ianmdrennan

You're misunderstanding what I'm saying. First, my response was to Pilot who suggests there are no logical reasons for doing things in the order we do them - I have presented a case otherwise. That doesn't make him 'wrong' and me 'right' - just just debunks the idea that there's only one way or reason for doing things. In fact, if you look back on my posts you'll see that I encorporated some things into my process based on some good points people who release their brakes first brought up. So, I'm not saying that loosening your cheststrap after you release the toggles is wrong, I AM saying that as canopies get smaller this becomes less practical and it's not a catch all solution (which is what people want after a fatality). The best practice is whatever you feel you can do, as safely as you feel you can do it. You HAVE to understand that there is no magical solution - everything you do has pro's and cons. There's a difference. Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

Happy Birthday, John :) Performance Designs Factory Team

Fixed it for ya Performance Designs Factory Team

I just read the incidents and I see they're pretty much concluded it was due to complications from the harness not being in the usual spot. Pilot-One, if you have enough time to fly back to the DZ, you have enough time to retighten the chest strap. It IS part of my procedure for a toggle hangup. Reality is, this sport can kill us, there are no 100% safe solutions. Do what you can, as safely as you can. Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

Subtle? I thought it was pretty blatent. Performance Designs Factory Team

I did. Just to make it clear the suggestion is to check for and be clear of traffic, collapse and then stow the slider, release toggles and perform canopy control check and then finally loosen the chest strap. I can't see where any other way would make sense. You're wrong on this one. Chest strap should be loosened BEFORE popping the toggles (for a number of reasons). Ian I am bumping this thread up because of the recent incident in Elsinore. It seems to be apparant that a loose chest strap may have been a significant factor in the death of this skydiver. He loosened the chest strap before popping the toggles. I have to ask specifically what Ian's response is to his personal suggestions and how it relates to an incident such as this one. My response hasn't changed. 1) the incident in question is under review - we'll see what comes from it. 2) I have actually altered my procedures slightly. I spend a lot more time inspecting the toggles before releasing them AND I leave enough of my chest strap to grab and re-tighten should I need to. Do I think it's perfect? Nope, but I think it's better than zipping around on a 79 with toggles in hand trying to undo a chest strap. The best safety solution is to not release the chest strap at all if it's such a concern. Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

Yep, Rob is the guy I was thinking of. He's a very thorough pilot, and a good source of info. Use him, and tell him I said hi

Not sure what the shortest recovery arc canopy is, but IMO the longest recovery arc is on the Velo. I see your profile now says Raeford. Talk to the rigger there, he's a good pilot and has put a lot of time into canopy flight. Steven Singletary can introduce you. Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

Both have advantages and both have disadvantages. Longer recovery arcs require earlier intevention on a botched swoop. Shorter recovery arcs require you to turn lower. The best thing, honestly, is a good mentor (I know that's not what you asked but it bears repeating). By what standards? I jumped a 103 this weekend for the first time in a LONG time loaded at 1.8 - hardly what a lot of people would call a short recovery arc - but compared by my 84 loaded @ 2.5 it was short as all hell (and I hated it, but I need it for the dive) edit: I see you're at Skydive Arizona - talk to Jeffro. Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

Agreed on both counts. There sure are a bunch of shitty Disney movies coming. Overall I liked the movie, but I felt it was missing more humor like Finding Nemo and The Incredibles. Amazing visually. Performance Designs Factory Team

And HH doesn't own the site anymore, although he's staying on during the "transition" to our corporate masters. I don't know if they mind this use of their bandwidth, though. And Skymama still mods this forum, and will continue to do so. If she says it goes, it goes Performance Designs Factory Team

Happy Birthday Kristi

yes, you are a tease

Who said you are outclassed?!??! BTW...I have a phoenix too...nice tattoo!! ~R+R... Nice you'll have to send me a pic of it. Tattoo's are awesome

I think I need some of that mental bleach! Oh and the SA boys are representing quite nicely in the polls It's the accents

Perfect! Here's to hoping that lead pans out. With any luck that was the final piece of evidence to nail this asshole to the wall. btw, Lee, the weather's calling for 60% rain on Sat and 30% on Sun. If we don't get to do your ashdive I'm teaching Chaos to crap on your tree Performance Designs Factory Team

Performance Designs Factory Team

Wow. Just....wow. Performance Designs Factory Team

Here's a goofy pic from when Piahenzi dared me to wear her shirt at the last swoop comp Performance Designs Factory Team

Paul, While I appreciate your self portraits (see attached), I'm afraid I'm going to just have to turn you down Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

Well, I can't compete with GQ Jumper (I know when I'm outclassed you bastard!)

I agree with you. I've been guilty of thinking the older way myself for sure. I think the 'confusing' part comes when we think in terms of flying relative to another canopy (where being big can help) vs prolonging airtime. Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

The way I see it, is if someone wants to put together a naked load, no cameras, then everyone should respect it. Everyone should also respect that they want to land away from everyone and get dressed without being oogled. If you want to oogle then get on the jump, otherwise you are Shit out of luck. yeah, i'm the party pooper I'm in full support of this. Unfortunately there's always the odd person or two who make this a big deal, and ultimately uncomfortable for the ladies (I'm not talking about anyone here btw) This is turn means they either don't do it, or never do it again. Pity, cause they're fun, and not sexual. Guys, here's a hint - if you're cool and relaxed about these things, you'll get to see more boobies *end soapbox* Nikki, just wrap yourself in your canopy when you land. Problem solved

1) Check airspace and altitude (rear riser heading control back to holding area) 2) Visual inspection of canopy 3) Check airspace and altitude and ground position 4) Remove and stow slider 5) Check airspace and altitude and ground position 6) Visual check of toggles to make sure there are no obvious issues before loosening cheststrap 7) Check airspace and altitude and ground position 8) Loosen chest strap 9) Check airspace and altitude and ground position 10) Release toggles To those who release their toggles, let go of one or both of them, and then loosen cheststrap - be warned. It's possible for the toggle to wrap around the riser (I've seen it happen). If you REALLY want to do it this way stick the toggle to the velcro or restow it (not practical if you don't have velcro IMO). FWIW I have a HARD DECK of 1500. No matter what, if I don't have a fully functional canopy by then I'm outta there. I've already had to use it once, and I'm really glad I set the limit since I kept telling myself I was almost there. If I didn't have a fixed, no negotiations altitude, I'm not sure what would have happened. I'd like to think I'd have done the safe/right thing, but I also saw how easy it'd be to get into a trap where you're doing 'mid-air rigging'. Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

We're not there that weekend, dork. We've both done them anyway, unlike a certain poster *cough*YOU*cough* Performance Designs Factory Team