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Gear

    Mirage announces new reserve pilot chute

    After Mirage Systems released the Product Service Bulletin in December of 2004 our customers have been contacting us regarding the cosmetic appearance of our container after the cutter modification had been performed. We have had a great amount of feedback informing us that the reserve top flap that covers the reserve pin was gapping and bulging considerably after their riggers had performed the modification. The cutter being located on top of the pilot chute does require some additional tips and tricks to be done during the pack job to alleviate this problem. If the rigger manages bulk properly on the pack job then there is no noticeable difference then before the modification. But we at Mirage Systems want to design the highest quality, most rigger friendly, and best looking container on the market. That is why we have listened to our customers and have designed a new reserve pilot chute cap that addresses this issue.
    How it works
    Figure 1 is of a Cypres cutter resting on top of the reserve pilot chute as mandated by our service bulletin. The Cypres cutter is between the pilot chute cap and the number 3 reserve flap after packed. With the cutter resting on top of the pilot chute cap it does not allow the number 3 flap to rest flush upon the pilot chute due to the thickness of the cutter and can cause a noticeable gap if the bulk of the pack job is not distributed properly.
    Figure 2 is a picture of the new concave pilot chute cap from a direct side view. The cutter rests on top of the cap, but lower than the edge of the pilot chute cap and nestles down in the pocket of the coils allowing the number 3 flap to close flush with the cap.
    Before and after
    Figure 3 picture is of a G3 MZS packed without the concave pilot chute cap and with the reserve canopy bulk poorly managed. The length of the closing loop had to be lengthened 1/4 of an inch to accommodate for the Cypres cutter.
    Figure 4 is the exact same rig with the same pack job with the bulk poorly managed with the new concave pilot chute cap. The closing loop had to be shortened 1/4 of an inch and as you can see the top flap rests very flush against the pack job.
    But you said...
    We stand by our statement that it is entirely possible to make the pack job look normal without using the new pilot chute cap. The concave pilot chute is simply an aid designed to make the riggers job of making your container look as good as possible much easier. The new pilot chute cap is not absolutely necessary to achieve a pleasing appearance but we think it will help riggers in the field that are having difficulty doing so.
    Your old pilot chute will still be perfectly acceptable for use and it is a good idea to have a spare reserve pilot chute and deployment bag in the event of a malfunction where you lose your equipment so you won't miss a single weekend while waiting for your new parts.
    How do I get one?
    These are now our standard pilot chute that comes with each new rig order. If you purchased a Mirage container in 2005 you are eligible for a 20% discount off the cost of the reserve pilot chute. The price of the pilot chute is $100.00 We are not exchanging out old pilot chutes for the new design as it is not a necessity but only an aid. You can order your new pilot chute by clicking the link below to be directed to our spare parts order form. Simply fax in your order and we will get the pilot chute out to you or your rigger immediately.
    Mirage Systems

    By admin, in Gear,

    Skyflying, Wingsuits in Motion

    Skydivers love skydiving and they love reading-especially when it is about skydiving. This is a book about wing suits for wing suit pilots and those interested in it. Scott Campos has taken the entire process of learning how to successfully fly the wing suit and distilled it down to the most important points. Sky flying, Wing suits in Motion could well be described as the most thorough book of its kind on wing suits and wing suit flight.
    Each chapter contains useful information, pertinent illustrations and explanations on every aspect of wing suit flight. This book could be much longer, but Campos has refined it to the most educational and useful information possible. It is designed to help wing suit pilots reach their potential in becoming the best wing suit pilot they can be. From Aerodynamic principles to GPS systems, this book has it all.
    The dream of human flight has been realized with the evolution of the wing suit. However, there has been a lack of readily available information in one place. This book combines all the information about wing suits under one cover. No other book like it has existed until now.
    This 200 page full color book is beautifully designed and illustrated with photos and illustrations on its 8.5 x 11 pages. It could easily occupy a spot on a coffee table or on a drop zone; it is a treasure inside and out.
    Scott was instrumental in developing the BirdMan instructor program and has several published works in various skydiving media. He has traveled through out the United States where he has helped implement wing suit safety procedures at some of the world's largest drop zones, while lending his expertise on the subject of wing suit flying. Scott's constant attention to continued education and the advancement of wing suit flight has made him one of the premiere speakers at the World Free Fall Convention, as well as a highly sought out instructor globally.
    Human flight has been taken to another level.
    What others had to say:
    "This book is a must for any wing suit flyer wanting to take their performance to the next level. It is the answer to all of your wing suiting needs." ~ Jari Kuosma, President, Birdman Inc.
    "All of the information is here, full of hard facts, helpful hints and useful illustrations. This is by far the best book of its kind." ~ Dan Poynter, President, Para Publishing and author of The Skydiver's Handbook
    Sky flying, Wing suits in Motion is available for ordering from SkyMonkey Publishing at
    www.skymonkeypublishing.com or by e-mailing [email protected]
    Skyflyiing, Wingsuits in Motion published by Scott Campos. Original edition 8.5 x 11, 200 pages, 69 color illustrations. $29.95 Publication: Summer 2005.

