PixieUK

Not getting caught .... A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions - Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr

Guess I'm one of those that brings the average right down again Had a mal on my 19th jump on rented student gear (locked steering toggle) and no, it wasn't me who packed it! A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions - Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr

Just a couple of questions / points to raise from a newbie who has already had a cutaway (jump 19, first jump as qualified A licence). In those fatalities where there was a low cutaway with RSL fitted, were those low speed mals? And in those where people rode the main mal to the ground (apart from the student), were they wearing full face helmets which might have restricted their ability to find the handles? I ask because my mal was low speed (locked steering toggle that I couldn't see how to undo and didn't bother wasting time trying to figure out). I deployed my main at 4k as usual so would have been under canopy around 3.5k I always do my CATTS checks immediately (canopy, airspace, toggles, target, system) so I discovered the locked toggle within seconds. I spent a couple of seconds tugging on it to try and release it then yanked it and my whole rear riser came down. There was an "oh Fcuk" moment when I realised I was in one of the student malfunction scenarios of "can I steer it? No. Can I flare it? No" at which point I went straight for both my handles. I cutaway and within a second pulled the reserve handle. Whether the RSL beat me to the reserve pull, I couldn't say for sure, but I think it's likely as the pull was much lighter than I was expecting. It took what felt like a long time for my reserve to deploy and I remember looking up for it, thinking "where is it?" and seeing it starting to unfold. When it was out, I checked my alti again and I was at 2k. That's a lot of height to lose on a reserve deployment (I'm 140lbs and was on a Nav 260). I can see how a low cutaway under a slow malfunction (and hence a slower than usual deployment) could end up with a higher speed impact than a cutaway at a similar height under a fast malfunction. Fractions of seconds count. The question about helmets arises because in the UK, students and A licence jumpers are not permitted to wear full-face helmets, with the main reason given as being restricted visibility in seeing handles during EPs. Plus the fact that the visor could steam up at a critical moment, thus removing all visibility. It never seems to get mentioned as a possible factor in no-pull or low-pull scenarios A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions - Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr

We had a progression weekend towards the end of last season where the instructors gathered a collection of various different types of container and showed us some of the differences. They had about 8 different models and from my notes, a lot of the differences were around the design of the reserve area - so whether you can see none of the round spring-loaded pilot chute cover (eg Mirage, Icon), part of it (eg Javelin, Wings) or all of it (eg TSE Viper, JumpShack). There were also options for RSL (some containers don't have these as standard - in the UK from 01 Jan 2014, all A licence jumpers MUST have an RSL fitted and connected, optional for B and above). Other differences were around how the main gets packed, where the bridle lies, the order of folding the flaps etc and whether the leg straps had hip rings or not (I think they're called articulated but don't quote me on that, lol). Chest straps can do up in different ways too plus there may be in-built pockets for hook knives. From what they told us, pretty much all modern containers work the same way, it's the style that varies which can make a difference to comfort and fit on different people. And obviously making sure you know exactly how to pack your particular make and model. As to which ones are better than others for anything in particular, I have no clue! A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions - Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr

Thanks

Since I don't have one yet, I'd buy a rig, lol If I didn't need it, I'd probably sell it for a small amount, nothing like a 'face value' amount A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions - Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr

Thanks for the input guys - for the record, I didn't find the rig, another skydiver recommended I take a look. Whilst I don't want to waste money buying brand new, I also view this as life-saving equipment, hence wanting other opinions. I couldn't get hold of our DZ rigger so thought I'd ask on here to see if it was worth taking the conversation with the seller further. I'll pass on this one A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions - Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr

I've seen a rig for sale on ebay and have contacted the seller - he seems genuine, though I wouldn't buy without seeing the gear and getting it checked by a rigger. The rig is cheap because it's old - is that likely to be a problem? On request he sent me the certificates for the reserve which indicate it was first packed in 1990, DOM 1988. Does the fabric degrade with time? The text from the ad: Here's my Talon 170 for sale, awsome rig would make an amazing first rig and cheap. Main is a flight international concept, Mavrick 170 reserve is 210. This rig fits me very snug and im 5'7 it will defo fit between that and 5'4 probably even smaller. This rig has only been used for demos and is a 7 cell. The lines are ammaculat and canopy for it's age is still very very good no rips or tears. This has been very well maintained. Its and old rig 1982 but main is 1995 last jumped 1998 it has an RSL. Reserve would need re-pack. Has no cypress. It is not FF freindly but I'm sure a rigger will be able to advise you. Any questions please ask away. Open to sensible offers. Can post with Currier A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions - Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr

