MajorDad

Hmmm.... great excuse to go visit Jenny....... Congrats and Good Luck!! Major Dad CSPA D-579

So looking forward to seeing the 2014/2015 Oilers then.... May they still be in Edmonton by the time they get to be a great team!!! Major Dad CSPA D-579

Hey Lippy, We are flying down this year, but I'll see if one of the guys who are driving will bring a case of Keith's for ya. Got to feed your fix. See you in a few weeks! Blue Ones, Major Dad CSPA D-579

Dave's Funeral will be held this Friday at 3:30 PM at the Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home (10011-114 Street, Edmonton). Major Dad CSPA D-579

Just got the word that Dave Taylor from Edmonton died suddenly yesterday (heart condition or some such problem). He started jumping in the 90's at Eden North and had around 1000 jumps or so. He was only in his mid 40's. He hasn't been jumping a whole lot the last few years as he had started up his own construction company. He went to events such as the Belize Boogie and the Canadian Invasion when his schedule permitted. Deepest condolences to his wife, Crystal (another Eden North Jumper from the 90's). Hug a friend today, they sometimes leave unexpectedly..... Eternal Blue Skies, Dave Major Dad CSPA D-579

Tres Cool! Good job everyone and good luck today! Blue Ones Major Dad CSPA D-579

to clarify.... After the OP's Level 5 (unlinked exit - 360 Right - 360 Left) he went on to do two more jumps that day to get his stability issues sorted out. Those two jumps were done with a PFF Instructor with over 4000 jumps. (Yes, they were repeats of Level 5) As he already posted, he intends to get the stability issues sorted out in the Eloy tunnel when he heads south for the Canadian Invasion in January. Sounds like a plan. Blue ones, Major Dad CSPA D-579

Good luck with the new venture, Rich! Blue ones, Major Dad CSPA D-579

There will be a contingent from Eden North there as well for the duration. Looking forward to it! Blue Skies, Major Dad CSPA D-579

Hints for the course (some of which have been covered by others): 1. Print out the C1 Reference Book and C1 Workbook. It amazes me the number of people who show up on the course who don’t have a clue as to what is in the manuals. 2. Do the Pre-Course work as per the instructions that you should have received from the Alberta Sport Parachute Association (send me a PM if you haven’t received the instructions). 3. I will tell you what I need to see on the evaluations. Give me what I am asking for. If I see it, I can evaluate it. If I don’t see it, ZERO. Simple as that. 4. It would have been a good idea to do simulated jumps with experienced coaches on your DZ prior to the course. A little late at this stage, however the course doesn’t start til Saturday Morning so you have until then… 5. Bring your rig. Actually had a candidate who showed up without one, once…. 6. Feel free to talk to the coaches on your dropzone during the course for ideas, practice, etc. Some people take the attitude they are on their own, which is not the case. “Larry” is looking forward to jumping with you. He has MADSKILZ. You may want to stretch before the jumps…… Blue Skies, Major Dad CSPA D-579

Larry is so misunderstood.... His MADSKILZ are just so under appreciated by those around him.... Major Dad CSPA D-579

Let's see.... Body Mass Index (BMI) = 57 Love to see a picture of someone with that high a BMI who is in "excellent physical shape". Should blow up parachutes real good.... Major Dad CSPA D-579

I'd put money on Petraeus becoming Chairman of the Joint Chiefs next year after the incumbents term is up. Blue Ones, Major Dad CSPA D-579

McChrystal is hardly the first 4 Star to step on his dick and be faced with getting fired or having to resign over it. For those who are painting it as a Democratic President / Military Pissing contest, lets look back a couple of years to Admiral William Fallon, then C-in-C Central Command. From Wikipedia - "On March 11, 2008 Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced the resignation of Fallon as CENTCOM Commander. He stated that Fallon's reason for resigning centered on the controversy regarding a recent article in Esquire magazine which depicted him as openly criticizing the Bush administration with specific regard to American policy towards Iran." Seems that Fallon's sins against the Republican President of the day were milder than McChrystal's alleged sins against the current President. Same Secretary of Defense in both cases (and he is in the chain of command). Let the feeding frenzy continue.... Blue Ones, Major Dad CSPA D-579

Unless the reporter badly represented what the General and the members of his staff said, the President (through the chain of command) has to remove the general from his command. All military officers are taught in Basic that for the military system to function (among other things), loyalty must flow both up and down the chain of command, with priority to flowing up the chain of command. Truman fired MacArthur when he forgot this principle. Looks like a 4 Star Position has opened up.... Sad way to end a career... Blue Ones, Major Dad CSPA D-579

Dang you sound old! No worries. I balance off my age with my immaturity. It's all good! Blue ones, Major Dad CSPA D-579

Just did one with the GF yesterday that went sweet (her first!). I've done about a dozen over the years, but it's been about 10 years since the last time. Spent the time to walk through the grips, exit and "unusual situations" and had her do chin-ups (with gear) to show how much upper-body strength she had. The preparation and planning paid off and she had a hoot. Blue ones, Major Dad CSPA D-579

Thanks for posting about this near-miss. Seems that since these things are small and inexpensive, lots of people are getting them before they should. The 200 jump recommendation is a good one. However there will always be those with Mad Skillz who will complain about being held back... Blue Ones, Major Dad CSPA D-579

Have an IAD Jumpmaster IAD you, Seriously. Far more effective for a Mr. Bill than Shortlining.... Also talk to those on your DZ who have done it before as there and have them walk through exits/grips/etc. Have fun. They are a blast when they work. Blue Ones Major Dad CSPA D-579

I'll bite.... Was this on student gear or on experienced gear? Blue Ones, Major Dad CSPA D-579

Remi, You and Karen are so not stupid for moving down to AZ..... I'll take that Dry Heat after the May we've had..... Blue Ones, Major Dad CSPA D-579

Now to shut the country down for a few hours to watch some hockey..... Blue ones! Major Dad CSPA D-579

I switched careers a couple of years ago and haven't looked back. After years of Project Managing various Industrial Construction Projects (primarily Oil and Gas), I started teaching Construction Management at the College Level. It had been in the back of my mind to do "later on" in my career. After hitting the wall hard a few years ago, an opening presented itself at the local college and I made the switch. One of the better moves I have made as my quality of live has improved tremendously, along with my health and morale. One of the surprises, has been that there is quite the shortage in qualified (i.e experienced) instructors in my field, so I have been picking up more and more side gigs. While I am not making the coin I did when I was project Managing, it is more than "enough" to do what I want to do and I have plenty of time off in the summer to do it. Far better than losing a year "up north" working when I should be skydiving.... There is the phrase - "Do what you love and do it well enough that someone will pay you" You dont know how true it is until you do it!!

Totally agree. Hopefully both teams bring their "A Game". It will be a great way to bring the Olympics home. Canada will be closed down tomorrow for the afternoon.... Major Dad CSPA D-579

Izzy and I have to restock the alcohol supply after last nights Olympic Drinking Game! Better than the CSI Miami version!! Major Dad CSPA D-579