baronn

I personally have been paid to come and work. Only happened once and yeah, he was pretty desperate. It was a big trip and I wouldn't have done it had I not gotten reimbursed for my expenses. Opening a DZ today is probably NOT the best investment from an ROI viewpoint. I admire anyone willing to lay it on the line and make the kind of commitment necessary to do it. I would not ask for a my travel in that situation and pretty sure other's wouldn't either. What the forum is about, is DZO's that are not being honest about the requirements and worse yet, changing the agreement once you show up. Comparing that with an ad in the regular classifieds is not accurate. One goes through a variety of levels getting involved in this sport/business. 500 jump wonder with a fresh tandem ticket and just happy to be in it to having made a serious time/effort commitment and are trying to make a living doing this. A part timer on the weekend is NOT making the same commitment and there should be a difference, IMO. Perhaps, getting the regular job and becoming a part timer is the answer. I have been on both sides of this and know it well. I just feel more clarity and honesty up front could avoid many of these situations.

Your own DZ might be the answer. It's a tough gig and I'm not sure I have what it takes. Only 1 way to find out......

I did attempt to put a forum together to share experiences at the places I have been but, was shut down. Were afraid it was going to turn into a bitch session. Mighta been some truth to that but then again, might have been able to avoid some of the pitfalls I endured. I have found the smaller 182 DZ's to be more to my style vs a larger one. You avoid most of the ridiculous attitude stuff and their isn't as much "Pulling the blanket to my side of the bed" sorta business. It's still there, just smaller, more manageable chunks. One has to weigh the am I here to work and make money or willing to be part of a cog/slave to the large DZ mentality to have the bigger planes and better fun jumps. I'm in it for the dough and I enjoy AFF for my fun jumps. I won't publish on this forum but, if someone wants my opinion, PM me here. It's free and may only be worth that.

makes ya wonder why the same DZ's are advertising for help every season. Especially those that have been around for a while. I understand the attrition rate and so forth but, there has to be a problem when it happens every single year. Especially if they say they are graduating a TON of students and that "We will keep you busy." I've answered these ads, moved there on my dime, made the commitment to do my job only to have it all change once I get there. What do these Bozo's think? "Oh, he's here now and we have him." Rotation isn't what it is suppose to be, the number of jumps aren't anywhere near what were promised and yet, you're suppose to just smile and say "OK". This is BS. It's very tuff to make a living in this biz when it is good. Nearly impossible when it is not so good. I guess as long as these DZO"s continue to have enough newbies to go thru, it will continue.......

Pretty appropriate considering Obama just got sworn in ...again

You will always be number 1 with me!

Totally agree. I tried to organize this 5 yrs. ago. Got 0 support. Most instructors haven't the stones to stand up to DZO's and they know it. Most instructors will cut each other's throats for an extra jump. Would be nice to see some comradarie and support for other's. Doubt I will live long enough for that to happen. Hate to be so negative on this, I agree it's a pathetic situation but, it would take a larger picture mentality that I don't believe will ever exist. I personally will find a place that can accomodate my needs or I will simply quit being an instructor and go make some money for fun jumps.

NOOOOOOO! Fred "the banana" Cabanas was one of the greatest people ever. The guy had a million stories and had done a TON of crazy shit. Will be terribly missed. A 3rd generation Conch head. Rare indeed. RIP Freddie

WOW! I am sooo glad you showed me that. I'm sure there are probably a few other people in America that haven't seen that yet either............

So Mike, when's the next one?

Been asked for more info, I'll give what I can. All jumps are gonna be from approx. 6k. Turns need to be quick to get this many in the air. Planning on a Boogie event with overnight camping and food. Packers will be available. Obviously B license for the night jumps. That's all we have at this stage, will post more as it becomes available. Thanks

Geez everyone, he asked if anyone has done this yet. If you have, relate the experience. If not, don't bother. I will be getting one and will let you know the results. Gonna be a tuffy as the Vette is getting a lot of new upgrades. Only gonna last 6 months

If you had the chance to jump as much as you could in a 24 hr period, how much would you be willing to pay? In the neighborhood of 130-140 loads can be flown.

Wouldn't hold my breath waiting for this. Can't see why anyone would want to enter this market. Opening oneself to the liability in this country and trying to compete on such a low volume market doesn't make any sense. George is a real bright guy and you may have noticed, he isn't making any noise about this.

I attempted to organize this 5 yrs ago and I get booted off the forum. Funny how time (and getting Fucked) by enough of these dirtbag DZO's changes things. I like the New Zealand response.

Pretty sure one could base in that hanger....

Having a hard time believing this. Colorado has some of the toughest frivolous lawsuit laws in the country. The ski industry is too big out there. The back of your ticket is your waiver. Read one. It basically says you accept any and ALL risk when you buy this ticket and ski on our hills. They don't even make it to court. And how did he get his name and address? Makes ya wonder.....

Would be curious as to why you got refused at SD. I know they have plenty of capable instructors over there. Always an individual decision. Keep looking and I'm pretty sure you will find the right person to work with ya. I have taken blind paraplegics before and have to admire their faith. He came back for another.

Yer in a tuff situation Mate. We can rig an SOS (single operating system) for the cutaway and reserve. However, how can you fly the main or reserve canopy? It is possible to do this 1 handed but, not easy. I don't have any experience here. I do know of 1 guy that base jumps with a hook. Seems to get by just fine. If you were closer to me, I'd be willing to work with ya. My method is 2 tandems then we start solo stuff. I'd probably toss ya in the tunnel and get the freefall handled so we can concentrate on the other stuff. I see this being very doable. Realize it is up to your abilities and no guarantees here. But, if you were willing to get this done, it is possible. Good Luck

What happened to me? I was prepping the frame on my truck so I could put a rust encapsulator on it. I may have breathed some of the dust in. I finished the job and that night started feeling pretty bad. A thickly cough, can't decide to shit or puke, body aches and head numbing headache. I have never been so uncomfortable in my life. Starting to feel better now, a day later. Any ideas?

Thanks John. I have always liked these rigs, I have little experience with them.

Does/is anyone jumping Racer tandem systems? Looking for someone who has multiple ratings on different systems to chime in with their experience. Thanks

canton airsports is just across the border

Not here. I have been told (not nicely) Don't like it, move. Absolutely no consideration for anyone but themselves. I can't really do that when I'm working here without moving all the gear to a new location. Pretty amazing when ya think about it. Every other place I have ever been to, most people are very considerate and don't force this on anyone.

Non verbal communication has been my choice in the past.