softnotes

Hang in there, and don't let it cause resentment which may affect you marriage. I stopped skydiving for a few years, and never stopped missing it. One morning my wife asked me out of the blue if I still miss skydiving. When I said yes she said she thought I should take it up again. I involve her quite a bit, and she has now become quite attached to spending time on the DZ with me and newly aquired friends. We both lead very busy lives and this is real quality time. So with a little bit of luck things may work out for you as well.

South Africa: Pros: - Weather is nearly always jumpable. Cons: - Most inland DZs are at 4000ft above MSL so landings are a bit quicker and jumping is generally from only 9500' AGL. - Most DZs only operate on weekends. UK: Pros: - Relatively large number of DZs to choose from. - Good eye on safety. Cons: - Weather is very fickle. - Some DZs are pretty unfriendly. Norway: Pros: - Very friendly people. Cons: - Weather can be worse than the UK. - Rigging services for some equipment is not available. - Smallish selection of DZs Spain: Pros: - Weather is pretty good. - People were quite friendly and helpful. - Excellent scenery. - Pretty serious about their skydiving. Cons: - Sometimes you need a bit of patience to bridge the language barrier. USA: Pros: - Lots of DZs - Excellent planes. - Some really scenic DZs. - Some DZ are really friendly. Cons: - Some DZs are operated by really unfriendly people. - What DZs advertise on the USPA site and what they actually deliver are not always the same. Blue Skies SoftNotes "That's not flying.... that's falling with style!"

Did one or two jumps with only audible and felt absolutely naked. The more altis I have, the better I feel. Blue Skies SoftNotes "That's not flying.... that's falling with style!"

Dislocated left shoulder Some ankle sprains Broken toe Blue Skies SoftNotes "That's not flying.... that's falling with style!"

36:20 Blue Skies SoftNotes "That's not flying.... that's falling with style!"

2500:1 Blue Skies SoftNotes "That's not flying.... that's falling with style!"

Nice article. Everytime I read a wuffo (or quasi-wuffo) penned article I wonder if there are some bits of equipment I forgot to specify when ordering my rig, cords and hatches being but a few. What surprises me is that the terminology is always consistent, as though they all got together beforehand to set up a gramatical standard. You gotta love them. Blue Skies SoftNotes "That's not flying.... that's falling with style!"

I tried out the Crossfire2 with the view to purchase one for board jumping. Since I am a fairly conservative canopy pilot I was advised to look at something else but tried it out in anycase. I jumped both the 139 and 129 at loadings of 1.5 and 1.6 respectively. The canopies both opened really nice softly and exactly on heading. Front riser pressure was light and the canopy remained stable at all times. The brake lines were adjusted to accomodate the use of risers without getting distortion from the tail but this had no impact on turning or flaring. The canopy has a brilliant toggle/flaring range and lands beautifully even when the final approach is made at normal full drive without front risers. At no time did the canopy feel scary or out of control thanks to good recovery arcs and a surprisingly flat descent angle. However! Make no mistake this canopy can be flown to extremes and can swoop with the best. I was so impressed I ordered a 126 on the spot and the delivery time was quoted as four to six weeks.

My mother dragged me to the DZ for company when she wanted to do her first jump course. Only on arrival did I find out I was supposed to also start jumping. She even kept me in jump money for a few years which made it even better. Man I love my mother! Blue Skies SoftNotes "That's not flying.... that's falling with style!"

Does anyone know the whereabouts of Chris Flint who used to skydive out in South Africa? He was one of the owners of Skydive Africa in Pilansberg. Rumour is he moved to Australia a few years ago. Blue Skies SoftNotes "That's not flying.... that's falling with style!"