slotperfect

I had my first mal at jump #1886: I was doing a demo with a borrowed main, which had recently had a split-slider installed. The guy who did it over-tightened the french link and cracked the barrel nut. I didn't catch it because the links were covered with old tubing type slider bumpers. I had a hard opening. The nut failed, the link elongated, and the whole line group went up into the canopy. I landed safely in a landfill. I packed it myself, BTW. My second mal came at jump #1952 on the same canopy, practicing for another demo. This time the opening was bone-cracking hard and I broke three nose lines side-by-side. I landed safely on the DZ. I packed that one too. My friend retired the canopy, and I haven't had a mal since, 495 jumps later. I didn't mean to clutter up this string with my war stories; just thought others might be able to keep that from happening to them! Respectfully, SP

I saw a dude cutaway WAY too low once, about 700 feet. His Strong 26' Lo-Po opened right away, and he had enough time to turn the canopy into the wind and do a standup landing in the middle of the runway. BTW - he started off by breaking off late, pulling at about 1400 feet, then had a spinning malfunction because his pal had replaced his lower control lines and forgot to bartack the fingertrap on one side. When it rains it pours! Anyway, rounds are great, but they do limit you. Wind velocity, DZ size, alternate DZs all come into play. And, if you do demos, the FARs require a square reserve for Level I, II, and stadium demo jumps. jayhfx has a good point about landing unconscious under a square, but remember that the brakes will still be stowed, which will slow the forward speed a bit. Leaving out main-reserve entanglements, double-malfunctions are rare. I jump my square reserve with confidence, but I don't think we should shun those who choose to drive on with their "round power." Respectfully, SP

Back in the day, I was anti-AAD. They weren't reliable enough for me (I have experienced two high-fires with a non-CYPRES AAD). Then along came the CYPRES. I attended the PIA Symposium in '93 and listened to Helmut Cloth from Airtec explain how he went about designing the CYPRES. Brilliant! I also witnessed an actual CYPRES save that year, which further influenced my opinion. Yes, using an AAD or not should be a personal decision. There are people like wildblue that are still anti-AAD. There are more that are anti-RSL, pro-SOS, etc. etc. I respect each of those opinions even though I disagree with each one. Wildblue should be applauded for not trying to brow beat us with his opinion! If you are pro-AAD, and someone asks you whether or not they should use one, I suggest that you recommend they do. If they choose not to, respect their choice and welcome them on your load with open arms. Using the motorcyclist analogy, I won't turn away a friend from a BBQ at my house because he doesn't wear a helmet. I would even let members of my family ride with him (but they would be wearing one!) Food for thought: Relative Workshop and Strong both made AADs mandatory on their Tandem Rigs. Buzz Fink at Air Adventures in Otay Lake, CA makes CYPRES AADs mandatory at his DZ. Why not email these folks and ask them why? Respectfully, SP

I am 225 in my birthday jumpsuit. My exit weight is about 255. I jump a Raven 218-M, rated by the manufacturer as "Absolute Max: 255 lbs." I am barely within placard for my reserve, and that's about as small as I care to go. I have only used my reserve on 2 occasions in 2447 jumps - it was a Cirrus (230 sq ft 5-cell) back then - but I was glad to have the big reserve and the tip-toe standup landings (with one wrap on the steering lines, I might add). On the first, I landed in a landfill, and had to be careful where I put my feet to keep from getting hurt. It seems to me that heavy guys like me overload their reserves because they are wingloading their mains heavily as well, and must downsize their reserve to be able to jump a container that isn't dangerously oversized for the main. For example, my 218-M is in a Javelin J-4. If I were jumping a small (for me, anyway) elliptical turf rocket, it would swim around in that big a main container. I have a friend with over 13,000 jumps, and he's NEVER been injured jumping, aside from a few sprained fingers dragging exits from a King Air. He sets personal limits for himself so he can jump for a long time. Smart fella. Choose your reserve for the worst case scenario . . . and if your a big lug like me, and a 200 something-or-other reserve doesn't fit in a sexy TNJ or Micron, don't fret. My J-4 doesn't look too bad when I mount it on my big frame! BTW, if I have an off-DZ landing, I do a PLF if I can't see where my feet are going. Works every time, and keeps me from breaking a leg in a gopher hole! Respectfully, SP

http://www.airtec.cc/ -from the home page, click on the "CYPRES-USA" link -under "CYPRES Information and FAQs," click on the "documented CYPRES saves" link I also witnessed a save if you're interested . . . Respectfully, SP

