axe96bam

so I guess the only question here that might prevent this demo is how large is the landing area?

I will be there at least for the first 3 or 4 days, but maybe longer. It all depends on work.

I guess I was on 50 and 60 ways and the deployments were at different altitudes - the outside was pulling at 2 and the inside ring at 2,500, plus the base was deploying from 5,500 to 2,000. But with only 30 people deployment might be at the same general altitude. On the issue of demos, you need a D license for any open field demo (sizes 500 by 500 meters).

jumping in larger formations is all about discipline. Fly to the formation, fly your slot, track away at the assigned altitude and pull at the assigned altitude. You can always wear a bigger suit. Also make sure your track is good (flat). This will give you the maximum separation on opening. 30 canopies in not too many, but that depends on the landing area. If it is large enough, you will not find the airspace too congested. Remember that deployment altitudes are staggered, so not everyone is getting to the ground at the same time.

you are looking at about a grand for the program plus all your gear and plus all the beer you will owe. My take is that the first $5,000 hurt and than it gets easier.

that is really funny. I wonder what would happen if this was in the White house garden?

I wander what happened. All 4 of them made a practice jump into the ball park on Thursday. Granted, the winds were quite high on the 4th in WI.

Night jumps are really cool. I remember my first night jump. When the door opened, I felt the same way as I did before taking the first plunge. I have always done night jumps in fair conditions and bright moon light. Than it does not really matter if you land in the area lit up by the car lights. I was able to tell where the grass was cut shorter. On the landing I found out that I tend to flare a bit high, but that might be just me. I do night jumps anytime we have them at our DZ.

I wish I could be at either one of the big ways attempts, but I live too far away from both Florida and California

there will be a state record attempt at Sky Knights in East Troy, Wisconsin this Friday. The current record is 49. There will be a King Air, CASA and on Friday a Supper Otter is coming in for the day from Skydive Chicago. If any of you live in the midwest and can come try out for the record, you are all welcome. Hopefully we break it. www.skydiveskyknights.com

Level III is the first release dive. You will be expected to be very altitude aware and also to be very aware of your heading. Basically after you exit, do your COA and PRCP, you will do a new maneuver called "toe taps" (you will also learn the hand signal for that) after which your JMs will release you. You will have to perform "hoover control" another new maneuver which is really just keeping stability and a heading (falling down the elevator shaft or also know as flying your column of air). You will be between both of your JMs so just keep watching your heading and check your altitude very often (at least every 5 sec.). About getting in the door, try to walk up to it, place your hands where they need to be first and than position your feet. Keep your eyes looking forward (possibly at the prop) as opposed to down. Oh, and remember that the inside JM has a firm grip on you, so that should be re-assuring.