velvetjo

Was it this site? ADDS has lots of other great aviation weather resources too. [edit: I see that it was.] Lance

My wife had to have a scope a while back, and she said it wasn't as bad as she expected. The hard part for her was that she'd just seen the episode of South Park with "Lemmiwinks" for the first time. As Mr. Slave says, "Oooohooohoohoo! Jethuth Critht!" Lance

Good luck contacting them through Network Solutions. I know someone who used to work at the call center listed above (it's in Hazleton, PA), and they're trained not to get you in contact with the domain owner unless you've got specific account info that gives you that access. In fact, from what you've posted it shows that they've paid extra for added privacy of their data. I wonder what's so secret? Lance

Only 5 in an upgraded widebody?!? Sounds decadent. Lance

I've got Lightspeed 20XL's, and my wife has Lightspeed Twenty3g's. Both are great, and the 3g's are cool because of the cell phone/music input jack with muting. I steal them from her when she's not looking. Lightspeed has great customer service. Only one minor problem with my headset so far, a sticky switch on the battery box, and they shipped the part to me overnight at no charge - after they were out of warranty. Lance

You'll definitely want to get in touch with Cessna Pilots Association. They're a great technical resource for this kind of upgrade. Costs a few bucks to join, but you'll make it back in a hurry. Also, I know that Above the Poconos in Hazleton, PA flies a nicely modified 182 that sounds a lot like what you're interested in doing. Send an email to Darlene (see website for address), she might be able to help you out. You're most likely looking for the 300 HP upgrade, wingtip extensions, and STOL kit. Micro vortex generators are another nice upgrade for 182's, they improve slow-speed handling and reduce stall speed. Check out the ads in Trade-A-Plane for more ideas and pricing. Good luck with your upgrades. Lance

Too bad you didn't make it, I was in the class and it was very worthwhile. We waited for about an hour while Elly tried to find out what happened to you. Good luck with the course, Lance

Good deal. Enjoyed meeting you this weekend, and I'm glad you found your stuff. Take care, Lance

Justin, So you did find your main? We were hoping you would. Where did you find it? Thinking back, it was kinda wild seeing you go spinning past in the moonlight. Nice job on your emergency procedures - if you can do 'em for real in the dark, you're good to go! Lance

Another effective slide method is to tuck one foot up under your butt to protect your tailbone. You can use this "drag" foot to have a better feel for the touchdown portion of the flare too, as it won't be your normal sight picture. I agree with everyone else about smooth surfaces - I wouldn't try this on lumpy terrain. Happy sliding. Lance

Hi Daizey! Thanks for confirming what I was going to ask. I thought that was the deal, but didn't want to misstate anything without knowing for sure. I recently watched one student's potential no/low pull that was prevented by an audible set as you described. Seems kinda silly of folks to assume he didn't learn anything from it, as I've seen his attitude toward altitude awareness become a lot more serious since then. I'm not sure how giving someone another chance not to bounce is such a bad thing. However, I agree that it should only be used as a backup system. Altitude awareness is a critical skill to develop from the very beginning. Lance

My home DZ uses audibles for students. They're set below the intended pull altitude, and function only as a backup system, much as an AAD does. I'm working on my coach rating and have assisted teaching the first jump course, where the mantra "never rely on a backup" is constantly drilled into the students. Since I did my initial training elsewhere, this post has got me curious to talk to the instructors about their experiences so far with using audibles for students. I know of no negative aspects so far with this practice. Students would only hear an audible in freefall if they're already late to pull, when it might actually do some good. Lance

I'm not sure it would be too helpful in daylight conditions. I'm used to looking for daytime strobes on aircraft at untowered airports, but they're still pretty hard to see. Talk to some local pilots and get their thoughts if you want feedback from people who actually look for strobes in their scan. I agree with the other posts that bright colors are a great way to be seen, especially contrasting ones so that you stand out against multiple backgrounds. That's one of the reasons my gear is yellow & black. See & avoid. Lance PS - No, I won't wear a VHF radio either!

