JovialChris

Hi there... wondering if anyone has experience with the Liquid Sky Orbit freefly suit option ?? It is suppose to utilize zips to expose more material... website states to help transition to AFF, but I'm wondering about vertical rate adjustments ?? Any input appreciated

Supposedly the canopy could open up at a speed of 172 mph w/o sustaining significant damage. Appreciate everyone's input and a hello from Stu is in order. I was jumping an Infinity 1-33 w/ a Sam136 and PDR 143 because I was thinking of downsizing my main at a future date. This was the only container size option for this circumstance. Now that my rig was ripped off and I'm approaching 50, I suppose it would be prudent to go with the bigger container and reserve. Probably stick w the Sam 136. The reason I brought all this up was because I was in fact almost knocked unconscious by a camera flyer going through the learning curve on a RW 8-way. He got over my burble and I sucked him down... hard collision came out of nowhere. You never know what could happen on a skydive.... JovialChris I'm Lost! Which way to the Prairie?

I'm grappling with a reserve canopy selection decision. Would rather jump a smaller infinity container w a Paratec 170 (much smaller pack volume) over a larger infinity container w a PDR 176. Paratec has an opening shock rating of 172 mph, no worries there but it is marketed as flying like a 2nd main. My question would be.. if unconscious under a single reserve canopy.. what would the flight charachteristics be for each.. nominal diff? In general for a 1.2:1 loading.. what would the safest reserve on the market be for an unconscious landing? Thoughts? or is it a moot point given the ground collision factor? Couldn't really find any posts addressing this angle. JovialChris I'm Lost! Which way to the Prairie?

Skydivers, I’ve decided to take the time to polish up and post a few museum renderings that have been sitting on my hard drive collecting dust for a while. Back when the initial call to the skydiving community was made for support (a few years past now), as a maturing architect out of college, I took the opportunity to create a design proposal, forwarding a model concept to the USPA. The original site was somewhere in rural VA adjacent to I-95. A new airport was to be funded by the state of VA. They were looking for corporate tenants to make the project viable. As the project evolved and the risk was assessed, USPA steered away from an airport siting and purchased a parcel within a burgeoning business development. This property is adjacent to a major interstate highway, giving the opportunity for the architecture to serve as a major focal point to the vehicular passerby, beckoning the question, whuffo? So, as it goes, with the minimal dollar and in the name of the dream sustaining progress, the museum architecture, instead of punctuating the acquisition, seemed to have devolved into a lifeless composition of monotone concrete pre-cast panels and generic geometry: http://www.nationalskydivingmuseum.org/MUSEUMPROJECT.htm While this economical composition may fit in nicely with its business park context and dull overcast sky as seen in the rendering link, I would argue that the Board of Trustees should steer away from this solution, taking a more dynamic approach for the architectural concept for this project. An approach that powerfully reflects the spirit of the USA, the enticing procession of skydiving as well as the sky itself. I’ve attempted to exemplify these concepts in an earlier proposal sent to the USPA, which in good fun I’ve refined while learning to use Accurender, a 3-D architectural rendering program in my career progression: http://flickr.com/photos/jovial-chris/sets/72157594492916863/ CLICK on the thumbnailed pictures for a narrative description and/or the “view slideshow” link to walk you through the project. With overwhelming respect to the late, great Bill Ottley, USPA, Trustees and all who have worked/are working so hard to keep this vision a reality, I must say, let’s step it up in the way of aesthetics! The museum should not only house the history, but exemplify the current dynamics, drawing a new generation of skydivers in the name of tomorrow. The geometry should point toward and beckon curiosity of the sky; it should not be grounded to the earth with the implication of mortality. The place looks like a tomb! I realize that fundraising and execution of a project of this magnitude is not easy, but let’s not settle for a sub-minor league product in place of a major league sport! D-23671 JovialChris I'm Lost! Which way to the Prairie?

Hey, just put my new rig up in the air yesterday. Any different ideas related to UV/Grime protection? Best way to keep the bright "new" look for years to come? JovialChris I'm Lost! Which way to the Prairie?

I do plan on flying a HP/Ell Main. So, is there a "preferred" reserve out threre which is more compatible w/ these sorts of mains? JovialChris I'm Lost! Which way to the Prairie?

