rapper4mpi

Easy there, I think you may have misconstrued my use of the word press, and I apologize for that. I agree we don't need "public" press. Press in which stories are written up in general publication. I meant, the WFFC doesn't need bad "internal" press. "Internal" press is referring to stories and letters in Parachutist, Skydiving, and on bulletin boards like this and others. Does that make sense? The general public does not read nor see these stories, but the skydiving community does. When a letter is published about how bad the event was, skydivers reading this bad "press" form opinions. Anyway, I would love to make it to a WFFC, so I'm hoping that this year is a good one. I hope you understand what I was trying to say better now. -Rap

I'm sure this question has been asked before. But I'm looking for opinions on the Vector 3 Micron, good things and bad things about the rig. Specifically how it relates to freeflying. I'm NOT asking how it compares to other rigs. I've done my research and want the facts on the Micron. Thank you. -Rap

I have never been to any WFFC so I cannot attest to the quality of the event and the changes that happened in past years. One thing for sure, I can tell you my opinion based on press, stories, and rumors of the event in past years. I don't think the WFFC can afford another year of bad press like it got last year. I think any event will always have its naysayers, but with a new venue and the experience of the organizers, I'm sure they will take whatever measures necessary to make this years event better than last years. Let's just wait and see what they have to say. -Rap

I inquired directly to the WFFC organizers, this was my prompt response, I deleted the name so that we can keep this confidential until they are ready to announce: "Hello, Thanks for the inquiring thoughts, We are sooooooooooooo close to signing our contract with our new host city. Please give us 12 more days and we will be able to give you the location and all of the fun details." Thanks and please stay in touch with us. Take care, Executive Director WFFC

I would recommend a Michigan Suit. They can be found at www.michigansuits.com. Mike Michigan has been making suits for along time, and I have two of them. The quality and durability are second to none. The fit has been excellent on both of my suits. If there is something you don't like, he'll take it back and fix it. Delivery is under 4 weeks now too! As for colors, you can go as flashy or as plain as you want. I went with the V-stripe pattern, very nice! -Rap

I've done my research on the major rigs available today, Vector, Odyssey, Voodoo, Mirage, and Wings. All are excellent containers, but I finally decided on the Vector and Mirage. Once there I contacted both and felt that Relative Workshop, makers of the Vector was a better company. Don't be fooled by the Mirage web site (far superior to RWS), but RWS just has the best service! As for quality, I'm very pleased and all the Vector 3's are now called the m-series, so they are all tight like the V3 Micron! Very nice!

I would like to hear what people have negative to say about the Vector 3 Micron as it pertains to freeflying? Any comments? -Rap

Just give Brian a call, or shoot him off an email. Go to www.bigairsportz.com and all the info on how to contact him is there. Brian has got to be one of the most honest people in the industry! -Rap

Yeah that is a great way to exit, without doing a train. I think though, that these people were wondering how to exit in a "train" in which case, the other way you mentioned does not accomplish that. Regardless, I like your way better anyway, much more fun to exit facing each other and making eye contact! -Rap

Where is Canada are you coming from? Have you looked into the Malone Parachute Club in Malone, NY. We are less than 15 minutes from the Canadian Border, although you still might be closer to frontier, just a thought. Email me if you want more info. -Rap

I visited this place in early September, and was pleasantly surpised. I large group of us fromm the Malone Parachute Club stopped in for the weekend, and I have to say, that out of all the places I've been to, this ranks at the top. Friendly staff, owner, great vibe and location! What a great time! -Rap

I'm the same person that gave advice on how to launch a train out of a Cessna 182 and like I said, we can launch a 4-way out of a Cessna 206. Regardless, I come from a DZ where we have very good pilots that almost always give us a cut, BUT if the pilot isn't comfortable doing so, you gotta ease off. The best thing you can do is just refuse to fly with him if he's being rude. The DZO will get the hint and talk with the pilot. You asked him once and he cut for you though? So he'll probably do it again, epecially if he sees there is a demand for it. One other thing, if you practice exiting your train without a cut, you will get better at it, not to worry. And being able to jump out of any plane at any speed will only serve to make you a better jumper! Have fun, be safe! Oh yeah, one more thing, the 2nd person ont he step should make the count, not the first. -Rap

I agree with what you say, and since any freeflying competition is still relatively in its infancy, I think we will still see many changes coming. The only thing I want to point out is that Mike Swanson is the senior member of the team, and he was placing his hand on his hip when doing a spock a few years ago. It is not a symbol of bordom however, it is more style and skill than anything. And I think we can all agree, Mike and Rook have style! -Rap

Since you said that you are beginning to get good in your sit and stand, I say order a "loose" fitting freefly suit. By the time it comes, you will be even better and ready to practice sitting in your new suit. Then once you have mastered this, play with head down. The goal is to be able to sit in the same suit that you can fly head-down in. Too many flyers skip over mastering the sit or stand, and go right to the more glamorous head-down. You must learn to crawl before you can walk! -Rap

I come from a 182 and a 206 drop zone, and have about 550 freefly jumps. The best way that we have found to launch a sit train is to have the first person get out on the step facing diagonally out the door, not facing back to the tail, but not facing out to the wing tip. Left hand holds onto the strut, and depending on how good they are, theyc an do one of two things with the right hand. If the pilot slows a bit, the first person can hold onto the strut with the right hand too, sounds worse than it is. As long as they keep their body facing out. OR they can take there right hand and place it on that ridge under the wing just before the flaps. I don't recommend this, but people do it without problems. And there is nothing to get caught on. The second person holds onto the strut with their left hand, and on the rig (at the riser cover) with their right hand on the first person. Now the second person gives the count, ready, set, go! using their right hand to guide the first person out. We've actually launched 4 out the door of our 206 this way! Works well!

Try Polyline Co. for a source of VHS tapes. Here you can get multiple quantities of tapes in any length. At my DZ we buy 15 minutes tapes for use by the tandem photographer. The phone number is 800-701-7689 call and request a catalog.

The Too Tired to Flare ads you are seeing are from Dick Swanson, from Dick's Rigging in New York. He is a certified rigger who has been jumping and involved in the sport for almost 30 years. He is also a DZO, aircraft mechanic, instructor, Tandem master, has his PRO rating etc... Without going into how he actually "treats" the canopies I can give my personal account. I was jumping an old Fury 220 about five years ago. It was tired and would consistantly stall and drop me down on my flares. Being short on cash and not able to get a new canopy, Dick treated the canopy. This changed the landings considerably, with the results that made me land more comfortably and added considerable "power" to my flares. The treatment lasts about 150-200 jumps or so, depending on the canopy. My openings remained about the same. The canopy has since been retreated and to my knowledge is still being jumped. If you have any questions regarding this technique, I'm sure Dick would be happy to answer them. He actually gets quite a few canopies sent to him from all over the country, with pleasant results. -Mike