Ron

Back when the Batwing was new, Charlie Mullins had a 98 that we had at one time I think 2 links on the back line set... The problem is that while it does change the angle of the wing, it is not uniform, and there will be a "Step" that can be seen on the top of the wing between the B and C line sets. This disrupts the airfoil and reduces lift. The tests went well, and the "Speed Kit" was developed. It was very interesting to pack and jump the canopy...On opening you could hear the links hitting each other. These test jumps were done for a reason.....For the most part I would NOT mess with anything on your canopy.... BAD things can happen. And unless you are able to tell, you can get very hurt. Charlie always jumped anything new before I did....He is one of the best canopy pilots in the world....And I have seen him biff a test canopy more than once. Ron "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

The X braced canopy you are thinking of is an Excaliber. It was a square F-111 X braced design. A damn good canopy. Toggle presure was high, riser more so. It had a short control range, and stalled very fast. But swooped like hell. PD originally tried to make it out of ZP when it became the rage, but it was a killer on opening....As was my FX88 when I got it back in 94? PD still was playing with Xbraced canopies, but PD does not release anything till they feel it is right. With the FX out there they picked up the pace of the testing, and produced the Velocity. Ron "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

I think Billy did the back flip 'cause it was cool. Just arch like hell before you chop, and you should do fine. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

This is one area...And I am not starting an AFF S/L debate here...that I like about S/L instruction. The student is under supervision longer....More jumps are made, and it gives me time to teach the student spotting. It is also a problem with "Otter Babies"... If I can find a cessna DZ here near Tampa, FL. I am going to take a couple of car loads of "Kids" to the DZ and teach them to spot. Ron "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

Well I know where the line is. Its just like being in a bar. You don't flirt with the ones with a boyfriend. I am not even going to start on this, But its not like I do it to every female I jump with. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

Never jumped a Paradactal.... My first main was a Raven II...It was hot shit then/there. Its what my instructor jumped. I have jumped a Unit, but thats about as far back. Unless you count 30 something T-10 jumps. Ron "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

1000 posts.....60 jumps.... Is this the Average? Ron "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

As for canopies. I have a few points: 1. Never buy before you fly. I know some companys tell you to buy it and they will refund your mony if you are not happy....I understand thereasons for this (not having the expense of a demo fleet) but I would not do it. 2. When you demo....start at the same size canopy you jump now. It is the only way to see how it compares to what you currently fly....Too many time people get a size smaller than they currently jump...Of course it is going to fly better...Its smaller. Jump the same size until you decide what brand/type of canopy you want....then if you plan on down sizing, demo jump that canopy at a smaller size. 3. Buy a canopy that is made in the same country you live in...Spingos bluetracks...ect might be great(and are!), but I have known people to have problems with support (lines, sliders ect) from across the pond. 4. NEVER BE THE FIRST KID ON THE BLOCK WITH THE NEW TOY! I know several people that want the new stuff first.....All I am going to say is NOVA! Look around to see what other people jump, there is a reason that others jump them. My thoughts Ron "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

I have know reserves to work just fine after a year. I have no problem jumping a Main that has been packed several mths. Not that that really happens here in FL. The longest on a main would be maybe 4 mths on my other rig. Ron "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

My favorites: While hooking the student up: Me: Hey (other TM), What is this thing for? (grabing ripcord)? Other TM: I don't know?!!? I think its the stringy thingy. Me to student: When do I pull it? After landing....If I have a cute female: How did you like being strapped to a man? One time I have the student grab my crotch, and say....I LIKED IT A LOT!!. She got me. Ron "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

Iam I higher or lower? 2000 feet. Higher I clear above and pull. Lower I track slightly away for the other person, and go till I can pull and not kill either of us. 1500 feet. Higher...see above Lower...see above, I just don't wait as long... I have pulled at 1200 on some big ways with people all around me. At some point you just have to pull. I try to turn my canopy away from the other jumper as it is opening. This is one reason I don't do Big ways anymore. I have a few 100 plus ways under my belt, I just don't enjoy them. I see it as 99 other jumpers that are set on killing me. I don't think they are unsafe, but they are a higher risk. The risk/reward ratio is to small for me to do them. Did them, have the T shirt. I also don't BASE anymore....I did 2...I thought "Well, there has to be more than this" then I did one more and thought "Nope". For what its worth, I don't do Aerobatics low anymore either. A loop at 1000 feet is as cool as 300 feet. Maybe Im just OLD? Ron "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

