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Moose Man, I would suggest you decide what area of the States you want to visit, then choose a bigger DZ in that area. I strongly suggest that you choose a DZ that is near a wind tunnel and has a good coaching program. With you being able to make so many consecutive jumps, you will benefit greatly from a bit of flying in the wind tunnel and multiple coached jumps. Your learning process will be accelerated! I will recommend that you shy away from Skydive Arizona at that time of year . . . as said before, it's VERY hot then, and they get dust devils in the afternoons. There are other "Skydiving Mecca's" over here that have more comfortable weather. Respectfully, SP

If I were in your shoes, it would depend on two things: 1) DZ atmosphere and 2) climate. 1) Are you looking for the big, happening DZ where they have big airplanes and lots of people? Or are you looking for small and quiet with smaller airplanes but a "home-ier" feel? 2) In your case I think I would choose what general area of the States I wanted to spend time in, then search for a DZ. USPA's Drop Zone Directory http:// www.uspa.org/ will help you there. My home DZ is mid-size, but has two Twin Otters, a CASA 212, and two Cessna 182s http:// www.skydiveraeford.com/ call the number on the website and ask for Brian Quick. There is another good sized operation an hour and a half up the road http:// www.carolinaskysports.com/ and they have more big airplanes than you can shake a stick at: CASAs, Otters, King Airs. Let me know if I can do anything else to help! Respectfully, SP

The Fury is a 220 sq ft 7-cell F-111 canopy. It is a GOOD canopy, but I would recommend against it unless you wanted that type airfoil for a specific purpose. Also, the rig looks like it has been well taken care of, but 1000 jumps is a lot for a rig. When you piece together gear you are more likely to end up with exactly what you want, but make sure you have someone helping you that is either a Rigger or knows a lot about gear. There are compatibility issues involved, and you don't want to end up with two components that don't fit. For example, you may end up with a main that is too big for your container!?!? Respectfully, SP

Next boogie at CSS I'm coming up to meet you guys in person. I am about 1 1/2 hours South, so I really don't have any excuse. Easter weekend is a big family holiday for us though, so I knew I wouldn't make that one. I was hoping to sneak up there one morning to watch Ted Strong drop his Airborne ATV, but I failed miserably. I just checked the website . . . the next big to-do is Memorial Day. I'll put it on the calendar now. Respectfully, SP

-I am also a big guy fast faller, 6'2" & 225 -When choosing a jumpsuit, choose polycotton. It's heavy and hot, but it produces a lot of drag. -When choosing forearm material, I usually go with the double material and velcro cuffs option. Less comfortable, but once again more drag. -I don't like wings for general skydiving; I only use them when jumping camera. I think you're better off with a big, floppy suit. Lots of material and lots of surface area. They will put a little "wing" in it, but not in the true sense of the word. -I recommend booties as well. More drag and more thrust. -Bottom line: get a suit selection that allows you different fall rates when using your NORMAL body position. -Also, be choosy (conservative) where you allow yourself to be slotted in a formation. Err on the side of being there, and dress for success. I don't look cool in my big floppy stuff, but I'm there! -Recovery from going low: if you can ever get to a vertical wind tunnel to practice your de-arch (recovery technique) I HIGHLY recommend it. Take along a fellow big guy with lots of experience who is good at recovering. Respectfully, SP

First, I am by no means the authority on dragging exits. I organize a bit; my biggest successful formation being about a 30-way. I love dragging chunks, especially from a side door aircraft like a Twin Otter. Mostly becaue I love the way it feels when it comes off clean. For your specified size formations, I would launch them as follows: 6-way: 4 out, 2 in 5-way: 3 out, 2 in 4-way: 3 out, 1 in On all of these, the front floater and the front inside diver need to know what their doing, or be well briefed and heads-up jumpers. The big key: everybody has to leave the plane at the same time!! My way of dragging exits may be a bit old-fashioned (in my mind at least), but it works. I plan to attend the next RW skills camp that comes to Raeford to get more tips on organizing and dragging exits. I missed the last one. Respectfully, SP

-big aircraft (CASA, etc.): I would close the door, move as far forward as possible, take the rig off and secure it, buckle in, and then ride the plane down after the jumpers exit at their normal altitude. -small aircraft (C-182, etc.) w/in-flight door: keep the door closed, and inform the pilot what is going on. He will likely dictate what happens. It may be possible to keep the jumper belted in (preferably in the back left), remove his gear and secure it safely so everyone else can exit. Jump pilots: what do you think?? -small aircraft with no door: help the jumper contain it and LAND THE PLANE before things have a chance to get ugly. My two cents. Respectfully, SP

