First Cutaway, jump 30, and got my A too

[Andy9o8 0]

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I was not just sitting on my ass either, I opened the door, looked out, and literally within 1-2 seconds, almost simultaneously, the light went yellow to green, and the shout of "go" came forth as I was crouching to exit poised (yellow had been on till then and I was looking for the airport).

Were the go-shouters in a position to see whether the spot was truly correct? Were they in a position to see whether there was another aircraft below the plane that could present a hazard on the jump?? Because if the answer to either of those is No, then they can go fuck themselves.

[TSISK 0]

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time to go spank myself..

\

woohoo... wanna help me out?

Always willing to help out a fellow skydiver

[billvon 2,434]

>are you generally wanting to use both toggles, or mostly inputs on the side
>that is screwy?

Whatever works. At your canopy loading you're not in too much danger of spinning up very rapidly, so you might want to just fuss with the problem toggle if the other one has no noticeable effect. As you get higher in loading, you want to make sure you don't let the canopy spin up while you're working on it, because you can lose altitude in a hurry. In the paragliding world the formula is "steer-pump-steer" to remind you that controlling the canopy is the important thing. And if it does start to get away from you (i.e. no longer responds to inputs) then it's time to get rid of it.

As always make sure you have a good canopy before you get to your decision altitude; don't mess with it so long that you either lose track of altitude or you fly over some place bad. Amy messed with a stuck toggle too long a few years back and wound up in Mexico (literally.)

[jumpsalot-2 2]

I think you just explained the GO call....you said you had your head out the door when the yellow was on, then how could you tell the green had come ? I would bet a beer it was a basic, friendly, "go", since you could not see the light. To let you know the light was green. I could be wrong, but I bet it was not a " GO Mother Fxcker ! " kind of thing. You hear alot of Mild, Friendly "Goes" on Hop n Pops.

Life is short ... jump often.

[jumpsalot-2 2]

Another post to Flower...be aware that there are some Drop Zones who don't give a light on a Hop n Pop. They might not even reduce their speed, which means the tail will be sitting lower than you might be used to. In that case, going BIG into the relative wind is a VERY bad idea, Just dropping off into a Style Box or less, would be a better idea. Just be aware of it. We're all friends here. Stay Safe and Stay Alive.

Life is short ... jump often.

[skyflower_bloom 0]

You are quite possibly right.. part of my brain tells me that I glanced in and back, and saw the actual transition (yellow to green) as I was moving into position, but your brain gets foggy at those crucial moments.. I know I was looking to check its status every little while, but what felt like a brief check could have been longer than I thought, as a new jumper.. and it was indeed a slightly different view, so yeah, I was still in "look for the airport and see what is below me while trying to keep one eye on the switching of the light and position myself well in the door" multi-task mode!

I think I probably did just take longer to recognize it, though it really did not feel like it, and its all relative.. since I was looking out the door, and it did weird me out a bit not seeing the airport where i initially thought it should be, it was my first time opening the door and spotting and all that alone too so plenty of factors there.. could have distracted me from reacting quite as promptly..

Thanks for the alternate explanation. A "yay, you can jump now!" exclamation is *much* happier than a "get out the god-damn plane, you asshole" exclamation. Lol.

That said, I stand by my position that the door/exit can be a distracting place, and is a crucial part of the skydive (a lesson which cost me over 5k, some new teeth, and a month lay-off this summer) and as you mention, whether or not they give a light and/or a cut, communication, etc. can make it more or less risky, and can vary (but I really hope even when it varies they are good about communication.. that is just as much my job though as the pilots, so I guess the lesson too is be proactive..)