    By admin, in Gear,

    Bird-Man introduces PHI

    Story of PHI
    Phi is the golden ratio of antiquity, (1.6180339887), a never-ending number. Phi is also claimed to have been crucial in the design of the Great Pyramids, the composition of the Mona Lisa and the construction of Stradivarius violins. It has shown a propensity to appear in the most astonishing variety of places, from mollusk shells, sunflower florets, and rose petals to the shape of the galaxy. Psychological studies have investigated whether the Golden Ratio is the most aesthetically pleasing proportion extant. It is believed to feature in works of art from Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa to Salvador Dali's The Sacrament of the Last Supper, and poets and composers have used it in their works. PHI is also the new state-of-the-art-wing-suit from BIRD-MAN International.
    PHI introduces a new era in sky flying with it's wind tunnel tested design, looks and innovation. Hours of flying in various speeds and angles gave us even better idea how to make a wing suit that is at the same time easy to fly and control, thus giving you power you need whether you were flying on your belly or back, making acrobatics or just cruising around. This was made possible only by mixing science and art, technology and vision. The qualities which made Bird-Man a legend and the leading wing suit manufacturer of the world.
    Dynamic-Wing-Technology
    Imagine if you could adjust the size of your parachute when you really needed to, in the middle of the flight? Well, you can just do that with PHI. Increase the wing-area when you need to go slow and decrease when you need to go fast. This allows wing to be in the best aerodynamic position in respect your flight and the surface area needed. It's pure Ying and Yang in the sky.
    Double Action Quick Release
    With our new double action cut away zipper you are allowed to free your arms using additional technique. That gives you another chance if you need one. Be smart.
    Semi-Rigid Large Wings
    As tested in the windtunnel semi-rigid wings using Mylar in selected ribs gives you that extra performance and keeps the larger wing area in just the correct shape and ideal for the best glide.
    Airlocks on every Air-Intake
    Our new air-lock technology gives PHI it's beautiful flight characteristics whether you are flying on your belly, upside down or making the most artistic maneuvers.
    New Materials
    PHI is made of new high-tech Trevira Micro material called Action Mistral. The fabric is made by using membrane technology, it is Teflon protected giving the product better endurance, durability, comfort and 100% wind proof with maximum breathability.
    Attention to Detail
    PHI is truly a new design concept paying attention to every detail. Higher collar with ultra comfortable material that protects skyflyers throat during the cold flight is just one example. L.Q.R.S. (Leg Wing Quick Release) and airlocks are standard features of this state-of-the-art wingsuit.
    ISO 9001-2000 Manufacturing
    Last but not least. Both PHI and S.5 BLADE are made under strict standards of standardized ISO 9001-2000 quality certificate. The quality of these suits is the same as diver suits, bullet proof west's for the special-forces, hiking clothes made for Mt. Everest mountain climbing expeditions etc. In fact, they are all made in the same place.


