FrenchyDiver

And the cost?

In my case: Mirage G3, cutaway handle $35.00 (from mfg website) plus whatever the rigger charges.

Total: cheap fix, if needed

 I've seen Cypres fires, but never a Cypres misfire.

Back in the early 90's when Cypres was introduced, they did have their issues, such as misfires which have since been corrected
After all it was a brand new product, and as such had its own flaws. Could you believe that none of us wanted one? We didn't want to become test jumpers. Very much the same opinion that we are having now when a new AAD is released.

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There was a fatality within the last year that involved a jumper impacting at terminal who reportedly turned his Astra off then back on in freefall.

I see your point but then again, this is due (the way I read your post) to a human factor and not to a device failure.

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but you couldn't possibly turn off a Cypres in freefall by accident.

No it cannot, however it can be turned on at a different place than the DZ with a different elevation. As it appeared to be the case in a recent fatality in CA.
I suppose than someone willing to commit suicide, could do just that. (I hope it won't happen of course.)

A jumper can turn it off just before donning the rig and nobody (meaning other people) will be the wiser.

Vigil had a shielding issue that was causing misfires but has been reportedly fixed since.

Now, I haven't actually seen an Astra so far so my question is (genuine curiosity, honest), do you think that it could be accidentally turned off? With Cypress and Vigil it's near impossible.

Elisha,

I am sure that if you were unconcerned you wouldn't have posted it hereBut since you have, we might as well give you our opinion. Fair enough? You are right, without having seen it, we cannot tell whether your rig is airworthy or not. But wrong cable lenghts have caused problems more than once in the past. So I still recommend to ask a rigger to look at it. Just a friendly advise, no more no less
JM

I have jumped many times without one in the past. Now I jump with one. I would do jumps without while its being inspected/serviced. In my opinion an AAD is an added insurance, but I do jump as if I did not have one.

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..Please don't take this the wrong way, but your lack of concern over a potentially fatal gear problem is troubling. I've had the exact same issue as you and I immediately removed that cutaway. I've seen cutaway (and reserve) handles accidently dislodged before. The extra inches in a properly sized cutaway cable could mean your life. This has nothing to do with who you bought the gear from or where you rented it. It's about respecting your gear & properly maintaining it.

If something goes wrong, its your life, not the packer who doesn't think its a big deal.

I second that, get it inspected. Better be safe than sorry. I am sure that your packer gave you his/her honest opinion, but a rigger will be abke to correct this if it is necessary. After all, if needed, it's a quick and cheap fix.

Be safe and have fun

When I am due to a new AAD I would strongly consider either Argus, Vigil or Cypress 2

I am doing well I do miss you all

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I'd think you're slowly leading to an actual case of "use this or get off my DZ". What's the actual product involved?

I know of one particular DZ were it is the case. The "brand" required is on their website

I have an AAD and regardless whether it is the brand required at that particular DZ I go somewhere else
I would not have a problem with it if the DZ policy would be "modern AAD required"

Hey Bob
I believe it is also a growing trend. Now if you take the case of France, for example, AADs are mandatory over there. It certainly created a fuss when it was implemented, but it certainly did not stop the willing to jump. Skydiving is still going strong there.
Now as to certain DZs that require a specific brand or AADs, well that's another story

Thanks for your feedback.

Thanks

SL,
There was no other option back then.

Thanks for your comments

My 9 years old daughter would like to try it.

I would like to hear from those of you who took their kids to tunnels (similar ages of course), as well as from those of you who instruct/operate tunnels:
-Would you let them do it again?
-If not why?
- Indoor ones or open air? I understand that there are higher age restrictions in open air ones (closest to us is Appalachian Amusement Center, 12 y/o minimum)

I have never tried it myself so I cannot give an educated answer to my wife. She has mixed feelings about this, and I will definitely not take our child to a wind tunnel without her consent.

What I am looking after is the pros and cons of young kids in tunnels.

Thanks

JM

Did it a few times for a few months except the last one which was the longest. It lasted 10 years.
Each time I had good reasons, all were worth it.

Never got one. They were not issued back then where I started.

And if this is your first time, don't forget to buy the

Now be nice to the docs. Get an enema and clean yourself before you go

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So--- tell us how you really feel! Don't you just love it when ass hats get what they deserve

How about launching a new radio and interview him

Hi Dawn,

Yes it really was something. He always knew I was jumping since my first jump back in 1989. But it's the first time that he admits that he wanted to do it for a long time.

You bet we got it on video. I am thinking on asking for an extra copy because he's been watching it non stop since we came back home on Sat night. The DVD is about to melt .

Miss you too. I'll be back at my NC sweet home sometime this summer.


JM

Hello Boyz'n Girls!!!

It's been a while since I gave you news. Guess what?
My father is visiting us (from France) for a few weeks, so this Sat I took him to the DZ. He went and did a tandem. It was his first jump ever so he had to pay his beer dues. The coolest part is that he did great. Very nice exit, good arch all the time, excellent altitude awareness, pulled on time. Rocked the TI under canopy like a kid on a roller coaster ride (they agreed upon it before the jump). Landed sound and safe and he's ready for another one before going back home .
Ah, yes I had to pay my beer too since the TI invited me to lurk the tandem. Stayed with them at about 20 ft till they opened .
All in all this past Saturday was a blast. I believed it would be great to be able to lurk one's family member jump. Truth to be told, it is a very emotional thing.

Frenchy's a happy dude (me still have big smile on face)

Thanks Paul,

I'll look into it. Sounds like a plan. Appreciate your input.

JM

Does any one know how I could convert VHS tapes from NTSC to PAL? Also, would there be any reasonably priced hardware for home use (meaning not costing a fortune)?

Thanks

Done. Hope he gets well soon

I have a BT60, it's a 175 sq Ft (I asked Parachutes de France a while back). Also, according to the manufacturer, the pack volume is 410 cubic inches.