Para5-0

This topic is on the agenda for the Safety and Training commitee next week in Reno.

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Didn’t USPA intentionally put this provision in place in order to deal with so called bad coaches?

I think it was more to have an instructor mentor, supervise, educate, and assist. All the time providing feedback so they become better coaches and quality potential instructors. Just guessing though.

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I'm getting the brake lines lengthened

Just curious. Why would you do this? Did someone tell you they were too short, and contributed to the accident.

If you make them too long it could present some complications as well. Maybe have someone jump it with experience. i/e and instructor and see what he thinks first.

I still teach a USPA Coach Course and a Skydive University Course together. I think they compliment each other nicely.

FYI:Be carefull securing the reserve handle as indicated you do not want to forget to unsecure it.

I have traveled this past year dozens of times on multiple airlines with my rig. They may inquire a bit at the security gate, in a worse case calling a supervisor to look at it. Be sure to take out your hook knife if applicable. Do Not check it, just bring it on as a carry on secured in a bag like suggested above. It is an easy process.
Once they did do a swipe to check for chemicals which took a few minutes. Again no issues.

Whoa,

Slow down with the lynching fellas. Nobody said anything about extra ratings, requirred courses, or instructional canopy ratings. All I tried to do was exactly what is happening, get some different points of view on the topic. By doing this I feel I am just educating myself as to the issue and what different people think may or may not be a good idea.

In reference to Canopy instruction; it has been discussed on the USPA Blog, DZ.com in many threads including this one, at the S&T committee, and at the last AFF standardization meeting. I would say everyone is just trying to get as much information as possible before suggesting anything. Isn't that our job?
As far as IAD, or static line, it was not ignored at all canopy control is non method specific. We never metioned changing anything with just AFF instruction. In fact the majority thought that the basics are being taught correctly in AFF, Static, or IAD.
One thing I have noticed is that everyone is so fast to throw spears but not many are willing to put themself out in front and suggest some solutions. If you feel there is no problem than I hate to say it that is a point of view, the same as any other and should be respected.

What training is offered after a student receives his A license. Leave out bond fire discussions, S&TA lectures, or even instructor oversight because that is not offered everywhere. Although, I like to think it is or could be. from A license on, there is nothing offered or required to further educate a skydiver. Now with that in mind they will be doing and trying new cool things, wing suits, swooping, higher wing loads. Should they just figure it out for themselves?

Listen, I am not opening a shit storm here, just wondering some thoughts. Remember this year coming, if similar to last year, 70% of the fatalities could be canopy related. That means some of our friends could perish; if everyone is so knowledgeable then how do we at least attempt to reduce that number.

At face value that seems strange. I would want to look at the facts before I jump to a conclussion and paint all coaches with a broad stroke based on one incident.
I know most coaches and instructors care. Note: I said most. I just dont know if they know what or how to teach canopy characteristics beyond basic survival skills. Because it either wasnt emphasized to them during their rating courses or they just dont know.

Do you have any more details on the incident you mentioned?

I hate to sound old and conservative but I personally think 500 would be a better number. I tried it early in my career and it can be very scary and involve some serious skills. With the right coach maybe I am wrong and 200 would be fine. I just watched some videos of uncontrollable spins which bring about a whole different set of E.P.s to learn and master.

You are right though it was very popular and was the reason many got into the sport in the 90's

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That results in two outcomes:

1. AFF-I candidates are not forced to demonstrate canopy control knowledge beyond the elementary: "turn left now", "flare now".
2. The AFF-I candidate can easily get the impression that teaching canopy control is of low importance

Wouldnt it be fair to say that if the AFF I/E's are educated in the need to emphasis canopy knowledge in new coach candidates and AFF candidates that it will produce people who pass down the information? or we hope it will?

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I wonder how often AFF-I candidates fail their rating course over canopy control issues (either relating to their ability to teach canopy control or their own demonstration of canopy control). My bet is that it is VERY rare.

