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Skydivers Over Sixty held the 2007 SOS world freefall formation record attempts at Florida Skydiving Center in Lake Wales, Florida, March 15-18. Eighty-two registered participants, age 60 to 83, attempted to build the world's first SOS 60-way. Utilizing a CASA and two Twin Otters, organizers Larry Elmore, Jan Meyer and Bill Jones worked diligently to find the right combination of jumpers for each slot. By the end of the eleven-jump series, no new record had been set however, a 40-way formation on the last day was complete except for one missing grip. A 39-way SOS record was established at Skydive Elsinore last September. The annual SOS world record freefall formation series alternates between California and Florida. Billy Calhoun III coordinates the California attempts; Russ Manhold is the Florida coordinator. Participants came from far and wide including Australia, Germany, Austria, United Kingdom, Canada, Peru and Argentina. Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

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Attached is a photo of Ted Rose (left) with Russ Manhold at the Skydivers Over Sixty (SOS) 33-way world record, established March 2005 at Florida Skydiving Center, Lake Wales, Florida. Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

It is with great sorrow I announce the passing of former TopPOP USA Ted Rose, age 67. Ted and Kay Rose were driving their RV camper from Oklahoma to Florida for the winter skydiving season. They stopped in Texas to visit friends and relatives. After jogging Saturday afternoon, January 25th in Texas, Ted complained about not feeling well. He sat down in a chair and died a few minutes later. Cause of death is unknown at this time. A memorial service is planned in Ted's home town of Waurika, Oklahoma on Friday, February 2, 2007. Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

With the cassette door open and the battery removed, remove 5 tiny screws holding the dark blue plastic cassette cover to the outer metal frame. Then find and remove 2 tiny screws on the underside of the open metal cassette plate. Slide the plastic cassette cover up about 1/8th inch and it will separate from the metal frame. Take care not to damage the fragile, thin flat ribbon electronic connector tape. Locate and remove 1 tiny screw close to the inner grip strap. Lift the grip strap and slide the silver locking pin out of the grip strap. The grip strap is now free of the cassette cover. Replace and carefully tighten all 8 tiny screws. Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

Twelve-five...... no extra altitude for the old guys. Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

On the third jump of eleven planned jumps, Skydivers Over Sixty (SOS) established a new 39-way world freefall formation record at Skydive Elsinore in California September 15, 2006. Exiting from a Sky Van and Twin Otter, the group of senior skydivers, ranging in age from 60 to 75, eclipsed the previous 33-way record, established at Florida Skydiving Center in Lake Wales, Florida in 2005. Fifty-three participants came from the USA, including Hawaii and Alaska, Austria, Canada and Peru. Team organizer Larry Elmore worked with event coordinator William Calhoun III, aka Billy 3. Coaching was provided by Jan Meyer, Tony Domenico and Tom Falzone. Videography by Ray Cottingham and Don Simonds. The next SOS world freefall formation record is scheduled for March 15-18, 2007 at Florida Skydiving Center, Lake Wales, Florida. For info on the 2007 event, contact Russ Manhold, 1-954-435-0981, [email protected] or Betty Hill, Florida Skydiving Center, 1-863-678-1003, [email protected]