nightjumps

On average: 12 - 16 weeks for the vertebrae to heal. That's not the same as being able to jump. Each person has a different recovery time. Consider talking to your Doctor about taking 1,000 mg per day of calcium, and at least 400 IU of vitamin D each day. That "may" speed up the recovery process. As soon as possible, start stretching those back muscles. If one is available, use a jacuzzi twice a day after they remove the cast.

As skymonkeyONE stated, it takes 25 jumps to get your "A" License. There are eight categories (A-H) that are required to be completed which does not necessarily equate to a specific number of jumps (depending on instructional methodology; AFF, Tandem or IAD/SL). 8 Jumps comes from the AFF Program where you "graduated" from AFF and were signed off to do solos or make Coach jumps for the rest of your 25 to get your "A" license.

First, "The Armed Citizen" only shares what it wants you to hear. I'm not trying to turn him into some sort of "tactical elite dude," but there is considerable more to home/personal defense than just buying a gun. My reply was a device to cause pause for consideration; not as a stop mechanism.

I really hate that people's first insinct is to run out and purchase a weapon in these types of situations. Usually, buying a weapon and not getting IN-DEPTH weapons training is a bad thing. You will be trained on how to use the weapon, but you won't be trained on how to use it in certain situations. OK. So you run out, get a gun, get trained, and someone breaks in. What's your plan? Will it be loaded, unloaded (you have child), how fast can you load it, what rooms does everyone sleep in, what's the plan if there's a breakin in this room, that room, etc. What if he breaks in the child's room first, what's your plan, go looking? What's her plan if you're home, if you're not. If it's just your wife and her? If your wife's fully trained and you're not there, what's the plan. What's the plan if you are there. What if they are in separate rooms when this occurs, the same room. How far to the weapon, is it between her and the intruder, then what? Is the intruder between her and the child and she has the weapon, then what? I can't tell you how many folks ask me what type of weapon to buy and to train them, I decline. If you're willing to go through my entire training program, then we'll talk. But, just to buy a gun and learn to shoot is about ten percent of the plan. If you REALLY feel this is necessary, contact a retired police, fed, SF, Ranger or something. Have them come to your house and do a full assessment of your floor plan, where everyone is at times during the day. Have them have you try several different weapons to see which one you and the missus are most comfortable with, can reload, can count the number of shots, can feel safe having in the house with a child present. Assist in getting both adults a concealed carry permit, one adult with the child at all times, have one on you and similar weapons placed strategically through the house. Have similiar ammo and magazines of the weapons you're carrying placed strategically through the house. Have you ever tried to reload a revolver or shotgun while under intense threat while the adrenaline is flowing? If you choose a revolver and you drop a round while reloading under the intensity of threat, what do you do? Please. Make a plan. Don't just run out and buy something. Finally, you have to practice your plans on a regular basis - i.e., bi-weekly, monthly. You have to shoot weekly. You ready for this kind of commitment?

Well, if you guys are still working on your SCR's, may I suggest you attend the skyfestboogie.com Last year, we graduated thirty-something SCR/SCS in one weekend. The boogie's primary focus is to assist all those with

Count on it.

I'll be at the Hillbillie Boogie Saturday & Sunday. How about we get together and do a fun dive that has a lot of points to it. You can't miss me. I'll be the big one with the blue & white tie-dye Wings rig.

Ditto on all counts.

Well, you go girl. They have a vintage day at a couple of DZ's in the region every year. They ask me to do them. No. I don't have to and even more importantly; I don't want to.

Drop!! Welcome to the forums, Dropzone.com and the art of Freefall. I read your profile. You are so gonna love not having to do THAT anymore.

And, he did this by proclamation. "We should build a form of nuclear weapons blanket over our nation to shield us from nuclear threat. And, I think we should share this Star Wars technology with every country including our enemies." Mr. President, Mr. President, you're saying we should spend billions in developing this Star Wars technology to just give it away?!?!? Well, Yes. It just makes sense doesn't it? If we can all protect ourselves from the threat of nuclear attack, then there will be no reason for anyone to have nuclear weapons. They would be useless." Friggin brilliant and in the face of scrutiny!!

OK. I had one put on mine.

Derek, Please elaborate. I jump an Eclipse. Keith

I think this would be a wonderful and possibly more interesting and heated debate in person and perhaps we could continue it in person at the WFFC if you're planning on going. But, I think you'll agree that we're never going to get any closer or make any changes via this thread. Cheers,

I see. So, there is a point where you will draw the line of encroachment on your freedoms. It just so happens yours are at your front door, but you think everyone else's is in the street. We're disagreeing on distance here.

Flip the circumstance as if it were directed to you with the same variables. You decide.

I wonder if we'll get those freedoms back once the world is safe again?

Be killed. I'm guessing you haven't been on a subway. "They" can't even protect a little old ladie's purse from a mugger and now they're going to be responsible for protecting me from terrorists? Why?

Circa 1937

In my book, it's twice the jump.

Why don't get some bull testicles for the boss and have them delivered with a note; "We've got the bull by the balls."

I address the psychological and physiological responses to stress/anxiety. It goes like this... My goal in this exercise is to redirect their frame of reference regarding height and falling and fear with a controlled jump, the sensation of pressure and floating ending in a refreshed feeling. I do this the very first thing of each class. You can see them loosen up, muscles untighten, smile and the result is they focus more on the learning.

I prefer Tandem Instructor since I went thru the USPA Tandem Instructor rating course and specialize in the Advanced Freefall Program. For me, a Tandem Master is someone who got their rating from the manufacturer only and a Tandem Instructor has both manufacturer and USPA TI rating.

I'm coming up on 300 tandems on an Icarus 365. It is an awesome canopy to fly and land. You will need to be IMMACULATE in your pack jobs each and every time with 8 brake lines on either side that are not stowed for packing. I love this thing.