I would defer this to AFF I/E's who have experienced a candidate like this. and if they did would or could it be a reason for not issueing the rating?
maybe requiring a recognized canopy course prior to a coach or AFFI rating? just throwing that out there.

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The problem is too many I's short cut the class room and additional SIMS training in order to rush off to the next paying jump.

I can not disagree that there are probably some AFFI's who think like this but overall I like to think that they are teaching the basic survival skills needed. If they follow the ISP the canopy material is there to teach, the time just needs to be put into it.
Keep in mind that of the 70% fatalities students made up zero of it. That tells me they are being taught enough to survive but once they start to feel their oats they are getting in trouble. Albeit, a closer analysis is needed. After A license is earned I want the student to feel they are not just being released to do whatever they feel they are ready for. Now some DZ's have excellent instructors, experienced jumpers, and a S&TA to keep an eye out and try to keep them from harming themselves or others but all DZ's do not have that luxury.

AFF I/E's asked, Specifically where are the deficiencies in the AFF instruction to students? The answer was it was not the students but the jumpers at a later stage in their careers.

I look at that 200 jump guy who wants to start flying higher wing loadings and playing with high performance landings as an example. What guidance do they have?

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I would rather propose further instructor training on canopy flight. A class for current instructors could be created, but more importantly, topics up through some advanced canopy flight could be integrated into the IRM for people getting ratings.

Excellent post Aggie, this was specifically mentioned and brought up at the meeting. That is why Brian Germain spent so much time trying to emphasize the importance of all I/E's passing along the canopy information properly to new AFFI's. Keep in mind his audience was all I/E's and AFFI's. Sort of a train the trainer approach. Your angle is definately represented., and not being ignored.

On Jan 18th and 19th 60 or so AFF I/E's, AFFI's. DZO's, STA's, DE's from around the globe... all converged on the Dulles Doubletree in Sterling Virginia. I say around the globe becuase there was representation from NZ and Japan. The meeting is recquirred to attend every two years to keep your AFF I/E rating current. The goal was to get everyone to brain storm certain criteria and make sure we are all disemminating and teaching similar information. Basically, getting us looking at AFF through the same glasses.
The meeting covered some general topics regarding new I/E requirements, evaluation standards, and canopy continuing education.
Brian Germain used the better part of the 2nd day to go over some basics of canopy flight and methods to teach the topic.
We were advised that 70% of the 2010 fatalities involved fully functioning canopies and that the average jump numbers were 200 up and exceeding several thousand.
In my opinion there is a problem and it is our obligation to try to address it. I am a believer of post A license continuing canopy education. Possibly at the C or D license level. One issue that must be addressed, if we decide to go that route is what will the sylabus contain and who will be authorized to teach it or sign off on it. Whether it is in the form of a canopy class or license requirement, USPA; if they are going to require continuing canopy education, will have to approve of the material and person or company administering it. Basically, Who canteach it? This took up some discussion time at the meeting.
Overall, after the 2nd day people had to scurry for cabs and planes so there was not much after the meeting networking. I think this would be a good thread to see if the meeting was successful and/or if any questions might have risen. Or even any further suggestions.
The Feb BOD meeting is approaching and if we do our duediligence we can hit the ground running and save some time.
Your thoughts.

I listened to the song and laughed even harder. Classic tune.

This thread is cracking me up. Because I know Ozzy and he admits he is an asshole..lol
Isnt there an asshole song out there:
"Were you born an asshole or did you work at it your whole life..........

I love this stuff, it actually put a smile on my face.

summed it up pretty good.

How about this? Ask your question or let us know what you need assistance with? I imagine if you have a genuine concern, question, problem, or point to a specific fact you will be surprised at the amount of help you receive. That being said, you will probably still get assholes responding just put on your asshole filter.
IF you have a problem with a specific DZ, DZO, instructor, program, I would probably proceed with caution maybe addressing it at the DZ first before bashing them in a public forum amongst their peers.