So yeah- my vote goes saying nothing-- especially if there is no extreme delay, and no legit spotting/wind/out landing concerns. Or, at *least* to apply to AFF and student jumpers minimum (not a BSR by any means, I simply refer to accepted cultural standard in my preferences here)- because even if you mean well, which you sure well might and your train of thought makes sense to me, any loud or unexpected/sharp sounding words are going to throw another variable/pressure at a student who may have enough to contemplate, and potential to mess with their concentration-- a newbie like me, though I have come far since my spring days lol, is someone who already has other things on their mind, to get out that door stable and safe, and deploy a functioning parachute, ya know? And if I hear a loud GO, I want to be confident that it's time to fuck looking at the colored lights or playing with my helmet strap and get the fuck out so the plane doesn't kill us all.. ya know? It's all communication I guess..

I guess for me, if something is really taking more than a few seconds and I am legitimately creating an issue (for me, or others), a simple reminder of the word "green" would work- that way you are helpfully letting them know that the light is green, but not giving a COMMAND like "go" which makes you feel like you are under pressure or being told to act.

Plus, it's my generation's mindset of green light and GPS- yes green light just came on, but I still better be able to see where I am and know there is no plane flying underneath me before I have any intent of hurtling out, so I think there is a happy medium, and I do appreciate your input. But I think even the "otter babies" (and I probably count though I've never jumped one, just a PAC) know that green means go when you feel safe to go, it doesn't mean the be all and end all of exiting an aircraft.. but, it is a pretty damn good hint

And honestly, it was not malicious in my eyes, in this case.. I think people just get amped up and don't think things through to the extent others of us do lol. For example, I know I have gotten excited for a new AFF student and gave them a handshake before getting out, and some instructors don't like that, which I respect and understand- but at the time, then, you might not be looking through the lens of, what if I distract them as they are visualizing-- you just think, oh you are a fellow jumper and that you are being useful or friendly or encouraging. While they (or their AFFI/coach) might not see it the same way! So I get the point- well made, and I can relate
Thanks again! Blue ones!

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Another post to Flower...be aware that there are some Drop Zones who don't give a light on a Hop n Pop. They might not even reduce their speed, which means the tail will be sitting lower than you might be used to. In that case, going BIG into the relative wind is a VERY bad idea, Just dropping off into a Style Box or less, would be a better idea. Just be aware of it. We're all friends here. Stay Safe and Stay Alive.

Thanks also for this. I will be making my first trip to Elsinore in 3 weeks, and with my limited knowledge (I have been to a grand total of 3 DZs, and surely nothing that big EVER) I can use all the help possible with ideas and safety tips for how other DZs do things differently.

Poised is actually my least favorite position for hop n pop (or anything lol) I did floating for my 5500 A card, but they had me do poised for my 3500 A card req and I just kept doijg it since I guess.. I like the outside floating and present into the wind.. that said, diving out is my favorite.

By getting big in the relative wind, which position were you referring to (or to any position that increases bodily exposure to the rel wind, lol)? I will damn straight tell the pilot I demand a cut, and if s/he wants me to buy an extra gallon of fuel to compensate, I will gladly do it. (If ya can't tell, plane parts frighten me, esp when they come in contact with my face or body!) but... what is the safest position, anyone know, for a hop n pop exit?

I know now I am licensed, I can do whatever, and I don't really like the crouching poised at all compared to outside floating or diveout,, Is there a difference in safety level as far as type of exit and type of plane or door being jumped? Even w/ a cut I know that Beech and PAC and such are lower tail A/C..

Sorta off topic, but this is safety and training eh, and you brought it up first Happy to hear any others knowledge or opinion.. Mods I'll ask elsewhere if you like.. but i do actually need to pass out for the evening now

blue skies, R

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

[popsjumper 2]

Were you the last or only H&P or were there others waiting behind you?

My reality and yours are quite different.
I think we're all Bozos on this bus.
Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239

[skyflower_bloom 0]

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Were you the last or only H&P or were there others waiting behind you?

I was the first and only hop and pop, no one was waiting except those going up to 14k! They had a ways to go yet lol.