    Introducing PHI
    PHI is made in stock sizes and in dynamic and exiting pre-made color combinations. BIRD-MAN is taking pre-orders now Through authorized BIRD-MAN dealers and the first PHI's will be out June 2005.
    For more information go to: www.bird-man.com

    By admin, in Gear,

    Sky Systems Ltd. changing ownership

    DENVER, CO (April 21, 2005) – After sixteen years in business, Sky Systems, Ltd. finds new ownership with Carey Whitley, Yvonne Gnirss and Doug Park, where the business will find its new home in DeLand, Florida.
    Troy Widgery, former competitive skydiver with Airmoves, and also founder of Go Fast Sports & Beverage Co., established Sky Systems, Ltd. in 1988 with the invention of the Tube Stoe®. In the years to follow, Sky Systems’ designs revolutionized helmets in the world of skydiving, and the company established and owns several patent/trademarks in the skydiving industry.
    The change in ownership is for the benefit of skydivers worldwide, and for that of Sky Systems. “With my need to focus my energy on Go Fast, I figured who better than Doug and Carey to carry on the innovation and quality production of Sky Systems – and to help Sky Systems remain the skydiving helmet and accessories leader worldwide,” said Troy Widgery. “With their experience and passion in this industry, they have the ability to take Sky Systems to an entirely new level, and to continue the original mission to develop new trends and products based on skydivers’ demands.”
    The change in ownership will move the Sky Systems headquarters and production facilities out of Colorado. Sky Systems headquarters and production will be moved to Florida later this month.
    About Sky Systems, Ltd.
    Established in 1988, Sky Systems Ltd. was founded by Troy Widgery with the premise that skydiving equipment should be designed for skydivers by skydivers. Troy's experience includes performing in several world-class teams, including Air Moves and Vortex. As a result, Sky Systems Ltd. has been able to maintain first-hand knowledge of the trends and current demands of this dynamic industry, and in turn, produce some of the most innovative, unique, and highest quality products available in the skydiving market today.
    About Doug Park/Carey Whitley/Yvonne Gnirss
    With nearly 22,000 skydives between them; this new ownership team will bring a tremendous amount of first-hand industry knowledge to the production, growth and marketing of Sky Systems brand products. All three ownership partners come from independent small business backgrounds, and have made skydiving an integral part of their personal and professional accomplishments.
    Doug Park / DeLand Majik

    16000+ skydives
    2004 World Champion 4-way, Croatia
    2004, 2003, 2002 Anton Malvesky World Cup Champion, Russia (WR ave. 23.1)
    2004, 2003 US National 4-way Champion
    2004, 2003 US National Overall Champion
    2004, 2002 Shamrock Showdown Champion (WR ave. 22.7)
    2003, 2002 National Skydiving League Champion
    2002 World Cup Champion 4-way, Spain
    2002 World Cup Bronze Medalist 8-way, Spain
    2002 US National Bronze Medalist
    1998 World Cup Champion, Portugal
    Multiple US National Silver Medals
    Former landscape company business owner, Vermont
    Carey Whitley

    4400+ Skydives
    Current Manager and Chef at the Perfect Spot, DeLand
    AFF Instructor
    Competitor at Nationals
    Former owner of one of the “25 Fastest Growing Companies and Best Businesses” in Richmond, VA – Sharper Palette catering company
    Small Business Consultant
    Yvonne Gnirss

    1500 skydives
    Owner and Artist of Fused Image (www.fusedimage.com)
    Marathon/Multi-Sport Endurance Athlete – training for 2005 Florida Half Ironman For more information, please email [email protected].

