matthewcline

Well the Avalanche has a big sticker on the back that says "SKYDIVE", that usually gives it away.

The car has a Fastrax sticker but it is kind of small.

Matt

The plate said "skymax".

But I was thinking more along the lines of being away from the DZ and seeing a skydiver in the "real world".

Just in a few weeks I have seen a few skydivers headed south (like the snow birds I guess).

A old gray (maybe faded silver) car with a "Skydive Virgina" bumper sticker.

A RV with a skyfest sticker.

A green Ford Ranger with a USPA sticker.

If I pass 'em I tell them to check altitude and pull using the standard AFF hand signals.

The car from AL flipped me off, must a been a Muff Brother!?!

Matt

So blazing up I-75 Sunday in the N end of Fl, I get passed by a little red car and it has a skydiver inspired license plate and POPS sticker, it got me to wondering:

How many of us sees a fellow Skydiver on the road each day?

And:

What do you do when you do see them?

Matt

I had always said, "Thank You, it is my Pleasure and Honor".

Now I say, "Thank You, it was my Pleasure and Honor".

To the Vets who would thank me I would add: "I hope I lived up to Your Standards".

Keep your eyes open, head down and when you move, move fast.

Best of luck.

Matt

When you get married, this too will change!

Matt

Damn I just left!

Have fun!
Matt

Ohio has www.startskydiving.com, they will have Balloons regularly this year.

Matt

We had several reserves deployed each month by the students. The students all used the excuse of "the wind pulled my arm on exit", or words to that effect. We had a few who counted real fast too.

Matt
Black Hat and Master Trainer from Jan '95 to Feb '99

The experation date of the rating I have not seen, but that makes more sense to me.

I used to sign the Year I earned my rating, then changed to current year when I thought it was a bit egotistical.

Signing with the experation date makes the most sense as then the next "I" can be sure the jump was done to the minimum standards at least (I would hope!).

Matt

Hey fellow Instructors and/or I/E's, how do you sign a log book?

Do you put just a License and #?

A Rating and Date earned?

A rating and the Current Year?

Just you name?

Or a combination of the above?

Matt

Well you can always walk over to a hanger and get a C or U series A/C and help make it happen.

I won't tell and no one here will either.

What ya flyen'?

Matt

I wasn't disagreeing with you any where as far as I know, just echoing and telling a funny story.

Matt

Yeah, "slide up" would have been the proper term, oops.

I have seen 1 "roll up" (Paris, TN) and 2 "slide ups" (Ohio and Florida), all the rest have been "swing up" style using the original door modified.

I prefer diving type exits from the C-182/206 type A/C.

As to the head space issue for a "slide up", yeah it does take some of the usable space away.

"No shit there I was" on my "first slide" up C-182 exit in Florida as T-I. Videographer Yells "DOOR!" and WHAM! right up side the mellon I get wacked. I am leaning on the edge of the pilots seat and my head has stopped the door about half open. So what would the Videographer do in this case? Yep you guessed it, reload and WHAM! shot to the head number two! I "tapped" the fellow on the shoulder and got his attention, he let me duck the third attempt at trying to take my frap hat off.

Matt

I do not think it is needed as a requirement.
But on the other hand should not be frowned upon.

I usually give a +1 to the candidate who served before the candidate who did not.

but it still comes down to the whole package for me, not just one part.

Matt

Is the "no more poised exits" decision from C-182/206 type A/C with a swing up door? Would it change for you if it was a roll up door from the same A/C?

Matt

Careful with the sinking technique on the Sentry, it is a design made more for full flight and braked landings, not "Sinking" style landings you see at Outlaw Fld. with a few of the 7 cells out there.

This is a better topic in the General or Instructors forums.

Side track over.

I post a bit Don, but lurking can be fun too.

Matt

I meant to add what ltdiver said, so adding those two pieces of advice now how does the suit fit?

Matt

Is that while wearing your rig or not wearing the rig?

If it is when not wearing the rig the leg straps should pull a little slack out of the suit and be just about right.

If it is when wearing the rig maybe the legs can be shortened a smidge.

IMO, I think your wanting to have about 15 to 20 degrees past 90 with out having to "flex" for the bootie to be tight.

That last line sounds like it should be in the Bonfire!

Matt

With a T-10 not so much, but a -1 yep.

Matt

If I may second that please!

Be safe and return quickly, if already home give a hug to the ones you love.

Thank you all for your service!

Merry Christmas!

Matt

I am with you on that one Dave!
I teach it to any one who wants to know.

Learned it in the I/E course and have loved it ever since.

Matt

I have my own office, second floor with huge windows! They don't open wich is probably good, the IT guy wuold never be able to fix this boat anchor he calls a PC then!

Nice White Oak furniture, the walls are a real light Gray, but I do not see much of them as they are covered in Mil Posters as well as a lot of skydiving stuff.

My best office was the cargo area of a C-130!

Matt

I have liked full face helmets since I got kicked in the cheeck during a little "Kungfoo Relative Work".

I have had no issues communicating, your eyes can be real expresive when need be.

Matt

Bravo,

Matt

I can tell you, do not bother to call Rucker. The US Military does not Charter its A/C to civilian functions of that nature.

Matt