^^ This! I got into skydiving last summer through my ex - I did a tandem and couldn't see what all the fuss was about so was persuaded into doing AFF. Free fall is kind of cool but mostly cold and noisy (in the UK anyway, lol) but I love being under canopy. I'm still on a huge student canopy and I'm not exactly heavy so I just float about for ages before starting my landing pattern. I can't see me ever downsizing drastically, I don't understand people who want to get down as fast as possible I've got my CH1 and CH2 stickers, am planning on getting more CH coaching from one of the instructors at my DZ when it reopens after the winter break and am doing a canopy handling course in the summer (registered as soon as the date was announced, ha ha). I want to wingsuit eventually, so I can fly in freefall AND under canopy . FS1 can wait though I'll have to get it at some point so I can get my C licence. I'd rather spend the money on canopy handling skills first

Hi Nicky I just did my first ever jumps at a new dz the weekend before last and one of the best things I did after the briefings and watching some landings, was to do my first jump as a hop and pop. I actually got out at 7,000' - it meant I was the first (and only) person out, I got to choose my pull height without causing issues for anyone else on the load (I pulled at 5000 instead of my more usual 4000) and it meant I could sit by the door and spot easily on the way up. So when I jumped, I was the only person in the air, had plenty of time to get my bearings (some from Google maps and some from the dz briefing) and work out my landing pattern and didn't have to worry too much about other traffic whilst figuring out a new canopy. Definitely do all your canopy exercises (not sure about the US, but in the UK, I was taught CATTS for Canopy, Airspace, Toggles, Target, System) to see if there are any significant differences in the way your rental canopy turns or flares compared with the kit you are used to as well as the safety points. If you're unsure of anything at all about spotting, the landing areas, the patterns etc, don't be afraid to ask, even on the plane. People would rather you double-check than be unsure - I did my own spot after the JM told me I was good to go, just to be sure I was where I expected to be. If I hadn't been, I wouldn't have left the plane! Enjoy!

Some of the questions / statements don't seem to be particularly well written. Certainly the psychological profiling questions seem to be quite loaded, particularly if you are looking for honest answers. Do you seriously expect anyone to admit their actions frequently lead to accidents or near misses??? I have answered honestly but I doubt very much whether I fit the typical profile of a skydiver, lol A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions - Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr

Guess you'd need to have the approx. numbers of people who participate in the activities overall so you get percentages instead. Statistics can be skewed so many different ways that meaningful comparisons are not likely to be easy to come by, lol A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions - Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr

My hop 'n' pop was the easiest of all my AFF jumps - nothing to remember or 'get right for the instructor' other than a stable exit and pull. And another long ride under canopy, lol. Apart from the initial spot before jumping, I didn't look at the ground until I was under canopy, since I was taught to keep my chin up to help my arch. I take so long to float down under canopy that I practised 'timing' it from 3,500' to see just how long I had before landing. I'm doing my CH2 and will probably do a lot more hop and pops because it's cold and I don't need to freeze my butt off in freefall for 50-60 seconds before getting to the focus of my jump, lol. I won't be getting out very low for some time since I need to be under canopy by 3,000' as an A licence in the UK which in practical terms, means pulling around 4,000, certainly no later than 3,500. But 5000 or 6000 gives me plenty of time - I did my first two-way linked exit from 7,000 and we had 15 seconds of free fall before I pulled high at 5,500 (was also my first pack job). good luck - enjoy it! A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions - Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr

Me personally, no, I wouldn't consider it. Single motherhood is not a lifestyle choice I would make intentionally. Having said that, I do know several women who have had children without a long term partner in their life as a deliberate choice. Mostly via sperm donors, but 2 via friends. I don't know the gory details (as in whether they actually had sex or whether there was a 'turkey baster' style arrangement, lol) In both the 'friendship' cases, they are still friends several years down the line. Family and friends have either accepted the situation or been firmly told to STFU. Neither of the children seems in the least traumatised or maladjusted, in fact, they are two of the best mannered, considerate, mature young people I know. As for the adoption route, I don't know what the process is like elsewhere in the world, but in the UK, it's a horrific intrusion into your privacy as an individual/couple. Not just your personality, but your personal history, your finances, your relationships, your family life - all is scrutinised and judged by strangers to determine if you are 'suitable' to be a parent and even after all that, you are encouraged to maintain contact with the birth mother where possible i.e. with some scroat who has been judged unsuitable to keep and bring up her own child. Fuck that - sex with a friend to have a child would have been a much preferable alternative. I considered adoption and ditched the process fairly early on. I do have friends who have gone through the whole process and a couple of friends who are in the middle of the process now and I made the right choice for me. There is no way I would ever encourage someone to 'just adopt' rather than try to have a child of their own - the two situations are light years apart and require an entirely different mindset. A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions - Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr

I have graduated my A licence in the UK and we are not permitted to wear a full face helmet until we have our B licence (a minimum of 50 jumps plus other qualifications). The reasons I was given include: - not being able to hear a radio when an AFF student - peripheral vision being more restricted with a full face helmet - downward vision when looking for cut away and reserve handles more restricted with a full face helmet - possibility of visor fogging up greater than goggles fogging up - changing arm position to open a visor without compensating with other body movements could put you into a spin or barrel roll I agree with those who say take decongestants and try to resolve the runny nose - I did see a post somewhere from someone who even tried a swimming nose-clip though not sure I'd take that route, lol. good luck with sorting the issue A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions - Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr

Hi Yes, you would need to start with your A licence - the licences are progressive rather than different types of licence. In the UK, you would need your A, B and C licence to start wing-suiting and either 500 jumps total or 200 jumps within 18 months - not sure of the requirements in the US. I would also love to do wing suiting - at altitude, not the crazy-dude proximity stuff, lol, but it is very much one small step at a time. And yes, it is very expensive. Get down to the dropzone, hang out with people, learn to pack (maybe get signed off to pack for other people and start earning some money - you've got a couple of years to save up

Lol - I was just going to post a similar thing about the car analogy and got to the end of the thread and was beaten to it. As a complete newbie, I cannot imagine why anyone would persevere with a canopy that f&*^ing hurts them every time they open it, then post on here for advice and get pissed off with everyone who tells them to change the canopy to something that won't hurt. Why bother asking if you don't want to hear the answers?? A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions - Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr

Wishing this wasn't true but raising a glass in his memory. Blue skies Chris - thanks for the kind words to a fledgling skydiver A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions - Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr

Nope, the British A licence is 8 AFF jumps with 1 or 2 instructors depending on the level, (the 8th being a hop and pop) and 10 solo consolidation jumps. There is no coaching and no 2-way until after the A licence. In order to jump with other people, we then need to pass FS1 or be on a coached jump, or with someone who has at least a C licence and the jump has been approved by the CCI. The requirements for passing FS1 can be accelerated by coaching in a tunnel but there are certain things that can't be practiced in a wind tunnel, like the swoop and pin. Many people go straight to FS1 immediately after their A licence because of the desire to jump with other people, but actually it's not a requirement to progress to start with. I am doing my CH2 next and will worry about jumping with others once I've got my landings sorted

I didn't look forward to it, but wasn't particularly worried about it either. I had a locked toggle on jump 19 (my first jump as a qualified A licence) and after establishing that I really couldn't free it, and that I couldn't steer left or flare without using rear risers, I decided I was going to have to chop it. After a brief "oh f&*%" moment, the training kicked in, I got hold of my handles, cut away and pulled my reserve. I wasn't expecting the sudden acceleration into free fall as my main risers detached, and it also took a little longer than I was anticipating for the reserve to deploy, probably because I was nowhere near terminal velocity. In all though, it probably only took about 3-4 seconds. My initial pull was at 4000' so I was under canopy by about 3500'. By the time I'd messed about with the toggle for a few seconds, then chopped and got back under canopy, I was just above 2000'. That was a valuable lesson because I fall slowly and am still under a huge student canopy and I still lost 1000-1500' from the point of finding I had a definite problem to getting under my reserve. There are a couple of things I would do differently if it ever happens again (like keeping hold of my handles, lol) but I'm still not worried about it. A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions - Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr

I would say this was your biggest problem. You weren't prepared for jumping with someone else so you didn't have time to make a plan, work out what to do if things went wrong and you were already doing things that were new to you and hence probably out of your immediate comfort zone. I also learned in a rather alarming way not to change too much all at once. I am still very new to jumping too and I have found my brain fries if I alter too many variables in one go. Luckily for me, it just meant my first seriously unstable exit and a little while to recover but I learned a valuable lesson. There will always be another load on another day, there is no need to rush anything. Hence I am focusing on my canopy handling skills before worrying about jumping with anyone else (A licence is a bit different in the UK, we need our FS1 before we can jump with other people). Glad you're ok - as others have said, your priorities are Pull Pull at the correct altitude Pull stable So 2 out of 3 wasn't bad under the circumstances

Funny, I'd forgotten I wrote this post until I came on here looking for another thread. My first jump since passing my A licence was 2 days ago and I've done a fair amount of reading about canopy handling in between times, as well as talking to some coaches. Had my first coached session for CH2 on Sunday and the instructor actually physically walked me through a mini-version of the landing pattern and suddenly all those squiggly little diagrams made a whole lot more sense, especially when combined with flat turns rather than trim turns. I didn't quite get my declared landing (landed a bit past the spot) but had a whole load of learning experiences (haven't seen the video clips yet). I also did all my exercises for my front and rear risers (slowing the canopy before doing the front riser stuff gives me about 3 seconds of actually being able to pull on the fronts, lol) and did some flat turns lower than I would normally. On a monster 280 sq ft canopy, it was all very gentle and controlled - plan is now to do a series of hop and pops to focus on CH stuff. A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions - Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr

WAIT?!? WHAT?!? BEER! Congratulation for dealing with your mal! :) Lol, there was definitely plenty of beer. I think I racked up at least 6 admissible beer fines over the weekend, and a few more that I managed to sneak past everyone, ha ha. A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions - Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr

Not sure if this applies more the USA than the UK - we don't need to know how to pack until our B licence but so far I haven't found packing to be particularly difficult. We had a progression weekend last week at our dz where we went over everything from the Ops Manual to all the briefings required for JM1 (including flight line checking, spotting, load organising, emergency responsibilities etc) and packing. We spent time going over kit and what different containers look like and the pros and cons of different styles. We inspected a canopy that had been hung up, then spent time flat-packing (to understand the principles of preparing a canopy to go into its D-bag) then moved on to pro-packing. I had a refresher with the instructor yesterday and jumped my own pack job afterwards (I'm not signed off yet, it was a supervised pack). I have been encouraged since my consols to always be aware of where the landing area is, regardless of our height, and no-one has ever refused to answer any of my questions about spotting the landing area from altitude. In the UK that is the JM responsibility, not the pilot, and the JM can tell the pilot to go around or change the run-in or come back down, if required. A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions - Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr

Just had a very challenging skydiving weekend with way too many 'pre-seconds' achieved in 2 days! Having not jumped since I qualified with my A licence 6 weeks ago, I was hoping for a gentle reintroduction so went for a plain solo jump. And had a mal (locked steering toggle) - so my 'pre-second' reserve ride on jump 19. Also my pre-second ride down in the plane due to adverse weather, pre-second severe line twists on my 3rd lift, then finally a relatively normal jump on my 4th lift (after 2 hours out searching for the main after the cutaway on my first lift of the day). My beer fines were quite impressive Sunday added the pre-seconds of a linked exit (we don't do coached FS jumps until after our A licence in the UK) and jumping my first (supervised) pack job so I figured that was probably enough excitement for one weekend, lol. Had an absolutely awesome weekend, with some fantastic CH2 coaching and have improved my landing skills already, so actually went home feeling very enthusiastic for a change A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions - Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr