mwthomsen

Being new to freeflying and I may not recognize the names of the people who post and freefly. So my question is what is the skill level of those posting here? I noticed "freeflygoat" posted his AD# are there any others who have passed the AD Test, compete nationally or are recognized coaches at their respected dropzones? Thanks, Mike

My first canopy was a spectre loaded at about 1.2. I currently jump a sabre2 and would like to caution you to fly conservatively. It is tapered and may respond differently on opening then you are use to especially if you are packing yourself and haven't spent time in the pit. I found myself picking the mud out of my container and helmet earlier this winter. Three feet higher and I would have surfed like crazy three feet lower and I probably would have taken a trip to the hospital. Mike

How baggy should a freefly suit be? Some manufacturers ask your preference and others decide based on height and wieght? Any opinions besides ask the freefliers or coach at the dropzone would be appreciated. Thanks Mike

Being able to hear people chew, be it their food, chewing ice out of a drink is a big one or chomping gum drives me crazy. Mike

First time why not find some way to attach the canopy to the aquaduct so the canopy is actually set up the way it would normally fly. That way you could even go lower, due to not having to wait for the canopy to flip over and fly. If you are strong enough to survive than it's not stupid. (right?)

Matt, I think it all depends on what you are willing to pay and what you are willing to give up. I sold a mirage, cypress and pd canopies used less than 200 jumps for $4300 usd. I got a limited response from DZ.com everyone wanted it at a cheaper price, but when I put it out at the DZ it sold that week. It would be nice to say that gear depreciates at a certain rate, but ultimately the owner and yourself have to determine what value the specific set-up brings. Talk to your rigger. Mike

A weird thaught crossed my mind while viewing who was online. If I don't logout when I shut down my computer, when I leave work, does dropzone.com view me as still being online? Mike

Not only used in extreme cases. When I was stationed at Bragg they actually did a live one during the Pope Air show 1988. At that time I remember thinking that dude must have big ones to walk out and do that. Mike

If you are absent minded enough not to cock the thing that will cause your chute to deploy hopefully the individual you ask to check your pins will notice. We are all still asking for a pin check before exit, right? Mike

I usually notice it a little more on the first jump of the day, but when I get to the door it goes away. I had a similar feeling when I was in the Army, but I was nervous when I wasn't able to see the ground. I don't consider nervous a bad thing. Mike

Paula, Thanks, after going to the site and reading the proposed changes I wouldn't sign the petition. The USPA has given us an opportunity to express our opinions in two ways, one by commenting on the propsed changes individually and the other by answering the questioneer. IMO when petitions are submitted too often individuals stray from the issues that are important and combine some personal, selffish belief system that specifically benefits them. Mike

Marc, How do I get ahold of someone at jumpbubble. I tried the website with no luck and the phone number I have no one answers. Can you help me out? Thanks, Mike

Joe, The consenses is a full face helmet. Jumping in the cold midwest you should invest in one that has a flip up visor. Otherwise the visor will fog of freeze up under canopy. Look around your dz to see if anyone is jumping with a full face helmet that has the visor off and wearing goggles and ask them why. Mike

Paula, After reading the petition it sounds like the individual submitting the document has some valid points that should be discussed, but at the same time the individual has included a couple of things that appear as if he has a personal agenda in mind. It is those items and the limitation in being able to change the document that would make me think hard about signing it and sending it to the USPA. Maybe your post will spur some conversation that will narrow down what issues are truely at hand. Mike

JG, How do you transition from rt compressed to lft compressed? Is it a vertical move, 180 left or 90 right? Thanks, Mike

I struggled with slowing my fall and anticipating when I was going to go low. I did everything that everyone talked about turn to the side, get big, cup your body and it didn't seem to help that much, I was one person trying to be big and fall slower than three or more people who were together. I got help and the one thing that seemed to make a difference was how I moved or transitioned into a slower posture. It didn't really have any success until I took a more aggressive move into a cupping position. Almost like I was slamming my forearms against the air and cupping my body. This gave me the feeling as if I hopped back up to the formation rather than it slowly catching back up to me. Mike

I would like to hear some ideas for two way drill dives that are both fun and challenging. Thanks, Mike

I changed canopies from a spectre to a sabre2 and I can't say enough good things about it.

Question regarding the free load? Does it fly at 9 or do you have to be there at 9? Right now I'm planning on going over, hopefully the whether cooperates.

I am one of the first people to recommend someone visit the wind tunnel if they have a chance, but if you are staying in NC I would go through training at that location. It gives you a chance to build a relationship with the the instructors and dropzone personnel. I like the fact that when I was starting out I knew I would be seeing those people on a regular basis. I also felt more comfortable asking them to give me a gear check when just coming off student status, asking them a question about gear or a problem I might be experiencing in the air. Just another thing to think about.

Here is something for you to try and you should be able to do it by yourself and notice a change in your forward speed. After you are stable go into what ever posture you use to get your forward speed. Then when you extend your arms drop both your knees down and forward. This will present your thighs to the wind and stop your forward drive. Good luck Give it a try and see if it works for you.

George, I agree with what Chuck said, there are alot of options out there if you need a suit to slow you down. I would also have someone jump with you and check your body position. Sometimes people have a fast fall rate and other times it may be body position related. It would be cheaper to have someone look at your position and fix that than buying a new suit, also take a pro track with you. Good Luck

Joe, I was in the 82nd Airborne Division stationed at Fort Bragg. At that time I didn't make any sport jumps. I was always interested in skydiving, but I just couldn't commit to the time back then. If I was already licensed I could have jumped often. I wish I would have taken advantage of it back then. The nice thing about Bragg, Golden Knights and at that time three different skydiving clubs, the special forces, 82nd and 18th Abn Corps. A good way to guarantee that you end up a Ft. Bragg is to go to jump school. Also, I would contact the Golden Knights and find out when they have try outs. They have more than just the 4 and 8 way teams and you don't have to be a sky god to make it I believe they pretty much train everyone who is a Golden Knight. Good Luck

Thanks, that makes sense. It also helps clarify why a friend tells me to squeeze the air and then intiate the turn. I guess that squeezing of the air builds up additional air pressure so when it is released your turn is faster.

[ you're actaully grabbing more air, that's why it's faster, puts you a little chest/head high and is slightly slower. ] David, Could you explain that statement a little further it sounds a little contradictory? Thanks