Psychonaut

I went to Kohls or Carson Pirie or somewhere similar about a month ago and picked up a 21" small suitcase solely for my rig. Cheap, and it fits perfect; and my rig is the only thing in there. Everything else is in my suitcase that get's checked. The more you shove in there along with the rig that's already going to raise eyebrows, the greater chance you have of getting hung up with security for longer than you'd like. Stay high pull low

Right, on my way out from RFD I did mention it; I didn't at Gateway on my way home as he was busy speaking with someone. Definitely a great little thing, I figured that out on the way back at Gateway. Even had time to slip my belt back on Stay high pull low

I did my AFF at CSC.. I'm only about 30 minutes away from the DZ

To follow up.. I flew out of RFD, The suitcase went through the xray and they get that funky look on their face. They scan it again then call someone over to take a look at it. It was a woman that got it. If I recall correctly she swabbed it first, but then started popping covers. I was putting on my shoes and started walking over to her while watching her inspecting the reserve pin and I almost shit. By the time I got there she was pulling on the bridle and pulled and main pin out. Right about this time she asked me what she was looking at. I seriously didn't know what to say, you've never seen anything like this and you're pulling on pins? She said something along the lines of thinking it was a backpack. Coming back from Eloy through Gateway was much easier. The xray worker got the same look on his face and called for a supervisor, which thankfully the supervisor knew what it was and was incredibly cool with it. He made sure to grab a brand new swab and even took my rig to a different machine.. He told me that it would be a hassle for both of us if the swab set off the machine. In my opinion, I would have the AAD xray card in your pocket but do NOT show them before they scan it, rather just hold onto it and present it after they scan it. One other little trick depending on how the airport has the security setup.. Gateway had the line split to go to 2 different xray machines. Each had a worker working the xray machine right? One was an elderly guy who looked like he had been working a while (chances are he's seen a rig before). The other line was a younger woman, and to be honest she just looked like a total bitch. Pick your worker wisely Stay high pull low

That's ironic you say this. I just got back from Eloy and after talks with jumpers from overseas, it seems to me that they are much more, safe? I can't quite think of a good word rather than safe; don't get me wrong USPA has done an outstanding job, but it's just small things such as you can't jump a camera helmet without a camera itself.. if the box of bracket is empty. Also I believe I heard you need to have a cutaway system. Even moreso concerning what you just posted, you do NOT get on the plane without a gearcheck. This could probably be in a new thread but I don't feel like starting that messy ordeal Stay high pull low

Using the chest strap is how I have it packed as we speak. You're right, most people think it's a fine idea, and they're sure they'll remember even if it's a pullup cord that says TAKE ME THE F#$% OFF! with flashing LEDs. Truth is it's way to easy to forget that after pulling up to the DZ and wanting to get on the first load possible Stay high pull low

Where at in IL are you and where do ya jump? Stay high pull low

If any low-number jumpers are reading this thread and are looking for someone to jump with but just aren't posting, give me a holler! I'll be there tomorrow (25) to the 30th Stay high pull low

Definitely, and I'm a nice guy (atleast I think so) to begin with so this shouldn't be a hassle. I should be all packed, helmet full of socks and boxers as the suitcase is a bit on the small side I'll get back to this thread after my trip to let everyone know how it went, specifically with allegiant air. See ya guys in AZ Stay high pull low

I think I'll try and be nice eh? My airline allows one carry on with certain dimensions which will be the small suitcase I got for my rig, and then they allow a personal item so a small backpack purse etc.. When I purchased the smaller suitcase, I figured it would work well if I had to check it for some reason.. Stay high pull low

I'll be getting there the evening of the 25th until the 30th.. How hard will it be to try and get on loads between all of the organized competitions and formations? And I can't wait to hopefully do my first balloon.. Stay high pull low

To me it's as simply as this, and I'm sure many agree; If you relied on your AAD to get you to the ground safely, you need to sit back and think things through. Stay high pull low

http://www.uspa.org/SIM.aspx Stay high pull low

What do most of you do as far as money when you're traveling to boogies? Mostly cash, mostly credit/debit card, 50/50..? Stay high pull low

Thanks NW, Yeah, unfortunately I know that it's one of those situations where you'd really like to strangle them, but even after you strangle them they're still in charge. I'll be sure to put my smile on. I have the documents for my specific airline (allegiant air) however I got a new laptop and forgot to grab all of my bookmarks. Can anyone link me to the TSA documents? Thanks! Stay high pull low

Good call on the chest strap. No hook knives on my rig so nothing to worry there. I'm fine if I have to unpack the main but shit is most likely going to hit the fan if they decide they have to fire the reserve.. Stay high pull low

I want to make sure I am not forgetting anything so I was going to make a list here.. Checked suitcase with all gear, clothes, food snacks if any.. Smaller suitcase for carry on with just rig Backpack as carry on with - USPA licensing paperwork, log book etc - Printed TSA and airline rules for rigs - AAD xray card - Trashbag if they fire the reserve - Pullup cords and similar for packing needs Tie a pull up around the reserve handle/strap Money and credit card for jumps and beer! Any other suggestions to save some hassle and make things alot easier? I'm sure I'm foretting something.. Thanks Stay high pull low

I think it's somewhat extreme to take it to this extent (it's not AS bad if you don't tape it and put it online!) Sure, you should practice them a few times if not once in a while (yeah, right). You have to do it atleast in the FJC. I don't think it's one of those things you can practice, sure a few times with a few pointers will help but in my opinion it's more of a natural position and motion. Although, someone crashing under canopy might also think locking their knees and sticking out both arms is natural too so my theory is shit haha Stay high pull low

The last minutes or two were pretty humorous Stay high pull low

Found a great press release on USPA if anyone else would like.. http://www.uspa.org/Portals/0/Downloads/PR_0309USPASkydivingSafetyDay.doc Stay high pull low

I need to give a speech; it's loosely assigned saying to give a speech from a position in what career you are going into. Obviously I have my engineering major, although I think to make it easier I'm going to take on the role of a S&TA or similar giving a safety day speech. Besides the point.. What three topics would you guys throw into your speech? What's currently needing to be discusses. Any operations concerning tandems, solo's, students, airports, planes, etc.. Blues Stay high pull low

Medium, long sleeve is cool but whatever Let me know if you need any other help! Stay high pull low

DVD Decryptor on Windows, dvd::rip on Linux. I also suggest you do not recode your DVDs, leave them as images. Disk space is cheap nowadays. For sure.. I'm planning on setting up a new fileserver for myself and I wouldn't plan on anything less than 2 tb drives in raid (I'm a raid kind of guy I suppose..) Stay high pull low

I'm game to help promote anytime.. I'm from Illinois Stay high pull low

It's CSPA A liscence, not an USPA A liscence. And it's the right number