RickH

With students we as Instructors would not train you to reach back in an attempt to grab the bridle as this could cause more of a problem. It could cause you to go unstable thus causing the bridle to wrap around an outer extremity ( arms, legs etc.). Another thing is staying altitude aware, this is a high speed malfunction and time is very critical. Pilot chute hesitation is common with a Level 1 and 2 jumps as both instructors are holding on during deployment which causes a huge burble around the three of you, hesitations sometimes do occur. I would inquire as to the answer that your instructors gave you as to why their was a hesitation. Also keep in mind that a old or damaged pilot chute could also be the nature of the problem. Whatever course of action you took was obviously the right one as you are still here with us. I commend you for asking questions, but keep asking your instructors as others who are not as skilled may provide the wrong answers. Welcome to our world....many more soft landings for you!

Well, Rick, besides making wrong, wild-ass assumption about the motivations behind your "naysayers", you are also confusing the hardware with the end product when you talk of "progress". Yep, the hardware is improving...who woulda thought THAT would happen? Small-profile hardware is a good thing. The picture quality of the Go-Pro, for instance, is great and it comes in a small package. All is well and good. That's not the issue here. If you think a shaky, vibrating handcam video is better than what the outside guys have historically been giving you, then I don't know what to say. If you can get steady-shot video from a handcam on a TI, and if you will capture more than that little microsphere surrounding the TI and the customer, then you are waaaaaay ahead of everybody else in the world. Oh and going from steady shot to shakiness is not progress. It's retrogression for the sake of the latest and greatest in cool factors. THAT is marketing. YMMV On top of that. Here's another issue directly related to safety: With the advent of the small-profile hardware, comes the idea that it's not really a safety factor. Young jumpers are getting the idea that the USPA recommendations for camera flying don't apply to those Go-Pros. I think you know as well as I do that that idea is just not true. And to address the economics, what I've seen is that Go-Pro is making a killing selling replacement cameras that are getting knocked off in freefall AND at opening. Good for them, bad for the videographer.[/reply I agree totally regarding the use of Go Pro cameras and low time jumpers.....it is a camera and should fall under the guidelines of USPA recommendations. We still offer both outside and inside and the "ultimate" package as well ( outside and inside edited together). We have been doing this for over 2 years now. We are getting more customers now requesting inside (handicam). Mainly because of the footage we capture when the canopy opens...to be able to capture those remarks when the canopy opens ans while flying under canopy is priceless. I too am a videographer and I admit that the outside "picture" that you are able to take is a much better "shot"... As a tandem instructor I no longer worry about the timing I have to have with my videographers upon exiting the plane so we don't get separation, I no longer worry about the dangers involved with another body flying around with me. I do miss seeing those " few" talented camera flyers flying with me as we perform our choreographed moves, it is a thing of beauty to watch and participate in. As a DZO, I must listen to the "customer", and I must do all that I can to maximize the profit margin of every load I put in the air. And maximize the amount of advertising possibilities that will leave in the customer's hands. The words of Roger Nelson will forever ring in my head when he said that our goal as a DZO is not to allow your customers to leave without something in their hands that represent your company. If you are that DZ that offers just outside video and you are able to put a video in their hands 90% of the time, then keep doing what your doing. If you are looking for another "option" for your customer base... TRY IT.

I am also 5'8".....I use a CX110 with a .2 lens for video and a Go-Pro mounted on top for pictures. the glove is made by Simon Wade. The Go-Pro was mounted by my own simple ingenuity. If you are using a double go pro system of course you have no options. Practice using different camera angles while in free fall and see which angle best reflects the shot you are trying to get. Pay no attention to the "naysayers" out there who are afraid of "progress". With today's technology we do have a very good product that can be placed in EVERYONE'S hand. This is called marketing. The best way to advertise your DZ is when more people can walk out with advertising in their hands. If you would like more information about my camera set up and photos, let me know.

