panzwami

Flight Concepts has some stuff on their website: http://www.flightconcepts.com/tech.html You could also just contact them directly. The contact info is on the site. Matt -----

You might want to wait until you have your A license, since without it you are still considered a student and the restrictions placed on you at other dropzones can be higher. But as far as the people, generally it's not a problem. Just be friendly and you shouldn't have too much problem. Matt -----

Yeah, it was the same way at Georgia Tech. We had some shirts made up several years ago (mini-blind cords) that said "Georgia Tech Skydiving" in several places. When I took over running the club, I went back to the powers that be to get permission to make up some more, and they told me I was not allowed to use "Georgia Tech". Evidently it's a registered trademark or something, and they would not allow anyone else to use it to make money. Matt -----

That picture is of something called the SoloTrek XFV. A company in California has been working on the R+D for several years now. I think they have moved on to later generations, but the general concept remains the same. Check out: http://www.millenniumjet.com/index.html http://www.21stcentury.co.uk/technology/solotrek_xfv.asp Matt -----

I'm curious...which options don't fall under the category of "every"? Matt -----

the wall was what really got me. When you're in the sky, moving six inches to one side doesn't really seem like much. But in the tunnel, the slightest movements are magnified by the fact that the wall is right there. There is obviously a beneficial aspect to this, since one eventually learns how to stay completely still, but it does take some getting used to. Matt -----

No harm done, a little reality check never hurts from time to time. Any landing you can walk away from is a good one. Matt -----

Well, first of all, figure out what you want in a rig. Do you want the best comfort, the coolest styling, the best value, etc? Talk to everyone you know and ask them what they think about their rigs, especially in those specific areas that are most important to you. Talk to riggers and/or instructors that you trust to get their take on it (this also helps because they will be able to offer insight as to what sort of gear will be appropriate for you at this point). Sometimes demo rigs are available at boogies and other events, but you might also be able to ask some other jumpers if you can test out their rigs. If you do this, though, make sure you clear it with an instructor first to make sure you don't jump gear you're not ready for. Matt -----

Wow, that's great stuff. I love the canopy that I have now, and I'm not planning on downsizing anytime in the next 400 jumps, but it's nice to be able to have a sort of gauge as to my progress in becoming completely familiar with the canopy. I've already spent some time with some of those items (flat turns, accuracy), but there are others that I hadn't thought of yet. Now I know how I'll be spending my next few canopy rides. Matt -----

hmm....now I have an idea what to do the next time we're on a weather hold. Matt -----

I usually do a barrel roll to check the airspace above, one wave, and pull. Same routine, every time. Some people do it differently, but the only thing that matters is what you feel comfortable doing at your pull time. The safest thing to do is to plan the skydive around your routine. If you know that your pull routine will take 500 feet before you pull, plan the breakoff 500 feet higher. Plan the skydive around your routine, not the other way around. Pull time is the most important part of the jump, so don't cut corners. Matt -----

I still don't see what caused all the debate. Matt -----

It's possible that the velcro on the inside of the harness has worn a bit. May want to check with a rigger to see about having it fixed/replaced. I agree with you about the ease of grabbing a metal handle. I've got two D-rings on my Odyssey, both low profile. They sit very low against the harness, but still have plenty of room to grab, even with gloves on. Matt -----

ha...throw a few metallic objects in there for a while. They'll pull those privileges in a hurry. Matt -----

there is no better way! Microwave varieties, even those with extra butter and salt piled on, cannot compare to popping on the stove with a little sunflower oil.... Matt -----

well hell, using that rationale..... ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ equals 338%! I'm napping my way to the top!!! Matt -----

yeah, because I usually pop my popcorn one kernel at a time. Takes a little longer, but you can ensure precision and perfect popping everytime. Matt -----

easiest. decision. ever. Matt -----

It's done to create an environment whereby one can celebrate his achievements with his or her fellow jumpers. Notable achievements deserve to be recognized. Matt -----

280:0 Thought about it a couple times, but was always able to clear the situation (line twists, stuck toggle) before hard deck. 1800' and still not fixed - bye bye main. Matt -----

I think most DZ's will give you a small logbook to use when you are first starting out. My DZ gave me mine right after my first jump. AFF instructors fill out the entries for the AFF jumps as proof that you did the jump and passed (or not). Once you graduate from AFF, you will probably want to go and buy a regular one. They don't cost much at all, and usually hold a few hundred jumps. Matt -----

well, I know it's been said on here a million times, but I'll just repeat: if you don't like what you see, get rid of it. It's as simple as that. You're the one flying the canopy, you're the one that knows your flying skills, you're the one whose ass is on the line. There's no point in having a reserve if you don't use it when you need it. In this case, you examined your options and made a rational decision with plenty of altitude. I say, job well done! Matt

I jumped a Flight Concepts Pro 170 for a couple years which would take up to 1000' to open. I would start waving at 3.5, toss around 3.2 or 3.3, and hit the saddle with a fully open canopy a little above 2.2k. Best part was, it opened the same way every single time. There was only one bad opening in 175 or so jumps, but that one did give me an awful case of riser slap across the neck. The Nitron I have now used to open like a shotgun at least 50% of the time. It got so bad at one point that a couple hard ones in a row ripped a dozen or so holes in my slider. I'm talking zero snivel. Just wave, toss.......bam. Incidentally, Precision sent me a new, *larger* slider (at no charge, props to Precision), and now it opens like a dream. 500-600 feet every time. It's a bit easier on the neck... Matt -----

yikes, they went through 650+ new D licenses in three weeks? Must have had something to do with that pesky deadline. And yes, beer has already been purchased. I am certainly a proponent of milestones shared among one's peers. Now I just have to decide which DZ I'm going to next weekend. Matt ----- Why do the airline staff at the boarding gate ask you to get on the airplane? To hell with them, I'm getting IN the airplane! -George Carlin

D-27650! Just came in yesterday. Funny, though, I don't *feel* any smarter. Matt