FallRate

Let me get this straight...the person offended by the word "[bleep!]" being "used" (actually it was more like it was "presented") in a public forum, finds it acceptable to use the word "fuck" in the same forum. Oversensitivity and hypocrisy...what an interesting combination. FallRate

The somewhat official dates are Feb. 20th through the 24th or 25th. Last year we had about 33 people show up at Skydive America. As I have moved away recently from the Richmond area, I'm hoping that we have as many or even more this year. This will be my only opportunity to see everyone until the Labor Day Boogie. FallRate

Apparently the Aerodrome Crowd is heading to San Marcos for our annual Winter Festival of Air and Debauchery. I'll be driving from North Dakota, so if anyone needs a ride along the way between the dates of Feb 17 and 20, be sure to stand along the side of the road, or you could go the safe route and email me. Anyone have any comments on San Marcos they would like to share? FallRate

This is a skydiving forum. Please reserve your worthless opinions for AOL. Thank you. FallRate

Nothing is as bad as the fuming terror brought on by a night of drinking Corona with Lime. The lime adds a special effervescence that will, in most cases, make you question why you are wearing a rig when all you want to do is die! FallRate

The reason we are going to wherever we are going near San Antonio is that we are following our favorite and most beloved pilot, Steve Stewart. He's going to be flying one of Roger Nelson's Otters there during the winter. If he were flying in Anchorage this Winter we'd probably be booking flights on Alaska airlines. Not so much a sacrifice for me though, it's warmer in Anchorage than where I currently plant my feet. FallRate

The Aerodrome Locals (also known as the Richmond Locals) are heading to Texas for our Winter Trip. Somewhere near San Antonio...not sure. I'll have to check before getting plane tickets :) Anyway, the Winter trip is a big deal for us seeing as the weather sucks rump in the Midwest. Last year we had about 35 locals show up at Skydive America. I'm hoping for more this year. And it will definitely be a lot of fun, we all come from the land of the "Original Boogie"!!! FallRate

Ok, so it's a 1:72 model. A little small, but what's the time to altitude? :) FallRate

You have to be there Lew! Rizzo had his turn, this time it's all about FallRate! And seeing as I won't see the rest of the gang until the boogie, everybody has to show up. I have already informed Ann and Jaime that if Bradley isn't planning on coming he is going to be somewhat surprised when I show up at his door with a large burlap sack and some duct tape. This also goes for Mike and Dean!!! See you at the Alamo. FallRate

Ok, who's going and who wants to sleep with...err, share a room with me while there? FallRate

Actually Kittinger did not break the sound "barrier". He surpassed the speed of sound as it is measured near the surface of the Earth, where the air is relatively dense. The speed of sound increases as air pressure decreases (higher altitudes). Kittinger did not surpass the speed of sound relative to his altitude at any point in his skydive, which is also demonstrated by the fact that he did not experience the shock waves associated with exceeding the speed of sound and returning to a sub-sonic speed. This is a special consideration for those who are planning on doing this sort of jump in a drogueless fashion, as they will have to contend with the shock waves. (I believe that Cheryl Stearns is planning on making her attempt in a head-down position, at least partly due to the concern of shock-waves.) FallRate

Most Recent Film that Sucked Ass : "Freddy Got Fingered" Worst Ever : "Fled" with Fishbourne and Baldwin...BLAH!

Without going into detail, I'd like to say that my impression of Steve-O has been very positive. For the past two years he has been a wonderful addition to the list of organizers at the Richmond Boogie. FallRate

Yep, I gained my nickname early, and most people use it. However, a couple of people still call me Max which was the nickname I went by when I first started jumping. (It's also the name that appears on my rig.) If you want to spot me at the Boogie look for the 6'2", 280 lb, Bull Shannon looking guy. You can also look for the "Baby Head". (Ask Lew about that one.) FallRate

I haven't been around Richmond much lately, but I am definitely looking forward to "THE" Boogie. First, I'd like to start a thread dealing with anything Richmond related. So if you have anything to say, start here! Second, I'd like to know who wants to take advantage of the extra sleeping space I will have in my van during the boogie! Terms are negotiable. :) FallRate

Actually, that tune would be perfect for a third shot at passing AFF Level 5 video. :) FallRate