I just recently sold my Velocity 96 and trying to sell my Katana 107. I have flown these canopies for years and love the speed and adrenaline that it provided. But, having opened up a DZ in another country where we perform tandems only where I am not flying those canopies as often as I should in order to say current, I realized that I am endangering the lives of myself and friends in the air. I am in no way saying we should stop those who choose to fly them, but until the USPA and manufacturers does something to implement proper training requirements, i will remain in brakes flying my new Spectre 120.

I agree 100% with every word you said. A while back, USPA asked DZO's for their input regarding what we were doing to address High performance landings at our perspective DZ's. I wrote a letter with my input. First and foremost, a minimum jump number requirement (let's say 500 for arguments sake). Secondly, once you reach the jump number requirement, each DZO or S&TA at their DZ will determine by watching your canopy skills during this time frame to determine if you are a "candidate" to be a high performance canopy pilot, i.e. do you make proper decisions, not endangering the lives of yourself and others. Once you have been deemed a candidate, the DZO or S&TA will sign off your "candidate" card so that you can attend a High Performance canopy course, taught by skilled and licensed canopy instructors (Rated Course). After successful completion of the course, you are now the holder of an official :Canopy Pilot License. This endorsement would appear on your USPA card. This doesn't mean that you are cleared for 720's and attending swoop comps, this license is your license to learn. If you are not using due care and sticking with the guidelines set forth by the course, you can receive disciplinary action by the S&TA..progressive discipline: verbal warning, remedial training, suspension and finally revocation of your license for continued violations. This way when 'DUMBASS" appears at my DZ,and when his gear is inspected while filling out our waiver and we notice his "Backpack" size container, he will then be asked to show his proficiency and skill level to fly his canopy by showing his High performance Canopy License. NO LICENSE, NO JUMP! If a DZO allows this person to jump that canopy without documented proof that they are capable, then they should be held negligent, in the case of an accident. I have seen too many "low time" jumpers leave my DZ and go to another so that they will be allowed to jump their tiny canopies. These people are endangering the lives of everyone else that is in the air with them. Example: I have a drivers license, does it mean I can drive a semi truck full of hazardous materials? No..I have to have special training and a license to prove it. I have a pilot license to fly single engine planes only...if i want to fly a jet...special training and license, twin engines, special training and license...etc. I have an AFF, Tandem, Static Line , Pro and Tandem I/E, all special training I had to get to receive these licenses all required by USPA to conduct such activities> I am required to receive continuous training in order to keep my licenses current. As much as the USPA enjoys charging us for these licenses, here is another license that they can make more money from. I here the term.."we should just police ourselves" IT AIN'T WORKING FOLKS"!!!!! The number one killer in our sport..Dying under open parachutes.. Until USPA stops turning their heads and closing their eyes, this pattern will only worsen!!!! BTW..my canopy..Velo 96, years in sport 17, 11,000 jumps...

Date: January 26-30, 2012 Location: Skydive Air Adventures Inc. Clewiston, Florida, www.skydivefl.com, 800-533-6151 Event: Get out of the cold and come enjoy some South Florida Sunshine! Organizers for all types of disciplines, and plenty of jump ships to choose from: Skyvan Otters King Air Bell 407 Helicopter Live bands, BBQ's and beer. Camping and hot showers available. We will see YA'LL here!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj0mtxXEGE8 I think this will help!

In my past law enforcement experience ( retired after 26 years in Florida), the use of profanity has always been used to object in firm displeasure of my presence. However, it is all in the way you deliver your message,....if you do it in a non-threatning way without causing a disturbance..." Excuse me officer, i think you are an asshole". Perfectly acceptable behavior....go to Chris Rock's youtube " what not to say to an officer"....

From the staff of Skydive Air Adventures we would like to say thank you for all of those who came out and supported us. We had beautiful weather and alot of skydives were made. It was great to see old faces and new faces and we look forward to seeing everyone next year!

Just called myself. Yea, the lady said that a B licence is required for ALL loads. That messes up my plans so :( They should really say so on their website. I am the owner of the DZ. I am very sorry, you were given incorrect information. You must be a licensed skydiver to attend the boogie ( no students). You must have a B- License to do a helicopter jump and high altitude. I hope to see you all here, and I am very sorry for the confusion.

