F16Driver

I've got a Bonehead Havoc. I love the fit and feel. You also don't have to worry about it coming open in freefall because of the ratchet system on the front of the helmet. "I promise, I will never die."

6 years USAF Pilot for 5 years Flying F-16 for 3.5 years with 1 combat tour in Iraq, next one will be this winter Also fly the Citation X with NetJets. Loving the Guard Life!!! "I promise, I will never die."

I recieved my Mirage in Feb 05 and have had no issues. It fits great and came exactly as I ordered. All I had to wait on was my Stilletto. BTW, hope things are going well, Ward. I jumped with you late last summer when we had to jump start the Cessna. Hope you're enjoying Florida. "I promise, I will never die."

Pattern direction and altitude are only regulated at CONTROLLED fields. Pattern procedures for UNCONTROLLED fields are published in the AIM (They are not FAR's). Therefore, the procedures are recommendations, not a requirement. So a pilot can do whatever he wants to land his plane at that field (He doesn't even need to talk or monitor the radio freq.). Not a smart thing to do, but many,many,many pilots do it, and they are perfectly legal. They can get fined for not knowing local procedures when it comes to noise-sensitive areas and other local laws, but it is very hard to enforce. Just my 2 cents. "I promise, I will never die."

The pilot is responsible for deconfliction from the skydivers. If he can maintain that, he can fly his normal pattern at the airfield. Even if you see all the jumpers, I don't think it is smart to knowingly fly into an area that will conflict with them (There may be a jumper you don't see). I agree with you, however, that if the aircraft's pattern is constantly bringing it in conflict with jumpers then something should be changed. Some things to note: 1. If the jumpship is flying a normal pattern, then so are other aircraft coming into the airport. You can either change your landing area or change the local pattern procedures to avoid your part of the airfield. 2. Regardless of pattern changes, you still have the Farmer Bob's that fly into airfields without talking or listening to any type of radio freq. So always be vigilant. 3. Talk to the jumpship pilot about what you've seen. If he has an ounce of common sense he will make his pattern wider. (I did when I flew jumpers, I liked setting up for a 1.5 to 2 mile straight-in on my descents). If he doesn't then talk to the DZO. If the DZO and pilot are the same, then get other jumpers on your side. Hope this helps! "I promise, I will never die."

Pics "I promise, I will never die."

I have tried several brands and this is by far the most comfortable and secure helmet that I have tried. I ordered the XL and it fit like a glove (23 5/8" cranium). The ratchet locking system for the visor is very sturdy and works unbelievably well. My Havoc came with the pre-drilled holes in the visor and the anti-fog solvent. Earlier posts listed a misting problem and I have not had this happen on any of my jumps. Looks like Bonehead listened to its consumers and fixed the problem. I do, however, wish it had internal audible ports. The external ports seem secure, but I like knowing there is no way for my Pro Track to fall out. The instructions do say, however, that you can cut the lining inside the helmet to make an internal port. They don't recommend doing this on the XL helmet (comfort reasons). So, basically, if you want a secure, comfortable, well built, cool looking helmet, then look no further. It is also kind of nice to be able to talk to people without having to take your helmet on and off. See Ya!!!!

Being a pilot definitely helps. You should be able to judge your flare point and landing point a lot better than the average joe off the street. You should also have a little more SA (Situation Awareness) when you're in freefall (i.e. what direction your heading, where the airfield is, etc., etc.). Have fun with AFF. "I promise, I will never die."

I don't know about 9 G's in a canopy, but I know it's possible to GLOC ("G" Induced Loss of Conciousness). When Chris Martin was killed, according to the article I read, he had GLOC'd under a spinning malfunction. Granted, he was under an experimental canopy (I think it was a Xaos 21), I still thought the lines or something would fail at that G loading (I'm guessing an average persons G tolerance is about 5 or 6 G's). Sadly, nothing broke to free him from it. "I promise, I will never die."

Thanks, I think I'll have to visit MN sometime. "I promise, I will never die."

Air National Guard (Air Force). Biggest problem was not having any DZs close to town. I jumped at Skydive Greene County,OH, way back when. Miss jumping out of the CASA that was there, most the DZ's around here have Cessnas. It takes forever to get to altitude. "I promise, I will never die."

After a 2 year hiatus, I'm back into diving. What can I say, flying fighters is great, but I missed the thrill of skydiving. Hope to meet some of you guys in person some day. Check 6! Kid "I promise, I will never die."