Unisyn

ROL was standard in the beginning but switched to BOC right before the G3.

From someone who's been in your place Ward it sounds like your doing a great job. Keep up the good work and tell everyone I said hello. Bill

I have flown camera only about a dozen times. My helmet didn't fit the way I would have liked and I quickly gave it up. He are my $.02. The two VERY experienced cameraflyers that I know that have jetisoned their helmet didn't have a pilot chute. (One the $1000 custom made to fit helmet door opened on opening and he watched as his $1000 helmet with $3000 work of camera get fell away to a spectacular landing. The other guy opened over lake Okachobee, realized that he had no chance in hell of making it to dry land. The helmet was going to get wet. SO.....he took it off and dropped it. Better to not worry about loosing the equipment and just get it over. Dealing with the more important situation survival.) The other reason that I could think of needing to get you helmet off is a line entanglement. That situation has a deadly consequence if you don't get rid of the helmet and fast. The systems that I know of require a pretty controlled situation to get a proper deployment of the camera pilot chute. I doubt that it could even be accomplished in a line entanglement situation. Bottom line. Don't worry about putting a pilotchute on you camera helmet.

It's simple. Even with a waiver, people can still file a lawsuit. It costs money and TIME to defend. Even if the case is thrown out and you counter sue and win there you will never get back all the time and money that it cost you. When will our society understand that it is freedom that allows us to do the sports that we love. IF we continue to sue and countersue over understood risks then we will loose our freedom to do those sports. If was said before and I'll say it again. We need to learn that bad things happen that is out of your control. Learn from it and move on. Most of the time people sue for high amounts because they want someone else to feel pain. Trying to ruin someone else's life isn't going to make the pain and loss go away. When did we loose our common sense people

Is it just me but don't most intelligent people understand the 9/11 situation. We have an organization that we know is performing terrorist activities and wants to attack the U.S. But we have NO idea of exactly when, where, or how they plan to do it. Once they do enact the plan it it happens so fast we have little time to prevent mass casualties. Why did it happen? 1. No one had EVER used aircraft as a suicide guided missile. So we didn't expect a hijacking to end with 3000+ people dead. 2. The cockpit doors were breached. We didn't understand the implications. because.....SEE #1 Had the flight deck doors not been breached at least on the plane and occupants as the maximum would have been lost. 3. FBI and CIA was not allowed by LAW to communicate all information to each other. Plus...SEE #1. Laws that where enacted after gross violations of powers from both organization on U.S. citizens. These investigation won't find a smoking gun. Even if they do what good is going to come of it. The President will have been out of office and publishing his memoirs. Terrible things happen. Learn from them and move on. There has been great efforts to Stop terrorism Terrorism isn't going to war with a nation. It's stopping someone who would rather die for their cause than live in their current situation. If someone doesn't fear death there is little to bargain or work with. The American dream isn't the same dream for the world. Thats why it's called the American Dream

The jumper is 100% responsible for the replacement of any lost component. Hell the jumper is responsible for any damage that may occur while using the equipment. We are all adults. Adults make mistakes. Adults take responsibility for those mistakes. I do feel the jumper should have the option to pay for the exact replacement parts from either the DZ, directly from the manufacturer(s), or another dealer. Students are exempt. DZ's understand and must build into the cost of student jumps the maintenance of the student equipment. But once a jumper is cleared to solo, it is the jumpers responsibility. Where do you people get the hair brain notion that DZ, Gear Dealers, and Gear manufacturers make all of this excessive money!!!! Skydiving is expensive but not very profitable sport.

I agree with what you are saying. It seems that we americans are made to walk on egg shells. If we do anything other than lay in bed and get fat we run the risk of getting sued for the slightest thing. Is it just me or was the whole McDonalds and the hot coffee suite that opened the flood gate to law suites. I love to do sports that are not in the main stream. I'm just seeing a grim future. Rafting and kayaking companies are required to carry liability insurance to run operations on waterways in public lands. Since navigable waterways are considered public domain it pretty much includes all land even if you own property on that river. I wouldn't take but one state to pass a law requiring insurance for skydiving opperations that use public airfields. These are the same airfields that 90% of the skydiving takes place. You can see where my mind is leading.

