axe96bam

Going from a PD190 to a stiletto is a huge change. take your time with it. Take it slow. You have a lot to learn so just keep this in mind. You mess up on this one and it will not be as forgiving as your PD190. Like someone else here said "respect it" Alex

I jumped today. the winds were not that bad and were dying down quickly in the afternoon. And this is in Wisconsin. Alex

Yep, there is the proof again - the tunnel is an awesome learning tool. Alex

Well, I remember when I had under a 100 jumps. I told myself I would never jump a stilletto. Well I did before I had 200 jumps. And at 400 I jumped an FX99. So, I guess I just wanted to remind you all to never say never because you never know. Granted, most people do not go to X-braced canopies but still load their ellipticals pretty heavy. There is nothing wrong with jumping a large canopy though. There are people I know with 4000+ jumps who have never been under anything less than 200 sq. ft., but those people can land on empty beer cans in almost any wind conditions. Alex

I have way more jumps than posts Alex

My advice is to get a good night of sleep tonight so you are fully awake in class tomorrow. Listen carefully, practice well, relax, have fun a smile. You will do just fine. Alex

Are you going to Bulgaria for the boogie?

Thanks Igor. I thought I might actually be able to go since I will be in that part of the word anyhow. Alex

I don't know about that helmet. I guess I need to see it in action. I am not fascinated by the horns. What a good way to hurt another jumper who got in your burble by accident. Alex

I want a new micron 304 container and PD106 reserve. I already have a kick-ass main. Alex

Hey Brian, yes I jump at Sky Knights. It is nice place to jump. We are a club so it is really cool after a good day of jumping to sit down and talk with everyone and drink beer which someone owed for something! We jump a King Air and tickets are $18 or $19 to 14.5K I actually instruct there too so you might see me working with students a lot. Come up and visit. Alex

ha-ha-ha. I did not even notice that until now. I will go with your excuse because I cannot think of a better one. Alex

yeah it looks like the winds will be 17-18 mph, but we will see. I was looking at the weather for east troy, WI. if the winds are steady I will still jump under 20mph. Alex

Just don't rush into things. You have ways to go on yours before thinking about changing mains.

yaeh me too. I hope none!

He-he-he, that is funny. I wonder how many pilots go by this check list? he-he-he. Alex

It looks like it will be cold but jumpable around Chicago on Sat and nasty on Sunday. I will try to get a few in on Sat. Alex

I think $70 is bit high as well.

Well than, with all of my dental work I should never fly a pressurized cabin plane again. Good thing the jump planes are not pressurized. Alex

I have spoken to a few video guys who love the Spectre too because of the soft openings.

Nice going Lisa. You handled that really well. I was surprised that the whole thing only took me 3500 ft. I thought it was way longer than that. I guess my brain was just really working in overdrive at that moment. I heard an examiner's voice in my head that said "when in a spin - track like hell" so I did.

I was drogue down too, but I did not let it get too bad. I got into the best track I can ASAP and we were back face to earth in no time. The whole thing from leaving the plane till we were stable took only about 3500 feet. I had us stable and threw the drogue at 10 grand.

I hope you are right about the 50s. I am very sick of the cold weather.

I guess it is a good thing that the only feds we get at DZs are the FAA and they can care less if you work or not.

That Spectre will treat you right. That is a very nice first canopy and you can learn a lot of things on it. Alex