ripcords

Do you remember how much? Was it something you could buy at the dz?

I am visiting Verona, Italy for a wedding and I would like to get a fun jump in. I was told I need USPA membership, my log to prove currency, my medical, proof of insurance. I had everything with me including my medical insurance card. Now they want proof that it covers skydiving and also the $ amount of my coverage. Is this required at all dz’s in Italy?

https://www.tunnelflight.com/ is free to join and tunnel fliers can get signed off for each skill as they demonstrate proficiency in it.

http://uspa.org/FAA-USPA/DZO-and-Pilot-Resources

Nice article Larry. We are finding an increase in jumpers just like you and this is a good article for them.

What a fun, friendly and safety conscious environment for jumpers of all experience levels. From the moment we walked through the door, Pearce made us feel right at home and showed us the beautiful Cessna tail wheels they use for lifts. Brian took the time to make sure I was thoroughly briefed. Sophie signed me in and Lee put a lift together so I could get in the New Zealand skies. Brian organized a skydive that was appropriate for all of the levels of sport jumpers that were on the lift. It was obvious that they all have a passion for the sport that gives this place a great vibe. Having been jumping for over 33 years I have been to many skydiving centers, and this is one that I would gladly return to. Cheers and thank you for a fabulous time. My only regret is that I didn't have time to stay and make more skydives.

On the subject of hop and pops. Our dz has the novices practice the hop and pop exit during a full altitude coach jump. They do this repeatedly until they demonstrate the subterminal skill for this exit. This gives them both the confidence and skill to perform this very useful technique from a normal hop and pop altitude.

Thanks for the mod to my NEX. It was such a quick turn around time. Nice job! I can't wait to start using it. What settings do you use with your NEX when filming skydiving in standard sunny conditions?

No need to apologize. I appreciate the information and guidance you have provided.

How about the digital still cameras at CES, anything new and cool with them?

What do you think about the Balanced Optical Steadyshot Image Stabilization with active mode (BOS) on the higher end prosumer version camcorders Sony just announced at CES like the HDR PJ710V? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/838312-REG/Sony_HDR_PJ710V_HDR_PJ710V_High_Definition_Handycam.html

The way the doctors explained it to me was that replacements only last so long (currently 10-15 years typically). They can do a second replacement when the first wears out, but to do so they have to remove the previous replacement and you lose a lot of your femur in the process. So there is a limit as to how many times they can replace your hip. Hence most doctors encourage you to hold off for as long as you can stand it. I made about 10,000 jumps on a painfully arthritic hip. I just had the replacement done last year. The first thing I noticed was the lack of pain. I did not realize how much pain I had been living with until it was no longer there. I had a total hip replacement, but first looked into getting my hip resurfaced. The good thing about a resurfacing is after a resurfacing wears out, you can get a hip replacement. So however many years you get on the resurfaced hip are "bonus" years in my mind. Unfortunately my hip was not eligible for a resurfacing. Although I currently believe hip surgery to be life changing in a positive way, I would definitely weigh all of your options before moving forward with it.

We just saw Kevin's memorial jump picture in Parachutist magazine and our hearts sank. What an incredible loss! Kevin and my husband, Don Kellner, made their 1000th jump together and worked on the Molly McGuire's movie back in the 60's. Kevin made the jump with his leg in a cast and the crew caught him when he landed. I have attached a picture of that jump. Don has never stopped telling the wonderful stories of the good times they had together while making that movie. I had the honor to meet Kevin when we traveled to California on vacation. He was larger than life and a genuinely down to Earth awesome person. I am so honored to have known him if even briefly. Our sincere condolences.

Unfortunately, I don't believe that to be true. A friend of mine runs the stock car racing experience and told me Slyrides was selling racing certificates under a different name, and they were doing it despite the fact that no racing company in the U.S. accepted their certificates and they did not have their own race track either. Slyrides are back in full force in PA. Check out their supposed "network of skydiving centers in the state of Pennsylvania" http://www.pennsylvania-skydiving.com/skydive/index.php?zip_value=18944 I believe the list was only 279 long this afternoon, but it grew to 555 by this evening. Yet when I called them to ask them where I could go, they only had one center in PA. How confusing!