There has been some recent threads that have addressed liability and the risks in skydiving. There is a push to require more [high risk] sports to carry liability insurance. Once there is an insurance company with deep pockets that people can go after law suites will follow. In gear and rigging there has been talk of riggers having customers sign waivers. We all sign waivers before we jump. Gear manufacturers change their name to reflect the lack of insurance. I.E. The Uninsured Skydiving Manufacturer I was just curious what people though about liability law suite. Bad things happen. Learn from it and move on. If you where at fault make it right.

Sponsorship is a necessary evil. I believe the biggest problem in the industry is that it isn't necessarily what the sponsored jumper has done but rather who they know. Manufacturers MUST set specific guidelines. 1. Limit the amount of FREE gear 2. Give good reasons for sponsorship. I.E. National champions, 25 years instructing, etc. Nothing pisses people off more than finding out that you paid DISCOUNTED retail price and the local idiot swooper just got sponsored. 3. Be willing to revoke sponsorship when abuses occur. Don't continue to sponsor someone because of what they did. Sponsor them because what they are doing for you NOW!

Thanks Freeflir29 Do you know of anyone that still lives down here? Bill

When I was working at Mirage Systems there was an official Rush service. Guarenteed! It was NOT CHEAP. You could get a rig within 28hours if you had the cash. Quick deliveries haven't been a problem unless your Sunpath or RWS.

You are exactly correct. While I was with Mirage Systems we "sponsored" instructor nearly automatically because of their influence on the new jumper. I.E. potential customers. The best way to get sponsorship is become influential. Once you are sponsored keep in contact and show the sponsor what you have been doing to deserve sponsorship. To of the best people Mirage Systems ever sponsored is Max Cohn and Chris Fiala. Both are active in coaching, organizing, and compete from time to time. They are extremely approachable. That is a very important feature. Mirage Systems sponsored some "big" names over the years but some of the jumpers were contantly training or just didn't want anything to do with inexperienced jumpers.

What is your exact question? I couldn't understand. There are a few drop zones that have the RTS student equipment. Many of the Mirage dealers were contacted directly by Mirage Systems. If you are looking for more information I would be happy to answer any of your questions. PM me. Another alternative is contacting Justin Thornton at Mirage Systems factory. [email protected] Bill Hallett, Former marketing and sales manager for Mirage.

Of course, I would vote for a Mirage G4.

Yes, for those who qualify you have your options of 90 days, 6 months, and 12 months "same as cash". Longer terms equals lower discount. Pay for it all now you recieve the largest discount but no payment terms. This program is not recommended for everyone. Some people should NEVER use credit because they are not deciplined enough to make payments. I personally think it is a great deal. I can order want I want and jump it relatively quickly. It gives me the option to make smaller payments the weeks that I am jumping and larger payments during the "off season". The most important. If I pay it off before the payment term. the financing didn't cost me interest.

The biggest advantage to the financing plan that Mirage is offering is the option of deferred payments. Having the option not to pay or pay the amount that you desire for up to 12 months is great. No interest is accrued during that time. The difference with a credit card is that you have to start paying on the principal and interest 30 days after paying your dealer. The Mirage Systems program gives the option to jump new gear without paying high interest. (Of course, you MUST be disciplined at making payments before the deferment term. Payments after that date will incur interest.) Contact Justin at Mirage Systems [email protected] if you have more questions.

I guys, I apologize for not getting into the thread sooner but I have been on the road from DeLand, Fl. to Everett, WA to get my wife settled in for her new job. The photo appears to need an adjustment. Mirage Systems will take care of it at no charge. Please contact Connie Martin in customer service. She will help you make any necessary arrangements. Connie email is [email protected] or phone her at 386 740 9222 ext 21 Bill Hallett

Grega's handle is NOT effected by the PSB280403-01

Yes you handle is ok. Only SH01-27 MOO5128 mfd. 11/25/2001-5/10/2002

NO, Your container is not affected by PSB#280403-01 Have you got your rig yet?

