PiLFy

Hi Rich, So, these new requirements aren't just the expense & time of five jumps. They're a part of a mandatory class I must pay for? I've some questions, please. I already had to do every one of those "New" drills, save one, when I was a student last year. We didn't do simulated flares from 1/4, 1/2, & 3/4 brakes. If I didn't display sufficient proficiency during those drills. My instructors would've made me do them until I did. Are those drills not already a part of the standardized training students receive? If this new requirement is such a positive step towards increased safety. Why did I just receive an E-mail from USPA urging me to send in my application (& monie$) before Jan 1, to circumvent the new requirement? From your post, am I to infer that additional time & money demands are coming for other requirements I've already fulfilled? This sport is already expensive. It's too expensive for many who would otherwise like to pursue it. Adding to that expense w/o providing additional benefit doesn't seem like the way forward. I've an alternative suggestion. How about a few of you canopy Gurus get together & write a short book? USPA's Essential Canopy Drills need be nothing more than a short affair, including the canopy drills you wish to impart. Any DZ has instructors readily available to clarify any points of confusion for a student. Would that not accomplish the same, or more objectives, w/o adding nearly as much to the costs? Ultimately, would that not be a better way to bring more people into the fold? Increasing safety & membership numbers is the bottom line, right? Edit to add: Oops. I just saw that you replied to me while I was typing. Sorry for any repeats, Rich.

"Go do it once and then come back and tell us how it wasn't helpful..." "I did most of my training last year. I already had to do every canopy drill this supposedly new card cites, w/only one exception. We didn't do simulated flares from 1/4, 1/2, & 3/4 brakes." As I'd said earlier. I've already done it during my initial training. It WAS very helpful to me. My point is that I already had to fulfill the requirement for my A. Why require it to be done again, & be signed off only by an ST&A? If I didn't display enough proficiency doing the initial drills. My instructors would've made me do them again until I was. Are these canopy drills not already a part of the standardized training that students receive in this country?

Normally, I'd say the price difference between $1080 for a Smart, & $1495 for an Optimum is simply too much dosh. $415 is a whole lot cheaper than busting yourself up on a bad landing, though. That's a big step down in sizing. This makes me wonder how much smaller his new main is ???

OTR drivers routinely drive coast to coast in four days (& less ). What makes this remarkable, is that you did it in an AMC ! Those things were HORRIBLE. You might've been able to wrangle a new one out of them for the positive publicity of your trip (w/some omissions). The new one probably wouldn't have run any better though, anyway... Congrats on a good memory.

Here's the new card: http://www.uspa.org/Portals/0/Downloads/Form_CPProficiencyCard.pdf I don't see where you're getting "Fifteen seconds w/eyes closed" from(?). It's really a moot point, though. No way am I flying around under canopy for fifteen looong seconds w/my eyes closed. Maybe it's my newness to the sport, but I really don't see the benefit of this new requirement. If it taught me more about effective piloting? Sure, that would be great. I did most of my training last year. I already had to do every canopy drill this supposedly new card cites, w/only one exception. We didn't do simulated flares from 1/4, 1/2, & 3/4 brakes.

Before college, one of my past lives was driving tractor trailers cross-country. I remember once driving from Grand Island, Nebraska to some truck stop in Pennsylvania. About 1200 miles, w/an anemic fleet vehicle, pulling 80K#s against a headwind for much of the way. Oh yeah, & taking back roads through Ohio because the company was too damn cheap to pay the tolls... I don't remember how many hours it took. I dutifully filled in the first eight hours in logbook #1. Then, the next eight in logbook #2. Finally going back to #1 for the remainder. Twas a looong day. You want reverse stories, too? I once had to back up for 2.5 miles on back roads at night trying to beat those same tolls. They closed the F@#^ing bridge, but didn't post it 2.5 miles up the road where everyone turned off for it.

Wait a second. I thought some people are pushing for static line training's return because it's significantly cheaper? Where are you?

Good to know. Thanks, Terry.

"Also recognize that several individual canopies of a particular model may vary in volume by 10%." Why_Dat?

