Scrumpot

Also, how many people did not know about the "hole" that could exist (and in what potential situations/exposures) in their harness systems? I'm sure there are actually even many other items too if people truly paid attention to CONTENT, rather than worried so much sometimes even more about just either who, or why (trying to second guess so many's strictly supposed motivations) some people may be posting. Or worse yet... getting into those incessant (and tiresome) "debates" over who either should at any given time, or should not be posting, and trying to play themselves, constant "quasi moderator". That is the stuff in there that tends to distract (and "frost" me) the most. I've found in my 4 years or so of coming on here, and paying attention to (or trying to) the incidents forum, that it has had its "value", and I have learned (albeit in many cases, both sadly and unfortunately) in fact quite a bit. Even despite some people's apparent frustration with the signal to noise ratio, that does seem sometimes granted, to be evidenced. So what's the "solution"? Bigun's (and others) suggested thread-initiating user-form submission to a moderator requirement? Would we (or you then Bill) leave (or edit) out, seemingly redundant "just another hook turn bounce" INCIDENTS as a result? Should we?? Here's to a happy, and hopefully SAFER for us all, new year 2006 with a lot LESS incidents threads postings regardless, ...and in ANY case! -Grant coitus non circum - Moab Stone

I have a friend of mine who was travelling with me on a jump excursion once who did something very similar. Instead of a zip-tie though, he used a brightly colored (florescent orange) pull-up cord in the relatively same manner as you describe. - Not any more. Again, you can NOT (even remotely possible) miss your chest strap if you simply use that instead, because you need to remove/open it to even put your rig on (for jumping). Yup, you guessed it. Believe it or not, while heading to the boarding area for load 1 at the destination to our trip DZ, and a group of us just mulling around, etc. etc. (the usual) some guy points and says to my bud: "Hey dude, what's the pull-up cord through the reserve handle for?" - - -OOPS! Of course WE would have caught it before actually boarding, then exiting the plane too at SOME POINT I'm sure. - - -Right? Just "food for thought" though, eh? What if the "remove before flight" ribbon (or "tag"?) flipped around UNDER the lateral lift web (if you DID happen to miss it) as you put the gear on? I'd venture to say that a bright pull up cord is probably even MORE visible than a thin zip-cord for sure whence you get to this point. ...Far fetched? Maybe. But personally, and just by what I HAVE WITNESSED, regardless, I would not do EITHER and would rather not use ANY "ancillary devices" that could (even remotely) possibly be missed. JMO. YMMV. But then again, that is what a good pre-jump (pre-boarding, even pre-gearing up) gear check is for. No need to make EITHER mistake(s) or oversight at all IMHO. Blues, -Grant coitus non circum - Moab Stone

"Drop a dime" on the TSA guy?? For what? Actually, even if you read the FAA, and TSA directives on this, they have EVERY RIGHT to ask you to do this. The only "requirement" is that you are allowed to be present while they do. The fact that they (apparently) simply allowed HIM to do it (for them, instead of THEM doing it while he merely watched) would be looked at (by them) as even a "favor", and an "accomodation" that they did NOT even have to give (that much)! ...Just "FYI". That being said, with all the travel I do, I have never had such problem at all ...knock wood. Best advice in any case when faced with this possiblity I think, would be to remain as calm, and reasonable and NON-CONFRONTATIONAL as possible. Which is also why you do not want the added pressure of being either late or pressed for time to get to your flight. As "inconvenient" as it may seem, allow yourself PLENTY of time arriving at the airport for your flight. Hanging out even a few hours before and sitting bored, is far less "inconvenient" than having to feel pressured to dealing with these potential issues and because of the stress doing so as a result, in the 'wrong" way. ...I've seen that. It aint pretty. Blue Skies, -Grant coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Placing it in a simple, carry-on size compliant STANDARD roller-bag piece of "luggage" would be a much better option. Why would you NOT want to do this in ANY case if/when "carrying on"? If you insist on openly slinging it over your shoulder or back, then: 1. Draw as tight as possible, and even possibly tie together as close to BOC as you can the leg straps. (having them dangle freely about exposes them to "catching" on things, including the belt of the security scanner it will go through. 2. Secure your cutaway handle (do this if even put IN a carry-on roller-bag or gear bag) so it can not be inadvertently pulled. I do this by threading my chest strap once ALL THE WAY tight through the tensioner, then putting several wraps THROUGH the handle (D-ring) and securing the excess with a rubber band or its own "keeper band" (if so equipped). 3. Push your BOC hackey, handle or what-have-you all the way into it's pouch. It will pretty much look like anyone else's nap-sack or book bag this way to most folks, and be "tight" secured for travel. Of course remember to reverse all this, and thorough gear check upon arrival at your detination and before actually jumping/using it while EXITING an airplane at alt.! In short though, carring it entirely exposed and "loose" really serves NO PURPOSE at all other than to shout: "Hey whuffo's look at me, I'm a skydiver". In reality though, and for PRACTICALITY, there is no (good) reason to even potentially expose yourself to that level of attention. JMO though of course. Hope this helps. BLUE SKIES, -Grant coitus non circum - Moab Stone

