htrammel

Good points. I hope it's not too much of a stretch to "assume" that your local inspectors have some integrity. It's been my experience most ASI's have a high degree of integrity and a willingness to learn. Do we have enough time to get everything done that we'd like to? Well that's another story. As for DZ's addressing their local FSDO. That's a great idea. Contact the manager of your local office and tell him/ her what you propose. Bring along your S&TA, a rigger, an instructor, a jump pilot, etc... Ask them to let you address the whole office. The inspectors will be more informed and better educated if/ when they receive complaint calls or get called out because of an accident. Many offices sponsor a safety day (usually annually) and are often searching for qualified technical experts to do presentations. What a great way to educate, not only the regulatory agency, but the rest of the GA community. Let me know if I can help. H

Ditto! I have a whole new appreciation for them. The FAA just sent me and 10 or 12 other inspectors to Flight Safety for their F/A initial training course. Just so we'd know what it's like. HOLY CRAP, if you've never tried to pull yourself into a survival raft, or fought your way through a smoke filled cabin wearing PBE and being blocked by "unruly passengers" while trying to find the fire, put it out, then find the overwing exit, open it and egress...well let's just say you haven't had any fun till you've done that. Here's to you flight attendants. You all qualify as "bad ass". Oh yeah, and...don't use the blankets/ pillows, that's just nasty.

Never got to meet him. Wish I had. He must've been a helluva guy. I know he was a helluva card player. He took my money more than a couple times in the SDR poker tourneys. BSBD Henry

CLUELESS!!???!!! Tom, I'm truly hurt. Most maybe, but not all of us. There's at least me and that other guy in Houston. Good points otherwise, though. (Disclaimer: not speaking for the FAA here) I can't imagine getting the funding for it. If we did, it would involve new certifications for DZs, instructors, etc...and certification is not at the top of the priority list. If a complaint comes in, however, we are mandated to investigate. I'll be glad to entertain any questions or comments, as long as you all know I'm speaking for me as a jumper and not as an FAA inspector. Clueless Tom? Clueless? You been talking to my wife?

Gareth - I agree that it sounds like it could have been an in-flight break-up. Does anyone know what the weather conditions were at the time? BSBD

Hey. I know that dog. Used to work in our FSDO.

Crap. If anyone has any names please PM me.

Oh, some of us in the FAA really work. Really. Yes we do. As a matter of fact. I'm working right now...uh...I mean I just...um...I gotta go.

Anyone i might know?!? Probably a few someones you might know.

mmmm hmmm. it was quite nice, too.

Holy Shit! I remember the parachutes over Mobile boogie. We had Mullins' HelioStallion and marginal weather, but what a blast.

Yayyy. She agreed. First pic of Peter's awesome shirt.

Thanks Peter. It looks awesome. I'll get Kelicopter to model it when she gets home and see if she will agree to a picture post. Thanks.

You're evil Timmy

Got it now. Should I forward it to my buddy/ coworker Jerry Wilkey? Perhaps he will concur? Blues, h

Uh...whut?

Phil Smith standing next to Skratch...is that the same Phil Smith I remember from the Umatilla, FL DZ in the 80s? Holy crap did we have some times. Many of which I cannot remember. Henry "Worst" Trammel

July 14, 1988. Palatka, FL. Tossed out on a dope rope by Mad Dog Maguire. Did my AFF level 1 the next day with Mad Dog and Uncle Don Yahrling (RIP).

Oh yeahhhhhhh!

Lemme know. We'll have a beverage.

It's suck, bang, squish, blow...as opposed to the -suck squish BANG blow in a 'real' (round) airplane engine! Nope. It still gets the squish (or squeeze) before it gets the bang. LPC - HPC - Combustor - HPT - LPT Also to the OP: If your profile is correct and you are in Washington, I highly recommend a pilgrimage to the museum at Boeing field (KBFI). Lots of info and just plain neat stuff there. If you ever get to the Hartford, CT area look me up and I'll get you a little tour of Pratt and Whitney. They know a thing or two about engines.

Dammm she's gettiing big. Give her a hug for us. We miss you guys. Henry & Kelicopter

Twardo - Tell Conrad Jones that I said hello. I'd be there except that I have a house full of family. Hell, I might jump on an airplane tomorrow just to get away from them.

Neat??? Hell, I haven't gotten any work done in two days. Nice job.