Your solution seems doable. I spoke to Jim Crouch about this topic and the equivelant it specifically for foreign exams only but I dont know how they look at it if the TI lives in the US. I hate to speak about it without actually knowing if it would be an American solution.
Since my post above I have received no less than 5 pm's from guys who are battling with the FAA over medicals. Most were due to DWI/DUI issues, but all have one thing in common. The FAA is making them go so above and beyond it is almost laughable. It appears they are looking for documentation stating there is no way the person will ever drink again. Ozzy had a full psychological work up and it still wasnt good enough because the Dr. cannot say unequivically he will never drink again. Think aobut how ridiculous that is, what Doctor could ever make such a statement. This is all boiling down to who will take responsibility if the TM screws up. Now look at the extra expense all of these guys are having to endure to satisfy the requirement.
Dont misunderstand me, I agree with having a medical as a requirement, I just wish there were different options outside of the FAA and gevernment intervention.
Maybe the FAA could accept a full physical in lieu of a FAA medical class exam, maybe including an alcohol and drug screen. I mean asking him for a 90 hair analysis test seems a bit overboard after he already submitted to two urine analysis's already.
I look at this personally, what if i am prescribed soome medication that is on their secret list of medications that raise a red flag. Does that mean I will have to now go through full drug screening, at my own expense?

One thing that bothers me tremendously is that you were forth coming and completely honest on all of your forms. What signal does that send to anyone going for the exam? It also seems like everything you do is not good enough for one reason or another. The fact they made you go and get an evaluation, then a full urine exam okay. You pass both with flying colors and they dont accept either wanting more.
Are yousure you didnt fail one of their relatives on an AFF jump?

Just a fyi, this has been a torubling trend that I have noticed. You are not alone, it seems like anyone with an alcoholic issue (DWI/DUI) is being put through the ringer as well. The problem I have is not with them asking for some sort of documentation, the problem I have is there seems to be NO protocol and each case is a "What ever they feel like asking for scenario". That torubles me. Now you have spent upwards of 1000.00 to try to appease them to no avail.
I wish they had a category that was a medical class three Not for flying but specifically for skydiving. I happen to know a bit about Ozzy's situation based on the fact I was his Tandem I/E and it is very troubling to me knowing how I have watched him jump through extraordinary hoops. There seems to be a definate disconnect between FAA Medical personnell and skydivers. I would love to see more education on their end so when you try to explain you are going to be taking students on skydives they dont look at you with three eyes.

I will continue to try to help you on this one, just keep the faith and understand the they are just trying to dot their I's and cross their T's in case down the road you wig out on us. lol

impressive.

I really liked the beginning, the little girl is adorable and it is a great segway. Good job.

Thanks for the kind words all. I was just airing out my thoughts so sorry about that, As far as the nerve block it is officially wearing off and all I can say is arghhhh. Pins and needles.
But I shouldnt worry I have my own personal nurse Ratchett, my wife, who has zero patience or compassion for the injury or pain. The old I deserve it because I was skiing and having fun when I did it additude.
cant win at this stage of the game.

back from surgery now. I tore the lower one so the bicep was high. now they did a nerve block so my arm and hand feel like chubbs from happy gilmore. (carl weathers) no feeling at all.

thanks for input, this really sucks. I hate pain pills to boot.

On Sunday I snapped my bicep tendon. It was a nice loud snap that I heard and felt. Now surgery today. I am told 3 months and I will be around 75%, but 6-9 months to be fully recovered. I am worried about tearing it again due to weakness. Anyone out there experience this injury.

The timing works out that I should be good to by mid to late March.

Any recommendations or thoughts.

Thanks,

I think it would have made a better story if they disagreed and argued about it, on video of course.

Hey Jenom.

Landing is one of those things that you really have to just put in the time and really get to know how your canopy responds to input. That would include in different conditions.
One thing that might help a bit is on very windy days it may not be necessary to do a complete flare. What I mean by that is if you go to your shoulders and evaluate, as you continue to flare the canopy may very well respond at just half brakes, giving you a nice landing. If you disregard how the canopy is reacting and just do a full flare the canopy may pop you up into a stall scenario, which is never very good.

On light to no wind days, you may have to continue the flare all the way down to get desired results.