JohnMitchell

Absolutely perfect. I like to ask them what skills they've been wanting to develop and give them a chance to do just that, such as linked exits, diving to dock, floating, tracking.

It had been modified just for those practice jumps. Jerry Baumchen Thanks for the info. What did they change?

I would like to suggest you put a solid (not bungee) cross connector between the leg straps. Keeps them from sliding down during certain maneuvers and will keep you more securely in the harness. l like your choice of a belly band. I've had rigs with those and like how it keeps the backpack snug. I've even used a detachable b/b from time to time.

Matt's not too far behind this guy.

100% agree. I first met these folks back in the mid-60's at the various competitions here in the NW. Lenny ( RIP ) and crew were known as the Thun Field Bunch back then. The addition of Geoff Farrington to the mix just made it even better. Jerry Baumchen PS) And their facility at Shelton is as good at it gets IMO. I gotta agree with your opinion. Don't you wish Lenny could have been around to see this? Sounds like something he would have loved to try back in the day. Miss that guy.

He exited with oxygen and then handed it over to one of his jump mates in free fall. You'll see it on the video. Yep, his cousin Andy Farrington. I have the extreme pleasure of jumping with both those guys at my home DZ. Not only very expert, but very low key.

Looks like there was a secondary net in case he penetrated or over-stretched the first one. But it doesn't look big enough or high enough to be a "oops, I missed the first one" net.

Yep, but from the USPA, ref. opening at 1000'. The FAA doesn't care what altitude we open at, if at all. The rig was a standard Infinity, no AAD, of course, and I believe he was using a Spectre, but I could be wrong. I'll ask next time I see him.

Yep, PJs, some SF guys too. We also do currency static line jumps for Rangers and Airborne out there. Proud to say our DZ is "mil spec". I don't know if Luke is really a good choice for canopy training, though. Last time I saw him jump he didn't even use one.

Luke Aikins of the USPA board also teaches halo canopy courses. Look him up after this Saturday. Up til then he's busy jumping into a big net without a canopy.

I do tandems. They pay me. I like that. . . That and freeflying, coaching, RW, AFF, whatever. . .

There's a bridge you have to cross when you lose your first friend to this sport. Some choose not to cross it. I can't tell you more than that.

Vskydiver plays Pokémon Go. I don't. I drive her around in her Fiat chasing imaginary whatevers.. . Life is good.

Depends on how good you are with a clutch... In truth, I don't seem to mind jerky drivers as much as the mindless zombie drivers we seem to have in WA. No turn signals, no paying attention, no clue how to handle a 4 way stop or a traffic circle.

He's really put the work in on this one. I can't wait to see Luke pull this off. It's gonna be amazing. :)

Our son was a tunnel instructor, and he still did 5 jumps to complete the program. Maybe could have done it in 4 if I had preplanned better. But there's a lot to learn on each jump, even if you grew up packing at the DZ each weekend and can fly like a ace.

Busted valve! Dang, I thought they'd run a little longer on 3 cylinders, but I guess the chunks were big enough to stop the engine.

Show 'em this video. Say "This is how they train at most DZs in the U.S." Good luck.

No hands on any part of the plane? That's very unusual, IMO. The hands on the door frame provide a huge measure of stability for the student's crouched exit position.

This kid is 6'4" and jumping from a super otter. Watch him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQxXtLODtNE Edited to say you don't really need "push off" power, just step to the side and arch. How's your flexibility?

Holy Fooook! I was so relieved to see that plane come climbing out after that. Good use of ground effect by the pilots. Great lesson on "keep flying the plane, keep flying the plane."

I just put on my wing suit and stand behind the Twin Otter as it taxis out.

Some guys made a career out of taking breaks.

Good question. I've held canopies straight until I've let go to cutaway, but I don't think you'd want to hang on AS you cutaway. Slight chance of entanglement if your RSL works quickly. Or it could just yank the $hit out of your shoulder. Next time try the "feet on the butt" trick and I bet you'll be pretty stable, regardless of the spin.

Nice job. Glad to see you followed your EPs as taught. Don't know if you were stable or not as the reserve came out, but some good advice I once got was "Put your feet on your butt and arch as you reach for the handles." I've had a dozen+ cutaways, all stable, using this technique.