mdwhalen

While we are on the subject has anybody seen or heard from Pat Whorton since he left Amelia Island? "I have magic buttons ;)." skymama

I have Sudio 8. They have come out with Studio 9 recently but I haven't purchased it yet though I plan to do so. I find Pinnacle easy to work with so it may be your connection. Its worth another try. "I have magic buttons ;)." skymama

I agree with those who say don't rush it. Talk over any ideas you might have with your S&TA and get his or her imput before trying anything. Just having something in your hands when you jump can be a significant distraction. Be safe. "I have magic buttons ;)." skymama

I guess you guys (except Crutch) quit jumping there before a certain naked bi radio DJ broke himself up on a landing there. They explained to the EMT's that they had cut his jump suit off before they arrived to prepare him for transport to the hospital! "I have magic buttons ;)." skymama

A regular lurker if not poster ... me too. "I have magic buttons ;)." skymama

We went to the field before the jump and saw the camera and wires but they were not able to move them into the position they would be in during the jump while we were there. They pointed out for us where they would be and where the camera would be. Then we confirmed that they were in place before we jumped. "I have magic buttons ;)." skymama

Our demo team, The Art of Skydiving, did a demo into Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville for a Jaguars/Bucs NFL pre-game on November 30th with the SkyCam system in place. We coordinated the jump with ESPN. The camera is operated with 4 wires attached to top of the corner light posts. ESPN removed one of the wires from the camera letting it droop from that light pole and pulled the camera in to the opposite corner pole as far as it would go - about the 15 yard line. We had to change our approach into the stadium (shortening our base leg) but it still can be done! It was a night game and the wires were invisable but we had preplanned our approach pattern and made sure we took the SkyCam wires out of the equation. Also, we have made about 12 jumps into the stadium since 1997 and are familiar with the nuances of jumping into it. Did I mention one of the jumpers did a tandem that night with the Jacksonville mascot? "I have magic buttons ;)." skymama

I spoke with Karen Wood today and she plans to have her pictures of the jump posted on her website tonight at http://karenwood.hookturn.com. I can't wait to see pictures of myself . . . I mean, you guys. "I have magic buttons ;)." skymama

Does anyone know how to get in touch with Karen Wood? She coordinated the photographers and I need some pictures for "Skydiving" magazine. "I have magic buttons ;)." skymama

Here is a list of the jumpers. I talked to Mike Truffer and Nancy Fayard and I am writing an article for "Skydiving" about the jump. I am including the list and hope they publish it there too. Michael Whalen "I have magic buttons ;)." skymama

Just want to echo John's words of thanks. Three Casas and a Twin Otter. 100 jumpers in the air at one time doing RW, CRW and a couple of tandems. Openings staggered from 13,000 to 2,500 for a 10 minute show, on time and on target. It was a great job by all involved and I was proud to be a part of it. We had jumpers there from all over the country but were able to work out all the little kinks with three practice jumps at Carolina Sky Sports on Monday. The weather washed out our practice day Sunday but improved steadily up to jump time when conditions were ideal. There were estimated to be about 35,000 in attendance (George Sr. rumored to be there but I think he might have been a no-show). Thanks to Paul and Nancy for being wonderful organizers and hosts, Al and Glenn Bangs for the invite and our group leader Roger Ponce de Leon for a successful Texas Star 20 way (whatever that is). Michael Whalen "I have magic buttons ;)." skymama

PD 235 or a Stilletto 150 depending on conditions. "I have magic buttons ;)." skymama

"The paperwork drill required to perform different demonstrations is fascinating to me. Every FSDO seems to have a different stance about certain acts and or locations. Thankfully, I have only seldomly been saddled with the NOTAM and paperwork hassle on shows. I am MUCH happier just being the monkey pulling the strings and stomping the target." I somehow got the fun job of handling the paperwork for our Art of Skydiving demos. I regularly deal with Orlando FSDO and of course now have the added joy of working with TSA which is, putting it kindly, a work in progress. Orlando FSDO has always been very cooperative with us in the Alltel Stadium jumps and over the last 5 years that we have been doing them have gained some trust in our judgment. TSA seems to have a harder time with anything out of the ordinary and unfamiliar with the practical issues of flying planes let alone jumping out of them. My advice to those who are planning a jump requiring TSA approval is: (1) Start early. (2) Call the TSA early and establish a working relationship with them and follow up with faxes. (3) Start early. "I have magic buttons ;)." skymama

Thanks for posting it. I look forward to meeting you. "I have magic buttons ;)." skymama

Thanks. Allthough I know it is unlikely, did anyone happen to video the game. Several friends said they showed our jump before and during the game but since this was the first time they actually showed our Alltel jumps on television none of us had the foresight to set our VCR's. Michael "I have magic buttons ;)." skymama

I got you babe "I have magic buttons ;)." skymama

. . . won't find out until we grow . . . "I have magic buttons ;)." skymama

They say we're young and we don't know . . . "I have magic buttons ;)." skymama