I'm not willing to look it up, but doesn't the S.I.M. advise students to wear gloves in cold weather? FallRate

Just to muddy the waters... The Extreme FX is a cross-braced SEVEN cell canopy. FallRate

Don't worry about what you have "not" been aware of in your past experiences. According to many instructors I have spoken with (at length...during and after student status), a freefall student generally has a very narrow field of view. This isn't a bad thing. There are only a few things you should be concentrating on when you are learning to skydive. The "really nice view" is not one of them. FallRate

I'm an Aerodrome Local. So I am obviously biased. But, considering that Aerodrome is just outside Richmond, Indiana and I live in Columbus, Ohio there are definitely reasons why I choose to pass at least two DZ's on my way to Aerodrome... 1. Basic Safety...It is a priority at Aerodrome, not an afterthought or something to which is only paid lip service. From my first jump course to first flight under a ZP canopy to everything else that has posed any new challenge, the instructors, jumpmasters, coaches and locals have been there to offer advice and guidance in an effort to offer me the safest possible environment in which to experience all aspects of this sport. 2. "Advanced" Safety...Whenever you leave the ground for a jump you are putting your life into the hands of the pilot AND that aircraft's mechanic. At Aerodrome we have the privelage of flying with Steve Stewart (Aerodrome's owner), who is not only one of the most experienced jump pilots in the country but is also a certified and highly experienced aircraft mechanic. Also, Steve holds ratings for Static Line Instruction, AFF, Tandem, Master Rigger and Rigger Examiner. Not to mention that in his early years in the business he obtained a TSO for his harness-container system, the Sweethog. So when flying with Steve you know that not only is the pilot exceptionally qualified to fly the plane you're in, you have someone who understands and cares about the people he's carrying. Granted, Steve isn't always the pilot, but you can be certain that any pilot Steve puts in his planes not only knows his job but also respects the fact that those people in his plane are not just "freight". 3. The DZ...Hundreds of acres of grass and very little air traffic. It's a rather large municipal airport and if it wasn't for Aerodrome I'm sure their motto would be "Richmond Municipal Airport...Sometimes Planes Land Here". Other than skydiving, there isn't much going on there. And if you do land out, the area which surrounds the airport is entirely agricultural. Just don't aim for the 'tall' corn. Also, if you were to land in water that you can drown in, you would have to be shooting for it! 4. The People (AKA The "Feel")...Certainly THE thing which helps me justify the two hour drive every weekend. I don't know how to describe them/it, except to say that the Aerodrome Crowd is awesome! 5. The Facilities...They're rather nice, but you'll have to check the post from Aerodrome about this. Beyond a place to pack out of the Sun and a toilet that flushes, I really don't care about the facilities. (Note: If you visit, stay clear of the couch, it's MINE!) But I should mention that Aerodrome provides plenty of opportunity for SUNSAT activities, such as grilling out, camping, getting naked on the...err, never mind. So those are my thoughts on Aerodrome. I would write more but it seems to be long enough as it is, and besides, I'm out of beer. Note: If you decide to visit Aerodrome (which you should) be sure to ask about how you can earn your official "Car Wreck T-Shirt". Blue Skies!

According to Steve Alexander of ParaQuip, new management has assumed control of Fliteline. This may help to improve customer service. I could be wrong but I believe that Fliteline has been really bogged down over the last year due to a lawsuit involving the grommet related fatality. FallRate

The answer is simple. The past tense of Skydive is "lived". FallRate

This past weekend at Aerodrome Skysports a local jumper forgot to fasten her chinstrap on her new Mindwarp and lost it at about 14 grand (on exit). Well, it hit the hangar (nice spot) and suffered no more than a small "smear" on the back. I'm buying one! FallRate

A jumper at Aerodrome Skysports forgot to buckle her chinstrap and lost her Mindwarp on exit at about 14 grand. It hit the hangar (nice spot) and the sum of the damage was a small smear on the back. I'm buying one! FallRate

A jumper at Aerodrome Skysports forgot to buckle her chinstrap and lost her Mindwarp on exit at about 14 grand. It hit the hangar (nice spot) and the sum of the damage was a small smear on the back. I'm buying one! FallRate