Dutchboy

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Posts posted by Dutchboy

  2. Quote

    My name is Phil Polstra. I write computer software (C++ mostly for the last 11 years). Currently I work for a company that writes software to manage bandwidth on broadband networks (i.e. cablemodems, DSL, wireless, etc.).

    My company has a skydiving team, consisting of myself and two others. We are trying to learn to freefly. I managed to get the company to buy us company logoed jumpsuits. I've gotten 35% of the company to skydive so far. Now if I could just get one more team member....



    My how things change. Six days after I posted this I got laid off. Now I teach high school math in the mornings and teach people how to fly in the afternoons, evenings, and weekends.

  3. Seems like I've been in this discussion before (can you say diverdriver.com?).

    As an active CFI I don't know if I would want the liability of signing off somebody for a jump pilot endorsement. Suddenly I'm responsible if anything ever happens while that pilot is flying jumpers.

    Since everyone is using analogies. How about this. What do I need to tow a glider? I don't need an endorsement from a CFI, just some experience. I'm responsible for the safety of someone else, but the FAA doesn't really regulate this activity.

    The thought of the USPA getting involved with this scares me. Perhaps a Jump Pilot Information Manual or something similar would be cool, but they have no business "licensing" pilots.

  7. Quote

    our very own Arlo's team (Tunnel Vision) appears to have just won the bronze in 4way Advanced as well.

    rock on arlo!!!



    Well don't forget the gold winners, Nemesis and silver winners, Angry Bees.

  9. Quote

    That is from the pilot statement. You mean to say that a jumper back to dash couldn't put a hand up and push the control yoke aft? I think they could very easily do it, if asked to do so.

    Chris



    I suppose they could do that if asked. I'm with you though, 3000 feet is way too long to take off a lightly loaded 182. The could have easily stopped in half the remaining distance.

    There are some pretty poor commercially rated pilots that I've seen out there. They manage to fly well enough to pass the checkride, but aren't generally safe or even careful without an examiner and/or instructor in the plane.

  10. Quote

    http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?ev_id=20020326X00398&key=1

    "According to an FAA inspector, the pilot stated that he had to ask for help manipulating the yoke in pitch during the takeoff rotation. The inspector examined the flight controls for interference and found none. He found full flight control continuity and authority from stop to stop, and observed no damage to or malfunction of the flight control system.



    That's a new one: "Help me rotate this thing and get it off the ground!". Was the skydiver who helped him pulling on the second yoke that wasn't installed? Could a skydiver realistically provide assistance during takeoff? I don't think so.

  11. Quote

    Quote

    thats me in the black at skydive atlanta


    Oh...you mean that place where you only hang out at night but never show up during the day to jump anymore......:o



    The broke skydiving chicks where at Air Sportz last weekend for the $16 jumps. I saw Wendal's (current/former?) girlfriend Rachel there Sunday afternoon.

  12. Quote

    I'm considering buying me a Hornet too. I've asked aroun a bit and everybody tells me to stay away from PISA stuff. I don't know anyone at my dz who jumps a Hornet.



    You don't have to say any more. It is amazing how people know sooooo much about products they have never used!

    I warn all of my flying students about pilots like this. Skydivers generally seem to be even worse.

    I've got 150 jumps on my Hornet, and still liking it. Several guys from the DZ are picking up canopies while one of them is in South Africa next week.

  13. Don't forget to go to the War of Northern Agression Museum (That's the Civil War Museum to you). It is actually a nice little museum.

    If you do jump, Atlanta Air Sportz in Rome had the best deal on rental gear last I checked. If you ask nice enough, you might even get some air transport up there.

  15. Is it really fair to "weekend" teams to have to compete with people who get paid to skydive all week? I've talked to some of the members of Nemesis and they already spend allot of money between training jumps and tunnel time. It just seems to go against the spirit of the competition to hire professionals to jump on your team.

    This is almost exactly the same as a company hiring a professional for the company softball team.

  17. Quote

    Does anyone know anything about a griffin canopy? my buddy owes me $350 and said i could have this griffin 120 canopy dom is 97 and has about 300 jumps lines are still real white great condition i just wanted to know if its worth it and if i would be able to sell it for that much as its way too small for me and i have never heard of this canopy he says it flies like a sabre.? is this true? any help much appreciated



    Talk to the folks at Atlanta Air Sportz. I believe you can still buy a Griffin from them. They are in Rome, GA at the DZ Collis used to own.

  18. Quote

    I'm learning to fly in a C-152 out of Bedford, MA and I should be soloing this month after I get my medical certificates on the 12th.


    Congratulations on learning to fly!
    Quote


    1. Would he be able to jump with me as a certified private pilot if we filed the appropriate paperwork with the FAA? Would I need a minimum number of hours or a special rating? I'm sure there are all sorts of issues involved here so any info. would be appreciated...


    You can throw him out of the plane legally as long as you don't charge him for it. You aren't prevented from dropping skydivers, as long as none of them are paying, and you aren't being compensated.

    Quote


    2. Is it possible to get out of a 152 that doesn't have a door that's modified for skydiving?



    They probably won't allow it in a rented plane, period. I would agree with Chris, a 152 is not a good jump plane, especially if it doesn't have the correct door. If you really want to drop someone I would get your license, then go get your high performance endorsement, preferably in a 182. You might be able to work something out with a local DZ to drop someone. Essentially you would be renting their plane for the jump.

  19. Could be worse, they could be bottlers.

    There is no way I would use that term in a US sales presentation. Many terms that brits use are considered much more foul over here.

  20. I did some serious research before my China trip, even spoke to numerous Chinese friends. There are no dropzones in China you can use. Even if there were, the equipment would be way too small. :P

  22. Quote

    I hope we can get a big group together and head down to do beach jumps and have a bonfire and party some. Anyone interested???



    When? I need to take at least one skydiving trip now that my plane is finished and tested. I can't afford the WFFC this year, but might be able to afford a Florida trip.

  23. They are the kind of spammers that won't stop if you ask them. I know, because I've asked them before. You'd think they wouldn't want to spam me in particular.

  24. I'm not going since exactly a year ago today I lost my "real" job. Having to get surgery for my little dog who torn her knee sealed my fate, if it wasn't determined already. I guess the WFFC only lasts for a few days, but I'm hoping my doggie will live a couple more years.

    Maybe if I could figure out a way to teach people how to fly at the convention I could write it off as a business expense. Of course, it still requires money to go.