Para5-0

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  1. Para5-0

    Please Help?

    I have been asked to assist with a wedding reception in the Bahamas. The assistance is tandem jumps for all of the bridal party. We have the instructors, rigs, and possibly the plane. I can not touch base with an operation in the bahamas. I would need to rent possibly a cesna and cut through the red tape to land the tandems on the beach....Any assistance would be great....Even a contact to ask a sleuth of questions. A local airstrip near by. The wedding is at the Old Bahama Bay Resort and Yaucht Harbour West End, Grand Bahama Island.......We would be willing to rent the plane and pilot assuming the governmental paperwork isn't a nightmare....Help!!!!
  2. I DIDN'T GET VERY INVOLVED IN THE ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION (MASTER RIGGER DID THE WORK) BUT, THE HARNESS WAS A CAT D, THE MAIN AND RESERVE WERE 288. OF COURSE AAD AND RSL. THE STUDENT WAS MUSCULAR AND INTO MARTIAL ARTS, ATHLETIC BACKGROUND...THANKS CONSEQUENTLY MOSTLY STANDUP LANDINGS WITHOUT INCIDENT. WE DID THINK ABOUT ALTERING A TANDEM RIG ALSO...
  3. After several weeks of planning and actually ordering and building a rig. We managed to graduate a 270Lb. AFF Student. Many safety factors came into play and it took some careful planning. the wing loads on main and reserve were all within student limits. Other factors were the students athletic ability, wind tunnel time, prior static line jumps, and the overall desire to complete the program and become a skydiver. Further- the student did exceptional and posed no problems suring the program.. Q) Looking for Other larger AFF graduate stories for future refernce.
  4. All skydivers should remember all hand signals...throughout their career....PERIOD. Last season a experienced TI had a d-bag out in freefall wraping around the drouge,,,heads up videographer gave pull sign....the video showed a good example of knowing the sign, accompanied by an immediate reaction, as well as knowing it should only be used in an emergency.....
  5. Very simply put, just graduated and made your first solo, Miller lite will do just fine.......Blue Skys, I will enjoy drinking it and explaining to the rest of the DZ that you were the best Student to pass through the gates.,,,,,,,, and I will swear to it, until the next graduate of course....
  6. Just curious, How many tandems are required at your dropzones prior to entering AFPL1.. Also, Instructors, Does more tandems help or hinder the process. I have my opinniion..
  7. As I progressed through my skydiving career, I looked up to and couldn't wait to be eligible for the I/E Rating. Well time passed and I finally had the entire proficiency card complete. That was in July 04 or about. The response I got was the rating was no longer being given, Although I was mad and disappointed, I continued on to earn my Course Director. I will always respect the I/E rating as should all skydivers. Further, The process is still in review and is constantly being updated and changed. This coincides with skydivng in general. As instructors we should constantly be educating ourself and updating information. The point behind the AIC exactly. Keep open minds about the program and if you come out of it learning one thing, well thats one more tool in your bag of tricks.
  8. I don't think USPA knows that answer either. Do you agree that it could and/or should be a prerequisite for Instructor ratings? Or just for Course Directors? I would like to see all prospective Instructors take the AIC.
  9. I believe the intention is to make the AIC a prerequisite for all Instructor ratings. USPA just has to lay out the exact process.
  10. I believe that USPA is in the process of analizing the pros an cons of the program as well as defining the exact progression for instructors. I say combine the USPA coach course with Skydive U's Level one coach certification. Lets upgrade all USPA coach's to Skydive University Level One and proceed forward with a dual certification. Further more make the AIC an Advanced Coach Certification rating, encouraging all coach's to attend. The Benefits outweigh the neighsayers.
  11. After just attending the AIC in Deland and seeing how closely USPA and SDU can work together towards a common goal, I am hoping that USPA can and will see the advantages of this relationship. My hats off to Rob Laidlaw (Skkydive U) and Jay Stokes (USPA) for putting aside political overtones and offering the best instruction possible. It is time that we have a CLEAR and definitive route for those of us wishing to pursue Coaching, Instructing, and eventually Course Directorship. If the AIC is the answer then let us support the relationship and reap the rewards. In my oppinion worst case senario, our coaching ability can only improve. Let us not become stale intructors, with common phrases like "we have always coached this way" or "This is how I learned". Let us not be scared of change but grasp the opportunity to become the best instructors we can be. Looking forward to input.
  12. Scotty, Be careful.. You can be in the sport for an entire lifetime, but one mistake early in your career can end it. You will be loading the stiletto 135 at 1.48.. Considered by most, High performance/expert range. At 100 jumps you might be pushing a bit. Just food for thought not critisism. Good luck be safe. AFFI
  13. Very Shocking News, As most of us, Don was my AFF Instructor Evaluator in 1994 at Cross Keys. I was lucky enough to spend nine days at the DZ. Since Don was also staying in the area, I spent each evening listening and learning. The vast amount of experience he had was overwhelming to a young prospective Instructor. I will hold those memories close to me. My prayers are with Don's family and friends.
  14. Nothing bothers me more as an Instructor, to see "Experienced Jumper/s" rush to jump on the plane with leg straps not tightened properly, chest strap not done at all, and helmet and goggles on the floor. It is hard to instill good habits with students when they see this type of activity. Lesson Learned: Long story short, Cessna 206 at 3-4000 ft. threw a rod creating a total engine out. The pilot yelled get out. I was the closest to the door and before I was able to get my bearings, I was in freefall due to the other five jumpers pushing me out. Helmet and goggles in one hand. one look at the altimeter and a short clearing track and a deployment. All landed safely. This was nearly ten years ago, Since, I have been ready to exit the aircraft before I even get in it. This is a good habit and one we should encourage all skydivers to adhere to. Nothing is worse than reaching for a pilot chute knowing that a leg strap is loose or questioning wether or not you fastened your chest strap. Remember Murphy is always jumping with us..
  15. SNUG, I HAVE FOUND THAT FAIRLY LOOSE CHEST STRAPS GIVE STUDENTS A NON SECURE FEELING. THEY HAVE ENOUGH TO THINK ABOUT WITHOUT THE EXTRA ADDED ANXIETY. SO SNUG AND NOT OVERLY TIGHT HAS WORKED WELL FOR ME.
  16. This is abnormal for me to negatively post but, here we go. I know EG and have trusted him several times. To say unreliable is an understatement. I gave him a brand new pair of cargo pants to let out in early july, not only haven't I seen him, I went to his house and spoke with his wife. She advised he was out of state. Needless to say I have not yet received the pants back valued at 240.00. I also have spoken to some venders who are still awaiting merchandise. I believe him to be AWOL, and he has lost all of my respect as well as the respect of many venders and skydivers who have grown to know him. Caveot Emptor....
  17. Just wondering about the possibilities of an AAD firing during a high speed landing? I have heard of several prominent Swoopers having this happen. Any thoughts or incidents? Thanks