skydude2000

Hey Dawgs!

I'm just so excited, I had to share the happy news! I've ordered myself a spankin' new Lightning 143. So 2013 is gonna ROCK!! I'll be under the red & blue canopy, crashing into you.

17 Weeks and counting. I feel like a proud papa already.

CRW Skies,

Muffins.

Thanks BigBug!! That's a great idea!!

I could make a 'Best Video' trophy, like an Academy Award or something, just as an incentive, and appreciation for the video guys. I'm hoping the DZ MIGHT cover some video slots, but I still have to do some negotiating about all that.

I hate that part, lol. If I could get a bunch of good video guys on board with your idea, that would be excellent!

I'd love to hear any other good ideas you've got.

Thanks again!!

Thanks so much for all the help & support guys, it's really coming together.

I did have one other question about video flyers for the event though. I've been told that's one of the hardest parts of the event to organize. I've had a handful of people ask to video, whom I don't personally think are qualified.

But I also don't think, as a non-vidiot, Coach 2 or Instructor, I'm qualified to make that decision. So what can I tell the 201 jump wonders with their new Gopro 3s, that want to fly video for some teams?

I know most of the teams I've been on, the vidiot pays his own slots until he proves with video that he can get all the grips in frame, fly close enough without taking out the formation, before the teams cover his slot.

How could that work with an event like this? Any other ways to prove a vidiot is good enough to film 4-way that can be judged?

Thanks again!! All the tips so far have been great!

I sure hope so!! Thanks for all the helpful tips!!

Thanks guys! Seems like so far there is lots of interest. I may even have to cap the event so our coaches can handle it.

I posted the event on Facebook, on the calendar here, the CSPA events page, and I was going to open a thread here when I'm allowed.

Now the question is, how do I keep it from getting too big, and keep it organized?

Can you explain what the difference would be between a scrambles and a meet? Would a meet be more about teams showing up for a fun competition?

I was thinking more about putting teams together of newer jumpers, with one or two experienced coaches. Whichever definition that fits better, is the one I'd like to do. We might not really need sponsors, but I think it would be easier to attract newer jumpers, and even coaches, if there was an added incentive to attend the event.

Maybe there's not as much planning required as I'd think, but I'd rather be over-prepared than under-prepared.

Thanks for the help!!

Hey there, all you relative workers!!

I'm interested in organizing a 4-way FS scrambles event at my dropzone next summer, and I was wondering if any organizers out there would have any useful tips or information about how start planning the event?

The DZO is optimistic, I've been in contact with a few RW coaches and organizers, and a couple of sponsors. But it's difficult to give the sponsors an idea of potential turn-out at the event, when I'm still in the early stages of researching & planning.

Can you good folks give me a few tips on how to make the event successful?


Blue skies!!

Hi there,

If you're in FL, and the equipment is legitimate, you shouldn't have too much trouble selling it. Check the "Dropzones" link at the top of this page, and sort through the list of skydiving clubs in FL, of which there are tons. Ask if you could speak to a rigger about inspecting the gear.

They might charge for the inspection, and ensure it's not stolen, but you would get an idea of what the equipment is worth. Then, you could post a free ad here in the classifieds, based on a rigger's recommendation of worth.

After that, the deal is up to you.

Good luck!

Try www.teamfastrax.org. They have live random & block videos that you can play, pause and re-wind, and they also have animations that show both blocks, and randoms.

Good luck!!

It would help if we knew where he is located. Our DZ in Southern Ontario had a quad student who did probably 50 tandems, and at least 2 or 3 of the TMs are experienced with quad tandems.

There was a video from the rigger rodeo I think last year or year before, I believe from the PIA symposium. I think it was like a rigger packing race. Not ideal, because it's done in like 20 minutes, but it would give you a better idea of the basic steps.

Here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YNLFwSejDo

Good luck!!

I'm not sure how the PFF program works there. Call PST and ask. They're awesome. If you're done all but one H & P, you MIGHT be able to go up with a JM. Bring your logbook

Hi Kalrigan,

I wouldn't worry about the end of the season. Parachute School of Toronto is open year-round. Although, we don't usually go much higher than 5k in the winter very often.

Should be do-able to get one H & P done before next year.

Check us out. www.parachuteschool.com 1-800-361-5867

Pack it slider down ;) That'll give you a REAL quick opening. I used to roll the nose on the Sabre 190 I used to jump to slow the openings. What exactly are you doing with the nose? Splitting it? Rolling it? Tucking it into the centre? If you leave the nose a little bit exposed, and don't do anything with it, that can speed up your openings.

I do that with my Spectre sometimes if I'm getting out low. Ask a rigger or an experienced packer if they think that might help :)

I read your post, and then I conveniently found this:

http://ca.shine.yahoo.com/blogs/love-sex/adopt-guy-parisian-pop-shop-sells-men-181500255.html

I think you have a point. Just sayin'.

Hey Dave,

Can you clarify this for me? You say you can leave less time for separation if the upper windspeeds are lower? I'm assuming that's not based on freefall drift, but because the airspeed of the aircraft would be high enough to increase horizontal separation?

I always thought higher upper winds meant you could leave less separation because there would be more freefall drift. Maybe it's backwards in my head, I just want to make sure it makes sense.

Thanks

There are a few different makes and models, check here in the 'gear' section for information on the different manufacturers and model types.

Mainly, Cypres and Cypres II, the most popular models, have a useful life of 12-years, after which they must be retired, but can be exchanged for credit against the purchase of a brand new unit. They must be serviced after 4, and 8 years. I don't own one, so I can't comment on the cost or time for these inspections.

There is also the Vigil and Vigil II, both of which do not have service intervals, can be set into different modes, between, Student, Tandem, and Pro. The Vigil batteries have a useful life of 10 years, and Vigil has a life expectancy of 20 years.

Look here: http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/safety/detail_page.cgi?ID=753

For more information on the other models. Good luck!!

Hey guys,

I was having a conversation with a whuffo friend of mine the other day, she asked me if I still get scared on jumps. Of course I do, but there are obviously different levels of 'scared' for different jumps. It got me thinking, what has been the scariest jump I've ever done. Either a 'normal' jump that TURNED scary, or an unusual jump that I'm not very familiar with.

My scariest jump so far as a licensed jumper, I think, would have to be a night CRW jump. Gearing up, walking to the plane, and on the ride to altitude, I was terrified, probably to the point that I was actually shaking.

So let's hear it guys, swallow your pride and admit/describe, what was your scariest jump? And what kind of jumps still scare the bejesus out of you?

Maybe try experimenting on some fun exits, depending on the type of plane, and your gear, wagon-wheel, horny gorilla, those are always fun.

Or do a star, to an open 2-way, then one person does a 360 to open grip on the other side, then the other person repeats.

Small dives, but dives that really improve your flying. I spent last weekend doing 2-way & 3-way drill dives with a few my buddies last weekend. I always learn a ton.

Good luck!!

At our DZ, it's customary to bring in said case of beer, and yell out very loudly, "FREE BEER!" after the beer light goes on. Then when they ask you what it's for, you say "No shit, there I was . . . . . ."

I'm amazed no one has pointed you here yet, but maybe you should tell this guy, all about your mad skillz,

http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?do=post_view_flat;post=4203276;page=1;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;mh=25;

The OP never said he was jumping a camera, that was another poster. Just for clarification. I won't comment on the experience recommended for balloon jump, as I've never done one.

I hope I can be there, Bill!! It will be a hell of an achievement.

Congrats!!

Dave, are you talking primarily about a line-twist situation? I was always taught this was the THE emergency procedure for canopy collision avoidance on opening, particularly on larger RW dives. I assume that's what you mean by the controversy behind the idea.

I'd just hate to think what I've been taught all these years is wrong. Flying a 170, I don't think harness input alone will help me avoid someone flying straight at me on opening.

Is there a better method?

Does anyone else see the irony in this post? lol.
A plug for earplugs. Now I've seen EVERYTHING