chuteless

I found out that it was a great " high " when I offered to do something on the spur of the moment, rather than taking weeks to plan it. There was always someone around who your decision would catch off guard, and the look on their face would stop an eight day clock. Such was the case when I decided to jump only with a main and no reserve when doing a film. My main had been packed by another jumper, and when he found out I was leaving the reserve on the ground, he went into fits of anxiety. He wouldn't watch until someone told him my main was opened. He was worried that if something happened , he would be responsible. He was greatly relieved. It was just that I decided on the spot that the reserve would be more of a nuscience and it was unlikely I would need it anyhow. A good laugh was had by all involved.

Yes, they were the good old days....a thrill every time we took off in an airplane....even on 1 magneto. lol

It will be 46 years since the Lake Erie jumping tragedy. Sunday Aug 27th 1967. I hope all jumpers everywhere pay attention to this true story....because it could happen to you....any of you. Read it and take the time to investigate your safety. You may be very glad you did. Bill Cole

Less than 1 % have quick ejector snaps. People have gone to the step through leg straps...the worst thing ever to come into skydiving. Absolutely dumb. Bill Cole

Its a bit late for this post, but I actually had a snap come off the D ring twice, using my good old belly wart. I don't particularly like the reserve on the back...I like my belly wart, where I can see it. I also pulled the ripcord once and nothing came out> I thumped it with my fist, and boom...a big white blossom above me in a split second. Bill Cole

I have around 500 + - flying fixed wing, and over 1000 hours of hot air balloon piloting, and I've been jumping for over 50 years....although they are getting more scarce now. I don't fly aircraft or balloons due to 5 heart bypasses in Oct 2010.

Wendy, I think your advice is very well founded. I hope the newbies will take note, think hard on what they plan to do each jump, and discuss it with those they jump with. It is really sad when we lose any jumpers, but much of it could be avoideed by good planning. Debrief after the jump to discuss any " almost problems" that occurred. Stay safe, fly dtrong, and love the sport you're in.

That is good practice....great philosophy. More people should etch it in their brains and don't forget it when jumping.

Jim West at Xenia, Ohio, has been involved in this type of research for the U.S. Government. I don't know just what program he was involved with, but I know it had to do with rocket type missiles and parachuite recovery. It wouldnt hurt to contact him, maybe he could shed some light on that crest. Good luck.

Maybe if I had done some stretching in my jump days, I might not be so broken in so many places now. I too, used to be 6 ft 2 ", but now have shrunk down to 6 ft + 1/2 inch. I used to be 167 pounds when jumping was my way of life, but recently gained weight to 200 +, which I have managed to get down to 187 pounds now. To watch how you pull you leg up and over your head is a good indication that your old body will outlast mine........and I hope it remains in better shape than mine is now at 80 yrs old + . Now I hurt all over, and what doesnt hurt...doesnt work anyhow. Bill Cole D-41 Canada

NWFlyer : I like your attitude that you expressed. I have seen too many who were lead into things they were not qualified to handle. I have seen some who got all geared up, and after climbing to altitude, the door was opened and they froze. They went down with the aircraft, which was better than jumping with a heart filled with fear of the unknown, but they should never have gotten to the jumprun situation in the first place. They were sadly misled. Your self respect of your limitations is a good thing, especially when you are comfortable inside that you are doing your own thing....your way. Nice post you made NWFlyer.

The evidence of facts is pretty skimpy in this accusation. There is a Toronto wave of hate fostering many ill founded rumours against Mayor Ford. It all started with a CBC super queer drag queen ambushing Ford in the driveway of his own home. From that incident which wasn't funny at all, its been a continuing wave of false or unproven accusations against Ford. Its typical of what the CBC does to anyone who they don't like.

Prospect like that are everywhere in this world. I should have known what you meant. Ive been married twice, and consider the experiences I found in skydiving as premium compared to two wives.

a few prospects ....( for what ). I suppose Ive hooked up with such a variety of prospects over the last 50 years.........prospects for just about anything.

Too old for a thrill like you can't get anywhere else? Be a gravity flyer...and you won't say too old anymore. Npw being busted up so many times, I am too old to continue, but Ive touched all the bases and hit a few home runs, so I am not complaining.

