ManagingPrime

Good to know. I hope that rule stays in place. However, I'm doubtful as I expect A LOT of private companies and law enforcement agencies will be purchasing drones for commercial and law enforcement use and they will want airport access. http://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsId=6287

While that may be true, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate that risk. Other than keeping drones out of dropzone airspace, I'm not sure what steps could be taken to mitigate the risk of a collision with a drone. Seems that the FAA is currently looking at the risk of collisions between commercial aircraft and drones and how to manage that risk. It would be nice if our representatives at the USPA could at least send a friendly note to the FAA. Even one incident would be one to many if something as simple as programing in a no-go zone could have avoided it.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46531351 It seems a given that in the near future there will be more and more drones in civilian airspace. Any idea if the USPA is taking steps to keep them away from dropzone operations? After a closer-than-i-would-like call with an airplane this weekend the thought of drones around skydiving operations is quite alarming. Thoughts?

I've heard good things as well.

...and what are you looking for?

I hate to say "don't do it", so instead I'll give you a little story. October of 2010 I decided to move to Eloy with not many more jumps than you. I thought I could complete my "cutaway" by packing for income. I found out very quickly that things simply just don't work that way. My now buddy AndrewC showed up about a week later. Also a low time jumper, but with a little more packing experience from his old dropzone. I had a job I could fall back on. Every morning before the first load andrew would put on his 'packing gear' and hangout in front of the packers area hoping to get thrown some work. After about a week of this someone threw him a few rigs. He damn near starved to death. In a little over a year he's turned into a pretty good packer at one of the busiest drop zones in the world, makes pretty good scratch and gets to travel to some cool boogies for work. When I lost my employment I was given a chance in the loft (after people had seen my face on the DZ everyday for nearly a year). I damn near starved to death. I'm back to working in a bank. Now I don't want to to tell you not to do it, because after all if it's something you REALLY want you may be able to make it happen like my buddy andrew....or you might actually starve to death. You may also find that as a busy packer you will be jumping considerably less than if you just fun jumped. My advice: Don't try the cutaway at 30 jumps. If you have not already, find a good way to support yourself. Get as much experience as you can. Pack for others on the weekends and after you have your D-License re-evaluate the 'cutaway' plan.

Ahh you must have received the photo's I sent. Don't hate cause we are beautiful.

Based on how the incident was described to me that sounds right. The jumper has done an amazing job at recovering (one of the toughest chicks I know) and she values her privacy. That said, it gives me chills to see the video still. I recall some discussion on this and I want to say the comment was made that if the canopy was more highly loaded (like that of the camera persons) this incident would have been avoided. Is this correct or did I hear wrong?

I'm not saying I endorse him for presidency, however I do find him to be a bit more ummm...honest...than any other political candidate. I also like his stance on the fed. Unfortunately, it seems all to easy for some to disregard some of his VERY SOUND ideas due to some of the "fringe" ideas he holds.

I've been reading all these comments (as many as a could until my eyes glazed over).... Why am I not seeing support for the Ron Paul idea of NO INCOME TAX and LESS GOVERNMENT? His general idea is sound. I like the idea of... No (federal) Income taxes Corporate taxes, sales taxes, tariffs, excise taxes, estate/gift taxes and the like would provide more than enough. Every man and woman deserves to keep what they EARN regardless of if they earn that money by their own labor or investing in the efforts of others.

Because you were already getting owned by missbrz.

If you want to do it on the cheap go with the team room or rent a house from some locals as Remi noted earlier. A car rental is very much worth it. The bent prop is a great place to hangout, but only every so often...it gets boring. I would not bother with going into casa grande for entertainment, unless you are looking for a unique social experience, however there is good sushi at Lucky's. If you're looking to party hit-up the casino, scottsdale, tempe or the campus in Tuscon. Bottom line: The team room is the cheapest way to go ($40 per room per night and sleeps four), sans the bunkhouse ($7/night) and a car is great for keeping your sanity. You may want a hotplate or something of that sort to cook food as it can get expensive and dull to eat at three meals a day at the bent prop for 3 weeks (avg $10/meal).

I was proud of myself for learning to pack with a broken wrist. I am truly amazed at what you've been able to do from a seated position. Lots of respect.

+1

If someone wanted to do a ten-way with you and a group off the potato bridge and they told you they have 600 "jumps" you would be ok with 599 of them being skydives? I'm assuming you would not be ok with that. As noted by other posters the inverse is also true in skydiving. Should they be accounted for in some situations...like say for the accuracy portion of the pro rating or water training for a B license.... that's arguable, but I doubt we will see a change anytime soon.

IDK. As a kid I watched my moms brother in-law get attacked by a swarm of bees. I wanted to get help but it was so hysterical I could not move I was laughing so hard. I felt a little bad....but nearly two decades later I still smile.... I guess I'm a bad person.

+1

I may be wrong, but it sounds like jealousy and resentment on their part and how they handle it is a bit...lame. Do they have hobbies or interests that they are also passionate about? If so, is it something that you could participate in with them? If they do not maybe you could try and find something that they are interested in and do that on your non-skydive days. Otherwise...screw 'em.

The fact that I could feel so sad for the passing of someone I never met in person is a testament to her special nature. Her PM's were just as long as her posts... and just as lively. lol Her spirit and enthusiasm will be missed.

There is an existing thread "noise in freefall" and the db levels are listed between 80 and 100.

Not a full rack, fo sho.... Could have at least shown it full of some 5500 series servers in there and given a few chubbies.

+1

Before moving to AZ I had never seen a set of SS slider grommets wear out from normal use. Here, people with vectran lines are having that happen. I'm told it has something to do with the desert dust getting into the vectran line and being very abrasive. I've replaced lots of brass and nickel brass #8 grommets on sliders over the years but never had to remove SS slider grommets. Can this be done with normal rigging loft tools or is just a new slider the best way to go. Thanks, John Lyman Desert Skies Parachute rigging at Skydive Arizona 520-466-0495 - loft 520-233-1245 - cell info@desertskiesrigging.com FAA Master Parachute Rigger 3291510SOY USPA AFF/TDM/PRO UPT SIGMA / Vector II / Strong TDM I

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Call up Square 1 or Square 2. I could swear I've seen them in Square one.