One more thing... I bet conversations just like this happened with Visual Alti's years ago. Now you would be....and I have been, yelled at for not wearing a visual Alti. Now I have an Alti III I think the best on the market. I really never look at it, unless I am working with students or tandems. I know when to break off...I feel it, and can see it. I know when to deploy....when I am away from everyone. I know when to chop....When I look up and say "OH, Shit, I bet I can't land this!" After my canopy is open I don't look at it....I don't just wait for my Pro Track to go off either. Oh well. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

Jerm, Do you agree or not???? I really can't tell..... AAD's, Reserves, Helmets, Visual and audible Altis are back ups..... I am not going to rely on a single parachute, visual, or an audible device....Then again I am not just going to trust my eyes....I have 3 ways to see if the fast moving planet is to close.....and 2 chances to stop it. I never said "Put it in your helmet and throw out your Altimeter"..... I say set it for break off like it was designed, and try to guess when it is going to happen. In time you will "set" your eyes to the right altitude. Be proactive, don't just wait for it to tell you when to do anything. Use it for what it is worth. I don't think you should set it lower than planned break off. 500 feet lower, and you are 3 seconds closer to death. My thoughts. Ron "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

I say get the Stiletto....at a reasonable wingloading The 135 should give you close to a 1.4 to 1. I personally think that a 1.4 to 1 is perfect for a Stiletto. I put 600 jumps on one that was 1.41 to one and loved it. I could swoop almost as far as on my 107....same distance just slower. And land it in a lot tighter places. I could 90 degree carve it, and land it in half brakes. Great canopy....at a good wingloading. I got mine at around 400 jumps...be carefull I also smacked myself into the ground at that wingloading on jump #3 on it. It can Hurt/Kill you very well. Ron "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

Well the Female team in Zhills. I told them they should name themselves "Hot Lesbo Action" Think about it.... They could sell shirts that say "I support Hot Lesbo Action" The Drop Zone could have adds that say "Come see Hot Lesbo Action this weekend" The place would be packed! Ron "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

I have done 21 at a Mullins Boogie. Average was 15 or so. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

Yep Bill the Visual quits and you know it... by looking at it. Thats about the only real difference. I have had audibles break as well. The thing I like about them is they DO cause me to associate the visual of the ground, and the Altitude. I "Know" when I am at 3500. I have been there enough, and when I see it, I know. But one of the reasons that it is in my mind is due to the number of times the Beeping in my ear has told me its time. I know that my audible is broken by seeing the ground, but not hearing a beep at the right time..... I just think....yes get one, but don't rely on any piece of equipment. I don't trust a Visual Alti anymore I don't stay a 120 while the Earth looks like it is closing fast. Or until I hear a beep. Its a tool, if you can get one, get one. I personally think it will do a better job of teaching you altitude than a Visual. My thoughts. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

Why not just keep jumping the Tri untill you can have the pin point accuracy? Then you can change to the Sabre II. You will have a faster learning curve, if you REALLY learn to fly the canopy you have before you get another.... One other thing, switching from one canopy to another is not a good way to learn to fly either. Jump the TRI untill you can land in the peas (10M circle 10 times out of 10). Then start to jump the Sabre. Just my thoughts Ron "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

Well now we are getting somewhere.... I am very worried that someone IE...USPA, FAA...ect steps in and starts to try and regulate who can jump what. I know that there are several 200 jump wonders that can handle very fast canopies.. I also know that there are jumpers with thousands of jumps that can, and have killed themselves with a Manta. The people with thousands of jumps have not learned yet, and I doubt they ever will... However the new guys comming up.... Some of them read this forum....Too many times all they get are people telling them to "Get the swoop on, and get the Pocket Rockett Pro X 99". I know, I was told to get a Stiletto 97 back when I had 300 jumps. I went and got a 120...and hooked that Muther FU*&er right in on jump 3. If it had been a 97 I might not have ever walked again. As it was I was young and, didn't kill myself. A lot of people were suprised to see me walk. There were rumors I was dead. Really funny really. "Hey, I thought you died!!?!?!?" So, if my "Ranting" gets one guy to think twice about getting a canopy that might kill him....I'll do it all day long. This was not a slam to you. Like I said I will never tell someone what to jump....your all adults. And you signed a waiver. I just want people to know what they are getting into. Get a small canopy...screw up a little bit, and you can DIE. Life is to fragile to not take care of it. Education is the key, but a lot of people don't know they need it. As for you not being a good example...I never said that. You might be the one person that saves someones life with what you know/show. Please, continue to teach....I will continue to rant, and teach. Ron "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

I know a hell of alot about flying a small canopy. I was jumping one of the first 69 x braced ones. I am also a pilot. It is cool you can act like a parrot and quote what others say.... But do you really understand?....hell maybe YOU do...But I am willing to bet that A LOT of folks don't have a clue. And the fatality reports seem to verify my thoughts. I will not say YOU should not jump anything...you signed a waiver.... And by "Bitching" I AM doing something....I am letting others know that a guy in FL, who has 2500 jumps under: Raven III Raven II Esprit 120 (Do you even KNOW what that is?) NOVA 99 (Yeah got a cool Tshirt) Stiletto 120 Stiletto 107 Jedei 95 Extreme 88 Extreme 69 Sharp Chuter Star Trac I Sabre 107 Vengeance 107 Velocity 96 PD 113 6 rides WHOHOOOO Who is PRO rated under the Sharp Chuter, Star Trac and Velocity. Gives a shit about abunch of people he does not know, and does not want them to DIE.... Have you had a friend DIE yet? I have had several. I have held a persons body closed while they bleed out in front of me.....Have you? So I am doing something...Like I said I will never tell you what you should jump.....I guess you are a GOD. But for those that want to listen I will preach all day long..... I have said this for years "You can jump something smaller if you LIVE through the canopy you have now". Rant off. Ron "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

Winsor is one of the better people I have ever met.... He already has my vote. PC has its place....but the quality of the man is very high and he is more than able to represent me. I like the man....and I have known him for 8 years. If he called me to help him in any way I would...he has helped me several times. A Good man, and a great choice. Ron Hill "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

1st one was around 300...I almost bounced. Low pull on a Tandem 3,000 , low pull from primary Video 2,000 LOW!!! pull by me. 800 ish....I was on my back when primary pulled. 2nd and 3rd around 500 jumps. over 2,000 I really started. Of course I only have around 70 total video anyway. Ron "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

I understand the whole "not wanting to become dependant thing". But....why not just use the damn thing? The same argument could be used for a Visual Altimeter. Its just a crutch. You don't need any Alti's.....but since they are there, why not use them? I mean skydiving is dangerous enough. Use every aid you can to keep from being KILLED. Yes I know its all caps. But I mean if you don't want to get dependent, why have a reserve? Why wear a hard helmet? Why have an AAD? Come on....put the thing in the helmet. use your eyes to tell how high you are....and the Altimeter....and the Audible. You don't trust the visual alti alone do you? I have had 2 break on me. If I waited till they said 2 grand I would have bounced.....Fact is, when said 6 and I looked at it a few seconds later and it still said 6...I thought. Damn, thats gonna be 150.00 bucks. I broke off with the group....tracked, and deployed. It is a tool, not a Holy Grail. Use the damn thing...you bought it, be safe. Ron "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

Didn't she also just come back from another injury? And this was her first jump back? And none of the gear was inspected at the Dropzone. Her boyfriend grabbed it all and left with it. All of the riggers I talked to didn't inspect the gear. And most importantly.....did she not read the damn labels? Sign a waiver? "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

I would rather not look at the profiles... Two reasons really: 1. It pisses me off to see people who really don't know squat about canopies flying something so small, and having no clue about them. 2. I don't want to know any more about them than I need... That way when they die, I won't be as affected. I don't want to say "yeah, I knew him. He was on to small of a canopy". Its much better to read the fatality report and think "Idiot". It really does not amaze me that the # of fatalities does not go down. With AAD's and the quality of gear, the number of No Pull/Low Pulls has reduced. However the higher performance canopies have stepped right in and held us close to the same number. Until these "Jet Jocky wanabees" learn to fly the canopy they have before they downsize, we will always have dead people under open canopies. And they always bring out the stupid news people who just want to ask..."Why jump out of a perfectly good airplane?" They make me want to puke. Stupid people, Fucking vultures. See I get pissed, Ron Oh well you signed a waiver. "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334