lifewithoutanet

Tom's already been coordinating much of the effort to help Scott's family. -C.

I would first like to offer my condolences to Scott's family and offer my assistance in any way possible. Feel free to reach me here by private message if there's anything I can do. I would also like to assure them that this is not the face of BASE. The actions of "Mike" are not an accurate representation of the BASE community. A lot of points have been made around this incident and I'm sure I'll be repeating a few things that have already been said. While a lot of the points made have been a matter of opinion, I'm going to focus on the ones that are fact and not not open to interpretation, such as: agreements between the deceased and other jumpers on the load, ethics, or morality. Learning even basic first aid not only might help your fallen brother/sister, but might also save you from your conscience in the future. The moment you touch the deceased's body in any manner other than to attempt to resuscitate or give medical attention, you have disturbed what the authorities will only see as "evidence" and tampering with evidence is not only a crime, but something that will be used against you if and when the authorities find out. This includes tampering with or removing the rig. The more you try to hide, the harder the authorities will work to find the truth. If you opt for the anonymous phonecall, be prepared to 1.) provide enough information and 2.) face the music if you're found. The longer it takes them to find the truth, the more suspicious they will grow. If you run, you're leaving the problem for others to deal with. This includes the family of the jumper, as well as other locals who are attempting to do the right thing for themselves. A wild example would be a lone jumper in the Middle East who is rousted from bed whenever a BASE jump is made in his city. Examples in this case would be the local jumpers checking sites. Now, my opinion on The Pact (which are open to interpretation): If we're on a jump and you go in, your problems are over and mine are just beginning. Apologies for being so blunt, but I'm not going to let them get worse for far more people. I've never agreed to leave a dead jumper behind (and doubt I ever will), but if I ever do and said jumper goes in, I reserve the right to change my mind. It wasn't your "last wish" unless you expired in front of me with those as your last words. I will act on my own conscience and that will be to do The Right Thing, despite the consequences I'll endure. I'm human, and I was jumping with you for a reason. So don't expect me to keep that pact. The highest stake in BASE is death, and therefore it is the one that deserves the most respect. -C.

Ditto what Russel (pBASEtobe) had to say. Shit, that MFer has more BASE jumps post-motorcycle crash than he did before that happened. He's also an accomplished PG pilot. All the best to you, but if things take a turn for the worst, you could always do what Russel does: 1.) search for ways to get your friends to test-jump shotty contraptions and rigging; 2.) "drop you down stairs when they're drunk" (Russel, you asshole); 3.) come up with idea after idea to figure out how to get your friends brought up on manslaughter charges if something w/ the aforementioned rigging goes wrong; 4.) laugh at all the asshats at Bridge Day screaming down to you "kick out of it" if you end up in line twists. Without sucking up to Russel (or boosting his ego) anymore...just realize that life doesn't end in a wheelchair unless you let it. Remember that. Now...go through the surgery, come out fine and get back in the air. Cya, -C.

You are so right. But I don't think anybody's saying the battle is over. I'm curious as to what funding threats could apply towards 8.2.2.7 or 36 CFR. Got some inside info you wouldn't mind sharing? -C.

Grundleson is creaming himself over this one. -C.

Shiiiiiiiiit, Tom... Everyone knows Bell prefers tequila. But this is exactly my point (and partly my frustration). We're not going to get access simply on the efforts of one group or individual. It's going to take a lot of effort from a lot of different people. And what I've seen is no one group/individual has found the perfect way. Each contributes something positive, but doesn't have the whole picture. -C.

Bryan, You've been around a lot longer than I have...and that can be said for many other jumpers both on and off this message board, but an observation I'd like to make and something I'd like to highlight (from Gardner's Email) is this: That is an awful lot to take credit for, but I do think some credit is due to the ABP. I know of no other individual or group that has put forth the effort to lobby congressmen or the NPS to ultimately remove (though still only from the draft document) section 8.2.2.7. If this is not the case and others can claim responsibility or credit, well, my pat on the back and an awful lot of beer will go to them, as well. Robin...that's an area I don't want to get into, either (and for what it's worth, I think you did a good job presenting the basis of your opinion without slamming him or bringing emotion into the mix). In spite of or because of Robin...whichever your position, the ABP has shown value and by this alone do seem to be making progress. After several long phone conversations with Gardner today, I've restored some of my faith in the ABP and will continue to support them and anyone else fighting for jumpers' rights so long as I don't feel they are compromising the spirit of BASE in order to simply gain access. -C. Edit: Typos.

Bingo...and I think this should be a principle of everyone's fight against the NPS, not just the ABP's. -C.