    By admin, in Gear,

    Skydance Photography updates name, introduces the Sonic

    Skydance Photography is updating its name and logo to reflect its diverse selection of skydiving helmets, camera systems and accessories. "We chose our new name, Skydance Headgear, because our product line has expanded beyond strictly camera gear," says Steve Wood, president. "In recent years we've developed the concept of a Component Helmet System that allows jumpers to easily upgrade our helmets when they're ready to start camera flying. The idea has really taken off and we felt our company name and look should reflect that concept better."
    Skydance Headgear also continues to innovate in the camera helmet market with the introduction of the brand new "Sonic" helmet. Its fiberglass construction and multiple camera platforms make it the most versatile camera system available. Molded into the Sonic's lightweight base are four camera attachment platforms. Digital camcorders can be side-mounted on both the left and right side with the available variable pitch camera brackets. Add a front mount for a still camera and there's still room for top mounting on the big 5" x 7" top platform. The Sonic camera system includes an interchangeable plush internal liner for unparalleled fit and comfort, a ratcheting chincup modification for security and dual audible altimeter pockets. The Sonic is available in black, white or red and sells for $335.00
    Also available is the optional Sonic Camera Mounting Kit. It includes 2 side and 1 front mount brackets, tripod mounting screws, adjustable retention straps, attachment hardware and mounting instructions. It sells for $59.00
    For more information about Skydance Headgear or the new Sonic helmet, visit www.SkydanceHeadgear.com.

    By admin, in Gear,

    Could 6,000 be your new lucky number?

    Performance Designs, Inc., located in Deland, Florida, is having a contest to celebrate the making of its 6000th Sabre2 main canopy which has been one of their most successful lines of main canopies.
    The Sabre2 emerged from over 15 years of ongoing research and development. Named after its predecessor – the original Sabre – its purpose was to fulfill the evolving need for an all-purpose all-around canopy. Starting as a replacement of the original PD 9 cell, the original Sabre was designed to appeal to the needs of an emerging skydiving market in the late 80’s. The President of Performance Designs, Bill Coe, and Vice President, John Leblanc, said they needed a canopy that would appeal to a general market that wanted better openings, landings and performance characteristics than the current models available at the time. The canopy was designed with such vision that continues to endure. The original Sabre established precedence as the benchmark for rectangular zero porosity canopies with over 20,000 of them produced and jumped all over the world since 1989.
    As the needs of our customers evolved, so did our research and development and it was clear that the time had come for the original to spawn the next generation of Sabre. The Sabre2 was introduced to the skies in 2001 - A totally new design from the original, Sabre2 incorporated advances in design accumulated throughout the decade or more that had passed since its predecessor – and it promised to be exciting! The Sabre2 provides a broad range of features to the general skydiving population from weekend jumpers to professional skydivers, such as Max Cohn from Generation Freefly and Arianna de Benedetti from the Italian National Team. Additionally, various drop zones use Sabre2 canopies in their student programs, as well as in transition and rental applications. The Sabre2 boasts the slogan ”Quite possibly the world’s most perfect all around canopy” and since its release has sold nearly 6,000 of them in just 4 years. To celebrate this, Performance Designs is giving one lucky winner the prize of a lifetime!
    FREE canopy—your Sabre2 canopy at no charge
    FREE flight to Deland, Florida to visit Performance Designs’ facilities.
    FREE first jump on your new canopy with John Leblanc, vice-president of Performance Designs and head designer of our products!
    FREE case of beer
    FREE canopy control class with Scott Miller
    And of course, tons of pictures and memories as we feature you on magazines and websites worldwide!
    About the Sabre2
    The Sabre2 is a slightly tapered, zero-porosity nine cell canopy, suitable for intermediate jumpers at light wing loadings and a wide range that makes it attractive to more experienced jumper at higher wing loadings. The Sabre2 is designed to be fun to fly, easy to land, and to be a great all-purpose skydiving canopy. Slow openings, crisp positive response to toggle input, along with its light toggle and riser pressure are some of the characteristics that set this canopy apart. The Sabre2 has an incredible amount of lift available on landing that will give you tremendous ability to slow down when you wish to. Sabre2’s performance envelope is huge – it will feel aggressive at higher wing loadings while maintaining its incredible ease of landing and forgiveness at lower wing loadings. If you are looking for a canopy that represents the evolution of modern, carefree performance, the Sabre2 is it!
    How to participate
    All you need to do to participate is place an order for your Sabre2 canopy through your favorite dealer. And when lucky 6,000 comes up – John Leblanc will contact the winner personally. So what are you waiting for?


