ianmdrennan

Mind splitting that lotto ticket with me? I checked into tickets today and it'll cost me $900+ dollars to get to Munich - coupled with the price tag it's a little out of my price range. I'll bet, for those who can afford to go, it'll be worth every single penny! If anyone here is going, don't be shy - please share the experience with us when you return

Oh oh - someone was bitten by the competition bug last week

One of the most common events is to tell someone that you'll be 30 minutes late because you're moving 5mph on the highway. (If they could exit, they would!) Good luck finding the thousands of deaths in that common scenario. No doubt that happens, and I don't feel that's unsafe. I definitely don't think that's the source of the majority of cell phone calls while driving though. Still, that's not a scenario that is dangerous so it's quite irrelevant to a safety discussion. If you want to nitpick the scenario, lets say that talking on the phone, while driving at 5mph or less is acceptable Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

Micro-line shrinks with exposure to heat. Friction during slider movement, flight and control inputs all creates heat. After the amount of jumps you described the canopy is quite likely out of trim - add to that the '200 jump guess' and I'd say it's almost definite. Have the line trim checked, and if out of tolerance, send it back for a reline. Blues Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

Sorry my friend, afraid not. Perhaps you have a comprehension problem since you seem to think I'm saying I can't make mistakes. The very premise of my argument, and posts, is that we ALL can make mistakes. I'm saying I fully acknowledge that I CAN slam into someone and as such I do hop n pops and everything I can to avoid putting myself in the same airspace as others. YOU'RE saying that you won't cause you haven't yet. Big difference there buddy. You really need a reality check. YOUR RIGHTS END WHEN THEY NEGATIVELY EFFECT OTHERS SAFETY. My approach: Pro-actively avoid situations that endanger others. Your approach: Pretend that you'll never make the mistake cause you're just that good. See the difference? I have a very, very simple question: Bar the most extreme circumstances, what is it about that call that's just SOOOO important you HAVE to take it now? My guess is that 99.99999% of the time your call is unimportant in the scheme of things, and can wait. You claim I have a Holier than thou attitude since I care about not hurting others. I guess that means I can claim you have an arrogant and inconsiderate one since you place your own convenience, and perceived skills, over others safety. Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

I haven't crashed into anyone on landing either. Then again, neither had Danny until he collided with Bob. The biggest problem with your logic is that it revolves around a misguided perception that you're somehow immune from making mistakes, or being distracted by things. Normally I'd have little issue with it, but since YOUR actions behind the wheel can effect ME, I have a vested interest in making sure they don't. Reminds me a lot of the "I can downsize cause I'm better than everyone else" attitude. Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

Side note: Expecting people to be responsible with cell phones while driving, is like expecting people to be responsible with canopy flight in the same airspace. Both work well in theory, neither work in the real world when plain old ego's come into play. Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

It's nothing like that. Having a passenger, while it can be distracting, is also another set of eyes. I've had my wife, and others over time, help me prevent an accident because they noticed something I didn't mid-conversation. I've done the same to them, while they were driving. Sorry, but it's not even CLOSE to the same thing. Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

I find it hard to believe that any honest person can say their driving doesn't deteriorate, in some form, while talking on a cell phone - or dealing with any distraction in the vehicle really. I know mine does. Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

1:7:LOTS 7 of the best jumps of my life, with the coolest people, in the coolest environment at the PDFT tryouts. Great times! Performance Designs Factory Team

Thanks Pia - I'm really bummed too. At 550 per person, per ticket, it's just a little too much right now Can't wait to see you in at the next meet

Looks like Clewiston won't be in the cards for me. Tickets are ridiculous - if we can organize a cessna flight down I may make it. Otherwise I'll be at all the others. Have a safe meet! Performance Designs Factory Team

Looks like Al and crew have stepped it up for the 1st and 2nd amateur place rankings this year. Check them out here http://www.cpafl.org/board/viewtopic.php?t=12 Nice job Al - I think those are perfect prizes! Remember folks, you don't have to live in the region to compete in it. There are plenty of folks who fly/drive in from other regions. Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

The final video is up on the blog. Enjoy http://www.thepdblog.com/pdblog/2009/01/pdft-tryouts-day-3-the-final-video.html Performance Designs Factory Team

Thanks all, I'll be making a full report on the process from my point of view. It was an experience of a lifetime, and quite honestly life changing. mpohl - hopefully my upcoming post will clear up your misconceptions (and trust me they are very much wrong on every single count). Thanks for the kind words everyone, and CONGRATS to the 4 new members. They are the embodiment of what the team should be and are, imo, perfect picks. Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

That's just cause you want me all to yourself.....selfish bastard

GW doesn't take vacation. The world just stops and waits for him. Happy new year bro. Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

yep - we start arriving tomorrow and then head off to a week of unknown No matter what happens in the end, it's going to be a total blast, and an experience of a lifetime. See you all next week! Peace, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

Folks, the reason JT hasn't posted the price is because it's against DZ.com's rules to advertise in the forums. I would suggesting contacting the PDFT at the email address provided and I'm sure they'll be able to give you all the info you need. Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

So cynical E Performance Designs Factory Team

UPT would probably be able to best answer this. I believe Mark frequents these boards and may be able to offer some insight. Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

Does anyone know the dates for CP at this years nationals? I'm trying to plan a few things and want to make sure I don't accidently hose myself

A very very sad ruling indeed Performance Designs Factory Team

They are a rare print and they are made from the remains of his swoop victims. Performance Designs Factory Team

Not possible. Calling GW renders the caller unconscious. Performance Designs Factory Team