I sat closest to door (right bench seat in PAC750), got onto floor around 1.5k, after seat belts off at 1k and got my helmet and goggles ready by around 2.5k, another gear/pin check, then yellow came on for door around 3.5k. I requested a 3.5 H/P but usually they take you to 4-4.5 (no complaints here.. I know they just like to have the lower one in to get you used to emergency exits and canopy control jumps, an extra thousand is a good thing if anything )

I called "door" when red went to yellow at about 3.5-3.7k, opened, spotted, occasional glances up and to the right, where the light is mounted, while holding the overhead bar for support when leaning out (I am a bit timid and need to really lean out, but I am getting better).

I was kind of doing a little "dance"- look out for airport and glance up to the right while pulling back a bit to check light status, glance left at alti, and head back out to look for other airplanes, the airport, etc. That was the cycle of 3 things I recall alternating, it could have taken a few seconds longer than an experienced jumper, but I would think if you asked someone on the load, they would not say that I freaked out or neglected to exit beyond maybe a few extra seconds..

Now note that it doesn't mean anyone fucked up or anything, just means I am inexperienced and directionally challenged, and was on a different side of the airport than the past 4 or 5 HPs I did..

But, to answer your question, in a long version lol (I am so bad.. caffeine, my god. I have been up all night alternating studying and skydive blabbing on here.. forgive my indiscretions please ) Yes-- I was both first out, the only jumper in charge of the hop and pop except the experienced/rated jumper I had asked to do my gear check for me before exiting, and the only low exit on the load- everyone else went to 13.5-14.5k.

Were you thinking if there were multiple hop and pops it could have added to the concern about exit time and order?

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

[JohnnyMarko 1]

At 68 jumps, I'd say you qualify to give downsizing advice.

[fcajump 153]

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At 68 jumps, I'd say you qualify to give downsizing advice.

Agreed.

Now...
240 student canopy to 190 sport transition at 30 jumps? Seems a bit of a step down to me too.

Now, IF the jumper is me (253.9-lbs out the door)... that's a heck of a change.
If the jumper is my wife (190-lbs out the door)... not so much.

But with 30 jumps, ANY jumper should also be counseled on the differences to expect with the different canopy.

All of this is better left to the instructor working with the new jumper that any advice given here (positive or negative).

But... that's just my $.02

JW

Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

[ManagingPrime 0]

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At 68 jumps, I'd say you qualify to give downsizing advice.

Well...what can I say...I'm just cool like that.

Seriously, I was not trying to give advice, nor do I see how my comment was construed as such. I asked the question to clarify as I'm also new, as you so graciously pointed out, and my downsize took longer than 30 jumps and it was from 220 to 200 to 190. In no wind my butt still puckers on the 190. I've never heard of that kind of downsize for students.

[liftedtitan 0]

well how much do you weigh?

that says it all, she could have been at like .7/1 WL on the 240 who knows. Size alone isn't the only determinant.

Moriuntur omnes, sed non omnes vixerunt.

[ManagingPrime 0]

We are probably not to vastly different in WL.

Without gear im 155-160

In my personal opinon (and based on my limited understanding of the conventional wisdom regarding WL) I don't think the wingloading is excessive, but in my personal experience the downsize from 220 to 200 took some getting used to, nerves increased, etc. and while the transition to a 190 sport from the 200 student was not as tough as the 220 to 200 transition it took a little getting used to as it to was different (I do love sport canopies )...the ground rush still gets a little spooky at times.

I think my transition from 220 to 200 was around 25-30 jumps and 200 to 190 sport at around 55/56.

Again, it's my personal opinion and at 30 jumps I wanted to jump into a 190 sport and I don't think anyone would have stoped me, but I'm comfortable with my transition pace. The 240 student to 190 sport at 30 jumps did catch my eye...it just seems like a lot to take in at that point. But, as previously noted it should be left to instructors to make that determination....and If I read the post right, that 190 sport has not been landed yet.

