fcajump

I'm good friends with his daughter and I'd like to get any photos and/or stories about her (late) father if anyone remembers jumping with him. Thanks, JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

I haven't seen it, but learned to fear two words: Molar Strap (or is that supposed to be hyphenated...?) JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Just for the record, I would point out that a rigger finding an error, major or minor, while very concerning, does not indicate that we have a large percentage of errors walking around. In way of out-right rigger packing errors, the worst I have seen was a Strong 26' packed with all lines in the closing stows of the diaper, with the rest stowed in the container... same rigger signed off on the rig for several years prior to my getting it. Straight from the factory: - I have been briefed to check a particular (uncommon) reserve canopy for its bar tacks as they sent out some with the finger traps made, but not tacked... Apparently they sent out others (fully QC inspected)... missing the lines. (I think that _might_ have been noticed during the packing.) - I have found missing thread (~12") on a round radial seam. (This was ONLY visible from the inside, external looked fine.) - Incorrect part used and incorrectly installed. In a discussion with the factory officials, we decided that it would most likely have worked, but by mutual agreement it was also corrected prior to repack. Over the years I have taken a few standard assumptions when I inspect: - the factory did make a mistake - the prior rigger did make a mistake - the owner has abused the rig If I win (find the prior error), I get to fix it

Funny thing... several resellers specifically indicate that the Strong Squadron Seat PEP are available with the 28' Aerosport canopy ... http://www.paragear.com/templates/parachute.asp?group=284&t2parent=11&parent=282&level=3 (scroll down to "Squadron") Interesting that Paragear can sell it, even when SE doesn't know they make it . JW PS - I'd like a copy of that manual/photo's when you get'er done... Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

If you are using the center line stows, as recommended for all, this technique is not recommended, and should not be needed. When using the center line stows, proper slack and line routing should address any packing-related line twist issues. Of course, body position during deployment will still remain. For 18 years I did not have a Wings main bag, so not an option. For the last 2, I have had one canopy in a Wings D-bag, but converted to using the outer to be consistent with habits and the other D's I use. For day-to-day jumping, I believe in consistency and tried/true methods rather than using a different methods for each canopy I jump. (I experiment with enough other shtuff... JW I wasn't directing my message to you at all. (I even made sure to "attach" it to my own post, so it would not appear to be directed wrongly.) You have good reason to use the outer line stows. And Sunrise certainly provides the option. That's not at all what I am talking about. (To be clear, the rest is not at all directed at fcajump.) I have seen too many one-rig Wings jumpers who don't even know that the center line stows are there. So much for reading the manual that comes with your gear. (If you bought used, and didn't get a manual, download one!) It the absence of good reasons to the contrary, the manufacturer recommends the use of the center line stows, not the outer line stows. Know your gear. Know what the manufacturer says about packing and maintaining that gear. Ignorance may be bliss, but it is not an excuse. (Again, not talking to fcajumps!) Paul... NOT an issue... did not take it personally at all (we all good ). Just wanted to weigh in as one of the multitudes. (translation-I can't keep my yap shut ) For all - Paul is absolutely right: First - READ your manual. Second - when you come across a big/new word in the manual, ask you rigger how to pronounce it, use it in a sentence and then point out where that thing is on your rig and what to do with it. Third - While this is the technique I use (along with Wendy and some others) and we are happy discussing it, this forum is not the place to learn your gear or first techniques. While very useful, start with your rigger/instructors. Ask them about the nutty thing you read about online and ask them to translate. I don't really have any problems with how Wings recommends using the inside stows, just not my preference. (I like short/snug stows and minimum loose line in the container... but that's just me.) No offense taken Paul, you asked a good question. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

If you are using the center line stows, as recommended for all, this technique is not recommended, and should not be needed. When using the center line stows, proper slack and line routing should address any packing-related line twist issues. Of course, body position during deployment will still remain. For 18 years I did not have a Wings main bag, so not an option. For the last 2, I have had one canopy in a Wings D-bag, but converted to using the outer to be consistent with habits and the other D's I use. For day-to-day jumping, I believe in consistency and tried/true methods rather than using a different methods for each canopy I jump. (I experiment with enough other shtuff... JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

For myself, I gently tuck that 1/2 loop under the rest of the lines. Keeps it out of the way, yet comes right out during deployment. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Several years ago I read where a jumper, wanting to test his bungee collapsible PC, wrapped the bridle around his forarm while his buddy drove 70+ down the road and he tossed the PC out the window... Oh - wait... as I recall that didn't turn out too good... Never mind, JW PS - If you need additional PC's, let me know and I'll send you one that I've got kicking around. Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

