peek 20 #1 July 15, 2003 WFFC safety info on WFFC Mesage Board I just posted to the WFFC Message Board the safety information that should appear in the WFFC "Welcome Book". We realize that many people do not read the book until after they jump, so please check it out, especially if you are new to the Convention or to large events. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Clownburner 0 #2 July 15, 2003 Gee, man, don't make us hunt for it.. We're skydivers! Clicky7CP#1 | BTR#2 | Payaso en fuego Rodriguez "I want hot chicks in my boobies!"- McBeth Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diverdriver 5 #3 July 15, 2003 This is the information that should appear in the "Welcome Book" that you get when you register, but we know that many people don't read it before jumping, so here it is. If you have any questions please contact me. Gary Peek ------------------------------------------------------------ Important Safety Information For Skydivers at the WFFC 1. Aircraft loading and exit The aircraft staff at the loading tents are an important source of information. They can provide you with the direction of the jump run, winds aloft information, the time between exits of groups on the same aircraft, and any information particular to the type of aircraft you will be jumping. Loading and Exit Order: Pay attention to the aircraft loader and approach the aircraft only from the direction indicated by the loader! Do not let your excitement or haste cause you to forget basic aircraft loading safety. (Propellers!) If there are any non-skydivers in the area who are not supervised, please watch out for them. The direction of the upper winds may require that Tandems exit first, so please be flexible and cooperate with the Tandem Instructors if they have a request. Otherwise the exit order will probably be flat flying groups from larger to smaller, then fast fall rate groups from larger to smaller. Exit: Spotting is done by the aircraft staff and they are very good at it. Do not second-guess them! Exit lights or other obvious methods are provided to tell you when to exit, so do not delay. Go to the door, give the count, and leave. The aircraft staff and other groups of skydivers behind you are counting on your ability to do this. Pay particular attention to the weight and balance issues with the aircraft. Do not place more jumpers to the rear of the aircraft than permitted. If you are in the later groups exiting, stay as far forward as possible. 2. Opening Altitude At the Convention there will be multiple aircraft dropping loads of jumpers over the same areas at short intervals. In order to insure that jumpers from an earlier load have descended below the opening area for the later load, you must not open high! You need to plan your deployment altitude so that you have a fully open canopy no higher than 3000 feet AGL, and you are expected to be familiar with the opening characteristics of the canopy you will jumping in order to do this. If you are jumping a demo canopy, you should consult the supplier of the canopy for advice on its opening characteristics. If you experience a premature deployment or other situation that places you above 3000 feet under canopy, you must either quickly descend below 3000 feet or fly your canopy away from the jump run in order to provide clear airspace for the later jumpers. 3. Landing: Consider all possible landing areas at the Convention. (Refer to the Convention site map.) The "main" landing areas near Manifest and the load organizer tents are large, but can become congested at times, particularly during periods of high jump activity. There are numerous alternate landing areas to consider, so remember, "land safe, not close." Hook Turns: Hook turns (turns more than 90 degrees to landing) are permitted only in the swoop pond hook turn area!!! Hook turns are extremely dangerous at the Convention and must not be done where they are not expected. Wind Indicators: There will be a large number of wind indicators at the Convention site, but they may not be the type that you are used to seeing. Many manufacturers have Windblades, and many skydivers have their own favorite wind socks and streamers. The normal airport wind socks are also present. Make sure to look for all of these indicators well in advance of landing. Notice: Wind indicators near the aircraft loading areas will be temporarily affected by departing aircraft! Landing pattern: The left hand landing pattern has become the standard in skydiving with few exceptions. On most jumps you will be opening in an area that easily permits a left hand landing pattern, so please think ahead, plan your landing pattern, and try to fit into the pattern well with other jumpers. If you open in an area that does not allow a left hand pattern, then change your landing area! Right-of-way: Another safety standard on landing is to give the lower canopy the right of way, because you can see them but they cannot