timmyfitz

I had something similar this summer on an Icarus tandem canopy. It twisted up shortly after relasing the drogue almost 3/4 of the way up the lines but the canopy was square and flying straight. The twist didn't seem to want to come out at first even with me kicking and trying to spread the risers. I had the student look up, explained what was going on and then instructed him to assist me in kicking out of the line twist. It took a little effort and time but we finally got out. There was a brief period of time were I had considered cutting away cause the twist didn't seem to want to come out. Glad I didn't.

What you are describing sounds exactly like PD's system which I might ad is patent pending. http://www.performancedesigns.com/hotnews/RDS/rds.htm

This question is better left to someone who is familiar with your canopy piloting skills and your ability. I'm not sure how someone that has never seen you jump and land a particular canopy can give you advice about what is good for you. There is more to choosing a canopy than wing loading, which many people think is the only factor to consider. Check billvons list of skills to practice before downsizing. http://dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=792344;search_string=canopy%20;#792344 You've heard it before, you'll hear it again........ask your instructor (or someone familiar with your ability)

Your reserve only needs to be in date if you are jumping. I would wait till you are ready to jump again before repack. It would be a waste of money. I would hope a MASTER rigger could do all the neccesary inspection for both main and reserve. You may want to ask your rigger about storing your gear for long periods of time. It's better to store it unpacked. Ask your rigger.

The 45 degree doesn't work for skydiving but to say "YOU WILL NOT ATTAIN A 45 DEGREE FROM EXIT EVER!!! " is incorrect. It's simple math. If the plane continues at it's present altitude eventually the plane and the first jumper out will be at 45 degree angle, it may take up to two miles but......The formula is begginers geometry.....a2 + b2 =c2 (the 2 means squared, of course)

It should all be in the SIM manual. You could probably read it on line at uspa.org

Something I like to do when going to a new DZ is, first familarize myself with the landing area, aerial photo's etc. Bascilly everything that has already been mentioned here. I also tell the person in manifest that this is my first time jumping there and ask if they know any of the regulars that may want to jump or someone that may be organizing. The manifester usually get's on the PA and calls a few people up for me to meet. Very quick and easy way to get to know a few of the locals.

Good article but something I would like to add about choosing a main canopy. To often people only consider wing loading when choosing a main. Remember, when the canopy gets smaller, the lines get shorter(in most cases) and the canopy becomes more responsive. Sometimes much to responsive for a new jumper to handle in an unfamilar landing situation/area. If we had a hypothetical jumper with 25 jumps and weighed 130 to 140 pounds with gear, I certainaly would not recommend he/she to buy a canopy with a wing loading of 1:1. I would suggest something quite a bit below 1:1. Just a thought

Something to consider when purchasing main and reserve is what happens if you have 2 canopys out. Although this is very rare, it could happen. If your main is a Small fast elliptical and your reserve is a large, docile 7 cell, how would they fly in a side by side configurations? My guess is one will want to fly faster than the other. I'm not sure what the result of this would be but it seems as though it could (possibly) cause a problem. Just a thought.

Thanks Terry. I would have checked pyonter's, but I was on my way to work when the thought entered my brain and my books are at home. I'll just call you from now on when I have a questions

Any riggers out there know where to get 1 1/4 inch Type III nylon tape/webbing, about 425 lbs. I have found 1 inch and 1 1/2 inch but that's it. For the project I'm working on, 1 1/4 inch would work best. Does anyone even make it this size? Thanks

Pssss......keep this quiet. I have a removable slider I have been working on and have been test jumping it for a while now. The test have been shown to be very favorable(patent pending)

There are people that have flown in a tunnel and do AWESOME!!!! But then again, they may only be 8 feet off the ground. There is a big difference in being in a tunnel safe and secure, and jumping from 13,000 feet. You may do great in the tunnel but it doesn't compare to jumping out of an airplane. When jumping from an airplane for the first time, your senses become overloaded and you may forget a few of the "finer" points. Don't get me wrong, tunnel training is a great way to learn but to compare it to an actual skydive............not EVEN close. Tunnel training for "honing" your skills is great, but it could never replace the actual experience.

If you what to know what a DZ needs are for software, work in manifest at several DZ's. Every DZ will not be the same. I have no experience in what goes on behind the counter but I do know that probably the best way to improve a system is to understand the current system and find some weak points or something that the manifesters "wish" they had. I do tandems and I understand that. I try to improve our training when I see a need but before I started doing tandems I couldn't tell you JACK about how to make it better. Get involved in the area you want to improve, ask a lot of questions to the people's lives you are trying to improve and go from there. Good Luck.

I am working on a project using Zero P material. I am trying to make a fold in the material and get a sharp crease. I've tried an iron on different settings but not getting the results I'm looking for. As I look at my canopy/slider, I can see the folds are very sharp. Any riggers have any suggestions?

Does anyone have a manual for a double keel paradactyl, 360 sq. ft. ? (circa 1978) Does anyone know anyone that has a manual?

Unfortunately, I forgot to ask about lower control lines. I have heard they are sending out new canopies with Dacron control lines which may be a sign that HMA control lines do wear more quickly. I was also told that they are in the process of updating there web page and ask them to include information about the HMA lines ie-replacement time, how to detect wear, etc.

I just spoke with George at Precision Aerodynamics concerning how often the HMA lines should be replaced. I was told that HMA is not like Vectran so they do not need to be replaced as often as Vectran. There were some other interesting facts he told me about HMA which are to lengthy for me to type here. What it boiled down to is that they should be replaced every 600....possibly 700 jumps. He also invited anyone with questions concerning HMA line to call Precision. 423-949-4688

I do stow my slider on a velcro loop on my rig. The problem I find is the slider will still partially block my view to the left and the right. Not completely, but enough to make it difficult to see around me. That's the reason I would like to get a removeable slider.

The altimeter is by Evolution. It was a one of a kind and I don't believe they intend to make any more. There may be some liability issues for people that get confused about the altitude.

Has anyone heard of a removable slider? Seems like it would be a better option than stowing the slider but what the hell do I know I have already thought of a few different ways to make one, just not sure if I want to be a test jumper.