JamesNahikian

I would bet that like five people outside of this sport even possess a remote inkling I jump from stuff, an activity I've loved and participated in for more than a decade. Most other people are simply aware I dislike golf and don't race yachts nearly as much as I used to. Low key works for me. D. James Nahikian CHICAGO

Russia, Nepal and Berner Oberland by Sept. 10th. D. James Nahikian CHICAGO

Shut up and help me find my nose I loved Chauncey, too ... D. James Nahikian CHICAGO ... messieur, there eeze a baumbe ...

I'm currently taking an advanced graduate course in bioinformatics programming. If you are experienced in this field, and you have a few minutes to spare, please PM me through this web service. I have a limited number of discrete questions I would like to ask you to confirm an algorithm I have developed for my class actually accounts for all relevant factors. The application models polypeptide chains utilizing Monte Carlo methods and must factor in Dill's hydrophobic zipper effect. I only need to confirm/revise my approach. Since each run occupies hours of time and there is a deadline I will appreciate your prompt reply, thanks. D. James Nahikian CHICAGO

Oh the barfly has committed even more heinous acts in places other than Central and South America. Barflies have certainly afflicted me with considerable woe in the past. D. James Nahikian CHICAGO

Jen Key used to lead sunset cross-countries at our dz. Although I'm happy Jen is pursuing her C.S. ambitions, I miss cruising around with that friend. We are wishing her lots and lots of luck. D. James Nahikian CHICAGO

I will always love flying my canopy from altitude and I've been jumping for 10+ years. The godseye view, peacefulness, smell of clean air tinged with clover or hay, formation flying with hawks and feeling of mastery contribute to the longing that drives me to stay in the air as long as possible. There is no other way to experience these sensations, and I haven't felt completely alive without them for many years. D. James Nahikian CHICAGO

Betcha didn't know you're speaking Afrikaans. D. James Nahikian CHICAGO

It's true that reserve parachute system malfunctions are rare. Nonetheless, if one should occur on your next jump what is Plan B(2)? I believe that in addition to a marketing purpose, the Catapult was intended to contribute, and it does actually serve as, a legitimate Plan B(2) in certain situations. It hasn't interferred with my long term plans despite two breakaways, and I admit my primary freeflying rig is an RW model in which I have reposed considerable confidence. D. James Nahikian CHICAGO

I have two successful breakaways using the Catapult and I'm comfortable with continuing to jump the system, though granted it's on a backup rig which I seldom use at the present time. You may wish to consider that when Catapult entered the mass market Relative Workshop was outspoken in its criticism of the product and claimed a secondary reserve pilotchute was a solution in search of a problem. RW's negative commentary was in part based on its testing of a similar concept, the Vortex, which had exhibited a tendency to lock the freebag closed. However, the Vortex configuration routed the reserve bridle through the secondary reserve pilotchute centerline whereas the Catapult attaches the bridle to the mesh base of the secondary reserve pilotchute. The Catapult also incorporates a plastic "keeper" that purportedly reduces the secondary pilotchute's exposure to the relative wind until after the primary reserve pilotchute has had an opportunity to deploy. It's reasonable to expect that different results could obtain between the two different designs IMHO. If the issue seriously concerns you, try and contact the originator of the Catapult, Mick Cottle, who I understand jumps in Southern California. D. James Nahikian CHICAGO

Let the sun shine in. D. James Nahikian CHICAGO

That's my belief. I note Alchemy and Loki do not use any grippers on their jumpsuits. D. James Nahikian CHICAGO

Congratulations on your AFF progress. Keep us posted and then buy virtual beer once you've got your A.

'I said rum on the rocks, not run on the rocks!' D. James Nahikian CHICAGO What money won't buy ... what money won't buy. - A local pilot surveying my new gear with envy circa 1997

I promise not to poll you when you visit. D. James Nahikian CHICAGO

Congratulations to you, Chris and your families btw. D. James Nahikian CHICAGO

A wingsuit flyer has more to deal with under canopy, especially under a canopy with the line twists that are not uncommon to novice wingsuit flyers. Canopy collision with a non-wingsuit flyer, "oops I needed to free my arms." Why not respond to the poll? D. James Nahikian CHICAGO

Wingsuit pilots put other jumpers at unique risk. What is your position, and why? D. James Nahikian CHICAGO

Of course I'm affected by wingsuit flyers! D. James Nahikian CHICAGO

I know that place, Beaver Island is a milestone during the Chicago to Mackinac Island yacht race and I've tucked-in on the return passage. There aren't any beavers on the island as I seem to recall the name originated with the native americans (Ojibwa, I believe) who honored it with the beaver designation like they did with the Sleeping Bear. The families who stay on Beaver Island through the winters, mostly of Irish descent, are hardy stock. It's inaccessible during much of winter except by helicopter on good days and the neighboring mainland territory is largely Mennonite, so you're on your own. D. James Nahikian CHICAGO

Want is irrelevant, the poll is directed primarily to jumpers whose disciplines don't involve wingsuit flying directly. The SIM is vague regarding wingsuit flying procedures. Wingsuit basic safety recommendations could include, for example, detailed procedures for traffic clearance, reckoning, group flight, permitted time aloft and demonstrated skills, to name a few. Why or why not? D. James Nahikian CHICAGO

Other than prequalifications and the recommended deployment altitudes, the SIM section is incredibly vague. D. James Nahikian CHICAGO

Notes are notes. What exactly do you mean by 'intrusive'? As wingsuits proliferate, they impact skydiving operations in a particular way and a valid question remains whether traditional jumpers, whatever the hell that means, could benefit from specific BSRs similar to those under proposal for highly-loaded canopies. The poll definitely isn't aimed at jumpers with your experience, Lou D. James Nahikian CHICAGO

What are you suggesting, specifically? D. James Nahikian CHICAGO

Wingsuit flying is a unique form of human flight. Do you believe that additional USPA guidance would add value? D. James Nahikian CHICAGO