Edit: To add emphasis

[DSE 3]

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By getting big in the relative wind, which position were you referring to (or to any position that increases bodily exposure to the rel wind, lol)? I will damn straight tell the pilot I demand a cut, and if s/he wants me to buy an extra gallon of fuel to compensate, I will gladly do it. (If ya can't tell, plane parts frighten me, esp when they come in contact with my face or body!) but... what is the safest position, anyone know, for a hop n pop exit?

When you get to Elsinore, ask me or one of the other instructors. We'll be happy to show you. It'll be a 3 minute conversation, and hop n' pops from an Otter are very easy.

How many plane parts have you made contact with on exit?

[wolfriverjoe 1,351]

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By getting big in the relative wind, which position were you referring to (or to any position that increases bodily exposure to the rel wind, lol)? I will damn straight tell the pilot I demand a cut, and if s/he wants me to buy an extra gallon of fuel to compensate, I will gladly do it. (If ya can't tell, plane parts frighten me, esp when they come in contact with my face or body!) but... what is the safest position, anyone know, for a hop n pop exit?

When you get to Elsinore, ask me or one of the other instructors. We'll be happy to show you. It'll be a 3 minute conversation, and hop n' pops from an Otter are very easy.

How many plane parts have you made contact with on exit?

She got a pretty good taste of a 182 step.

Details HERE.

Congrats on the "A" Robyn!!!
I think it's safe to say you earned it.

Good luck out west, hopefully I can jump with you, although it will probably have to wait until next season.

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[DSE 3]

Forgive me for skipping the novel. If you're suggesting a 182 bit the OP, I understand. No step on an Otter and the pilot levels out and cuts, so Elsinore will be easy.

[fcajump 153]

BTW - at my home DZ, I often do h&p's and noticed a very smart policy...

IF there is a student, A-license or unknown jumper doing the H&P, the pilot always runs jump run straight... (level/cut/etc).

IFF (and only if) the pilot knows the jumper and they have an agreement with the particular jumper, the exit can be made while still in a climb. AND the pilot will level/slow upon request by any jumper leaving on the H&P pass.

Personally, I have no problem leaving in a climb from this plane (Otter)... healthy respect for the tail, in a plane with a high tail and experience with such exits and freefall stability.

But the default is slow/level (much safer when unsure what the jumper is expecting/doing).

As to the "GET THE F OUT"... there are many ways of dealing with these folks. But unless there is fire (or similar emergency) they can wait, or they can go ahead of you. We had one spotter back away from the door and indicate that the next group could exit ahead of her, but she also pointed to the traffic at our low-'6'... They shut up...

JW

Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

[hobie331 0]

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Not sure if you jump at a large DZ or a small 182 DZ..but if the place allows, try asking for a go- around when people start to Bitch :) Be the Ass Hole all skydivers try to be. Congrats on the save and A

Aubrey, I can't believe you would even say such a thing.
Problem is too many people that have never jumped a 182 think the spot "is the green light."

Oh, and congrats on saving your own life.

It's a gift, I don't try to explain it.

[skyflower_bloom 0]

Haha wow I have like 10 questions to answer and I am supposed to be "concise"..
We all know that never happens...

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well how much do you weigh?

that says it all, she could have been at like .7/1 WL on the 240 who knows. Size alone isn't the only determinant.

I fluctuate between about 130 to 140 lbs. When last calculated, my exit weight is/was 155. I don't have the math in my log book in front of me and am too lazy to go find it right now, but I think it was in the 0.64 or 0.65 range on the 240 when I calculated it!! (*less* than the 0.7 you half sarcastically wrote lol) I do think there are some gender differences.. many a female's first own canopy is a 170- for many a male that may not be a great idea at all!!!

I was actually having some issues w/ canopy which some staff at the dz said they believed were being caused by too light of a wing loading at my student level, level of toggle input, and my body shape and size/weight. With these other factors (mainly was hopelessly overshooting LZ and the parachute was basically flying me and not the reverse, kwim? and concerns about lack of control in winds that would not be an issue on a normal 0.8-1.0 WL as much. So, there are pros and cons on both ends.

