Unstable

I agree with a lot of the opinions and I disagree with some too (Heaven forbid somebody disagree with someone with more experience - Tough it up and hear me out) First off, Riggers are too damn wordy. Seriously, did you ever notice how the riggers ramble on these threads? If you can't get your point out in less than a 500-page thesis, you probably don't understand your own damn point. Guys - I swear riggers get their ticket and just LOVE to hear themselves talk. IMHO - Rigging is a serious deal and I'm not a big fan of the fast weeklong courses. However, I agree with Riggerlee that they really arn't that common as a lot of people think. I know of some local Insta-Rigger courses, but even they expect a lot to be done BEFORE the course starts. Also, I hardly know ANY riggers who started with it all. First they get their tickets and do basic AIR work - then after x-amount of repacks they get a bar-tac machine, then a few months later a straight stitch. It's a process - going from A to B to C. Isn't this what you guys want? I guess I'm just not seeing the problem here. I just think those "insta-riggers" are too far and few between. As far as the errors is concerned - Yes, I've seen my fair share of silly things when I open a packjob and I only have about 100 repacks. I've also seen a lot of Riggers open a packjob - fuck something up and blame the rigger before them. Just be careful people - that's about it. And about the rigging school - great Idea. I'm all for it. Get the best damn education you can and continue learning. Why, you could have CE classes for those already with their ticket! Know how to strip down and tune a Singer 20U? Go learn! However, look, that idea is unrealistic for the midwest where skydiving centers are small and often seasonal and nobody can afford to be a full-time 24/7 rigger. You'll be looking at more apprentice-type education, and instead of bitching about that why don't we try to push things like progressive learning and continuing education? Perhaps the FAA could impose CE as part of the currency requirements! Wouldn't that treat the problem, instead of the symptoms themselves?! =========Shaun ==========

Here Here Shelly to a good boogie Couch Freaks!!! I made some 14 jumps and had an absolute Blast! Those Couch Freaks always manage to put on a damn good boogie! =========Shaun ==========

When I pack a Rig- The Previous Rigger's mistakes become my mistakes if I don't find them and correct them. With that said - This situation does seem kind of funny in the first place. To not have one line attached would be hard to miss - even for a normal jumper packing his main.... Could it have snapped? =========Shaun ==========

That's something that is true. We go on Club trips to big California DZ's and the entire DROPZONE SHUTS DOWN when the winds hit 16.5 mph! If they hit 20 people go home. Us kansas kids are sitting there wondering why the hell people arn't jumping or why people don't pack their own rigs anymore.... Weirdos - all of them.

My heart goes out to this man and those he may have hurt when he decided to take his life. If only he could see the repercussions of such a hasty decision. =========Shaun ==========

Ever Tried to swoop between bails of Hay? Welcome to Kansas.

1. The term "Going Jimmy Coiner" at a boogie makes sense to you. 2. You have 500 jumps, 499 of them from the same Cessna 182. Any more Midwest Jumpers out there have any good ones? =========Shaun ==========

I'm a young rigger, and I know when I pack a G4, If I don't close the left and right reserve side flaps simultaneously, then I'll be returning a rig with wrinkles. Also, it's a NEW mirage, understand that after about 3 repacks, the material will stretch and flex and they won't be too much of a problem. It's hard to say without any pictures, but if they are as sever as you make them sound, then yes, it could very well be an issue with the construction of the rig. =========Shaun ==========

For a chimp, methinks that a round would be safer - perhaps a small military cargo chute?!?!? Something maybe 18' should be good for him. =========Shaun ==========

OMG Dude, I can't open shit up like that in class!! I just lost in in a lecture with 200 other people...... =========Shaun ==========

Speaking of which, you lease your king air out?!?! I may be giving you a call and see If we can't get you some more time with your lovely cessna! =========Shaun ==========

What? You can't jump on your sister's wedding day?!!? Lame-0 excuse.... =========Shaun ==========

Correct me if I'm wrong - but pretty much the entire Midwest shuts down for labor day weekend for Couch Freaks - methinks Tommy wouldn't try to compete with that...... And I too, haven't heard anythng either, but Tommy's a nice guy and he'll talk to you if you give him a ring.... =========Shaun ==========

0:0:0 Lame-o weekend. No runway - they are repaving it. Some of the guys took off to a neighboring DZ, but they were headed the other way so I couldn't afford the gas $. =========Shaun ==========

WOW - you give the newbies reserve handles?!? that' sweet of you.... =========Shaun ==========

Yeah Me too man, you got my attention.... =========Shaun ==========

It's amazing the poor kitty survived the initial 18 story drop - but then the string of events to get it into an Animal Hospital is just as amazing...I'm surprised it didn't wind up in a cage headed to the pound or with animal control.... =========Shaun ==========

I know- I was thinking more for local DZ's - I know the fuel prices and maintenence, so I get grouchy when I see more than $22 per Cessna jump in these necks of the woods. =========Shaun ==========

HEY Sheenster!!! Great to Hear from you!!! Are you back in the air yet? =========Shaun ==========

Sounds fine to me - that's good jumping weather in Kansas. =========Shaun ==========

Hilarious. I feel kinda morbid now, but Damn that was funny.... =========Shaun ==========

SmartyPants. =========Shaun ==========

Maybe Kansas Needs a chapter too! You never know, I can't think of Any Gay black Jewish Whales here on the plains, but you never know! =========Shaun ==========

My GF's parents are in Houston and they are totally freaking out - emptying out their ATM machines, filling up every container with gasoline they can find, fighting old mexican lady's for flashlights at Walmart - Methinks they are overreacting (They are in the Edge of the cone) but methinks the coastal peeps need some serious planning... Whoah!! I swear I just say a pig fly by! =========Shaun ==========

Runway. Our Airport is repaving parts of the runway and taxiway, but I'm taking off in a bit to go help out with some sprucing-up of the DZ. That's mine - why arn't you jumping?!!? =========Shaun ==========