base363

What's the going rate for a reserve repack these days?

My advice is to buy the DVD. Study, and read as much as possible! It will translate into a faster learning curve in the air. Get to the DZ and spend some time watching people. You will be able to, in a very short time, pick out the good instructors and the people that will help you learn. Avoid like the plague, someone how feels compelled to tell you how good he is. I would also avoid the opinions of people who have three times as many posts as jumps. No matter how good a skydiver someone is, you still have to spend hours with them on the ground, compared to minutes in the air. Jump with people you like, and enjoy being around. Remember why we do this, because it’s supposed to be fun!

Can anyone tell me; What are the current requirements, to be able to act as the course director for the S/L instructor certification course?

I read through the posts on music rights available for sale. Any new providers or ideas anyone has to suggest?

Isn't there a forum dedicated to statistical analysis for new jumpers? Maybe you could take your meaningless discussion there.

Sorry I missed several posts! Since I received that new pub, I have been busy resizing harnesses. Once I get the harnesses done, I'll let everyone know how the brake line turns out. Thanks for all the input.

What a great pub!! Thanks!

Canopy panel or suspension line? Sounds like a reference to a round parachute. Is it an alteration or minor repair to replace the brake line below the finger trap? This portion of the canopy would have no stress during the opening shock. What is the definition of a large patch? All these situations could be left to interpretation.

[/url]http://sidsrigging.com/articles/stitchless_fingertrap.htm[url]

Is this a part of the parachute strings?

OK, I think I just had the moment of clarity!

I did a search for this earlier, and I don't think I'm the only one that has trouble visulizing this. There was mention of a better series of pictures, but the link didn't work. Since the closest DZ is 400 miles away, having someone just show me isn't much of an option.

Very interested in the stitchless finger trap. However, the diagram? I've been a rigger for 16 years, and can't quite visulize this proceedure. Are there any better pictures out there? I'm sure it will be a "Oh, I see" moment. But, until then?

Sounds like a good idea! Thanks!

Anyone have any tips or techniqes? Why do these things always turn into a lecture?

It's only the line below the finger trap and toggle.

Looking for some advice on replaceing Vectran brake lines. Never had to do this. It's a safire, and I'm assuming it's 1000 lb line. Don't have the canopy yet. Any tips on cutting or bar-tacking?

Has anyone used the Sonic Helmet Skydance is selling? I have an older Hanson which we use to film occasional tandems. Kind of heavy. Looking for something a little lighter, but don't want to spend too much.

I have owned a small midwestern DZ since 1990. We have been in the tandem and S/L business since then. I am interested in moving to a Tandem/AFF program. Looking for advice from anyone who use this method of progression. Any suggestions?

It would be interesting to do an actuarial study on the risks to third parties from skydiving operations - something USPA should be doing if insurance is going to be an increasing problem in the future. *** The insurance they require is for participants, not third parties. This is why we have made the case that it us unreasonable and discriminatory.

Can you send me a copy of their ruling? These have been our arguments all along.

The FSDO. However, the DC people have told the USPA that if a Part 16 complaint was filed, we could expect to lose. The FAA claims they are not in the business of setting insurance limits, just making sure they are imposed consistently.

We have been involved with USPA and AOPA since the beginning. We are a group member DZ, and have exhausted all possible recourses regarding this issue. The insurance the airports are requesting is not available. The FAA says they are within their rights to require the insurance. The USPA told me early on that this may not be a winable case. They take-on each case quietly, hoping to influence the city or county that they we have a right to use the airport.

The FAA has made final it's decision regarding our DZ's right to use public airports. Beginning in February 2001, we filed a complaint with the FAA, alleging that the insurance required by both the City of Belle Fourche, SD and Lawrence Co. SD, was in violation of Grant Assurance 22 which states, in part, the sponsor "...will make the airport available as an airport for public use on reasonable terms and without unjust discrimination to all types, kinds, and classes of aeronautical activities..." Both airports have required us to obtain insurance in the amount of $1 million, that covers all aspects of skydiving. This insurance is not commercially available. The final FAA ruling stated "...While airport sponsors are required to make their airports available on a reasonable and not unjustly discriminatory basis, they are also expected to protect their communities from the liability associated with the use of the airport..." "...the amount of insurance coverage required is consistent with the liability coverage for other activities at the airport..." "...it does not appear that the City has violated its Federal obligations in this matter, and the FAA intends to take no further action at this time..." What does this mean to you? If you are currently jumping at a federally funded airport, and believe you have the right to do so, think again. With the stroke of a pen, any airport can ban skydiving by requiring unavailable insurance, and the FAA will endorse their actions. It's a good thing the USPA is spending our money on a Skydiving Museum. Because before long, it's all we'll have left.

Chuck: Do you have any documents or points of contact regarding the FAA's position? If we could get something in writing, it may be a big step forward for us! It sounds like you make have set a very positive precedence with your case!