I recommend Sky Kat at Skydive Raeford, NC. They update their used gear list http://www.skykat.com/usedgear2.htm often, and Tony can keep a look out for what you want if he doesn't have it now. He and his wife Kate run the shop; they are GREAT people. They are BIG on customer satisfaction. Tell them I sent you! Plus, I am out there often, so if you wanted a DZ.com'er to go check the gear out in person. I'll be happy to. I am also a Rigger, if that helps. I know you don't know me from Adam, but I'm glad to help if I can. Respectfully, SP

CONGRATS! Welcome to the fold. Now you can set other goals for yourself to work toward, having a blast along the way of course. About the door: once you start doing RW (esp. launching pieces), you'll be "floating" outside the plane, which you'll find quite comfortable after a while. Respectfully, SP

My first introduction to skydiving was through static line progression using freefall MC1-1B's (modified military rounds). We packed 'em on the DZ, one end attached to a pipe in the ground, and your jump buddy holding tension by standing in between the line groups and leaning back against the harness & pack tray. We used 24' flat chest reserves, modified with a four line release (to make it steerable ), and an externally mounted FXC 12000. The RSL was called a "Stevens Lanyard," a piece of 1/2" tubular with a loop on one end and a french link on the other. The looped end went around the right (front?) riser, the french link end was attached to the reserve ripcord. I made 11 jumps this way (through 15 second delays, I think), then went through AFF after a brief hiatus. Respectfully, SP

Mr. Sangiro Honcho Sir, Can you add "Tandem Instruction" "AFF Instruction" and "Demonstration Jumps" to the choices under the "Disciplines" section of the Skydivers' Directory Profile? Methinks a "Third Choice" might also be in order for those of us who dabble in a little of (almost) everything. Cheers! Respectfully, SP

I use the same one (SkyLog) and am very happy with it. It's simple, customizable, and searchable. It's shareware that costs $15. There is a way to back up the data . . . if you buy it, email me and I'll tell you how to do it. I love being able to search my log books as a database. And you can store all of your DZ contact info there as well (your own personal DZ directory). Respectfully, SP

I'm schizophrenic and so am I! Respectfully, SP

-The current repack cycle is 120 days. One day longer and your rig is not legal to jump. -There is a movement afoot to increase the repack cycle to 180 days, confirmed by PIA at the last Symposium in San Diego. -Personally, I won't pack a reserve that has a CYPRES due for it's 4-year check during the next 120 days. Nor will I pack it if the CYPRES batteries expire in that 120 day period. Are there any other Riggers out there that agree/diagree? -You have a 6 month window (+/- 3 months from the date of manufacture) to get your CYPRES serviced. I talked to SSK last week, and they have a 10 working day turn around on 4-year service right now. -My strong but friendly recommendation is that you stop jumping the rig, get your rigger to send the CYPRES back to SSK for it's 4-year check (and probably new batteries too) -Jumping with your CYPRES turned off because it's past the 4-year service date could open up a whole can of worms that neither you or the other folks at your DZ want to be involved in. -Sangiro has even provided us with a handy-dandy repack calculator so you don't have to count the days on your calendar: http:// http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/reminder_new/reminder.cgi?calculator=1 Respectfully, SP

I'm not a BASE jumper, but yes I have seen pictures and video of many BASE jumpers do just that. But, they are usually dealing with altitudes in hundreds of feet. Respectfully, SP

Some Porters of old had an internal cargo hatch that could be opened by the pilot in flight to drop supplies/equipment. Respectfully, SP

Slut-ster, I don't know Monty, but I'll keep my ears open. Respectfully, SP

While there are not many movies exclusively about skydiving, there is one that contain a classic skydiving scene that has not been mentioned yet: Fandango (Archarcharch!) Next safety day at your DZ, use the chalk board scene as a joke emergency procedures review. It's a hoot! BTW, while Cutaway was a bit of a dog (B movie quality), I thought it was the most accurate representation of skydiving yet. Correct terminology, etc. The most notable exception to that was the movie's portrayal of the Golden Knight Free Fall Formation Team. Those guys are highly competitive and keenly focused, but they are not abrasive and arrogant like they were portrayed. Check out the interview with Chris Talbert here in the Dropzone.com interviews. Respectfully, SP

As you can see by my "status," I'm new to these forums. I came here to gather valuable information, and maybe help a little while I'm here. I spent some time in rec.skydiving trying to do the same, but got very frustrated with the amount of muck I had to weed through to get to the good stuff. Sangiro has without a doubt the BEST skydiving website out there . . . and you the members make these forums a pleasure to participate in. Next time y'all are in North Carolina, shoot me a note . . . I'll meet you at Raeford to share some sky. Respectfully, SP

Heed! I'm new at the post thing, although I've been yumping for a while. I usually read all of the posteses in the thread before I chime in. I love the amount of info I pick up from others. How do you become a better skydiver? Keep an open mind. BTW - my hat size is 7 3/4 . . . I'm gonna go now and cry myself to sleep on my HUUUUGE pillow! LOLOLOLOL Respectfully, SP

-I don't recommend leaving with the pilot chute in your hand. Should your exit be a wee bit unstable, you could cause yourself a horseshoe. Also, all that bridle out might pull your main pin befire you want it to, causing an out-of-sequence deployment. -Low exit? Relax! Exit, fly, and pitch your pilot chute. -Really low emergency exit? GET OUT QUICKLY when the pilot says it's OK and pull your reserve handle. You guys are REALLY heads up for raising this question. It could save your life. Respectfully, SP

-I would never make an INTENTIONAL exit below 2000 feet. -Any EMERGENCY exit below 2000 feet, I would use my reserve. -Practice your low altitude exits on a clear blue sky day from 3000 feet when the stress factors are not present. Bring it down to 2000 feet when you are comfortable. That way when you are in that situation because of factors out of your control, you will feel comfortable doing it! -From low altitudes, you should use a poised exit. Your body is already flying when you leave the aircraft, plus the airspeed (forward throw) of the plane helps your parachute open (even though you are sub-terminal). Emeregencies at extremely low altitudes, however, dictate getting out QUICKLY and pulling your reserve. Remember that the altitude for everyone behind you may be getting lower. -Think about this: when you open at, say, 2500 feet after a high altitude exit and vertical freefall, your body's flight path is a straight line toward the ground. If you EXIT at 2500 feet, your body's flight path is a CURVE because of the aircraft's forward throw. Even though you are sub-terminal, you have MORE time and physical distance through the sky for your parachute to open. Make sense? -Intentionally putting yourself in an EMERGENCY situation, like doing a practice emergency exit from 1800 feet, is a BAD idea. That would be like cutting away your main on purpose to test your cutaway procedures more realistically. -Altitude is your friend, time is your enemy. -Sorry for the lecture, but "how to survive the worst-case scenario" is one of my favorite subjects Respectfully, SP

Tony and Kate at SkyKat (Skydive Raeford, NC) will not only give you a great deal, but the customer service is tops! Respectfully, SP

I didn't hear about a video camera that was able to see through clothes . . . I guess I live in a cave. I can attest to the fact that the TRV-9 doesn't penetrate fabric! I don't know if you are an eBay'er or not, but I get a lot of good stuff there really cheap! Good shooting! SP Respectfully, SP

Head . . . What a great nick! I jump a Sony TRV-9 with a .5x wide angle adapter. My still camera is a Minolta with a 28mm AF lens. The focal length on both lenses matches up almost perfectly. I always shoot both cameras on manual focus. I set my video camera on infinity and leave the steady hand on. My zoom is all the way out with one small tap to zoom in and match the lenses exactly. Most times I set my still camera on program, and set the depth of field on my lens for what I will be shooting. Sometimes I set the camera on shutter priority, 1/500, and use the camera's internal light meter on the ground to get the f stop. I always set the depth of field scale on the lens one f stop higher than the reading I got on the ground cause it's always brighter upstairs. I shoot a lot of tandems, some AFF, some larger RW. I get good results all the way around. I'm not a serious photographer by any means; I just got lots of tips from some really good professional free fall photographers. I'm not a freeflyer, but the freefly photos that I have seen that were really good used a really wide angle lens. My fave was a Parachutist Magazine cover last year . . . a freefly formation holding a chrome ball; the picture being their reflection. That was an awesome pic. Let me know if you'd like to email samples of our work back and forth and share notes. I'm always looking for new ideas! SP