WL calculation and canopy sizing debrief was required on my A proficiency card/student training, as well as a discussion of the charts and different factors, so I did very early on figure and discuss these things for the 240, its reserve, as well as the 170M/176R set-up that I jumped rental at sunset load today and that I'll have for me in Jan.

I haven't made any big decisions without tons of input from those more experienced and who have instructed me.. This decision (to shoot for an ideal canopy in the 170 main range bu A-B license range) was based after months of jumping the 240 and observing, and of discussing my techniques and needs, my landings, and when and how different canopy planforms and fabrics, and changes in speed and size, not just using wing-loading as the only relevant factor.

ManagingPrime, I think you are 100% right that the important part is that we all talk to our instructors and feel comfortable with our pace- No hard feelings on my end, I appreciate your perspective, and I can see how one would initially have a question called to mind at seeing those numbers. I am glad that you are feeling good with your progression too. And I think this is important aspect of a things to talk about, and I do want you and others reading to know that it was a very specific decision with training behind it, not random.. but opinions will still vary and we all have our risk tolerance variation, but I don't feel overly exposed to risks at this wl given other safety condutions of course..

So yeah, it *is* a huge difference numerically. But then when you (*me* I mean, lol) sit down with multiple riggers and AFFIs with thousands of jumps, telling you the benefits and risks, how they differ, and explaining things like speed, flare technique, mals, turns, and especially that the difference lies not in the DIFFERENCE/number subtracted, but the actual difference of the canopies that are the starting and ending point, you see it different a bit, I realize I know very little compared to them!After discussing with other instructors and riggers, and learning that 150 or less is still considered to have some more "high-maintenance" handling traits, I decided that, with a 190 and/or 170, and definitely a slightly larger reserve than main, I am comfortable with that as are all my instructors.

For what it is worth, in response to the fact that "I haven't actually landed that 190 yet.." Well, the point you make is true in that my first jump on the 190, Sunday day, ended in my landing its reserve, a completely different canopy made of F-111 and made to be docile (but, size-wise, I believe it was a PD-R 176 sq ft, so possibly actually smaller then the 190- in size/WL alone at least..)

And please folks, hold the flames.. I may not have landed the 190 sport on Halloween due to cutaway situation, but I can tell you that my day *today* concluded with me landing 170 main rental canopy available at my dz, which is the same canopy I am setting up in my rig in January size/WL wise.

Landed it was great, felt great with control, but of course it will take more time on the 190 and 170 to get fully comfortable. I definitely noticed on the smaller main (and also the smaller reserve landing) that the ground rush and ground speed seemed extremely intimidating, I agree you get used to a big student canopy it does feel scary- there can surely but a difference though between useful fear, and unfounded or distracting fear (just read Germain's Transcending Fear- highly recommend) So yeah it gives you a viscreal reaction to see the ground so different and fast at first, but now I now that at least so far, I actually have more flare, I know I know when to flare, etc. so I need to focus on safe landing on not let myself get distracted my the fasted groudn rush, IMHO and for me at least!

But yeah without too much more debating or explaining, I totally agree with your initial response- the damn that is a big drop-down kind of feeling. But really want you, and other newer jumpers reading this thread perhaps, to know the decisions in my training have been carefully weighed and (over)analyzed by me and my instructors, and I feel good about my choices, limits, and the input i have received as well to guide those choices.

-----------------------------
DSE, thank you! I would love to meet you and other folks for some training, discussion, and/or jumpage when in Lake Elsinore. I'll PM you closer to then too!

As for the number of times I have inappropriately made contact with an aircraft (no, not like that!! hehe) it was just the one incident. I had only done poised exits prior, four of them, plus a tandem first jump req, where I was just releasing arms and legs into an arch after count and the two AFFIs were basically pulling me off the step at the right angle. I switched dzs shortly thereafter which also may have contributed, but mostly I did not have enough experience to know how little I knew, and had no concept that the relative wind was not going to push me away from that chunk of major hurt without a concerted effort on my part to exit out to the side, slightly back, and not up or down in any drastic direction.