I made my first jump when I was 29 . I have jumped in my twenties, my thirties, my forties, my fifties, my sixties and my seventies. My last jump was a couple of months before I turned 80. I think I have made the rounds, and dont expect to make anymore. A man's health can only take so much abuse, and I have had more than my share.

Hi Wendy. Its been a long time since I heard from you. Makes Spring that much more enjoyable. I agree with the way you put it...have a landable canopy over my head long before I hit the ground. However, I will take an umbrella if that is all they're handing out at 2000 ft. Much of the big deal about the " BIG SILVER" is showmanship. Its like guys back in the 1961s and 62s, they wore incredibly big SKYDIVER crests on their garage coveralls waist to neck collar size. They wanted everyone to know they risk their lives...they were real men..... showtime is over , and BIG SILVER went out of town with the Lone Ranger....its time to draw the curtain on this baloney. regards Wendy, stay safe.

I find it quite amazing that people make such a big deal about reaching " for the big silver handle". You reach for it when you need it. I know of people who never bothered to reach for it, they are no longer with us. I know of people who reached...but too late, They're no longer with us either. Using a reserve is quite a thrill, and its a great " high " that will take the rest of your jump day to come down from. But whats the big deal. Its a great thrill and should not be used as a subject for a joke in the sky. I pulled a ripcord on a main, and it was a ball of garbage. I pulled the " big silver handle" ( aka reserve handle), and nothing came out of the container. I had a short argument with the container, and I smashed it with my fist...I won, cause the reserve came out like a flower in bloom. I fail to see the bit of showmanship to reach for the big silver handle. Time to grow up and do what is required, and stop making it a scene from a John Wayne film. Bill Cole

Easter is only mentioned once in the entire Bible, when Herod the king was about to celebrate it....(.In Acts 12:4 ) They say EASTER comes from Ishtar, and there is no mention of Ishtar anywhere in the entire Bible. I do believe the current Easter celebrations had their start in pagan rituals, and it is as pagan now as it was more than 2000 years ago. The Catholic Church were responsible for changing the Sabbath Day to the first day of the week, and they have screwed up many other things as well.

Although I dont want to be seen going against the medical profession, jumping with an injury is only what you want to make it. I've jumped with pulled ligaments ( which they say is worse than a break) and Ive jumped with a smashed ankle on two occassions, and many broken wrists and other things. I'll be the first to say it hurts, but only if you keep telling yourself that. If you ignore the hurt and just go do your thing, when you drive home from the DZ you'll either be in more pain than originally, or you'll have won the contest, and your body will tell you you did the right thing.....and I believe you'll have a big smile from ear to ear. At this point in time, I live on percodan...morning, noon, and night. I get by, even with the aches and pains, and sometimes it is really bad enough to tell me NO, don't go right now, and other times I tell myself, Hell, I can beat this, and go do it. Ive spent a lot of time over the years healing my injuries, and even though they are still with me, and will be to the end, I tell myself, I can have my way, and it is all part of the game. Good luck with whatever you decide, and as for me....I would say go do your thing, and enjoy...even with a bit of pain. Some days are worse than others....just do it, and maybe get some Percs.

Its a matter of using some common sense.....you know, like your mother gave you when you were in grade school. Its cold in winter snows....didnt you know that?? I recall landing in the middle of a field, and there was my tracks coming out, and no way of knowing how they ended up in a snowy field...no tyracks going in. Dress warm, get some good gloves ( like a second skin) and stay warm. If you can't hack it, stay home and watch TV

I respectfully request that you remove this posting. It is totally invalid, and an affront to the memories of those who died on August 27th 1967. Thanks Bill Cole D-41

The jump that landed in lake Erie was on Sunday August 27th 1967.

That doesn't seem to be a photo of anything connected to the Lake Erie jump/tragedy. As as I can recall, they never had any photos in te newspaper at the time, and certainly not of survivors. There were only two, and they were walking, unhurt, and not needing hospital care. I think someone is pulling your leg here.

Learn to eyeball it. It doesnt take much effort and is usually quite reliable. You can't always count on instruments...they are just mechanical things and shouldnt be totally relied upon. Your eyeballs can usually tell you when it time to open...so train yourself.