Jason, The ABP's letter to Skydiving surprised me, as well. After a conversation w/ one of the ABP directors, I began to understand the basis of their point in wanting to work with certain members of the NPS. However, I did not believe the statements or criticism of you and Nick were appropriate or even necessary. Seemed more along the lines of an opinion that could be left unsaid or, if they felt the need to address for the purposes of mending fences w/ NPS officials they work with, something they could have addressed to those individuals in private. Around the time of this letter, I sent an Email to all of the parties involved, inviting them to hash their positions out in point-counterpoint style in an upcoming issue of Skydiving and refrain from personal attacks or even mere mention of the other "camp's" opinions. Not one party (including Skydiving Magazine) felt it was necessary or prudent, as each of you responded to my Email. Instead, we continue to read about the constant injustices of each side, rather than focusing on the true injustices of the NPS. Jason, this is not a criticism of you (it's just a response to your post), and frankly the ABP's criticism/attack on you and Nick has been enough to make me question my continued support of the ABP (for the record, that support has not only been limited to the ABP...I have contributed to you, as well). You have done great things w/ Bridge Day and the ABP has done some good things in their fight, as well. But I'm tired of hearing two powerful camps in this fight fight with each other and urge each of you to take the high ground, refrain from bickering, stay out of each other's business and hell...just ignore each other and focus on what's truly important, opening up OUR parks. -C.

No horror stories here from either Asylum or Apex. I got canopies from each and both were delivered as expected. -C.

Comments submitted. It's high time we enjoy our National Parks in the non-polluting and minimal-impact that is BASE. -C.

WTF? I can't respond tongue-in-cheek to a tongue-in-cheek remark? If you've heard of Dave, you know he's got skillz. -C.

Yeah, Dave can't fall/fly for shit. -C.

1-Voodew1 (TX) 2-Professor (TX) 3-FlyinBob (TX) 4-Buried (IL) 5-The111 (LOCAL!) 6-Skyflyingbecca (FL) 7-Moonglo (TX) 8-Luminous (TX) 9-unclecharlie95 (ITALIA) 10-Base733 (UT) 11-nathaniel(IL) 12-HELMUT (Tatooween) 13- OmarPR (LOCAL) 14-RobertPecnik(CROATIA) 15-Purple Mike(Earth) 16-Costyn (NL) (very likely) 17-Matt (GA) 18-Joni (NE) 19-Yuri (Russia-USA) 20-Lifewithoutanet (CA/CO, USA) -C.

Congrats, Tom and Cheri. She's a cute little thing. Nice to see she's taking after Cheri from the start and doesn't show signs of Tom's mug. Hope she enjoys her first toy. -C.

Funny, cause Jaap's gotten pretty good at using that tool. Check him out in action. -C.

Mild disagreement noted and well written. My point on the difference in planes is not for the groovy avionics, bells and whistles, extra range, etc. as much as it is for exploring other planes at a time when you're more impressionable and less likely to get set on one particular make/model. My point on some of the larger planes is more about capacity than capability. Face it...once you're licensed, you're likely to be ferrying more people and gear around when you fly. As such, it might help to have more experience in that larger plane. Just my opinion, though and I don't think either one of ours makes the other one's wrong. -C.

Nah...Tom's is a pin-rig. Abbie only jumps pubic rigs. -C.

You're not gonna believe the shit that asshat pulled off to get rid of the remaining hours. Maybe he'll chime in here before he comes to pick me up on our way to Twin. You all think that MP3 of his wicked GC skills was deft? I ever get popped on a jump, I'm hiring Abraham Mashaal, Esquire to defend me in court. -C.

I do not yet have my license. I just started flying again, though, after about a year and a half off and am progressing pretty rapidly. It's almost like riding a bike (flame away). What I can share w/ you from my observations are the following: 1.) Experiment with the planes at your flight school. Get up in a couple of different makes/models along the way. Don't try and do it on the cheap. I've flown Cessna 172s and 152s, Piper Cherokee 4s and I've even crashed in a Beechcraft Sundowner (I wasn't the PIC, but damn, was that an adventure). You're not going to just stick to one plane after you get your ticket, so you might as well experiment at first. You'll spend the same amount if not a little more, anyway. The only difference will be whether you spend it before or after getting your license. 2.) Expect to spend more. This will come with experimenting with other planes as well as just the general learning curve. 3.) Find a good instructor. Don't just go with the first one you're paired with the day you sign up. Check them out and figure out which one you work best with. 4.) Read, read, read. Get the FAR/AIM. Get a private pilot manual (like the Jeppesen, for example). Familiarize yourself with as much as possible and feasible before you get in the air. I don't mean maneuvers and actual flying as much as I mean radio communication, charts, etc. You might also check out: http://www.studentpilot.com Just my opinions. Good luck. -C.

Cornishe and I (and maybe a few more) are headed to Twin this weekend. Looks cold and snowy for the weekend with a high chance of child labor early on the 16th. Anybody else going to be in town? -C.

I'll give him 830. -C.

Heartfelt condolences to family and friends. -C.

I was able to turn it back off after I got back and it although my plan was through my company, it wouldn't have extended the contract. There really isn't much they can do to stop you from doing that, even though they'll say they're "really not supposed to turn it on and off" all the time. Hell, any 'contract' can be beaten w/ a little effort and claims of dissatisfaction with their service. -C.

Cell providers are required by law to unlock your phone for you at your request. All you need to do is call in and ask, although I'd call w/ plenty of advanced notice. They usually give turnaround times of 7-10 days. Depending on the phone, you can also find instructions for doing this online. So does AT&T/Cingular. I added worldwide roaming to my phone for $3.99 a month when I went to KL. With worldwide roaming, the rate went to $0.90/minute. Without adding that, it would have been $2.99/minute. -C.