MIRAGE SYSTEMS Product Service Bulletin Issue date: 28 April 2003 Bulletin number: 280403-01 Subject: Soft Reserve Ripcord Recall Status: Mandatory. Compliance date: Immediate. Identification: Mirage 27” Soft Reserve Ripcord, part #SH01-27, batch #M005128, mfd. 11/25/2001 – 5/10/2002 Background: Mirage Systems has received 2 reports of reserve ripcord pins breaking under apparently normal wear. Mirage Systems, working with the subcontractor who manufactured the ripcord assemblies, has not been able to identify the cause of the failures. Detailed microscopic and metallurgical examinations have been carried out with nominal results. Further investigation is ongoing. Both failures occurred in a single batch of ripcord sub-assemblies manufactured in November 2001. Other assemblies from the same batch were tested and were normal. However, because both failures occurred in the same batch, in lieu of the discovery of a definitive cause and in the interest of safety, Mirage Systems and the subcontractor, Capewell Components, have decided to recall all ripcords from this batch for inspection and possible replacement effective immediately. Action: All Mirage owners with soft reserve ripcords should check the ripcord data panel, found on the soft handle opposite the attachment Velcro. Suspect handles are marked “S/N M005128”. Affected owners have 2 possible courses of action: 2 1. Return the ripcord ONLY together with identification and rig serial number to Capewell Components ATTN: Mark M. 105 Nutmeg Road South S. Windsor, CT 06074 Capewell will conduct non-destructive testing and inspection and, if necessary, Mirage Systems will replace and return the ripcord assembly, free of charge. Assemblies which pass inspection will be so marked and returned, cleared to jump, by Capewell. 2. Contact Mirage Systems with the serial number of their rig to place an order for immediate replacement at: Mirage Systems 1501A Lexington Ave. DeLand, Fl 32724 386-740-9222 [email protected] Customers returning their old handles at time of order will be charged $15. Other orders will be charged $64, but will be eligible for a $44 refund upon receipt of the old handle. Customers shipping handles to either Capewell Components or Mirage Systems may use UPS account #E8E841 (Capewell Components) to cover shipping charges or use another service at their expense. Soft reserve ripcords bearing batch numbers other than M005128 and all metal handled ripcords are NOT affected. Because Capewell Components makes assemblies for other container manufacturers, all skydivers are recommended to check all hardware assemblies for unusual wear, cracking, scoring, marking or bending. All skydivers are reminded to check all their equipment for problems frequently. Authority: Daniel Thompson, President, Mirage System Jeff Johnston, QC Manager, Mirage Sysetms Mark Magdalenski, QC Manager, Capewell Components Distribution: FAA, Mirage dealers and customers of record, Parachutist, Skydiving, Int’l periodicals. Mirage PSB 280403.pdf

MIRAGE SYSTEMS Product Service Bulletin Issue date: 28 April 2003 Bulletin number: 280403-01 Subject: Soft Reserve Ripcord Recall Status: Mandatory. Compliance date: Immediate. Identification: Mirage 27” Soft Reserve Ripcord, part #SH01-27, batch #M005128, mfd. 11/25/2001 – 5/10/2002 Background: Mirage Systems has received 2 reports of reserve ripcord pins breaking under apparently normal wear. Mirage Systems, working with the subcontractor who manufactured the ripcord assemblies, has not been able to identify the cause of the failures. Detailed microscopic and metallurgical examinations have been carried out with nominal results. Further investigation is ongoing. Both failures occurred in a single batch of ripcord sub-assemblies manufactured in November 2001. Other assemblies from the same batch were tested and were normal. However, because both failures occurred in the same batch, in lieu of the discovery of a definitive cause and in the interest of safety, Mirage Systems and the subcontractor, Capewell Components, have decided to recall all ripcords from this batch for inspection and possible replacement effective immediately. Action: All Mirage owners with soft reserve ripcords should check the ripcord data panel, found on the soft handle opposite the attachment Velcro. Suspect handles are marked “S/N M005128”. Affected owners have 2 possible courses of action: 2 1. Return the ripcord ONLY together with identification and rig serial number to Capewell Components ATTN: Mark M. 105 Nutmeg Road South S. Windsor, CT 06074 Capewell will conduct non-destructive testing and inspection and, if necessary, Mirage Systems will replace and return the ripcord assembly, free of charge. Assemblies which pass inspection will be so marked and returned, cleared to jump, by Capewell. 2. Contact Mirage Systems with the serial number of their rig to place an order for immediate replacement at: Mirage Systems 1501A Lexington Ave. DeLand, Fl 32724 386-740-9222 [email protected] Customers returning their old handles at time of order will be charged $15. Other orders will be charged $64, but will be eligible for a $44 refund upon receipt of the old handle. Customers shipping handles to either Capewell Components or Mirage Systems may use UPS account #E8E841 (Capewell Components) to cover shipping charges or use another service at their expense. Soft reserve ripcords bearing batch numbers other than M005128 and all metal handled ripcords are NOT affected. Because Capewell Components makes assemblies for other container manufacturers, all skydivers are recommended to check all hardware assemblies for unusual wear, cracking, scoring, marking or bending. All skydivers are reminded to check all their equipment for problems frequently. Authority: Daniel Thompson, President, Mirage System Jeff Johnston, QC Manager, Mirage Sysetms Mark Magdalenski, QC Manager, Capewell Components Distribution: FAA, Mirage dealers and customers of record, Parachutist, Skydiving, Int’l periodicals. Mirage PSB 280403.pdf