I was one of the contributors on that threat, and in reviewing it, I'd pretty much stand by my thoughts at the time... I've used it for going on 20 years with minimum (no) issues. Most of this has been on Vectors (I, II and III) and Jav Ody. Mind you I jump larger systems (my small main is a 210 . Don't see why it would be a problem for other systems or sizes, but YAMMV. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

OH- is that what it means... I thought Accuracy was getting on the right plane and Style... well that's just how I walk to the plane . JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

And on the sixty-eighth second, Jesus pulled his reserve and proclaimed that "It was good". But in the old days, what did He call the string that helped open the back-mounted reserve...?? J Last hope rope or Jesus string. Sparky But for Him, would that be the "Me string?" JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

And on the sixty-eighth second, Jesus pulled his reserve and proclaimed that "It was good". But in the old days, what did He call the string that helped open the back-mounted reserve...?? J Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

I did it on credit card... but if you do that, DO NOT look at the actual cost over time... JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Congrats... welcome to the worst paying profession at the airport/dropzone Or, maybe you're "just going to pack your own gear"... Good Job! JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

OK, 6 years down the road and I notice that we've (internationally) had one double fatal incident that (it was suggested) might have been complicated by a handi-cam and a recent posting of a cutaway that was captured beautifully by a TI who did not want to use his camera hand to sort out line twists. I also notice that most of the Help Wanted ads on DiZzy.com looking for TI's require (or at least want) TI's to use HandiCams. As a former (maybe future) TI, I am curious what the current thinking is on this issue. Fire away... JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

And canopy wraps would no longer be a problem as the lines would simply cut through anything that got in their way... like the other canopy, lines, risers, jumpsuits, jumper... JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

http://www.chutingstar.com/rigging_en http://www.parachuterigger.us/html/prices.html http://www.parachuteriggers.com/services.htm http://www.parachuteshop.com/parachute_rigging_services.htm http://www.silverparachutes.com/rigging.html http://www.skydivewings.com/index.php?page=rigging http://www.unitedparachutetechnologies.com/PDF/Support/Rigging/05257%28RiggingPL%29.pdf http://www.varigging.com/services/prices.shtml Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

I've seen four types of spotters recently: 1. Students under instruction 2. Instructors with students 3. Grey haired old farts (and those that wish they still had hair, grey or otherwise) and their female colleagues. 4. "Green Light Spotters" We talk about having people look for traffic at our 12 and 3 o'clock (assuming left side door)... hell, there's few that have their head out enough to see traffic at the 6. There are some that don't even look out enough to see traffic at their 9... JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

If you're looking at one of the two systems I've got listed in classifieds here on DiZZy, they are not student rigs. They were purchased by a jumper who prefers larger F111 7-cells. I happen to have one open at the moment, and a Spectre 210 on hand... Will let you know how it looks for fit if I can get a chance. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Why not just make adjustable laterals? The Racer offers those as an option. I've got adjustable lats, BUT that can either move the rig forward, OR pull the MLW back. With a belly band, I could keep the MLW where I want it to be, and then use the adjustable lats to snug up the rig without moving the MLW. For my next rig, I'll likely get both. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

He was framing rather well, wasnt't he? Absolutely, and as a Monday morning TI, it made it much easier to criticize his actions . JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Agreed... but this looked like straight/level docile... And while I'm not the one there, and he did execute the chop well... I'd still like to see the left hand doing something other than filming it... JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Well... I think one of our number has a stichless locked finger trap technique... If you used that for the end-loops on non-cascaded lines, you could then loop them through at the line-attach points on the canopy and feed the other end-loop onto the link. So, yes... I suspect it is do-able... but... WHY? JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

The only problem I have with it, is that if he'd stop worrying about the shot, he likely could have untwisted it. Hate to see a good 'chute go to waste (so to speak). I believe in my reserve and my rigger, but if using two hands (safely) keep me from needing that last chance... I'll sacrifice the shot. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

The only thing I might consider would be keeping the slow flight and do you best ever PLF. You kept the reserve in the freebag that long, I would not want to disturb at that point. Glad it turned out OK, but definite possibilities for bad results no matter what you chose... Thanks for sharing! Keeps the brain thinking ahead for the things that one might face one day. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...