Is your rig filthynastydirty? You can wash it! Yup! I washed three rigs this week that came home from DZs in the American Southwest looking like John Wayne had dragged them behind his horse on a roundup. Here ya go: -cut your main away & store it -remove the cutaway handle, reserve ripcord, RSL, pack data card, closing loops, pull-up cords, reserve free bag, hook knife, etc. and store those as well -have your Rigger remove the AAD and disconnect the reserve and store them for you (you're not going to wash the canopies!!!) -all you should have left is the rig itself with the integral hardware -get a couple of feet of 1" pile velcro from your rigger, and cover all of the hook velcro on the rig. Mash it down well so it stays put -spot-clean any really bad spots with "Shout" spray (don't over do it) -put the rig into a STURDY laundry bag (I used a cotton Army issue one), and tie it shut TIGHTLY -wash it in an industrial type front-load washer at your local laundramat: cold water wash & rinse -for detergent, use half a capful of liquid "Tide." Make sure it's NOT the kind that contains bleach -DO NOT throw the rig in the dryer! Just pull it out of the bag, spread it out indoors on the back of a chair, and let it air dry for two or three days I could not believe how clean those rigs were when I was done! Bear in mind that this is a once-in-a-while thing. These rigs I washed (made of 500 denier Cordura by-the-way) were several years old. So don't wash your beautiful new rig every couple of months, OK? Now, the hot tip: the perfect time to do this is when your rig is down because your CYPRES is at the factory for it's four year check! Skeptical? Consult your local Rigger. If he thinks I have been smoking old pull-up cords, then call your rig manufacturer (especially if your rig is made with funky fabrics). I got this advice from a rig manufacturer! Email me if you have any questions. Mr. Moderator, sir . . . I would appreciate any feedback you or any Riggers in the field might have as well. Respectfully, SP

I'm not an EXPERIENCED CReW guy; I have about 50 CReW jumps. The theory behind the higher jumper cutting away first is that if the bottom jumper chops first, the higher jumper could be "fatally engulfed" in the lower jumper's jettisoned canopy. I don't particularly subscribe to that; I believe that those situations have so many possible variables that the two jumpers involved will need to keep a cool head and figure it out. Of course the best way to deal with a wrap is not to get in one at all: -learn how to flat track well so you get as much separation at break-off as possible -clear left, right, above, and below as you wave-off -keep your head on a swivel immediately after deployment, especially if your canopy opens off heading. Use your rear risers to make emergency turns to avoid anyone who shows up unexpectedly -Bottom line: sometimes you have to look out for number one! If you do have a collision/wrap (and you just might - I have had 2 collisions in 2447 jumps), two things are paramount: altitude awareness and communication! -low-time jumpers should take guidance from the more experienced jumper in the wrap -use your hook knife to clear yourself of the other canopy (you DO carry one, don't you?) -remember that microline is very sharp when under tension, so check your rig out for damage before you make your decision (in case the other jumper's lines have sawed through part of the harness or reserve risers In both of my collisions nobody was at fault . . . it was just "S**T happens." Neither resulted in a wrap, because each of us reacted IMMEDIATELY after opening. The canopies brushed off each other, and we were tipping a cold one shortly thereafter. Two suggestions: 1) check out the canopy collision emergency procedures on the "Breakaway" video. That is a worthwhile film. 2) I attended a CReW seminar by Mike Lewis once . . . if you get the chance, he's the MAN! Choose your CReW teacher carefully. CReW has a set of rules (discipline) just like RW. Follow them, and you'll stay safe. Cheers, SP

Look for correctness, and anything wrong will jump right out at you! SP

I have jumped a "Para-Mount" Pro-Tec for years, with a Sony TRV-9 on top and a still camera on the front. This is a very high profile helmet, for which I have always followed these rules: 1) I modified the helmet so I can get rid of it quickly if it were to get entangled with suspension lines or risers. It takes me a quick yank with one hand to release the chin strap, then I can just quickly push it off my head; 2) When I jump my cameras, I disconnect my RSL. That way I can get the helmet off, then cutaway and get clear of the mess and fire my reserve. If you do this, be sure and secure the RSL shackle somewhere. I jump a Javelin, for which I close the shackle and shove it down deep in the mud flap. That doesn't work for rigs with a shorter RSL, so you have to close the shackle around the cutaway cable housing. DON'T just leave it dangling, and DON'T secure it to the base ring, because your three rings won't function in a cutaway. I actually saw this once, and corrected the guy before he got on the plane. 3) I ALWAYS pull higher when I jump my cameras to allow more time for the more complex emergency procedure (ditch the helmet, cutaway, get clear, fire reserve). My hard deck for camera jumps is 3000 FT. You may have to plan your dive accordingly! 4) I ensure that I pitch my pilot chute from a stable platform, then relax and fly through the deployment while looking straight ahead. I don't look up. I jump a Silhouette, which has the sweetest opening I have ever experienced. It treats camera flyers well! I hope this helps . . . SP