1 MIRAGE SYSTEMS Product Service Bulletin Issue date: 28 April 2003 Bulletin number: 280403-01 Subject: Soft Reserve Ripcord Recall Status: Mandatory. Compliance date: Immediate. Identification: Mirage 27” Soft Reserve Ripcord, part #SH01-27, batch #M005128, mfd. 11/25/2001 – 5/10/2002 Background: Mirage Systems has received 2 reports of reserve ripcord pins breaking under apparently normal wear. Mirage Systems, working with the subcontractor who manufactured the ripcord assemblies, has not been able to identify the cause of the failures. Detailed microscopic and metallurgical examinations have been carried out with nominal results. Further investigation is ongoing. Both failures occurred in a single batch of ripcord sub-assemblies manufactured in November 2001. Other assemblies from the same batch were tested and were normal. However, because both failures occurred in the same batch, in lieu of the discovery of a definitive cause and in the interest of safety, Mirage Systems and the subcontractor, Capewell Components, have decided to recall all ripcords from this batch for inspection and possible replacement effective immediately. Action: All Mirage owners with soft reserve ripcords should check the ripcord data panel, found on the soft handle opposite the attachment Velcro. Suspect handles are marked “S/N M005128”. Affected owners have 2 possible courses of action: 2 1. Return the ripcord ONLY together with identification and rig serial number to Capewell Components ATTN: Mark M. 105 Nutmeg Road South S. Windsor, CT 06074 Capewell will conduct non-destructive testing and inspection and, if necessary, Mirage Systems will replace and return the ripcord assembly, free of charge. Assemblies which pass inspection will be so marked and returned, cleared to jump, by Capewell. 2. Contact Mirage Systems with the serial number of their rig to place an order for immediate replacement at: Mirage Systems 1501A Lexington Ave. DeLand, Fl 32724 386-740-9222 [email protected] Customers returning their old handles at time of order will be charged $15. Other orders will be charged $64, but will be eligible for a $44 refund upon receipt of the old handle. Customers shipping handles to either Capewell Components or Mirage Systems may use UPS account #E8E841 (Capewell Components) to cover shipping charges or use another service at their expense. Soft reserve ripcords bearing batch numbers other than M005128 and all metal handled ripcords are NOT affected. Because Capewell Components makes assemblies for other container manufacturers, all skydivers are recommended to check all hardware assemblies for unusual wear, cracking, scoring, marking or bending. All skydivers are reminded to check all their equipment for problems frequently. Authority: Daniel Thompson, President, Mirage System Jeff Johnston, QC Manager, Mirage Sysetms Mark Magdalenski, QC Manager, Capewell Components Distribution: FAA, Mirage dealers and customers of record, Parachutist, Skydiving, Int’l periodicals. Mirage PSB 280403.pdf

Any Rig not packed properly WILL wrinkle. There were some down sizing issues with the Mirage G4.0 these have been addressed with the Mirage G4.1 Unfortunately, ALL manufacturers go through a faze in development. The Mirage G4.1 is significantly better tailored. Aesthetics and comfort are very subjective. There are some features found only on the Mirage G4.1 that are very nice. Some people prefer the classic shape of the Mirage G3. We really do not have a preference which Mirage that you get. Both are great.