usually see you. If you have a small canopy and descend below another canopy not descending as quickly, you must be very careful because this will suddenly change which canopy has the right-of-way. You must also not do this in order to gain the right-of-way, nor to expect it. No-Wind Conditions: Light and variable wind conditions can present some dangerous landing conditions at the Convention because the wind indicators may be changing, even while a load is descending. This causes some jumpers to be confused about the landing direction and to land in different directions. The best bet is to fit into a pattern with the jumpers landing before you, even if this makes your landing slightly downwind. If the winds are variable they will surely be light, and a downwind landing at those wind speeds should not be cause for concern. Concentrate on the landing and run it out. If you have any doubts about the landing pattern or direction, please land in an alternate or very open landing area, and use extreme caution. edit to add Gary's name where he just had his initials. I'm just reposting it here cuz I know some skydivers are so lazy they won't even click on the "Clicky" so graciously added above. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diverdriver 5 #4 July 15, 2003 One more thing about canopy traffic. I have seen more and more people use the "kick" method of communicating under canopy. Just motion your legs like you were riding a bike if you are near another canopy. The jumper seeing this should motion the same in a "I see you too" response. Keep aware of other canopies in the area. It helps a lot when you know the other jumper has spotted you too. If they do not respond, then you can assume that A) they don't know what that means or B) they don't see you. [B]ALWAYS FLY DEFENSIVELY AS THOUGH NO ONE SEES YOU AND EVERYONE IS TRYING TO KILL YOU.[/B] You'll be ahead of the game. Also, if an official of the convention tells you not to do something DON'T FRIGGIN DO IT!!! They just might know something more than you. You know?Chris Schindler www.diverdriver.com ATP/D-19012 FB #4125 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #5 July 15, 2003 And DON'T walk across the runways if you land on the other side. No matter how long it takes, wait to be picked up. Didn't know that rule last year on day one and was told I would be kicked out if I did it again. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WFFC 1 #6 July 16, 2003 QuoteAnd DON'T walk across the runways if you land on the other side. No matter how long it takes, wait to be picked up. Didn't know that rule last year on day one and was told I would be kicked out if I did it again. There will be two spots where you will be able to walk across the runway this year. Each spot will be cleary marked and have a crossing guard. If a recovery vehicle has not picked you up and you're near this area, go there. The crossing guard will advise you when he's been given the green light by the AirBoss to let you cross... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kris 0 #7 July 16, 2003 QuoteAnd DON'T walk across the runways if you land on the other side. No matter how long it takes, wait to be picked up. Didn't know that rule last year on day one and was told I would be kicked out if I did it again. Ummm....yeah...that happened to me last year. I'll know better this year now.Sky, Muff Bro, Rodriguez Bro, and Bastion of Purity and Innocence!™ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bergh 0 #8 July 16, 2003 Hi peeps I wish I had the cash to to join you peeps at WFFC but it slightly more expensive flying from SA. Enjoy the jumping will try and watch a bit of the action on web cam, and yes I know I missing out on one hell of a party ... I will however join you peeps next year... Cheers Newbie_______________________________________ You are unique, just like everybody else ... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #9 July 16, 2003 QuoteAt the Convention there will be multiple aircraft dropping loads of jumpers over the same areas at short intervals. In order to insure that jumpers from an earlier load have descended below the opening area for the later load, you must not open high! Please obey this one people!! Last year i went freefalling past someone while they were under canopy at about 4500. On the ground when i talked to the guy he simply said "it was a bad spot and i wanted to make it back." I don't care if it's a bad spot, do NOT open high!! ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kris 0 #10 July 16, 2003 QuoteI don't care if it's a bad spot, do NOT open high!! Well said. So what if you have a bad spot? Pull at the proper convention altitude and take the off landing. I guarantee there will be a local to pick you up within 5 mins to drive you back to the airfield.Sky, Muff Bro, Rodriguez Bro, and Bastion of Purity and Innocence!™ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites