airtime1

"Oh no, Mr Bill" - splat. Smashed flat.

I've saved these since 1980, at one time my most valued possession, now just weight and taking up space. Reality suggests I will never have the time or desire to go back and look at any of them. What have some of you seasoned jumpers done to lighten the load? Recycle, garbage (gasp), DZ bonfire? Kind of sad really, filed by years with place markers and notes sticking out. Hardly remember how I used to live to get them every month.

Excellent observation madjohn. New management appears to lack tradition. See ya at the Prairie.

Nice post. He's one of my heroes as well. Rob H - Idaho

Congrats on a successful tandem career. Impressive.

Steve will be greatly missed. Whether fixing fence or jumping with someone just of student status, you could always count on his willingness to help. What a friend!

Airtime1 Amazon Bob Moore Dr. Dive Grannyinthesky Grimmie Happychick Kdub Ladydyver Lucky Markus (Little Spoon) monkycndo NDFallrate NWFlyer Olympia Sheepfucker Shell666 Skootz Tall Guy

When I was jumping a T-10 they were very small. In fact, when I was learning to spot I couldn't even see the pit it was so small. Jumping a PC, the pea pit got a little bigger. About the time I started jumping a Strato Cloud they started making the pit much bigger.

Approx. 26 jumps from a Pitts S2B. Approx. 6 tail strikes. After the last one, while signing airshow programs for the kids, one kid mentioned the red spot on my leather helmet was getting bigger. The local "Doc in the Box" provided 11 stitches for the trip home. When ever the pilot wanted to practice the airshow routine I told him I already knew how to fall out of an airplane. If he wanted to practice something he needed to go make a skydive in the event I take off the tail sometime. Enjoyed the slower Stearman much more. Especially doing a loop with the non-inverted fuel system. I preferred to not drop off at the top of the loop until the engine sputtered and the pilots eyes started getting big. Much easier in the Stearman with that big hand hold on the top wing to hang from. Had to exit the Pitts from a position crouched in the seat facing the tail. I am no longer young and stupid - I'm now old. RobH

You are so right, what was I thinking? MadJohn hadn't gotten out of bed yet. I rightfully stand corrected. RobH

Good job John. The ultimate in "watching out for one another". Jeff has always been my hero and now I'm adding you to the list, sorry Jeff, move over. As MadJohn said on the PA at the boogie "when you see John, shake his hand and say thanks". RobH

Pissed Off, Patience, and Recovery - it's a process. One day at a time and on some days one moment at a time. From what I've heard of you, your up to the challange and will make a remarkable recover. Take your time, the skys not going anywhere. RobH

Today I make my students do all those, but from the tailgate of the pickup rather than the cab....ahh, the pussification of skydiving. Blues, Dave When I first started hanging out with the "after jump" crowd I was told that "real" skydivers practiced their PLFs off the roof of the local bar. After proving myself, I also quickly discovered how pissed off the owner gets with people on his roof. It was a few months later when I truly became a "real" skydiver by getting my first DUI. Ah, the good ole days. RobH

I loved being on the tail of a "tarantula" exit. Sqatted down with inside leg strap grips on the person in front, on "g' of "go", hop slightly straight up and find yourself out the door.

A prior practice preferred by our FSDO was a narrative of a demo submitted with the Application for Certificate of Waiver or Author. (FAA 7711-2) In that narrative I usually state what the maximum ground winds will be for the jump. Some may say "too much information", maybe. I have developed/nurtured a respectful relationship with the local FAA. In 20+ years of doing demos I really don't like that time 30 min. to take off when the wind is marginal and "I will if you will" becomes the game plan. Stating our maximum allowable winds helps keep us honest (so to speak). The winds I list are based on numerous factors and vary for each demo. Years ago max. winds were listed on Cert. of Auth. received back from the FAA. Now, out of the 33 items of special provisions all it states is: "#13. The holder of this Certificate of Authorization is responisible for the overall safe exectution of the jump exhibition. The final determination of site acceptability, landing area, wind conditions, and location of where to exit the jump aircraft (in accordance with the aforementioned special provsions) will be made by the team leader." If you find yourself second guessing your decision to jump try saying to your team mates - "I won't if you won't". It can make a difference.

Being one of the "old farts" It was absolutely wonderful seeing so much youthful energy around the DZ this weekend at Star. Speaking of youthful energy .... miss ya

Making a quilt out of old T-shirts, huh, that's just another thing my wife use to do for me before we were married.

SILK canopy buried in the ground?

I'm sure there are some classics in there that would be even better if the background information was told. Case in point; the Boise boys at the Nationals; right to left: Pat Arther (the squirrel), Funny Miller, Little John McEnroe and Randy Yost. These guys set the background, created the culture (however you want to describe it) that gave us Pete Hill at his finest. I mean, Pete, being a redhead and all, never needed any help with crazy ideas, but I don't think his life and reputation in Spokane could hold a candle to his Boise shenannigans, thanks to guys like these. And I say that with more than a touch of awe and envy. For example: Pete blew up a dead cow at the DZ one new year's eve. But what led up to that? I'm sure it wasn't meticulously preplanned........it just happened with some help. I think I'll send Pete an EM and ask him to set that record straight. Ahhhh - The original "flaming assholes". Nothing like bringing your new girl friend to the DZ for the first time during a boogie to introduce all your new friends. Three nude guys run through the building trailing toilet paper on fire. For any of you uninitiated, try this - take a roll of toilet paper wad a little up and place in in your (deleted for liability reasons), then tear off about 15 ft. light on fire and see if you can streak the distance of the packing area before it makes you a "flaming" asshole. Don't worry the faster you run the slower it will burn - really! After that it was always said, "when your ready to get rid of your new girlfriend bring her to the DZ".

I think I spot Emmett, Funny, Rozo and Pancoast. But they all looked so much older and mature when I started 3 years later. RobH

No bank robbery for Ted; a Mom & Pop grocery store but not a bank. BTW, his real, given first name is Teddie. JerryBaumchen PS) I stand by my previous statement that Ted is not DB. Jerry Anybody ask Ralph what he thinks? RobH

And 7 years later it's called Star Valley in Star Idaho, 1980 Forgot about Pat Arthur JM on my second jump, that could explain alot. Other JMs include Ron Gulley and "Bullet" Bob Denton. Cleared for FF on jump #4, didn't happen do to another student protesting. Jump #18 signed by Darkwing, aka Jeff Wragg Jump #36 7/12/81 stamped by Roch Charmet - his 8702 jump. Anyone remember Roch, the garlic breath frenchman? Sure was a fancy rig he used on his 10,000 jump. RobH

SPOT is great. After a wild night of partying you can track where you WERE. -Or a push of the button will tell your designated driver where to pick you up. -Or your significant other can track you on google earth. -Or you can hide it in you kids car and track them. I'm not very imaginative so I just use it for flights into the back country. RobH

Oh, I don't know. How about a 57 year old grandma trying to get her feet out on that little bitty step? If the weather ever stays decent on weekends around here so I can get to that point, I think I know who to talk to. YOU GO GIRL!! You are an inspiration to me. RobH