*** Just called myself. Yea, the lady said that a B licence is required for ALL loads. That messes up my plans so :( They should really say so on their website. I am the owner of Skydive Air Adventures, I am very sorry for the incorrect information you were given. Let me clear up the confusion.......You must be a licensed skydiver to attend the boogie ( no students). You must have a B- License to jump out of the Helicopter and High Altitude jumps. Sorry for the mistake on our part!

Not true........you must be a licensed skydiver ( no students) to attend the boogie. You must have a B- License for helicopter and high altitude jumps. So come on!

Chuck, sorry no power.........we have hot showers, and nice potties, hope that makes a bit more comfortable.....See ya' there!

Thankfully, we will have Jeff Nebelkopf who will be there to assist me in making the correct answer.............

We are setting up the King Air for high altitude jumps as well!!!!!

This year's organizers are Dr. Pete, and we look forward this year to have one of the "Air Adventures" family members back, Marty Jones, Luis Prinetto and Jeff Neblkopf.

Come and join the fun... January 27-31...Skyvan, Otter, King Air, Helicopter. Live Band and DJ Entertainment at night. Big Ways, Small Ways, Wingsuiting and Freefly Organizing. Camping on site, and hot showers, BBQ, and bonfires! Contact us at Skydive Air Adventures, www.skydivefl.com, 800-533-6151.

T.K. Is absolutely 100% correct. I too had a big boy show up at my DZ, wanting to go through the ISP program. I contacted the manufacture of our containers to check what the TSO was for the container, it was explained to me in the exact same way that TK explained it. This person lost weight, came back under weight limit, finished the ISP program and thanked us for being the motivation for his weight loss. Like TK, I too will adhere to the manufactures wishes. And the fact that, other DZO's are not would certainly raise my concerns concerning my own safety.

I would like to pass on to the skydiving community a lesson that should be learned by all jumpers. A jumper with approx. 50 jumps was gearing up and getting ready to board the plane, a highly experienced camera person noticed that this jumper had a Go Pro camera attached on top of his helmet. The jumper was questioned about his skill level, the jumper stated that the Go Pro is very small and that in no way will it ever get hung on his risers on opening, so his opinion was that it should not fall under USPA guidelines: of a recommendation of 200 skydives should be performed before flying a camera. The jumper boarded the plane and performed his skydive. The incident was brought to my attention and the jumper was questioned by me immediately following his jump. As we were talking I could tell the jumper was visibly nervous, he began to explain to me that after he deployed his parachute he noticed that his chest strap had been misrouted. Lesson learned! A camera is a DISTRACTION! Like it or not! I asked this jumper how many times he checked his camera to make sure it was on before he left the plane? He said he checked it multiple times. It is obvious that after he geared up, he never once checked himself, before he entered the plane, never checked his gear, while in the plane and before exiting he never checked his gear.....he checked his camera multiple times. After this incident, I walked around to other low time jumpers and found that their were others with Go Pro cameras. I have since spoken to all jumpes at our DZ regarding the use of Go Pro cameras, and have made it mandatory tha we adhere to USPA recommendations....even if it is just a Go Pro....it is a camera!

Lisa and I and the Staff of Air Adventures would like to say "THANK YOU!". The people that were involved in this event were the most professional well organized group that we have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. The event, although shortened by mother nature was a tremendous success, a Drop Zone record was set with the completion of a beautiful 75 way! We enjoyed everyone involved and we would consider it an honor to be the host of any upcoming events involving these wonderful people! Thanks to all!!!!!

Done!

Ummmm....i believe the "C" that we are referring to stands for the location of where the event is being held "C"lewiston. The people involved in this event are certainly "A" Class people and skydivers.

Skydive Air Adventures in Clewiston, Florida is proud to announce that we will be hosting the 2010 Z Team 80 way. Guy Wright and his assembled team of talent will be with us on March 25- 28. 4 Super Otters will be on hand for that weekend. If you have never seen this talent perform, you are definetly missing something special! Come out and watch and jump that weekend with us as well! Contact us for more information. 1-800-533-6151

Spectators are welcome......NO CHARGE!!!!!!