Pat007

I'd add to the list of good canopies for beginners: Lotus from Big Air Sportz Volt from Parachute Systems My Dad used to ask me if someone jumped off a bridge would I do that too? No, but if they jumped out of an airplane, that's a different question...

Made my first jump at age 56. Four years later and I just earned my D license. If you're healthy you can be an accomplished and safe skydiver. Just don't try to keep up with everything the kids do! My Dad used to ask me if someone jumped off a bridge would I do that too? No, but if they jumped out of an airplane, that's a different question...

I demo'd a Volt 150 recently and really liked it. The openings were soft and on heading. Response to toggle turns was snappy. The flare on landing was great and stronger than I'd experienced with a Pilot 168. I didn't have a rigger look at it, but it seemed to be well constructed. The price for a brand new canopy was cheaper than many used ones from other makers. Decided not to buy one right now only because I'm happy with my Lotus 150, but I'd certainly consider one when I'm back in the market. My Dad used to ask me if someone jumped off a bridge would I do that too? No, but if they jumped out of an airplane, that's a different question...

We're in a sport where we think nothing of repeatedly spending several hundred dollars for a day of recreation, or laying out $400+ on a jumpsuit that is essentially a pair of coveralls. I find it interesting that we grumble about a modest increase in membership dues to an organization that tries to keep us as safe as possible and works to keep us self-regulated. My Dad used to ask me if someone jumped off a bridge would I do that too? No, but if they jumped out of an airplane, that's a different question...

I demo'd a Parachute Systems Volt 150 recently and found it more responsive and a much peppier flare than a Pilot. Sticking with my Big Air Sportz Lotus 150 for now, though. My Dad used to ask me if someone jumped off a bridge would I do that too? No, but if they jumped out of an airplane, that's a different question...

I read the magazine cover to cover every month. So do most of the skydivers I know. My Dad used to ask me if someone jumped off a bridge would I do that too? No, but if they jumped out of an airplane, that's a different question...

I started and graduated AFF at age 56. Now, nearing age 60, I have 400 jumps, a C license, and a coach rating. If you're physically and mentally fit age has nothing to do with it. My Dad used to ask me if someone jumped off a bridge would I do that too? No, but if they jumped out of an airplane, that's a different question...

I've been jumping Brian Germain's Lotus 150 for about 150 jumps. It's not radical, being semielliptical, and the flare is wonderful. It's one of his airlocked designs, which isn't everyone's cup of tea. It flies great. He can send you a demo to try out - which is a great idea for any canopy you're thinking of buying. You can find Brian at Bigairsportz.com. My Dad used to ask me if someone jumped off a bridge would I do that too? No, but if they jumped out of an airplane, that's a different question...

I've got about 130 jumps on a Lotus 150. I really like this canopy. It flies wonderfully, the flare is really powerful, and the airlocks give me confidence in the wing. It can be a pain to collapse on the ground, especially in strong winds, but I've gotten used to it. It also packs about a full size larger than the 150, but that's not an issue since my container is sized for it. Brian sent me a demo before I bought mine, so contact him to try one yourself. You'll never really know what feels best for you unless you demo any canopy, though, so it's a good idea to fly one for any model you're interested in. My Dad used to ask me if someone jumped off a bridge would I do that too? No, but if they jumped out of an airplane, that's a different question...

Instead of slicing your lines, why not pull your cutaway handle and cleanly release everything? Is it just to try to save some of your gear?

All you naysayers just kill me. In one of the videos or photos in the days before the jump Luke is shown with some of the instrumentation to be used on the jump strapped to his body. Remember from the jump that he was communicating with the ground on the ride up. He also was transmitting his pulse rate and probably other physiological indicators that weren't displayed. His camera was transmitting video to the ground. That had to go on him somewhere. I've been around Luke and his family at Skydive Kapowsin the majority of weekends for 3 years and they are as honest as they come. I have full faith that what they say happened actually did. Even if he had some sort of lifesaving device under his jumpsuit, he never used it. Never had to. That's enough for me. How many of you could pull that off or would even try? As for the lights - you likely didn't notice them because they were all white, confirming that he was on target. There were 4 lights on the perimeter of the net, and others signaling the bulls eye. If he was off, they would have been red. Those lights were key to him pulling this off. My Dad used to ask me if someone jumped off a bridge would I do that too? No, but if they jumped out of an airplane, that's a different question...

