tnscorcoran

Empuria is the biggest DZ in Europe with over 1000 jumps a day in the summer when conditions are right. They are very safety conscious. But it's the opposite end of the country to you. Skydive Lillo is a great little DZ(but growing fast), 1 hour south of Madrid. Seville - haven't been there but like a previous poster said, I have heard good things about it.

Great question - I was wondering the same. A couple of extra questions- 1) Is there a rough guideline of where the canopy is in relation to you that you should not exceed? i.e. if the corner of the canopy is at eye level, then don't go any more. or 2) Can you effectively bury it as much as you like as long as the toggle movements are slow and gradual

It was the rigger who assembled the rig for the first time. I don't want to name names and go on a blame offensive. I just want to warn jumpers that their gear may not be rigged properly even if it's newly bought from a reputable place.

Precisely. The rigger says it was missing during packing as the bag never opened during deployment and when he opened it, it wasn't there. It couldn't have slipped through the grommet as it's too big even when unscrewed.

QuoteAnyone else think a brand new rig with 150 jumps having ANYTHING wear out is a little strange? Only 70 jumps on the rig, bought it when I had 80 jumps.

I was using packers, but like I say I have no excuse for not making sure the gear is in good condition.

Cost me big!!!

I had a pilot in chute in tow last week as a result of the ring inside main bag falling off (the ring that is connected to the pilot chute bridle). It's what causes the pilot to stay inflated during deployment, so when I threw it out, the PC collapsed immediately. Subsequent reserve opening and ride (1st

Gradual downsizing and a canopy control course are VERY advisable, though with them you should be able to reach say a 135 before you get to 100 jumps.

Hi Belgian_Skygirl If you consider your weight to be about 100lbs and add the weight of the container 20lbs, that leaves an exit weight of 120 lbs. At your experience a wingloading of 1.0 or slightly less is appropriate so a Main of 120-130 sq ft is about right. But definitely not a high performance parachute. A Spectre or maybe a Sabre 2 from Performance Designs are great parachutes that aren't too aggressive and that you will be able to sell again. Anyone that says you should get a 150sq ft at your weight is being too conservative if you ask me. Good luck.

Freeflysmiley, it was me who hijacked your forum with the introduction of the question of whether to disconnect RSL, get stable and then go silver to prevent a spinning malfunctioning reserve. That could/should have been introduced as a new thread - and your question may have been answered

I think it's a brilliant place to jump. I did AFF there in April and have been back 4 times and again at christmas. The instructors are all very professional, helpful and safety oriented. The weather is exceptionally skydive-friendly - low wind and not much cloud cover - significantly less than even Madrid an hour up the road. If you keep up the sport it's a great place to go back to - to do FS or freefly, canopy piloting. The team including Brian, Jordy, Lucy, Barry, Mike, Pablo are top rate. Gonzalez the DZ owner wants make Lillo the biggest training DZ in Europe and the rate of progress even in the past 8 months is impressive. I'd say you won't find a better place to train/jump in Europe.

***What's the point of having an RSL if you're going to disconnect it? QuoteI was trying to find out if a spinning main and consequent unstable body position would likely induce a spinning reserve, and if you had altitude to spare if it would be worthwhile to get stable before deploying reserve. Anyway some good resolute answers to that. Thanks for clearing it up.

I have wondered what to do in this scenario: You are under a spinning mal at 2 grand and have an RSL. Do you A) disconnect RSL, cutaway, get stable and go silver or B) cutaway and go silver? A) loses time but B) may introduce bad line twists into the reserve because of instability. Any ideas? While here, another scenario - a 2 out at 1 grand. Cutaway Main or not? I have heard that you should ride them both down - however doesn't that risk turning into a downplane?

You might be better going to Gran Canaria. It's only 2 hours longer flight, not much more expensive to get there and weather that's likely to be a whole lot better. Low 20s and planty of sun.

I would recommend Brian Vacher in Lillo. While I was there in September the course was going on. I couldn't do it because I had to leave before it finished but I was watching and listening to some of the course and it was very thorough and professional. The weather in Lillo is more dependable and as well they have a HUGE and soft (ploughed fields) landing area which should ease any concerns you have about landing.

Thanks Remster,AggieDave,GravityGirl Just realising gear is scarce. Sites other than Drop Shop ,Square 1 Para-Gear for gear in general and 190sq ft rigs esp? They are yielding nothing.

Thanks for those. Sure I expect to pay first but it would be very desirable to be able to return the rig with refund if it was unsuitable, e.g. not in as good condition as reported, slam opening, wrong size etc. Maybe I am expecting too much and will have to take my chances. Any more sites? Not many 190s around at the moment.

I am located in Ireland and am looking for a rig circa 190 sq ft. What are the best sites for getting this. Need some means of secure return after paying as I am probably not going to be able to jump before I pay considering my location.

I did AFF with the Freefall University at the Lillo dropzone. Their professionalism and attidude was outstanding, with a strong emphasis on safety and fun. Like yourself I heard good things about Empuria and made a trip there to do some relative work. High winds prevented me from jumping at all so I made my way to Lillo where the wind wasn't a problem. Lillo,as I understand it, suffers a lot less from high winds, an especially important consideration for a student. Overall I'd advise you go with the Free Fall University at Lillo. Have a blast!

I graduated AFF at the Freefall University 2 months ago and was back last weekend to do their Formation Skydiving Course. The school and dropzone professionals in general have a strong emphasis on safety as well as thorough and professional instruction. Staff are relaxed and friendly. The town has plenty of decent (and very reasonably priced) bars and restaurants. Overall I'd have no hesitation in recommending the FreeFall University as a place to learn to skydive.