It was easily a major screw-up on my part, but I learned a lot from it.. People were very supportive of helping me with exit techniques so far too though, and encouraging em to keep at it when the going gets tough at times, though as you know I have very little experience- only a C182, and the PAC 750, any new exits and planes may take some retraining too1

Tailgates are the other ones that make me nervous.. But, the otter seems it would be pretty straightforward. I appreciate any help I can get on ideal Hop n Pop or emergency bailout exits- I know what i prefer to do (dive outs, occasional outside of plane float) but also know that with plane and position and situation, I cannot always get to choose that.. And would like to have more knowledge and practice with body position for hop n pops and generalized jumps.. so.. thanks again!

Oh and speaking of the Cessna 182.. that was the plane in use tonight! First time and only time I have jumped the Cessna at SK-SPC actually, barring my "problem exit" earlier in the summer.. the Cessna was good to me today

On the topic of the OP hop n pop jump and cutaway chain of events-- it was good to get over it and jump soon after the fist cutawar/reserve.. point being, it felt really good to get back up there and not have to wait a week, after my first cutaway..

Joe and others, I am bogged down in about 50% school and childcare, and the other half overwhelmed by obsessing about my jumpage plans haha, and/or generally lacking both time and motivation to accomplish things.. meh. Winter begins... I do believe it is indeed my turn for a letter to my fellow WI "pen pal?" so keep an eye out for one from m this week- love to catch up And thanks for the congrats.

One more weekend of the PAC at SK-POC-- come one down if you have an off week from work? All are welcome.. well all cool people

Ok well I seriously am exhasuted and probably making no sense now, am definitely officially feeling the exhaustion creep in.. off I go to my warm cozy bed.. so, i hope I answered your questions, maybe when I have more wakefulness energy I will make a yes/no question/answer version haha.. and sorry if this tired rambling makes no sense at all.

but quite seriously, as a writer it does take me twice as long to edit down after you "stream consciousness" and get all your thought on paper first.. oh well, hope at least some of you can read it. I guess overall, I was the only hop and pop, I did land the 170 as well, and am very comfortable with the training given for my canopy progression so far.. just looking forward to getting my custom rig woo hoo! Oh and I did NOT pack the cutaway, don;t know who did or whether part of the two main mals were linked to less than ideal body position either. I have pcked baout 10 mains, some for practice, and jumped all mine (4) last weekend Sunday.. nice openings so far, so that;s a good feeling too
Anyways, talk to you guys later, thanks for the feedback, i'm still kinda reeling over the cutaway and being licensed now too a little bit, lol (but jumping today was a good thing for sure after a cutaway imho!)

Night all!!
blues,
R

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

[jumpsalot-2 2]

Geez Girl....You can really type up a Storm. My question today is .....did you Vote today.....No, that's too personal. How about this.....Just about every night "at least" one of my dreams is a skydive dream.....either hanging out with my friends at a Drop Zone, or with Bill D. for some reason ?????? Or the recurring super low (100 ft) cut away dream where I never fully inflate my reserve, but do a tippy toe landing. Have you started having jump dreams "yet" ( because you will ) ?

Life is short ... jump often.

[skyflower_bloom 0]

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Geez Girl....You can really type up a Storm. My question today is .....did you Vote today.....No, that's too personal. How about this.....Just about every night "at least" one of my dreams is a skydive dream.....either hanging out with my friends at a Drop Zone, or with Bill D. for some reason ?????? Or the recurring super low (100 ft) cut away dream where I never fully inflate my reserve, but do a tippy toe landing. Have you started having jump dreams "yet" ( because you will ) ?

Haha oh god... politics... let's just say I am not thrilled right now, and I don't wanna fucking talk about the god damn election or anything else

Man I am just about all typed out, ya'll should be proud of yourselves. Was that the goal with bombarding me with all those questions at once at like midnight?