Got the Aero instead of the Rev2 because I liked the styling better, the unobstructed view, didn't need a convertible helmet, and wasn't happy with air infiltration in my original Revolve. Happy with my choice! My Dad used to ask me if someone jumped off a bridge would I do that too? No, but if they jumped out of an airplane, that's a different question...

I'm thrilled with my Bonehead Aero. Have been jumping it for a year (all belly jumps) and never had a fogging problem, even though I jump through the winter. The view out the faceshield is totally unobstructed. After adjusting the shims, the fit is great. I like the cutaway feature, although haven't had to use it. I bought the blue model, and the only negative I've found is it seems to chip down to the primer fairly easily upon bumping the door, etc. My Dad used to ask me if someone jumped off a bridge would I do that too? No, but if they jumped out of an airplane, that's a different question...

You may very well be right. Doesn't really matter to me, though, as long as my openings are more consistently on heading. My Dad used to ask me if someone jumped off a bridge would I do that too? No, but if they jumped out of an airplane, that's a different question...

Not quite. As soon as you're stood upright and your canopy is opening, reach up and push the risers out away from your shoulders. Don't wait for the canopy to be fully open to do this as that will probably be too late. Good luck. I'd be interested to hear if this works for you. My Dad used to ask me if someone jumped off a bridge would I do that too? No, but if they jumped out of an airplane, that's a different question...

Got this tip from Brian Germain during a recent canopy course he put on at Kapowsin Skydiving: At opening push outward on your front and rear risers at the same time. This spreads out the risers and makes it more difficult for the canopy to start turning in the first place. This has greatly reduced my off-heading openings and line twists. My Dad used to ask me if someone jumped off a bridge would I do that too? No, but if they jumped out of an airplane, that's a different question...

Mine's on and buckled before I board the plane and I nearly always keep it that way until I'm back on the ground. If things go wrong I doubt I'd remember or have time to put it back on and buckle it. My Dad used to ask me if someone jumped off a bridge would I do that too? No, but if they jumped out of an airplane, that's a different question...

Does anyone have any experience using Mirage's semi-stowless D-bag for a G4 rig? Thinking of replacing my old original split bag but can't decide whether to go with the standard or semi-stowless. My Dad used to ask me if someone jumped off a bridge would I do that too? No, but if they jumped out of an airplane, that's a different question...

Loose shirt tail - potential for covering emergency handles in case of a mal? My Dad used to ask me if someone jumped off a bridge would I do that too? No, but if they jumped out of an airplane, that's a different question...

I put 7 jumps on a demo Lotus 150 from Brian Germain this weekend. I love the way it flies, and the flare, plane-out, and landings are great! I did have a couple of jumps with line twists that I kicked out of quickly, but I'm suspecting they resulted from sloppy packing on my part. Didn't have conditions that tested the airlock feature, so can't comment on that aspect. It wasn't very windy on my jumps, so didn't have any trouble with deflating the canopy after landing. Thanks for everyone's input. Still considering purchasing one. By the way, Brian has been very generous with accommodating my needs about his demo. Great guy!! My Dad used to ask me if someone jumped off a bridge would I do that too? No, but if they jumped out of an airplane, that's a different question...

Squirrely, meaning what? Line twists, long snivels, off heading openings? Something else? My Dad used to ask me if someone jumped off a bridge would I do that too? No, but if they jumped out of an airplane, that's a different question...

Thanks for your thoughts. My Dad used to ask me if someone jumped off a bridge would I do that too? No, but if they jumped out of an airplane, that's a different question...

It's been about 10 years since there has been any significant discussion about Brian Germain's airlocked canopies. Wondering what the current thinking is among those of you that fly or have flown the Lotus. I'm demoing a 150 now (but with the crappy weather we've had I've only got 2 jumps on it). I've liked the 2 jumps, but they've not been a fair test because they were low altitude and I didn't have time to do more than a couple of practice flares. The flare was much different (better) than my Pilot 168. Would love to hear about your experience with the Lotus. My Dad used to ask me if someone jumped off a bridge would I do that too? No, but if they jumped out of an airplane, that's a different question...

http://main.aol.com/2011/09/21/skydiver-removes-chute_n_973584.html Fixed it. My Dad used to ask me if someone jumped off a bridge would I do that too? No, but if they jumped out of an airplane, that's a different question...

You're right, John. I was just out there dropping my rig off for a reserve repack. Even the two Caravans are in the hangar avoiding the rain and wind! My Dad used to ask me if someone jumped off a bridge would I do that too? No, but if they jumped out of an airplane, that's a different question...