stuntedflyer

Ash, I had similar (but not identical) injuries from a skydiving related incident about 14 months ago. All the replies above are good and really thoughtful, there's just one thing I'd suggest. If you have any metalwork (rods specifically) in your lower legs especially, check with your Orthopaedic specialist about possible complications from a hard impact. It's unlikely the Orthopaedic specialist will support your decision to jump, but that's up to you. They almost always err on the over-cautious side. If you have a "reaming" rod, or "stenium" rod (through core) in your Tibia, I would suggest having it taken out if that rod has finished serving its purpose. If you bend a rod such as this, they may need to split your bone open lengthwise to retrieve and replace it (not good). Once ready, discuss with your Chief Instructor and he/she should be able to advise any additional landing procedures for you. Hope this helps and I wish you happy jumping! Corey.

I totally agree with what you have written, except you'll note I did not say the critical point of flare, I said a critical point of flare. Critical at least to the measurement principles I am using. Your point about comparisons between canopies, and different airfoils and planforms is very poignant. C.

Yep, I agonised over that point a fair bit, however after much thought decided to go with that method of measuring over some other methods. You have a point with regard to the "descending vertically" comment, but it seems to me to be logical. It does represent fairly accurately (IMHO) the surface area presented to the air at the point of opening just prior to forward movement, as well as at a critical point of flare. Maybe a function could be added to this method, which incorporates the upper portion of the canopy (fore of, and over the camber) that directly presents to the air. More importantly, perhaps some consensus could be reached in canopy measuring, to ensure across the board standards (such as adopting the PIA method), such that when one purchases a "169", they truly get a "169". Also that the surface area of a "Joe Smith Designs 169" is the same as a "Vertical Junkies 169". (names changed to protect the guilty!) Cheers, Corey.

Cool topic Mike. I'm currently working on a couple of designs for new canopies, and when figuring out sizing etc, this has probably been my biggest hurdle. In the end, I threw up my hands and decided to apply my own measuring technique, which makes sense to me - and I believe will make sense to the customer (when I eventually have customers). Without going into too much detail, I know exactly how much bottom skin surface area there is, then add the surface area of the entire leading edge presentation profile (accounts for the angle of the leading edge between bottom and top skins). This technique seems to me to be accurate in measuring the surface area of the canopy that is actually presented to the air. Now ask how many nights I woke at 3am trying to decide on line lengths, and how the various manufacturers derive them!! Cheers, Corey.

Yep, I was referring to Worm. I'm kind of looking for "tips and techniques", things to watch out for if and when I get the amputation, as far as getting back in the sky goes. Cheers, Corey.

Hi, Due to injuries sustained after having a canopy collapse (due to dust devil), and the resulting surgery/procedures not giving successful healing, I am contemplating an amputation of my lower left leg. I know various advice, comments and guidance have been given elsewhere in this forum, on similar, but I'm asking for tips/advice/suggestions etc here. There's one other guy who is actually a fulltime skydiver here in Oz, who has the same amputation that I talk to and gain advice etc from. He has over 10,000 jumps does Tandems and the lot, and is a great source of info. I'm just looking for others perspectives as well. I'd like to return to not only being a sport jumper, but doing AFF and Tandems again as well. All thoughtful advice welcome.... Cheers, Corey.

Scott, I feel a lot of empathy for you mate. Aside from what everyone else has said, you could perhaps try one thing, and this is all I can personally offer. Log on to www.skysurfer.com.au, register an account and once you are approved, go to "Ramblings" in the "Eight-eighths" forum of the site. Have a read. I sincerely hope this helps mate. Blue Ones, Corey.

If you want to start FreeFlying and are based in Hawaii, I believe you might be in luck. I spoke with Missy Nelson a couple of weeks ago here in Oz at Skysisters07, and from memory she said she is living in Hawaii. If you don't know who Missy Nelson is then check out Skydive Chicago's website... should have contact info from there. Best of luck, Corey.