Hey all at DZ.com. I'm buying a new container! This is good since I've finally decided to give up my Naro of 10 years. Time to move down in Canopy size. I'd like to try a host of Canopies starting in the 150 range and plan on getting the container sized to fit various Canopies between approx. 120 and 150. this will give me max. longevity for my new container as I go down in Canopy size. I'm getting older, I don't think I'd ultimately get much smaller than a 120 anyway. My question is that in theory one should try to match up with a similar reserve size (in case two come out). My concern however is the slim possibility that I, at one time may be unconcsious under a reserve canopy (this has happened frequently, or so I have read). Would it not be better in this respect to go w/ a 170 or 160 (I weigh 185) than the theoretical choice of a 143? I do plan to go w/ PD for the touted "superior structural stability. Appreciate insight! JovialChris I'm Lost! Which way to the Prairie?

Appreciate the offer Stu. I beleive "Amazon", who is also from Seattle is arriving in Phoenix at 1pm, has arrangements with "Gawain". I'm still looking for a ride, I'm scheduled to arrive at 4:30 in the pm. Southwest, Terminal #4. Maybe we should exchange cell no# info? Once again, your generosity is appreciated, I'll be sure to put a couple jumps on the books for you. JovialChris I'm Lost! Which way to the Prairie?

And you forgot me! - 4:30 arrival on the 30th. ----------------------------- Those in need: 12/08 8:25 pm Quickdraw 12/21 10:45 pm amir1967 12/23 6:00 pm Canuck278 and friend (MissMae) 12/24 4:15 pm Airmail (freeflygoddess) 7:30 pm TB99 (freeflygoddess) 11:27 pm Turtlespeed 12/25 10:01 am Sunshine (Luna, car is full) 12:27 pm Aviatrr (MissMae) 12:29 pm Taz (MissMae) 5:05 pm MikeJD 9:11 PM Kevin922 (MissMae) 9:41PM skreamer (MissMae) 9:35 PM hmatousek (MissMae) 12/26 ???? am DaGimp (Viking, and DaGimp rides shotgun ) 9:00 am Peachsouthern (PLFKing) 11:30 am Alanab and Wrongway (Freeflygoddess) 12:26pm Coconutmonkey (freeflygoddess) 5:45pm Cornholio (Deuce) 6:05 pm Skymama (Deuce) 12/27 10:37 am Justin (finally feeling the love from pds) 12/30 12:21 pm Amazon (Gawain) 4:30 pm JovialChris Those who can do a good deed: 12/24 pm or 25th am Wingnut (room for 6) 12/25, 2:00 pm Freeflyguy 12/25 7:30pm, Sunnydee123 (1 space) 12/26 am PLFKing (1 more space) 12/26, 11:30 am Freeflygoddess (1 space) 12/26, 11:00 am Viking 12/26, 2 pm TangBu 12/26, 9:30 pm Groundzero (~2 slots) 12/27, 12:00 pds (room for 1.5 more) 12/29, 8:00 am Katiebear21 when needed PDS when needed MissMae 12/26, driving from Texas Moodyskydiver (3 spaces) 12/24-1/4 (appx) Tallguy, driving from San Fran area 12/29, driving from So Cal- Gawain Driving from Utah, leaving on the 31st- Wingnut JovialChris I'm Lost! Which way to the Prairie?

whoa, there you are again girl, I bet you get around to all the threads? yello, yello, yello!!!!!.......... J.Chris from Seattle here. I see there is not much in the way of Tues. the 30th for 4:30 arrivals. Looking at the thread that would make me late for the party. I guess I'll have to be one of the last to leave (departure at 7:10 pm, Monday, the 5th). I'll have to update the "need list", appreciate those w/ good deeds! -help out the jump account! JovialChris I'm Lost! Which way to the Prairie?

yeah, major suckage although it was nice last Sunday, didn't make it to the DZ. I feel a little rusty too, after one jump, I'll be back in the vibe. Hope to get high jump numbers in Eloy. New jump suit from Velinda, w/ booties, fullface, you in a combat RW jump, talk about a ? We'll have to sell you off to the Pentagon. No re-line, I'm going to AZ for major demo of equip, going to buy all new for summer. Donate the SR to a novice coming in the sport. Maybe a little resale, maybe 2nd rig. Anyway lines are good for a few more months of use, to be on the safe side? JovialChris I'm Lost! Which way to the Prairie?

