jerry81

Here's one, although it's for a 94 1 pin TD Classic. If it helps any... Just a question- your rig doesn't have the soft cutaway housings, does it? I packed an older Teardrop last month and was quite amazed to find them on it. Well, not so amazed considering the owner of that rig, but anyway...

I guess you're right. When I read "landable, but probably not without injury" I wasn't thinking about that hard a landing. (That's more like "crashable and all that goes with that" in my book...)

If you prefer that term, although it's really lack of regulation. (rules were written, I believe, in the days of KAP-3s and haven't changed much since then) Hey Unutsch, glad you're OK man! Sell that rig to a bellyflyer and get something better- how will we ever build big-way hd formations if your toggles are flapping around?

OK, one more thing (but this one's serious, really!). Anyone know what's the best way to get invitations that we need for our visas and where do you register your stay if you're camping on the dropzone? I've emailed Landortour that Aerograd lists on their site for visa assistance, but thought I might check on dz.com as well...

PLF the hell out of it is my answer..... Bushes, trees or water might be even better if you can steer that much. At least that's what I'd go for in this case.

Damn, you're right- only 2 liters of alcohol (regardless of %) per person allowed when entering Russia. So I guess I'm taking Mr. Daniels and Mr. Cuervo with me...should do for that first night.

One night should be enough. I've no intention of drinking the same beer even though I'm 2500km from home. As a matter of fact, I've no intention of consuming enormous amounts of beer at all. Surest method of screwing up the next day. I'll take vodka over beer any time. Unless of course the Irish will be bringing any of that fine dark stuff they have over there, then I might be tempted to make an exception. Still, if you wish to pack some additional cans in your Mirage, you're free to do so.

George, you're a big boy, you can find your way home by yourself. If Russia turns out to be as much fun as it looks right now, I'm staying until they deport me. On a slightly more serious note, how are the customs and safety checks at international airports in Russia (arriving). Will it be a problem if I have some 30 cans of Slovenian beer evenly distributed within my luggage?

*bump* Wanted to keep it in this thread for continuity. Well, if it all goes according to plan, me & George are gonna be there from July 8. to 22. or sometime thereabouts. Shout out if you're coming- I'd like to know who I'll be partying with. I'm sure that with some effort (and enough vodka) we can put the American dz.com gatherings to shame.

Could it be that they don't share your simplistic views of the world?

Sorry, but in my copy of the Quran, Sura 9, verse 11 actually says exactly what Snopes claims it says... Also, the style of that passage you posted is a bit weird for Quran. Seems as if the writer assumed all religious texts are written in much the same way as the Bible. And cleansing the land of Allah/much rejoicing? That's like the Bible saying there would come a time when God will be forgotten and people will live more happily and freely. Kinda defeats the purpose of the book.

Just a suggestion; try staging a conversation with yourself. Or have one of you talk and a few others listening intently. Man, I sure have a talent for finding other things to do when I should be studying...

That's a really cool picture. Can I have one of you?

Most canopies have a minimum and maximum suggested exit weight, meaning they'll fly normally within these limits, although they will behave differently depending on what the wl is. I suggest you talk to a person with a solid knowledge of aerodynamics, preferrably a canopy designer, or research the subject yourself if you'd like to learn more. Now, the best formula for proper loading is your knowledge of canopy piloting and experience, which can be roughly represented by your jump numbers. I believe Brian Germain suggests wl can be increased by .1lbs/sq.ft. for every hundred jumps (so 1.1 at 100, 1.2 at 200 and so on). Me, I've been pushing these limits for the last 150 jumps, but that was a personal decision based on what I hope was a fair understanding of the risks and my own abilities. I don't think I'd suggest it to anyone who'd turn to me for advice.

I suspect using a whole foal would be quite unpractical and cutting one down to size will more likely than not get you some really weird looks. Okay, that was too good to pass up. Anyway, Parasport's Fairwind helmet, which is more or less a copy of the Protec, comes with removable padding over the ear vents. I haven't actually checked out a Protec up close, but if it's like the Fairwind, you just need to cut the foam in the shape of holes and you won't even need to tape it down. If you airbrush or paint it, make sure you do a good job so it won't flake off anytime soon. Or you can do like this guy I know and cover your new helmet with artificial fur. His white/black pattern make him look like he skinned a cow, but the overall effect is quite cool.

Thanks, it makes sense. I figured it might be something with the winds and guy wires on an antenna, but the first few comments in this thread made me think it could mean another thing altogether. As for BASE jumping, I'll start when it feels right. Funny thing is I had my first dream in which I actually jumped just this night. If it makes you feel any better, you can still say you flamed and helped me at the same time.

Sorry, this is bugging the hell out of me. What exactly does 'wind down the wire' mean? Is that an A thing or just some other technical term I'm not familiar with?

That was exactly my point. To you and me, certainly. To said sick people, why not? Anyway, I never understood how people can make such a big deal out of ice cream. I mean, I don't even like the stuff.

I guess for people who have been ripped off (or feel they were) by the 'establishment', people who feel the common person can never win against bureaucracy and politicians, at least not in a legal way...I guess there are a lot of people like that and I guess that they could see this man's rampage as getting back at those who held him down. But I think people's views on the nature and reasons for heroism vary greatly, so there's a 'potential hero' in most every situation. We might as well discuss which flavour of ice cream is the best... btw, you're a Stephen King fan if I recall correctly. Did you ever read 'Road Work'?

Hmm, neither of my parents was born yet, however; -my grand-uncle was probably hiding in the woods with his men. He was in Gonars until Italy capitulated in '43 and then rejoined the resistance (or National Liberation Army, as it was called) -my grandfather had also been imprisoned in Gonars, but he joined the Italian partisans after Italy surrendered. Later he was captured by the Germans, so I'm not sure if he was still liberating parts of Italy in June '44 or already sitting in Dachau. -my grandmother was supplying the resistance forces outside our occupied capital with medicines and information, getting past check points with fake IDs...by then, there was a reward on her head and it would have been much safer for her to leave the city, but I guess she felt she could do more if she stayed, because she always returned. All three are gone now, but it would be really interesting to know if any of them was aware on that day what exactly was happening in Normandy...

I did it one of the first times I was in the training harness...as a result, I always make sure everything is in place every time I put my gear on. I may look a bit weird adjusting my crotch so often, but I don't care- if you consider a balls-under malfunction combined with the opening shock, not pulling actually sounds like a better option. I hear you can easily pass out from the pain.

Regardless of that, tcnelson's response was the funniest thing I've read today...Brilliant!

(chuckle)Yes, the media has certainly evolved in the last sixty years, huh?

Cheap telescopic fishing rods seem to hold them up well. Parachute fabric or some other light material for the blades. Reinforcing the 'leading edge' is a good idea, especially at the top (so the rod doesn't poke through). I think any person with rigging skills should be able to make them without a problem.

Yes, that flopping on the ground sure looks threatening... Anyway, same question for you. Would it make a big fucking difference if you saw a home video of an American soldier's head being sawed off by islamic extremists? After all, he was probably at one point trying to kill them.