A LOT earlier on in my skydiving career, I was doing a "display" jump onto the farm I was living on at the time. Had an Icarus Beta 145 (Loaded at approx 1.5:1) in my container. Got out at approx 8000ft, dumped at approx. 2500ft. Line twsists from risers to most way up lines, canopy kept twisting (spinning) up, but not diving, just straight down the tube twisting. Got fixated on "trying to fix the problem", and when canopy stopped twisting up, I commenced kicking out (not looking at alti). Slider was at bottom of lines by the way. When I had completely got out of twists, looked at ground / target, found I was on downwind approach, did instinctive (stupid) 180deg turn into wind and pulled out of resulting dive just in time to flare and land on the target. Estimated height I finished kicking out of twists: 250ft. So, I prob did 180 at around 200 feet... waaay in the corner, especially for my experience level at the time. Should have chopped that one, in line with the rule of thumb "no controllable main by 2000ft, then go for Reserve". Blue Ones, Corey.

Hey, I just attended the court hearing for Christopher McDougall and Dan Aldridge, re: their BASE jump from .... on the Gold Coast, Qld Aus, Mar. 28. I wanted to make this post before the upcoming media frenzy. And yes, media frenzy it was outside court. Douggs and Dan gave me permission to make this post. Douggs and Dan were very capably represented by Andrew "Sarge" Preston of Aussie CReW fame, who is a Barrister here in Oz. The case lasted for approximately 30 - 40 min. It was a plea of Guilty from both of them. Sarge represented to the court their respective skydiving and BASE jumping experience, including the fact that they need to travel (internationally) for their sports / work. The Magistrate took these representations into account, in addition to character references. The Magistrate handed down a $750 (AUD) fine to them each, with NO conviction recorded. She made mention of their obvious skill and professionalism with regard to their chosen activities. Outside court, several Aussie media outlets (TV, Radio and Print) swarmed upon Douggs and Dan like a pack of hungry seagulls. It will be interesting to see, hear and read the various "angles" with which this case is reported. There are currently submissions underway in the State of Queensland for various legalisation of BASE, including various approaches to certain building owners / property managers. Andrew "Sarge" Preston (Barrister) was a key member of the recent Aussie CReW record, and the most recent CReW World Record. Blue Ones, Corey.

Yep, I totally agree. I haven't been able to watch that video you guys gave the link to, but I got taken down by (a nearly invisible) one last October here in Oz. IMHO, if you can see them you can avoid them, if you're aware of them you should be able to avoid them, but if you can't see them.... well, let's just say, I'm barely living proof of the outcome. The one I hit, first affected my canopy at around eighty feet, I tried to use various control inputs to keep my canopy flying, then at around 30ft it collapsed the Right side of my canopy. Result: Frac in each foot, serious compound of L Tib/Fib, loss of L calf muscle (they transplanted my R pec to replace), R Tib/Fib, Compound R Femur, Shattered R Hip, collapsed Pelvis (7 fractures), ruptured spleen and other various internals, 3 fractured ribs, collapsed jaw, mandible and cheekbones. 2mths in Hospital. Recovery still ongoing. People, just stay away from them. IMHO, if you get "taken" by one (that you can't see), it's like a surfer being taken by a shark. Mine was above grass, didn't see it, first I knew was blades of grass flying past, then canopy started bucking and kicking. Not fun. Blue Ones, Corey.

Court appearance May 1. With regard to out-of-pocket, you'll probably be correct with one person you've mentioned. This is based on knowledge of the local authority's attitude. Higher profile jumper of the 2 concerned, has stated to a particular media outlet he will not give an in-depth story unless they are prepared to pay his fines. IMHO good luck to him, feel his approach is correct with regard to that media outlet. Blue ones, Corey

Seriously, How do you know nobody has ever jumped it before?? How do you know if secretly, the developers may be considering allowing periodic "events" including BASE, in return for some respect in the form of abstinence of jumping outside possible sanctioned events?? C. (just my $0.02 AUD)

If you can feel the love already, then I guess I'll have to contact ansell for some sponsorship for the party tomorrow night!!!

Well actually it depends which way you drive from Brisbane and which part of Brisbane you come from. My personal suggestion would be to visit a few different DZ's. From Brisbane you can head straight down the pacific highway (motorway) to Byron Bay and you'll average 100km/hr. About one and a half hour to the DZ. You may say I am biased toward Byron Bay because I live here, however I would recommend visiting Toogoolawah just as much. Have fun and check out as many DZs in Oz as you can.