parachute to play with. This got longer than I expected, but it's my $0.02. Nova "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Download Bit Torrent (bittorrent.com). It's free. Google what you want and do the torrent thing. It's not for getting single songs, it's for getting albums, discographies, collections. It's free. But nothing's free, right? User beware that RIAA is out there, but they seem to concentrate on networks rather than point users. $0.02 Nova "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Which reminds me . . . What does a baby seal have at the bar? Anything but a Canadian Club. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Of course he does. That doesn't make it a good idea. It is a good idea to keep the reserve packed until you're with your rigger. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Brian Shelnutt was 27 when he died, April 11, 1993 at Atlanta Skydiving Center, Jenkinsburg, Georgia. His 135 Nova collapsed while turning to land. He was a jumper, our pilot, and our friend. He was at the end of his college education and looking to a bright future which I have no doubt he was going to get and enjoy. Brian was a great guy, a good skydiver, and enjoyed beer-thirty with his friends. Brian was a good pilot - a very good pilot. I remember his pajama-like jumpsuit which he was wearing the last time I jumped from his plane. He loved Metallica. He had a full life which included skydiving. He and I were planning a Zephyrhills trip for a few days of fun jumping turbines. I jumped on Saturday (he piloted) and had some beers afterward. On Sunday, Brian was going to call me after jumping to let me know where to pick him up. I was surprised when he didn't call but I figured something came up and he just couldn't make it. So I went to Zephyrhills and had a great time. When I came back to Atlanta the following Thursday I stopped by the DZ. I was ready to rag on Brian because he didn't call or make the trip. Elly was in manifest and after saying hello the first thing I said to her was, "Where the hell is Brian? I thought he wanted to go to Z-Hills but the son-of-a-bitch never called!" I was ready to bust his chops! Elly said, "Haven't you heard? Brian's dead." I'll never forget that moment, or how shitty I felt while she told me what happened. I had been prepared to rag on Brian and have a big laugh, but he was dead and being grieved for. I enjoyed the beer with Brian on Saturday, April 10. That's my last memory of him and it's a good one. I'll raise a bottle tonight for you. BSBD, Brian. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73