Z-Hills, Anybody remember Frankie?

[SmilingPhoenix 0]

(Re-post from Bonfire because I didn't know any better )

Hi Gang,

I am visiting my dad here in Tampa and his secretary Frankie back in 1980 or 1981 had some type of accident at the Z-Hills DZ and didn't make it. She spent all of her time telling him how safe it was, etc. and then died on a jump.

So, I am just wondering if any long-time jumpers might have known her and have some idea about what happened so I can try to explain it to him? I know we never know the whole story, but if gear has changed in the past 20 years or something, it might help me to assure him that while I am participating in a high risk sport, I am also not living a death wish.

Thanks,
Jean

Because life is an adventure - it may not be the one you planned, but then it wouldn't be an adventure!

[jonstark 8]

Back in 80-81 there was still a little experimentation with gear and still some kinks to work out. There were still several different types of cutaway systems including capewells, tapewells, Strong's wrap, some kind of interlocking flapper thingy besides the proven best; "threee ring circus". Seems that once Bill came out with a better mouse trap everybody had to try too and they were all miserable failures.

There were a number of popular canopies that would snivel or just not open for no particular reason. (Cruiseair)

Spring loaded pilot chutes were still fairly common along with their problems.

Some/most folks still had belly-bands which could easily cause pilot chute in tow malfunction.

Acid mesh reserves were blowing up.

Reserve line coating was hampering deployments.

The Safety Flyer, first square reserve, was new. Few jumpers were using the far safer square reserve yet.

Lots of rigs had little or no riser protection and it was a frequent sight to see trash over their backs in freefall.

Drug use was far more commonplace.

I can't say that Jackie was victim to any of the above but neither are the jumpers of today. They are just flying themselves into the ground with all too frequent regularity under fully functioning parachutes.

Just promise your dad and us that you won't hook it in.

jon

[SmilingPhoenix 0]

Thanks Jon, this gives me a great start of what I can research to get more information on the changes and upgrades since that time period.

Trust me, with my friend Tom passing this weekend, you won't see me hooking it any time soon...

Blue skies,

Jean

Because life is an adventure - it may not be the one you planned, but then it wouldn't be an adventure!