I do. And he's "famous" now too, isn't he (or WAS anyway), eh RL But alas his "trials and tribulations" were P(pre)-DZ.com. There's a whole "new generation" out there now, post wreck-dot ...may it respectfully RIP. Blue Skies, -Grant coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Yes, and be open to LEARN. Sadly though, that indeed does NOT seem to be being said here though at all, with this one, and only ...and only all of "US" (apparently) have to "get over it" post. coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Nobody (except Rick himself I'm sure, who is NOT -yet anyway- posting) knows this for sure, or knows either probably, what even you are referring to! coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Okay, little story personally just witnessed, because yes, I saw this too in her statement, and was tempted to comment on it as well. EXACTLY! ...and know/be prepared for whatever circmstances may either surround or effect that eventuality. Good catch, and GREAT point (and something yes, I think that was gravely lacking and otherise -and unfortunately STILL IS "missed" by Shayna ) ...were you PREPARED to handle, fly -and deal with, if necessary, a 170? - obviously not. Just a few weekends ago I was jumping with a group out at Perris Valley, for a very specific and "special event" that everyone wanted to see GO ON, and on that day (because it was a birthday event). The winds picked up for a stint to over 20, approaching (maybe even exceeding with gusts, but I do not know this) 25. Several of THE MOST EXPERIENCED of the group pulled themselves out and sidelined themselves during that period. The winds later subsided and the jumps continued. But one juper in particular, maybe even the one with most time in sport, and most jumps (several thousands) I think, made this point exactly, and clearer than I had heard it from anybody in a long time: "sure, you may be getting penetration now on your 9-cell main (and BARELY at that mind you), but whatcha gonna do when (if) you gotta use your (7-cell) reserve?" That's how you've got to set the standard for your (ability to) jump. At any given time, and at ANY level! I think that bears repeating: Edited to add: P.S. And it is also NOT a "guaranteed to open" back-up! coitus non circum - Moab Stone

So, having insurance is "license" to go ahead and do the "stupid shit"?? ...I just couldn't help but to key in on this statement, as it seems to be a mentality that I have also seen in people's perceptions (and their statements) of jumping either with, or without a Cypres. Why would you do something stupid ("stupid shit") just because you had insurance that you otherwise in any other way would NOT do (apparently) if you did not? Maybe I'm just "stirring" for no good reason here (other than boredom at work) too. coitus non circum - Moab Stone

All I'll say to that is just take a look at the very 1st few frames of the video that's been posted of Shayna being "interviewed" on her jump video itself ("what are you going to do...") standing in the hangar, geared up and getting ready before the jump, and tell me what you see. ...?? coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Please tell me about a DZ (or rigging loft ON a DZ perhaps?) supposedly selling absolutely non-airworthy ("TSO-able") gear, but somehow being "legitimized" by their (or their DZ?) "reputable" name. This is a very serious allegation, and if absolutely factually so, needs to be brought VERY DEFINITIVELY and CLEARLY to light for all of us to beware of. Veiled innuendo only (as this is thus far) in this regard will serve NOBODY'S best interests. Full details, PLEASE. Thank you. Blue Skies, -Grant coitus non circum - Moab Stone

And "1/2 a reserve". ...What is up with all this?? Yup, sure, absolutely ...all this NEEDS to be discussed too. I'll watch for the new thread on it all then. Please be prepared to be SPECIFIC too. Allegations like you've intimated above (YISkyDive ...not necessarily the post I am replying to) are CRUCIAL to all of our safety and well being. -Grant coitus non circum - Moab Stone

From 6,000 AGL... If that's the case, then you just did, nearly exactly, the OPPOSITE of what you should have done. AND induced exposure to yourself to have actually even potentially "worsened" (your intended result) situation. Please pick up on what is being said here and learn for future purposes and benefit. Glad that everything (regardless of your "best efforts" there anyway ) worked out okay for you. This time. Blue Skies, -Grant coitus non circum - Moab Stone

I don't think I fully understand how this "counting method" can possibly work, or be counted upon (slight pun intended ) in all situations, absent keeping yourself ALSO aware of other "queu's" (your altimeter, your eye-ball of the ground, surrounding known geographic features, etc.), and relying on this as a "crutch" (as it sounds to me you MAY be doing) I would think, COULD become even dangerous, if you remained dependent (and especially on ONLY) that. Not all malfunctions are created equal! A line-over collapsing 4 of your 9 right-side cells, for instance (or similar "spinning" malfunction) may have a much FASTER decent rate (eating up alt.) than say several line twists. - No? coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Why would you "hop-n-pop" from a balloon at 6k AGL? Just wondering. With no (real) "relative wind"... either via "throw"/"drive" into the uppers (the balloon, and therefore YOU are drifting pretty much WITH the wind at point of exit), prop-blast (none of those on a balloon, eh?) or allowing 1st acceleration (if not even to terminal), ...IMHO you may have been just "asking for trouble" if you were pitching, literally right as, or immediately after your feet have just left the basket (as your post seems to imply). Besides, in doing so, you really "ruin" the whole "balloon experience" of falling away (read: taking a DELAY, and accelerating away) from something "unpowered" and (relatively) stationary, beautiful, quiet and serene as a balloon jump OTHERWISE is!! coitus non circum - Moab Stone

I don't see any problem with this. Performing singular "mechanical" (static and "solitary" in nature, that does NOT involve the S/O's or even "ex" S/O's on-going INTERACTION to accomplish) tasks, are an entirely different matter than instructing, which is an on-going and dynamic set of events/requirement. coitus non circum - Moab Stone

I compressed all 5 of my lower lumbar vertabra in a fairly significant skydiving accident back in 1998. My health care coverage paid-out and covered exactly as the "standard" policy perameters had called for. A good friend of mine had a relatively significant skydiving accident just this past summer too (tib/fib & hip) ...No problems with his coverage disbursements either. Totally different employers, positions/professions, insurance companies, and limits of liability etc. I've in fact known of MANY (too many, unfortunately ) skydiving related accidents resulting in injury where the jumper WAS covered, and the healthcare coverage paid out with absolutely no issues, or problems at all. Just to illustrate FIRST HAND that this statement is not necessarily correct (and often misunderstood, or just "assumed to be the case") is all. Hope that things turn out okay, regardless, for your niece and your entire family. All other "implications" and "furor" over this incident (and its resulting publicity) as it is, aside. Blues Skies, -Grant coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Being able to "spot for themselves", sure. Or at least so they SHOULD (be able to). But be able to fully understand exit separation and its implications so as to be "the spotter" on say an entire Otter load of 5-6 sticks of varying disciplines? No. Nor should they, and that is not the requirement for signing off on their A Licenses at all. If my entire (wow, this is old ) post is read, and within context of who/what I was replying to, and not just it's one-line cut-n-paste, I still stand by it, and actually think we are on the same page too. -No? Entire load spotting, and self-spotting a C-182 just for yourself (which is, in reality all that is required for the A-License sign-off) are entirely 2 different things. coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Many dropzones offer a reduced price package if you are buying jump tickets in 100 jump lots or more. What exactly is it here (for discussion) you are looking for? As far as travelling to NZ to take advantage of some 200 jump "package", I suppose that would all depend on if you have the time there to spend/concentrate on that many jumps in the first place. Then, if the cost offset of the travel, lodging, meals, etc. etc. still in the final analysis made all that worth it for you. Check around with nearly ANY dropzone you may be interested in, and just ask that's all. Good luck mate, whatever YOU decide! Blues, -Grant coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Yeah, and while your 20-jump wonder solo, is standing in the door doing that, behind the either 3rd or 4th RW group that has gone in front of him (maybe even taken their own sweet time in "set up"), and he now has a tandem master screaming at him "go-go-go-go-GO!" What do you think he is gonna do? coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Oops, there I go, drunk posting again! Sorry for the "distraction" there folks. Blues, -Grant coitus non circum - Moab Stone

You forgot to put a winky-face after that statement, Chris. Hint: RBYG But prof, in all seriousness though... What is white? Also, I always hesitate quoting any "science" from the mid to late 70's. Seems to me as I remember a particular Popular Science edition about that time purportedly "proving" (or at least touting) Global COOLING ...and the very near impending coming of the next (by 2015) ICE AGE. 1977 scientific conclusions? Hmmmm.... Careful there. -Grant coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Wendy, you are STILL who I want to be when (and if I ever) grow up!! Your wisdom is always, and consistently, beyond reproach! Blue Skies, -Grant coitus non circum - Moab Stone

The only problem with this thought (and I have seen it) is that if enough bridle is also catching wind, it can have sufficient drag to "flip" the pin in exactly the opposite direction you might otherwise expect it. ...Not "ragging" on ANYTHING you are saying. Just giving something else, from my own practical experience and actual observation once, in someone else's incidence, to think about. Blue Skies, -Grant coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Frankenotter is was sweet (in a sick & twisted sorta way). Didn't that plane finally a few yrs ago actually get a whole new "makeover"? coitus non circum - Moab Stone