fcajump
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Everything posted by fcajump
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Nova, I've got several versions of that manual at home, will try to remember and check tonight. BTW - if you need new loops for it, DeWolf used to make them up by the hand-full... he's got an ancient Egyptian secret for them... JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...
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April 2010 Parachutist, rigid helmets for tandem students
fcajump replied to peek's topic in Safety and Training
From this DZ.com poll, it looks like a long way to go... http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=3732035 For myself, I prefer a frap on the student (me in a protec) OR a protec for the student IFF I were wearing a full face. As to concerns to protect the student as priority #1, I agree. Therefore I (the TI) must take steps to ensure that the student can't keep me from performing my duties (stable/pull/emergency response). Just my $.04 ($.02 on behalf of my student ) JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others... -
Its a great idea, but it is not suitable for everything. I think you are looking for smaller packing weight for packing a reserve. Correct... sorry... yes, I am thinking reserve canopy/line weights, not main rig weights. For use while packing main's the sand jug is great. I also like free weights. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...
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Suggestions for long table for packing rounds?
fcajump replied to riggerrob's topic in Gear and Rigging
That would sure beat the 6 folding tables I use in a borrowed room... For myself, I like a higher than standard height so as to stand up a bit straighter while inspecting. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others... -
Yea, like that
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Ok, I've tried: - lead shot (works great, but I hate lead). - BB's (works, but too light) - sand (eventually leaks through container/sleeve/webbing - old lead seals (nice reuse of material, but takes along time to get enough of them and it does not lay (flop) down on the lines as nicely as lead) - I've heard of using washed steel bearings, but that they lead to rust/dust coming out of the webbing after a while. Has anyone tried other packing weight fill materials? How well has it worked for you? Does anyone have a good (cheep) supplier for whatever shot is being used for reloads where lead is no longer legal for hunting? Thanks, JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...
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Terry, While I would agree her e-mail implies that, in absence of mfg method, that this is the way to do it, she actually said that this is an approved method (technically that would imply that there may be other approved methods). I would like to get away from lead, but not sure what I would prefer... Meanwhile, a suggestion: Not wanting to dispose of a "hazardous" material in the trash, I kept dropping them in a jar over the years... Recently, when looking for another packing weight, I realized that I had enough old seals to make one.
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IF I was the designer of the rig, I would prefer a though loop (ala National/Softie) not a tacked loop. It would make the closing a little harder, but I'm in favor of them on two pin systems... JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...
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Seen it before, and we'll both see it again... Its the details that make neat vs sloppy. The other thing I have learned over the years on (all rigs, but especially) Strongs... Change the loop based on length and pin tension not just condition. I've gone to changing the Strong loops if the pull force is too low, as a soft loop will cause the PC to sit up and cocked. On any rig, too loose is bad. On a Pop-Top, it can be VERY bad. 95% of the SE rigs that come in with the PC not sitting right have old, stretched out loops (and yes, the new SE loops stretch out too, not just the old Type III based loops). Softies and Nationals also have issues with the spring compression if the loops are too long. These are the details that make a difference. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...
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I agree with most of what's been said by the folks here... but for myself, I focus on a few things: 1. chance that I will die: 1 in 1 now its just a matter of what I do (and with whom) before then. 2. chance that it will be while piloting a 747 (or doing a lot of other things) near 0... (point: if you're not doing it, your not likely to die doing it.) 3. Roller Coasters are not 100% safe (The CPSC estimates there are between 3,000 to 3,500 accidents each year involving permanent amusement rides. Of those, just 2 percent are serious enough to require overnight hospitalization. There are an average three fatalities per-year related to amusement park rides -- or one fatality in every 90 million park visits. ) 4. The more you know about the industry, equipment, procedures, safety and proper training methods and the more you follow safe practices, the better your odds. Just my $.02 JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...
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I would find it hard to imagine that Mirage was ever made with cotton. Not to say you couldn't, but the most recent cotton harness I've seen was from 1941. All the 1950's rigs I seen were already nylon. Jerry/Terry: either of you know of anyone using cotton for a personnel parachute harnesses in the last 50 years? There are several different sizes/weights of nylon webbing, different weaves used for some chest straps and in some cases multiple layers are used. Also, the coating used on the webbing at manufacture can make the weight/feel/flexibility different. JW (cotton simply burns, while nylon melts/bubbles as it burns, but I would NOT recommend checking your rig this way... best to ask a rigger his/her professional opinion or call the mfg) Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...
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(Really... the folks here are NOT trying to duck your questions... we're all instinctively wanting to write books of information to you, but we've also learned that the BEST thing for you to do is NOT get partial answers here to these questions, but insist on getting good answers from your instructor.) Relax, breath, listen to what you are taught and enjoy.
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Based only on what you said here, and the fact that you are asking, I would suggest going to a larger/slower canopy for a while. Coming back first thing in the spring, with 25-lbs more on a canopy you call "a little fast" (back in the fall, after a season of jumping). As to how much faster, now we need to get into the details of wing loading/canopy type/etc (25-lbs on the 254-lb e.w. me would not be good, 25-lbs on my long-lost friend Brenda with her 105-lb e.w. would be a vast change.) Just my (chicken-sh!t-skydiver) thoughts, JW
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Thanks to all that voted! With any luck, it'll put us in the final round, and if not maybe it'll get noticed by the sponsors and get us a call. Thanks again! JW
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Vote is up to 480 with only one more day to vote on the Flying Circus car (after tonight). Remember: yes, there are cars with more votes, not very few, and we only have to be in the top 10 to get to the judges round. PLEASE add your vote tonight and tomorrow. http://www.sponsafier.com/#/gallery/view/101666 and click on "Vote Now" in the lower right corner. THANKS!!
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Biased personal opinion about this machine... Do whatever MEL (Mark) on this thread recommends.
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Voted for yours! Reminder, please do the same for me... http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=3809612 (Only 6 more days to bug you guys about it...) JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...
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Reminder
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Ok, been jumping for a while (20 years). Currently dealing with an enlarged A/C joint (shoulder) which is impinging on the muscles/tendons of the rotator cuff. The doc is talking about trimming the ends of the bones to open up the joint a bit. Has anyone had this procedure? Any impact on mobility/strength of the joint (as needed for jumping)? Any Sports/Othopods out there that can comment on this? (feel free to PM) Thanks, JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...
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Told Mom about jumping, but her rule was that I must tell her when I got back from the DZ, NEVER tell her when I was going TO the DZ... 'course, this was after she found out I had been taking sailplane lessons and we had the talk about "tell me what you're up to..." That was 20 years ago... now she comes out to see me jump. J Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...
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Reminder
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Thanks Jon. I first went out there before learning to skydive and loved it. When I later started jumping, it occured to me that if I kept with it, maybe I would get to jump there one day. Been there for 15 years now, with ~250 Stearman jumps. Its an honor to keep bringing this traditional show to people that have never seen this old style show. Jim Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...
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I've got two too. Word of warning for our older card holders... If you don't have a plastic license, your time is very limited... The FAA is requiring every one to upgrade to the new plastic licenses in order to continue exercising your privileges. I don't have the dates in front of me, and there are different dates depending on your license (pilot vs rigger vs a&p). Bottom line - if you still have paper, ask for plastic. (its free for those still using their SSN IF you simply request a change of license number) JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...
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Here's your reminder. THANKS!!
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shameless bump Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...