    By admin, in Gear,

    Service Bulletin - Icon Harness Container Cutaway Cable and Cable Housing

    ISSUE DATE: 11 th MARCH 2005
    STATUS: MANDATORY - To be actioned before next jump by a qualified Rigger.
    IDENTIFICATION: ALL ICON HARNESS / CONTAINERS
    PART NUMBERS: C125
    BACKGROUND: Ground testing of a ICON Harness Container revealed a Hard Cutaway.
    The Hard Cutaway was attributed to Dirty Cutaway Housings and Dirty Cutaway Cables.
    The incident is localized to and individual Drop Zone. The individual Drop Zone is in an
    excessively sandy (fine beach sand) and windy environment.
    SERVICE BULLETIN: CLEANING THE CUTAWAY CABLE AND CUTAWAY CABLE HOUSING.
    Fit the Container as per normal and completely remove the Cutaway Cable checking for
    any abnormality.
    With the Cutaway Cable removed pass a thin line up thru each Cutaway Housing. Now
    once the piece of line has passed thru the Cutaway Housing attach a suitably size
    (± 1” x 7” / 25mm x 175mm), piece of clean cotton cloth soaked in paraffin to the end of
    the piece of string and pull thru the Cutaway Housing. Perform this to both the left and
    right hand side Cutaway Housings.
    Clean the Cutaway Cable (Yellow Cable) with Paraffin. Ensure that the Cutaway Cable is
    completely clean and all the dark marks on the Cutaway Cable are removed.
    Refit the cutaway cable.
    Fit the container as per normal and perform 3 Cutaways completely removing the
    Cutaway Cable each time. Clean the Cutaway Cable with Paraffin between each test.
    Ensure Cutaway Cable is routed and fitted correctly.
    If any queries or questions please contact manufacturer
    AUTHORITY: AERODYNE SYSTEMS AEROSPACE (Pty) Ltd

    29 Duiker Road

    Canelands

    4340

    South Africa

    Tel +27 32 533 0333

    Fax +27 32 533 0262

    e-mail [email protected]

    web www.aerodyne-int.com

    Service Bulletin SB 110305

    Download Service Bulletin SB 110305 (PDF)

    By admin, in Gear,

    Z-Brace Technology from Performance Designs

    The next revolution in high performance technology: Z-Brace Performance Designs has been working on this concept for over two years and is proud to present the first Z-BRACE concept canopy.
    In 1990 Performance Designs launched Excalibur, the first cross-braced canopy. this technology was designed and patented by Performance Designs and is being used in canopies from around the world. The Velocity high performance wing from PD is the world's most winningest cross-braced canopy to date.
    Cross-braced technology:
    A cross-brace holds a non-load rib flat with a conventional rib, in effect creating three loaded cells between line groups.
    The Z-Brace concept:
    The Z-Brace goes a step beyond the cross-brace, by diagonally bracing two additional non-loded ribs, which results in five cells between line groups.
    The Z-Brace concept canopy displayed at PIA was a 35 cell canopy. The Z-Brace technology and canopy is not yet available on any released products.

    PIA Contest Winner
    At the recent PIA Symposium PD displayed the new Z-Brace concept canopy described above. At their booth they had a contest where jumpers completed a short survey and then were invited to guess how many parts make up the Z-Brace canopy. For coming up with the correct answer people could win a free PD canopy of their choice.
    One jumper came up with the correct answer – 400 parts ! “Chilly-Willy” Del Campo from Chile was the lucky winner – the only one guessing the exact number of parts. Enjoy the new canopy Willy!!