Hey Jeanne...I've been checking you out on DZ.com...sounds like a lively bunch, should be an interesting boogie w/ all the talk. I thought you were leaving earlier in the week? I'm leaving Seattle at 1pm on Tuesday. Little late for you, the "earlybird"? I guess I'll check out the other thread, not a big deal. See you at the X-mas party? JovialChris I'm Lost! Which way to the Prairie?

ooh yeah...been workin so hard, I'm ready for the break. SW airfare is good from Seattle (

Excellent link. Thanks to all! Actually, I think it might be a good idea print out the link, take it to the airport and use it for reference if necessary. JovialChris I'm Lost! Which way to the Prairie?

That's exactly what I'm talking about. Last year, while at the x-ray machine, I overheard the conversation between attendants. Attendant 1 asked, "Are parachutes okay?", Attendant 2 replied,"yes, unless they have that little "explosive device". Attendant 1 promptly asked if that thing (my CYPRESS) was the "explosive device". I replied that "No, that is not what he (Attendant 2) is talking about, that is something else". Attendant 1 then looked at Attendant 2, saw that he was busy and then replied, "okay, come on through..I guess". This is good, since I could not, at short notice come up with "what exactly that device was" in case it was pursued further. In retrospect of my last experience, I'm just looking for the best way to go about this. It is my understanding CYPRESS travel is officially against airline policy at this time (even though we can flash them our explanation cards). The reason why they get through is that there are very few attendants that are knowledgable enough to know what exactly the policy is in reference to parachutes. JovialChris I'm Lost! Which way to the Prairie?

I know this subject is worn, but how has the CYPRESS issue (through airports) evolved over the past months? Take it? Leave the CYPRESS at home? Bagage check? or Metal Detector (X-Ray)? JovialChris I'm Lost! Which way to the Prairie?

Appreciate your insight Derek. I would say the crux of my concern is when should I stop using the canopy? Not that it is usable in Seattle this time of year, but I am planning on Eloy over the Holiday. It is a Spectra microline, about 1/8th of the width is frayed on the "inside side". Wouldn't have known, but I just did my annual meticulous gear check. Is there a rule-of-thumb as to what constitutes a "worn/ready to retire" line? JovialChris I'm Lost! Which way to the Prairie?

I have a "frayed" d-line about 4-6" above the riser connector link. What is the condition for line replacement (amount of fray). It is advisable to replace one line or should one just get a new line set? Trim issues? I have about 450-500 jumps on the canopy. Appreciate input, CE JovialChris I'm Lost! Which way to the Prairie?

That's good. Safety First! You can pick up the "learning how to fly" stuff later. Actually, flying becomes intuitive over time, "Kinesthesia" is more a "technical" explanation of what we do intuitively. Maybe just check it out at your local DZ. Every DZ has a copy of "kinesthesia". JovialChris JovialChris I'm Lost! Which way to the Prairie?

Thanks for the warm welcome Katie! I'll be sure to say "hey, hello...how do you do?" in Eloy. JovialChris JovialChris I'm Lost! Which way to the Prairie?

So we meet again Jeanne, pretty funky ambiance here at DZ.com. I bet I'm bound to run into a few more people from days gone by. Hey, by the way, I'm going down to Eloy for Canopy demo, so hopefully I won't be jumping "the black bird" aka 71. No responses from the Snohomies, guess maybe I'll travel solo w/ tent and 0 degree sleeping bag. Its all good. See you at the DZ this Sunday...if the weather opens up for some jumps. CE JovialChris I'm Lost! Which way to the Prairie?

I'd buy an instructional DVD that Para-Gear puts out (in thier catalog). It is a five in one video set (having to do w/ Canopy Control, Packing, Malfunctions, etc.....). I think the titles are "How to Fly/Pack like a Pro", "Breakaway", can't remember the other names. As far as flying, "Kinestesia" is the way to go for the aerodynamics of beginning to learn how to fly. JovialChris I'm Lost! Which way to the Prairie?

Hey..Hello..How do you do, DropZone.com? JovialChris here, somewhat seasoned skydiver of ten years checking in for good times through DropZone.com. Thinking of heading to Eloy for X-mas. Heard there is a get-together planned for dropzone.com(ies). Sounds like a blast, distant e-friends getting together for action in the sky. When you meet up, does everyone address eachother by usernames? JovialChris I'm Lost! Which way to the Prairie?