SmokinJoeKS

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  • License
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    16318
  1. Jack “Flash” Washburn, a Kansas skydiver very active in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, passed away at his home in Wichita, KS November 3rd, 2018 from Parkinson’s disease. He was 67. Generous, talented and congenial, Jack was mentor to many skydivers and a leader in much of the hijinks and good times (some of it even related to skydiving) shared by Wichita-area jumpers during that era. Truly a larger-than-life figure to many of us, he will live in our hearts always. Blue Skies, Brother. (a photo of Jack is attached to this post)
  2. Good point. In that case, it would make sense for them to control that risk.
  3. Thanks, Mike, for the info. Since the Vigil 2+ manual indicates that its battery is the same part number as the Vigil 2 battery, it looks like they are just attempting to find an additional revenue stream. I guess we will find out how much more $$$ they want in about 10 years.
  4. Simple. If Vigil is going to charge the same price for having them change the battery as we can have it done now in the field, plus a few dollars for shipping, then there is no significant increase in the cost of ownership over the life of the AAD. On the other hand, if this battery change turns into a de facto inspection and recertification like that required by Cypres, and is priced accordingly, then the long-term cost of ownership (up to now a big selling point for Vigil) will increase more significantly. Also unknown is the cost at the loft. If this turns into an inspection requiring the entire AAD to be removed and sent in, the rigger will have to charge more than if he can simply disconnect the main box (which contains the battery pack) and send only that in to Vigil.
  5. Voiding the warranty would seem to be a meaningless consequence for opening the case at 10 years to change the battery pack, because the warranty is only for 2 years. Unless Vigil has some other consequence in mind...? What will Vigil charge for battery replacement? Will the entire AAD have to be removed from your rig and sent in? Or just the main box? Raises some questions. Hopefully someone in the know will provide some answers.
  6. I have researched the forums here and notice that some jumpers who have relined their canopies with Dacron say that the Dacron lines are bulkier than Spectra but not by very much, and don't make a huge difference in pack volume. I haven't had a Dacron-lined canopy since my old Pegasus DOM 1982. Are these current Dacron lines a new design or size that is less bulky than the old Dacron?
  7. Thanks to everyone for reporting your experiences. Am now looking strongly at going Dacron, will probably demo Pilot, Spectre and Storm. I never had hard openings under my Pegasus or my PD-210, but then I have always tried to be a careful packer and will continue to do so. The Sabre2 that I jumped last week was not uncomfortable either. Going for the softest opening canopy I can find is just a precaution to ensure that I can jump for as many more years as possible. Joe C-16318
  8. Just made some jumps after a 14-year vacation, and decided to get back in the sport. Problem is, I'm now 54 years old and have the usual disc degeneration in my neck and lower back, nothing ruptured but some nerves are getting irritated pretty easily. What canopies are the softest opening? I have heard PD Pulse, PD Spectre, and Aerodyne Pilot. Any recommendations/testimonials are appreciated. I weigh 185 and was planning on a 190 square foot canopy. Live in Colorado, so landings will be in thinner air. Joe C-16318