I have been jumping since 1984. A good friend and former mentor told me that if you stay in the sport long enough, you will lose someone you know. I have lost four friends in skydiving accidents, and one in a jump plane crash. All five were due to big errors in judgement. We who remain have not given up the sport, yet we are much wiser and safer because of it. The only good that can come from a skydiving fatality is those around it learning from it, and making necessary changes to make themselves safer. Skydiving is dangerous. Period. But, while the risk factor is higher than sitting on your couch with the remote and a bag of chips, you as an individual can make it safe through your actions. Respect the sport as a dangerous one, practice your EP's, and look out for others as well as yourself. Keep your gear in top condition. Check your gear before you put it on - every time! Get a gear check before you get on the plane Check your gear yourself before you exit Keep an eye on other people's gear on the ground AND in the plane. Be prepared for the worst case scenario . . . it will happen when it is least welcome, along with some other problems to compound the situation. Don't get complacent . . . I learned all this from Jon, Patty, Robin, Jose, and John, who are gone but not forgotten. Their skies are now forever blue, and their streets golden. Respectfully, SP

I have a BRAND NEW SEALED COPY of Dan Poynter's "Parachute Manual Volume II" that I will part with for $35. Or, I will make an even trade for a copy of the original BLACK Volume I in good condition. First one to email me gets it! [email protected]

I got to jump out of the bomb bay of a B-17 once . . . that was really cool! But, for everyday skydiving I would say that the Casa 212 is the most versatile. The interior dimensions and ramp exit make it easy. If it would climb like a King Air nothing could touch it!! SP

FX, I like the focal length for my video camera and my still camera to match. That way I'm flying & framing for both cameras at once. Also, if you can recall where in the skydive you were shooting stills, you can review the video to see how good your chances are that you have a few good shots. I Use a Sony TRV-9 video camera with a .5 wide angle adapter. My still camera lens is a 28mm, and I use a Sky 1-A filter unless it's super cloudy and grey. With this combination I zoom my video camera in one slight "tap" from full-wide to prevent vignetting, and I get decent results. SP

NG, I have been to three vertical wind tunnels (vwt's): FlyAway at Pigeon Forge, TN; SkyVenture at Orlando, FL; and the Army's vwt at Ft. Bragg, NC. The FlyAway vwt was the least powerful of the three. I had to wear a big, air-inflated suit (which they provided), but it was good training nonetheless. That visit was 13 years ago; I weighed about 200 pounds then. My visit to SkyVenture was only 1.5 years ago, my bodyweight now 225. I could wear my own range of jumpsuits and fly comfortably, unless it was windy outside which created "trashy" winds inside the tunnel (the tunnel air is inducted directly from outside). Also, if it's raining outside, it's raining inside! The nice thing about SkyVenture is the mirrors on the wall about 8 feet up inside the tunnel - you can park in front of them and look at your body position while you fine tune it. The Army's tunnel at Ft. Bragg, which you saw in "Cutaway," is by far the biggest and most powerful, but of course you have to be a Military Free Fall jumper (or student) to use it. Remember that it is more difficult to fly in the vwt than in free fall . . . that's part of what makes it a great training tool. Hope this helps! SP

Has anybody been through the Master Rigger Course run by the US Academy of Parachute Rigging at Eloy? What did you do to prepare? How was your test with Tony Frost? SP

Yes, I am a big guy . . . 6'2" and 230 lbs. So I have lots of surface area. Thanks for your input! SP

I am interested in hearing from anyone who is using the new Sigma Tandem Rig from Relative Workshop. What do you think of it?

I am interested in hearing from anyone who is using the new Sigma Tandem Rig from Relative Workshop. What do you think of it?

I am getting ready to buy a jumpsuit specifically for doing tandems. I'm looking at a big floppy suit with no booties & no "wings." What are y'all using out there . . . any suggestions? I would especially appreciate comments regarding durability of specific brands of suit used for this purpose. Thanks! SP

PB, Check out one of the world record attempt plans at www.stratoquest.com. (World record high altitude skydive) And here's a guy who's going into space in his homemade rocket: www.rocketguy.com (same thing Alan Shepard did in early '60's Enjoy! SP

Fruce, I flew in the SkyVenture wind tunnel in November'99. It is a VERY good training tool. The best part of the tunnel are the mirrors which are up about 8 feet. You can park yourself up in front of the mirrors and look at your body position while fine tuning it yourself (in realtime). One caution though . . . unlike some tunnels, it draws air in directly from outside; in other words, when you look down at the netting on the floor, you're lookg outside. So, flying on windy days is kinda funky in there, and of course, if it's raining outside, it rains inside too! Another hot tip: take ALL of your jumpsuits and fly in each one. I especially benefited from flying my camera suit in the tunnel. Enjoy! SP