carafreefly

It's really interesting reading everyone's experiences and opinions. I just took Kips AFF course and earned my rating. "Earned" being the key word. He was most impressive from his course outline, his teaching presentation, his support to the candidates, and honesty and challenges throughout the week. I wanted to go to a course that was known to be challenging so I could feel confident I was worthy of the rating. Kip was no joke! He starts easy on the training jumps to asses your skills and then gets more and more challenging to see how much you can do. He has high standards and creates one hell of an instructor. He is by the book, has an impeccable reputation, and will work with you no matter what. If you're ready, he'll put you to the test, if you aren't, he'll treat it like a "pre-course" and you'll still learn more than you could ever imagine. He was AWESOME!

Thanks for posting this so quickly! I wanted everyone to know what I got and it appears I was one of many! I got the identical confusing reply everyone else got. Can we block this weirdo?? peace

What are some of the silliest games you've played at the DZ during a jump day? Looking for fun ideas to get people in silly happy moods all day long... For example, landing and then having to run through an obstacle course. Or silly contests to do in the sky, a slow fall rate contest, etc.

Thanks for reading peeps, we appreciate it. We will post serial numbers as soon as we get them all assembled...

Cindy and Kenn, I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds very similar to what happened to us at CPI this week. Let's keep each other posted if we get any leads or info. I will surely keep my eye out for your stuff. it's so disheartening. Cara

You are right! It's very frustrating, and we dont know if we were robbed by skydivers or just punks... no way to tell yet. Thank you all who have replied....

STOLEN FROM ELLINGTON AIRPORT, CPI CT Parachutists was victim of a break in/robbery. My loss was a black J1 with blue piping. Blackberry, silver, and white Stiletto 120, Micro Raven 150, new Cypress. Please keep your eyes peeled for this gear for sale or in use anywhere!!! Please contact me if you find any information! Cell phone 978-621-1663 REWARD available!!!!

STOLEN FROM ELLINGTON AIRPORT, CPI CT Parachutists was victim of a break in/robbery. My loss was a black J1 with blue piping. Blackberry, silver, and white Stiletto 120, Micro Raven 150, new Cypress. Please keep your eyes peeled for this gear for sale or in use anywhere!!! Please contact me if you find any information! Cell phone 978-621-1663 REWARD available!!!!

Absolutely Mike. This is the nitty gritty that most canopy pilots don't delve into too much. I think it would be great if there were jumpers interested in aerodynamics, but we can't force feed them info they don't have to learn. Thanks! Cara

This is such an awesome post! I am so glad you didn't get seriously hurt but it is a great example of how wind conditions affect flight characteristics. I don't have to tell you about how it works, you lived it, but I'd still like to take the chance to share my thoughts in general on this topic for anyone who may read it. There are some fantastic articles about flying a canopy through turbulent air that are available online. I highly reccommend digging through the PD website for the best information. They undeniably offer the most accurate aerodynamic information for anyone interesting in learning more about how and why things work and how to fly our parachutes most efficiently and safely. There is sadly some information available online as well that is dangerously INNACURATE as to how they reccommend flying a canopy through bumpy air. In a nutshell, in most circumstances flying in brakes or slowing way down upon encountering turbulence is NOT a good idea. Allowing full flight as described by PD is a good idea. Now, Mikee, I know you didn't slow down, you were just swooping a bit slower than normal because you only did a 90 as opposed to your normal 270. But for people who fly wussy style (like me) and use a normal pattern and straight final who encounter turbulence can really get bumped around. It is all just basic aerodynamic stuff pertaining to the velocity of the wing creating pressure differentials and therefore lift and drag. It's pretty fascinating stuff and I wish more canopy pilots were more interested in reading up on it because it would really help understand what is happening and why. Knowing how to fly our canopies to their fullest capabilities improves skill and therefore greatly enhances safety. Just so nobody thinks I'm talking out of my butt, I have a degree in this stuff and I fly planes for a living too. So, thank you for writing this story and I am glad you didn't get too roughed up. Hope your camera is okay! Rock on Brutha!

Johnny, You rock for writing this!! Thanks man, it's so cool to see random stuff posted here and there about a good friend. I am not surprised you all felt the need to raise a glass and reflect on Tommy's magic again. Touching indeed, thank you for sharing!! Cara " everythings gonna be okay..." Rock on Brother!

Mr. Cowden, I believe you meant to say your favorite aircraft to exit from was any that your best friend in the whole world is flying, right!? Like say, hmmmm, me?

I would appreciate any advice from EXPERIENCED tube or streamer jumpers on safety regarding opening risks,etc....