jonstark

She wants her poo-teen hot.

I had two. Both five cell mains. Strato Flyer then Kestral. Low aspect ratio. Opened well at any speed, fast or slow. Good for base or skydiving. Never a line twist. Never a worry. Of course I weighed far less so landings were a breeze. We all knew how to spot back then so getting back was rarely an issue.

You know and I know but does HE?

There are many ways to fly young troll. Some have explored the others and find wingsuiting to be another challenge among them. Now... tell me what the significance is of your avatar.

You oughta set up shop and show us all how it’s done!

At our DZ we have a very large arrow which is a very strong suggestion to land in the direction indicated. It is located near the boarding area and can be changed whenever a consensus dictates. If a planeload is in the air and wind direction and/or intensity changes we radio up and change the arrow. When winds are light and variable rather than chase the direction with the arrow it is set to prevailing. Should it be wrong the consequences are usually minimal and jumpers may land away from the close-in or expert landing area in whichever direction they please. If winds are steady the arrow is boss unless you are swooping on your own pass or landing in the segregated high performance area. Landing in the expert area at any more than 45 degrees off the wind line may get a friendly reminder to please use the arrow. Of course, if a traffic conflict arrises, you may land in whichever direction is necessary to avoid injury. In which case discussion of the cause of conflict is warranted.

The 72 way was at the end of the “wing wars” era. They were still pretty big and floppy though. Man oh man, was it ever LOUD rip tearing through the Florida sky!

If the dz has it’s own rv park they are the ones to ask these questions. In most cases there is no subletting of trailers or slots. The dz really needs to be in control of who lives on site. Maybe the dz wants to buy yours as a rental. Jon

There have been numerous instances when an incomplete cutaway has caused main/reserve entanglement. To prevent this it is prudent to “clear” the cutaway cables from the housing by “sweeping” your left hand past them while still holding the cutaway pad in your right hand to ensure complete disengagement. Then throw the cutaway pad away! Free up both hands for reserve ripcord pull. Pull it and clear it too! Throw it away! Free your hands to deal with your reserve. Do NOT tell me you want to save having to pay for handles!!!

What business is this of yours?

Is that the dz west of town at Dona Anna?

It fell apart at 2.8 seconds so was not considered a record at the time. Dang! Fun just the same. Jon

Can you and your family afford to have you out of work for any amount of time? The possibility of even a relatively minor injury laying you up is very real. How’s your health / disability insurance?

My point exactly... Anecdotes are not data

You’re talking ancient history here. Anecdotally, there seemed to be some improvement in the “cleanliness” of the airfoils after Django was forced to change their attachment method. I doubt there was ever any real testing performed though. My experience is hundreds of jumps on both the Firefly and Firelite canopies. I recall noticing little difference between the two.

What does that rig owe you? How about finding a local newby who needs a “loaner” for awhile. What size main will it take? Pay it forward.

It’s a recirculating hotbed of viral respiratory infection.

Don’t fun jump a canopy that you’re not confident in landing “out”.

One would assume that the drogue must have collapsed upon release and would thereby have little to no effect on the drift of this heavy package. You’re looking for a rather small and relatively heavy wad that was descending very quickly. But you know all that.

Just in case any readers aren’t familiar with this poster... Robert is THE lost equipment BLOODHOUND! Given the time of day, cutaway altitude and an idea of where you cutaway he’ll go after your gear and FIND it. There are very few times where he has come up dry even in the most inhospitable terrain in the area. Snakes, hogs, swamp, brush, woods... it doesn’t matter. He’s like a bulldog and won’t let go until your gear is back. Jon

You might ask Gary Dupuis.

Check with turbine conversions ltd.

It’s like the story of the two diplomats. One from Southeast Asia the other from Africa. The African visited the asian at his beautiful home and asked how he was able to afford such a nice place. The asian took him to his balcony and pointed to a large new bridge. “10 percent.” “I reward the international aid contract and take ten percent.” The asian minister visited the african minister and marveled at his palatial estate so the african minister took him to his balcony and pointed out the new bridge. The asian said he saw no bridge. The african responded... “100 percent.”

Hey! I resemble that remark. I’ve been a flailing geek for decades. TK is right tho... It’ll be as easy as falling off a log. Regaining your composure will be paramount. Get comfortable with the new equipment and don’t be afraid to ask questions of the instructors. Pull high, land right where you should and repeat. Make a consistent effort to jump often for at least a while. It may be a recreational activity but your safety and enjoyment as well as that of those around you depends on you getting “current” and poised. Now, go for it! Jon

What can you fit under your jumpsuit? I can’t fit jeans under mine. It’s too tight for much more than a layer of long underwear and maybe a thin wind shirt. Very thin. And don’t try anything with a collar that will beat your neck raw if it gets loose. Jon