bdazel

All of his rigs were Javelins with Spectres. The Spectres were mostly 170's with a couple 190's. The Javelins were all close enough to the same size that it didn't matter much. All were donated from vendors, teams, and other dropzones.

Glad you got it worked out.

Three things could happen. One or both brakes release on opening. One or both brakes get stuck in the eye ring. The pull on the brakeline could be enough that the toggle will not come out of the eye ring. This could result in a cutaway. The canopy opens normal, and the brakes release just fine. This is the least likely scenario.

One of the great things about psycho packing is that you can easily adjust things if needed while the canopy is on the ground. Before you cross the tail, open it up, make sure everything is exactly where you want it (nose, slider, d-lines, etc). Then fold it and go. Don't worry too much about pulling a d-line or break line to the front. Make sure there aren't any lines where they shouldn't be before you fold it, and you'll be fine. I can't image how a line over could occur unless it was an EXTREMELY sloppy pack job.

The facts speak for themselves, experience or not. If the plane is flying downwind and the first group gets out downwind of the landing area, then the jumpers after that group don't have a chance of getting back. Explain to me how the rest of the load landed on the beach? To second what was was said earlier, there is no question the the jumpers got out too early. I don't think anyone has tried to argue that.

The jumprun was not inland. If it were everyone on the load would have landed off. Most of the load made it to the beach just fine. It was about half of the first group that landed off.

I'm arriving at Ft. Meyers late Wednesday (10:30pm) and am trying to find transportation to the beach. If there's anyone else arriving at that time, and you want to split costs, pm me and we can work it out. See you all at the boogie! Braden Duffin

Thanks! It seems pretty obvious now. I thought maybe that was some new skydiving phrase that I hadn't heard before.

Chris, what do mean by 'got behind the 8 ball'? I haven't heard that term before.

Congratulations! You rock Jay! I knew you would do it. Braden

you really think so? You think that over the years noone would have thought "hey, I wonder what would happen if I flipped over and flew on my back". You need to keep a little perspective here.

I ordered a Firefly suit more than 13 weeks ago. I was told 6-8 weeks. I never thought I wouldn't have it by the WFFC. I keep getting the runaround from Sherry. I was told it would be overnighted last Friday, but still no suit. Very frustrating. Firefly suits may be good quality suits, but if you want something soon, you would do better to get something else.

There is a great article in the July Parachutist about hybrid jumps. That might help answer any questions.

Wow! those pictures are amazing! I can't wait until I can be part of something like that. Thanks for helping finish my weekend on a high note!

Interesting analysis. This makes a lot of sense. While I don't do high performance landings (yet), I've always been awed by really good canopy pilots.

Good for you gator. I'm kind of jealous I didn't have the same idea when I went through AFF! Welcome to the skydiving world! You're going to love it!

I'm taking my last final today. finally. then I'm off to the dropzone (if the weather clears up) It's been a long semester. Hang in there!

Very funny. thanks for posting

Quote Trent- I have a question for you. I agree with your idea above. I've done a couple dives where I stayed 'relative' to a group to work on my skills, but wasn't necessarily 'in' the group (it was done with the groups ok). I found that to be very helpful. On these jumps I always kept the group in my sight and tracked away before the group broke up. However, I've found that a lot of fliers aren't comfortable with this idea, and I fully understand why. How did you approach this situation when you were learning? Were those jumps done with people who already knew your skill level, and therefore knew you wouldn't be a risk to the group? Were there any specific safety precautions you took? Thanks a bunch- B

Congrats on the jump. Welcome!

thanks for the advice everyone- you make some really good points. Braden

thanks Missy- I plan on making it up there the end of may. Can't wait. Braden

Thanks guys- I think I'm going to order a phat ff suit, and keep working at it. Braden

it's hard to give written advice especially without having jumped with you, but i would advise to get a coach jump (since you're soo close to SDC) and receive a "professional" critique as to what to work on. then go from there.

Thanks for the welcome everyone. Glad to make your aquaintances.