JumpHog

Not necessarily hi-res, but a quick google search turned up these. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3541/3497254931_c70768f349_o.jpg http://www.abpic.co.uk/images/images/1156277F.jpg http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/4/8/3/0156384.jpg

First, you're probably not going to get a lot of credence on here coming on and posting anonymously. Second, I highly doubt this golf course was a Level 2 landing area, which are the smallest and most crowded of the FAA's list of landing areas. A jump into a Level 2 landing area also requires approval from the FAA by filing an FAA Form 7711-2. Unless they were jumping into the 9th green at the Masters, surrounded by 50,000 spectators, this isn't going to apply. Nonetheless, it is always unfortunate to hear when a tandem is injured. I wish them a speedy recovery!

Skydive Snohomish operates within the Seattle Class B airspace. From a pilot's perspective, the only thing different than operating anywhere else is getting a clearance once airborne to climb and descend through the Bravo. Skydive Kapowsin also operated in the Seattle Class B until their move to Shelton. The Kansas City Skydiving Center also operated within the KC Class B. All told, it took about two months and several meetings with the FSDO and Approach Control Supervisor to get off the ground. With a proper amount of planning and open communication with the appropriate agencies, starting a DZ inside Class B is not much more difficult than starting once outside Class B airspace.

If you really want to be exact, you can use Google Earth's "Ruler" tool. Find the nearest VOR, select that as your reference and measure the distance (in nautical miles) from there to your demo site. It will also show you the bearing to that site, which you can use to figure the radial off the VOR. You will have to figure in the magnetic variation (which is printed on your sectional) to convert the true course from Google Earth into a magnetic course which is what the VOR radials are based on.

I'd second that. Very cool photo by the way! Coincidentally, I've been the subject of two slow-speed intercepts in the past month. A few weeks ago, I was intercepted by Spanish Mirage fighters while flying a Diamond DA-40 at about 115 knots IAS off the coast of Majorca. The jets were probably doing about 15 knots faster than me, but it was quite easy to follow them with the video camera and fly the airplane (that one was coordinated over the radio ahead of time). Then again, a few days ago, I was intercepted by an F-16 on the Pakistan/Iran/Oman border while flying a Piper Archer. I was doing about 95 knots IAS and the F-16 couldn't have been going more than about 30 knots faster. That one wasn't pre-coordinated so I'm afraid I didn't get any video (I didn't see him until just a few seconds before he came up beside me). So, I have no doubt that an F-16 would have no problem hanging out with a Caravan in flight. Once again, great pictures!

April Fools? Your a fool for not going out and getting one of these high tech pieces of equipment. I've already ordered 3! Lew's new handcam innovation may very well revolutionize the sport as we know it. The large mounting plate give you all sorts of flexibility. Speaking of Norm Kent, here's a top-secret picture of his new LewCam setup.

With all of the various options out there, let's hear what your current /preferred handcam setup is. What glove/camera/lens/accessories are you using and what are the pros/cons of the various items? If you could change anything, what would it be? Please post pics of your setup and/or stills from the camera. Thanks!

I was just thinking about that today. I was there the day it happened. It was actually from a Grand Caravan. He hit the tail hard enough to break the carbon fiber bone on his flat top pro helmet. Fortunately, he made it out with only a concusssion.

WooooHoooo!!! What a game! I just wanted to say congrats to the 2008 National Champions. I'm sure Lawrence is on fire tonight!

Dave nailed it right on the head. I would go into more details but my jet is waiting to take me to my private island in the French Riviera. If you want to know more about how to make it big as a DZO, send me a check or money order for $2500 and I'll teach you the first lesson in being a DZO (get ready to write a lot of those checks). On a serious note, be sure that you absolutely love skydiving, because you will do nothing but eat, drink, and sleep it. Running a DZ is not a 40 hour a week and then you go home job. It takes a lot of work, a bit of money, and plenty of determination. With that being said, in the end it is incredibly rewarding and sure beats working a 9-5. Best of luck in your endeavors!

Does anyone know the story behind this video? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHeb377mHVg

I have (had) this same setup on my FTP. I would have thought that it was nearly impossible for it to get released inadvertantly, but I guess for me, my odds were only 1:5000. On opening, my right riser managed to snag the tension release, while my left riser pressed hard enough against the left side of my helmet to release the ratchet latch. The result can be seen below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ie5dPjWunQ

I've subscribed to both Flying as well as Plane & Pilot for many years and have always enjoyed both.

My account can create private tourneys on PokerStars, so let's come up with a good day/time and I'll get one going.