I don't think I have had one yet (jump dream though think I have been at the dz or driving to/from it) but I actually don't often remember my dreams unless I wake spontaneously, and between alarm clock or toddler waking me, doesn't happen.. *shrug* so not certain but i'd hope i'd know if and when i did!

Does it "feel the same" in a dream, like, uh, other things do?

I have read that dreaming is similar to visualizing whilst awake, if you can control it perhaps, in that it helps your brain cells learn how to "fire" for certain actions (esp sports music etc) but uhh might wanna stop "practicing" that 100 footer cutaway I do imagine though that the brain cells/"muscle memory" is somehow activated by doing skydiving things (i.e. cutaway-pull silver) in a dream sequence.. weirdness. Dreams fascinate me.. when did you start having them? (edit.. lol that came out wrong- the sky ones i mean haha)

i guess i always used to dream about flying (no canopy but not freefall feeling, you know the ones! just jump up and off ya go- reverse of gravity kind of situation haha- but i bet they'd feel different now that I skydive because it would feel like a freefall, and i would be thinking about altitude and shit.. no more carefree floating in my dreams i suppose.. huh. that's kind of bittersweet actually.. i liked those dreams (but i do happen to like real jumping even more)

blue ones, goin back to bed, think i caught a sore throat bug

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

[format 0]

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blue ones, goin back to bed, think i caught a sore throat bug

Don' nobody wake her up!!
Can't we invent some 'novel alarm'?
We could name it NOPRESS
and we'd switch it on when on dz.com

sure I like her too

What goes around, comes later.

[Fast 0]

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So.....Sky Knights SPC has a bunch of "Go Idiots"....good to know.

Especially good to know that it was directed at a youngster.

No we don't. Thanks for selling my DZ short based on one post, by one person, with 30 jumps, that really has her hands full just remembering all the right things to do on a skydive. (Not picking on you Robyn, that's just where you're at right now). I wasn't on that load, but someone was who I do trust to tell me the truth was and as far as she can remember (a skydiving staff member/instructor with over 1500 jumps) no one was "yelling". There was likely a "Go" because as noted elsewhere in this thread, you were spotting when the light changed from yellow to green.

As for hop and pop's and cuts, everyone gets one, students and experienced jumpers. Proper configuration of the plane for a hop and pop pass is flaps on and nose slightly down and everyone gets that. I have had to physically stop someone from jumping before the green was on, because they were about to do a poised exit into the tail, I don't understand why either because we tell new jumpers to the dz about these things and there are signs in the plane.

I'm not writing this post to talk about or nit pick every little issue that people have brought up in this thread, but I don't want people thinking that my dropzone is full of people who are yelling go. It just isn't. As for any of the commentary about downsizing, what's being done with her is what's reasonable and safe, and I say that as an aff instructor that has seen her jumps.

Also, Robyn does write a lot, maybe a bit more than she should, but if you don't like it don't read her posts. I wish people wouldn't be so mean about it. She talks more than she writes too. Wrap your head around that. It takes some getting used to and everyone doesn't always have time to listen to everything, but she is just an enthusiastic new jumper, be nice.

~D
Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me.
Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

[ksudiver87 0]

I'm a 182 jumper..so what is the rule, when jumping from otter, pac ect..on a go-around? If your spot is off or long, is it finacially sound to do a go around or is it just a pain in the butt?

~Always do stupid things safely~

[ridestrong 1]

Quote

I'm a 182 jumper..so what is the rule, when jumping from otter, pac ect..on a go-around? If your spot is off or long, is it finacially sound to do a go around or is it just a pain in the butt?

Chances of your spot being bad out of the Otter on hop & pops is pretty rare, especially since you would likely be pulling with plenty of alti to get back... I've never seen anyone ask for a go-around in the Otter for a hop & pop. Unless you have a real good reason, I don't think many people are going to be happy about the request.

*I am not afraid of dying... I am afraid of missing life.*
----Disclaimer: I don't know shit about skydiving.----