Unstable

I think we can all learn a valuable lesson here. "Say No to Drugs" =========Shaun ==========

I'm not disagreeing with you. I can't help but think that the Spring loaded system is outdated in both training and application, and so My train of thought is to remove it without inducing the negatives of an IAD system. There are many dropzones which choose SL, and I prefer the system myself. I guess I am just trying to have the best of both worlds...

I guess my main concern will be; In that time, who of the operators would prefer a single engine for the economics of it versus paid more than double the costs for a twin.... Bitch bitch bitch whine whine whine.... They are the best of the best, they should shut up and jump... =========Shaun ==========

I've been at rigging for only about 9 months, and I'm not claiming to be a know-it-all. I have an idea to improve SL student equipment, but the fact that it hasn't been impleminted (as to my knowledge) says that there is a flaw, and maybe someone can help me find out why. In dealing with our clubs student rigs, I have become well acquainted with the pro's and con's of using spring-loaded main Pilot Chutes. (We train SL with Student Wings, and students use a Ripcord with a spring loaded PC until off Student Status) While avoiding arguments on initial Training Methods, the thought of using hand-deployed systems for students would be a pain to switch out the spring loaded and hand-deploy pilot chutes out for everytime we switch between a freefall studend and one still on SL) Can a Hand-deployed main PC be used in a SL configuration? What about this...Main PC in packed IN the container similiar to a Pull-out system. A velcro PC assist strip at the base of the PC, of course, connecting to the SL. The Rig is closed with the Pin from the SL, with the SL snaking inside connection to the hand-deployed PC via the assist strip. The strip would clear it of the burble, much as the Spring is Suppose to do, and would reduce the Pack-volume on the student containers. What do you think - why would this idea not work? Are there any other benefits? =========Shaun ==========

the big limiting factor I see right now is the initial purchase price - the Caravan is a newer aircraft, and so even the used ones are pricy. I am just hypothesising that since Cessna Is pumping 208's and 208B's out so fast, in a number of years, the used models will go for less and become more available to the Skydiving market... Hmmm, maybe in 10 years the Arizona fleet will consist of Caravan's and not Otters? =========Shaun ==========

What? I've never heard that before? What engines do you Have? Do any other DZ's do this? =========Shaun ==========

It's a rough generalization. I've seen the Super CargoMasters (No windows, stretched 4'), claim to carry up to 20 jumpers, but mostly 14-16 is norm. So my point is economically, you add 4 jumers, and pay for an entirly extra engine + fuel + maintenence + insurance. What does your DZO say about his Caravan? =========Shaun ==========

I'm just seeing a lot of advantages - Single Engine, only a fraction of the Maintenence - Nearly the same lift capacity for the 208B model -Production Aircraft - PLENTY of parts available If not the Caravan - I just wonder if the next generation of new or Used jump planes will have to be singles. =========Shaun ==========

The numbers I keep running tell me that in a few years, the Cessna Caravan will be one of the most economical jumpships out there on the market. Relativly new, (Production started in mid-80's) right now Cessna is producing one roughly every 18 working hours minus parts shortages (I know because I am posting this directly above the main production line) What limitations does the Cessna Caravan have when compared to an Otter, the standard jumpship? How many caravans are in the Skydiving fleet today? What do DZO's have to say about their operational costs? =========Shaun ==========

With the number of posts I see regarding skydiving aircraft in either bonfire or Gen Skydiving discussion - I think it would be neat to see an Aircraft forum.

Ya know, I'm perfectly happy dating a Whuffo. I make sure she understands that Saturdays are for jumping, it's what I do, and I will continue for a long time. I make compromises, but I think understanding and compromise will prevent andy AIDS syndrome you can come up with. If not, then you are probably in a manipulative relationship in the first place and you should go for silver.... =========Shaun ==========

Haven't any of you seen the famous Video "Fat Tandem" done down in Georgia a number of years back? =========Shaun ==========

Dang - I thought that maybe she stuck it up her nose when she was a kid or something - hence the nosebleeds. 55 years is a long time to suffer like that.... =========Shaun ==========

Mad has it's moments - but I gotta say that overall SNL is WAY funnier. However, I do agree that the old SNL's were better. Who remembers "King Tut" or John McCain Signing Barbara Streisent? Classics! What about the Real Janet Reno showing up and busting "Janet Reno's Dance Dance Party!" =========Shaun ==========

Man - after 2 weeks off that would be the Monday Morning from Hell. I can harldy get my ass out of my dest to do anything Mondays anyways - not to mention the 2 weeks off. =========Shaun ==========

It's amazing isn't it? Most people fall 6 feet and get a twisted or broken ankle, and this kid fell at all the right angles to not only survive, but to walk away. =========Shaun ==========

Man, I hate to see that happen between SKYDIVERS of all people..our sport is too small for that garbage... =========Shaun ==========

Whats up watchyourstep! Good jumping this week! Hope to see you soon enough! =========Shaun ==========

1:3:1 Three wonderful jumps and one case of beer! A cutaway!! Not mine, but I packed the reserve and it was my FIRST SAVE!! I dont' drink, so I asked for a 6-pack of coke in the glass bottles.

Been there, done that. No problem with it except for once. I was dating a quasi-crazy girl, and she would send me out to buy them regardless of the time of month if she felt she needed to assert her fememinity. Regardless to say we are not together, and I do runs for the Girlfriend no problem. =========Shaun ==========

This safety day, I gave a small group of students a rig and we were going over basic gear check principles. A student, with 2 jumps, caught the exact same problem with the RSL routed below the guide rings. I have found this problem another time during a repack. I found the rigger who packed it, and working together we were able to save the packjob and route it correctly. I may be a young rigger; but this problem really didn't raise the hairs on the back of my neck. Yes; the point is that the rings are there to prevent a snag, and if the main pin takes a slight bend on deployment, no stress; we get a new one. I contacted the rigger and we got it fixed up right away. =========Shaun ==========

IF there is a way to change it, I need to look into it or DEFINATLY look into a new press - my Symbol is -UBX- and unfortunatly the lead seal is not wide enough to hold such a mix of wide numbers, so I'm always either UBK or JBX =========Shaun ==========

I hate it when that happens - I'm sure he probably thought she was his cousin or something....

Does anyone else find it ironic that Romney is the only Presidential Candidate with only ONE wife!??!

my first Jump was at Kansas State University parachute Club the day after my 18th birthday, Sept 5, 2003. I was in High School and a buddy of mine and I took the Static-line First Jump course & I had my A-License before Spring Break that year. =========Shaun ==========