There's an old saying that "behind every FAR [Federal Aviation Regulation], there's at least one dead body". I'm not into regulation either, but not everyone is as good a skydiver as akarunaway, including me. Just like I wouldn't fly an instrument approach unless both current & proficient, I take it easy after a layoff from jumping. Just be thankful that you're dealing with the USPA and not the FAA. A good way to get us regulated more is to make stupid decisions that hurt or kill people (like letting uncurrent & unproficient students back in the air without proper refresher training). It's too easy to criticize policies like these when it's not your business, airplane, reputation, etc. on the line. Lance

I just started flying a couple of years ago, it's a good time. Got my instrument ticket last year, and I'm still enjoying the hell out of learning every time I go up. Not sure which I like better, they're each good in different ways. A difficult crosswind landing or a tough approach to minimums in the mountains is every bit as exciting to me as a fast canopy landing or pulling off a cool RW sequence. Lance

Kelly, let me know if you want to practice this sometime, sounds like a good workout for both of us. I'm planning to be at the DZ this weekend - hopefully see ya there. To everybody who's trying to speed up, thanks from a fast faller. It's nice to know you're making an effort too! Lance

The early Broncos are nice vehicles in this category too. I had a '67 with a fiberglass tub body, and it went just about anywhere. Good luck with your search, Lance

Brian, Above the Poconos is one of the best Cessna DZ's I've come across. They've got a 185 & 182, both of which have 300 HP engines, plus a stock 180 that's a solid aircraft too. They're good folks, I really enjoy jumping there. PM me if you need any more info, I'd be happy to hook you up. Lance

funks, if I'm reading correctly, the published hold at HYPER intersection is where this occurred. HYPER is about 5 nm ESE of Emmitsburg, way up near the MD/PA line. The hold is a racetrack pattern oriented roughly to the NE of HYPER on a victor airway. Pretty far away from Dulles, but probably still part of a published arrival route (STAR) for Dulles Class B. I hate to say it, but I've seen a lot closer calls than this between aircraft. I do agree that a responsible jump pilot should be talking to ATC, but the name of the game in VMC is still see & avoid. I always fly defensively, especially when I'm on an IFR flight plan in VMC. It's too easy to be complacent about looking out the window. Lance

Powered parachutes are fun for jumps. Bet you could even talk some of them into doing it just for the hell of it. Good luck with your plane, Lance

Congratulations, Chris! Lance

Anybody have a Tony Multi Suit? I'm interested to hear about your experiences with it. In particular: - how's durability? - how well do the pants & jackets work together? - now that you've used one, are you happy or would you go back to a 1-piece? - what style jacket / pants did you get? - if RW pants, did you get booties? - any features you like or dislike? I'm thinking of getting the RW pants with booties, an RW top, and a camera top. I'm on the fence with the freefly stuff, as I haven't done much of that yet. I'm about 6'1" and 235 pounds (yeah, I still fit thru a hula hoop...), so I'm looking for a a suit to slow me down. The lady I spoke with this morning at Tony Suits recommended 4-ply with reinforced arms & legs for drag - apparently they're getting rid of polycotton and acrylic for high drag suits. Double polycotton seems to work well for one of my buddies, but I wondered if there were any options that wouldn't be as hot in the summer but still give lots of drag. Any thoughts on big boy fabric choices? Also, I've been kicking around the idea of Nomex as a material. I know it's pretty expensive, but it might be worth it in an emergency. Anybody know what kind of fall rate commercially available Nomex would give? Anybody have a Nomex jumpsuit? Thanks! Lance

As both a pilot and a large skydiver, it sounds to me like you've got some communications problems between you & the manifest people. What's so hard about either saying no or sucking it up? Your choice. Lance

Congrats to ya ChrisL, that was a fun jump. The backward hula hoop entry was the best show I've seen in a while. Watch out for those sneaky pie-totin' girls. Lance PS - Bet they couldn't have caught either of us naked!

Aren't beer rules DZ-specific? Besides, weaseling beer is a worthy hobby. Glad to hear you weren't hurt, Daizey! Rumor had it you were spotting wild turkeys for Sal. Lance