To be honest. I just skimmed through this, Dan. Sorry, but I'm a bit tired now. A few things: *Glad you're able to enjoy this, & not get sick. *Be very careful about Butt landings. A surprise could cost you a couple of vertebrae/disks. *Be VERY careful about spiraling down. ESPECIALLY anywhere near the pattern. Canopy collisions occur when there isn't much traffic in the air. That's how two very experienced instructors died earlier this year in Perris. Talk to you instructors about the points I listed. Keep having fun

Oooh, even better: http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/detail_page.cgi?ID=119772;d=1

Here, I think the price is off by about $700, but that's what haggling is for: http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/detail_page.cgi?ID=119624;d=1 The most comfy rig is the one that lets you still sit down comfortably after paying for it. Big Boy rigs come available in the classifieds, periodically. You're going to be hard on your first container. Why tear up a brand new one? Good Luck.

Hi, The Forums have a search function in the upper right-hand corner. You'll find all your answers through there. Here's a start: http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?do=search_results&search_forum=all&search_string=first%20rig&sb=score&mh=25

Jeeze... Joey Ramone looked prettier than that thing does. Anyone found a pic of her husband? I'd like to see what would have something like that.

"I am a techno-ignoramous." "I'm a Mac," That explains it ...

Yep, If you move where there's farms? You're gonna smell cow shit... Anyone who doesn't like that can leave. Let's see. Mile High is an established, successful business w/a 15+ year history in the community. Who do you think generates more tax revenues, the big business, or some dumb bitch in a house? They formed an official group. So, the town is required to hear them squawk @a meeting or two. Money Talks. The town council cares a lot more about keeping that business operating, than a few bored nutcases. She won't get anything more than a new ulcer or two.

Hi Paul, FWIW, I've been jumping a 190 Pulse a lot, lately. I think you should demo one before making your choice. It has every quality on your wish list: **Nice & soft openings. **More than adequate flare. **It has a very flat glide. It's fun to fly (for us Newbies ). I'm @about your WLing. Being a hybrid, it's also easy to pack.

Cool Beans .

Really? That thing doesn't catch major air from underneath? It sure looks like it would. If not, fair enough, I stand corrected. As far as looks go... Well, it is a number of things, but "Cool as F***" isn't one of them.

I still don't see it. Even so, it wouldn't change my opinion about the helmet. It's not suitable for the sport. Especially for a Newbie. Good for a laugh, though.

Bad idea. $300 = (considerable) shipping from UK? It's designed for skiing, not having 120mph winds directed underneath it. None of the illustrations show a proper chin strap. Jump helmets have neoprene gauntlets underneath to keep the wind from lifting the thing off your head in freefall. That thing looks like it'll catch a lot of wind. Want to get an Audible one day? I doubt one will fit in there comfortably. Then, there's the restricted vision. Do you think you might want to be able to find your handles in an emergency? Some open-face ski helmets are used successfully, but nothing like that. Ski goggles allow more air to get through. They also catch more air. Do you wear contacts? Those goggles could cause dry eyes, & excessive lens fogging. They look too hot for the summer, anyway. Skydiving isn't something where you want to reinvent the wheel. There are enough things that can reach out & hurt/kill you, already. Stick w/what's tried N true. But, if you must? Get this one: http://www.ruroc.com/store/78/rg-1/team-lotus-replica/ At least it'll look good sitting on a shelf gathering dust...

"Maybe we are not reading the same books." Books are only a starting point. I think for myself.

I'm not revising anything. It's all in the books. Read it. Yes, there still would have been a war.

"Takes practice and not something you want to do down low, for the first time." Sounds prudent. This is how the big dogs sink it in? Flappin like a Gooney bird? Or, is it more of a novelty technique?

http://www.angelfire.com/my/abrahamlincoln/Quotes.html "If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that. What I do about slavery, and the colored race, I do because I believe it helps to save the Union; and what I forbear, I forbear because I do not believe it would help to save the Union." (Letter to Horace Greeley, August 22, 1862) A factor in the conflict? Of course it was. The reason why it was fought? Absolutely not. Germany went to war for financial reasons, plain & simple.