    By admin, in Gear,

    Flight Club - you can hear the difference

    We have been dreaming about this for a long time and now it is real. In air communication systems, allowing us to talk and communicate in freefall, in the wind tunnel and under canopy. An ideal tool for instruction, but not limited to only just that.
    Flight Club is now using the in air communication systems acquired from RareDynamic.com.
    The in flight systems arrived just in time, on the second to last day of a Freefly skills camp with the Golden Knights Tandem Team. The Golden Knights chose to receive coaching from Flight Club and improve their Freefly skills to become better all around skydivers. They were the
    perfect group to introduce this technology to. The results were incredible. Both Flight Club instructors and The Golden Knights witnessed and experienced a much faster learning curve. The Knights produced positive results including faster reaction time and better understanding of what the instructors wanted from them.
    Other students agreed with the Knights. Diane Oelschlager (1202 jumps) said: "Absolutely kick ass technology! Hearing your instructor's calm soothing voice, instantly relaxes you and lets perform at your best." Cheri Johnson (130 jumps) added: " Not only did I see my instructor but I actually got to hear him. Even on landing! When the winds seriously picked up to he point where my canopy was almost flying backwards, it was comforting to hear a voice confirming my actions and guiding me down safely."
    Instructors agreed that when the student hears the command, there is a faster reaction time compared to making the association and translation of hand signals. The instructor can also give more elaborate instructions. In comparison, hand signals, are somewhat limiting; one could command “legs out”, however, how do you give someone the sign for a more complex message? It is simple, now with the air-to-air communication system you can clearly communicate in detail.

    This helps to avoid miscommunication and decrease anxiety and apprehension with students by helping to manage arousal levels through for example breathing. Instructors can continue to use hand signals as a secondary form of communication.
    "This system is totally off the hook", says Benjamin Forde (520 jumps). "I could not believe how clear it was. Imagine having Omar chatting with you and pointing out the kinks, real time, crystal clear, no more guessing, no more trying to remember the 20 things that happened during the jump once on the ground. I get it! I will get the learning equivalent of 3-5 traditional coach jumps for every one I do with this system and these guys... and under canopy, its awesome, swoop training anyone? You are no longer alone—it's THE absolute revolution in coaching."
    Flight Club offers in flight communication to all students for all disciplines. Visit their web site for more information on their courses.
    Flight Club

    By admin, in Gear,

    The Vampire V-1 by Phoenix-Fly

    The result of 6 continuous years of research and development, Phoenix-Fly proudly introduces the Vampire V-1 wingsuit.
    The PF Vampire V-1 wingsuit features:
    A revolutionary CAD-designed 3D arm wing
    Semi-rigid plastic ribs inside the arm and leg wings
    Newly designed leg wing leading edge
    Advanced leg wing design with increased surface area
    Increased back deflector size
    Integrated arm wing sleeve design
    Redesigned wingtip grips
    Adjustable arm tension swoop cords
    New low-drag materials
    New wing release handles The Vampire V-1 was designed with both skydivers and BASE jumpers in mind. All V-1 features are highly beneficial for both disciplines.
    For skydivers, the V-1 will enable you to fly further, faster, hang out in the clouds longer, with more controllable flocking dives flown in tighter formations.
    For wingsuit BASE jumpers, the V-1 is the ultimate choice, offering the best performance available and permitting longer flights, both in distance and delay.
    The V-1 is not an “off the shelf” product, but rather a tailor-made suit designed to fit exact flyer measurements. Each suit is unique and customized to fit your body, which maximizes comfort and performance.
    Price: 990 Euro or 1,250 USD
    With new revolutionary design, low-drag materials, custom-tailoring and higher performance, many people might wonder how the Vampire V-1 can be priced comparably to other wingsuits. Is this too good to be true? Absolutely not! Because of streamlined option offerings and scaled-down color selection, manufacturing complexity is greatly reduced. In addition, Phoenix-Fly’s overhead and operating costs have been simplified – a savings that is passed directly to our customers.

    The V-1 will be available beginning December 1, 2004 and order forms will be available on www.phoenix-fly.com from November 30.
    Note on lead times: During the initial launch phase of the V-1, Phoenix-Fly will be faced with the challenge of trying to keep up with demand. As observed with the initial launch of the PF Pants and Jackets, lead times may be up to 8-10 weeks, during which we will endeavour to keep you updated on status. Once order volume has stabilized, we’re aiming for a 6-8 week lead time. We ask for your patience during this time and promise that you will be rewarded with an exceptional state-of-the-art wingsuit that far surpasses anything that you’ve ever flown.

    By unclecharlie109, in Gear,

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