edjackson

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I have another question if it is allowed. Is there a place that has a large selection of used or stock containers that I can try on? I've had bad luck with new custom containers. I've noticed that sometimes when I try on a rig of one of the jumpers at the DZ it fits me well. I'm willing to fly anywhere in the US to try a few on. Thanks again. Ed

Hello, I am looking for a container that is a little longer than what is currently on the market. Over the years, containers have gotten shorter which makes reaching for the hacky sack difficult due to shoulder issues. Are there any manufacturers that are willing to make a custom container that is longer like the ones made in the late 90s or early 2000s? I have purchased two new custom containers and still have not found what I am looking for. I have seen one manufacturer that has an extended container advertised but when I called they said it was made for small canopies. I jump a 170 main. Any suggestions are appreciated. I don't feel comfortable going back to using a leg strap mounted pilot chute so hopefully, I can find a manufacturer willing to assist. Thank you Ed

"I have fond memories of jumping at Chris' DZ and his piece of shit Twin Bo's. " I remember that piece of shit Twin Bo.....I survived the crash into the forest. Still loved Tullahoma and jumping with Chris..RIP

I was on the plane with you last weekend and was asking TK about building a formation around you with several good skydivers. What do you think? Is that something you want to try?

They were one of the first people on the scene. They helped people get out of the plane and get to the hospital. I had a head injury so my memory is a little foggy as to what exactly happended after impact, but I do know that they helped.

I'd like to hear if Jimmy is still jumping too. He and his wife helped me during a plane crash in Tennessee. I didn't listen to country music and had no idea he was a star even though I jumped with him almost every weekend. He said he played music for a living, but I just thought it was a hobby. He's a very likeable modest guy.

Hard to believe it's been a year. She'll always be remembered at Z Hills.

Skydiving should not be used to treat depression. The depression must be treated and in remission for one year before jumping is even considered. Ed Jackson MD Psychiatrist

Medical info is a good idea. DNR if the injury will give lasting brain damage.

Good point. Do the protech helmets have any impact testing or rating? I still jump one. It helped allot during a plane crash in Tennessee. When the plane crashed I was thrown backward and hit the occipital area of the head. I had a huge bruise even with the protech. The full face helmets are higher up and do not cover that area of the skull.

I think they were filming the PD factory team at ZHills this summer.

There's no telling where the lost antlers are now. Good thing my head's still not attached to them.

Blue Skies Beezy. Tell Chris Martin I said Hi. I'm sure he's waiting for you.

Here’s an interesting article about the origins military parachuting. It was written by Norm Olson, a retired Navy Seal that still jumps at Zhills.

I was talking to a friend at the drop zone last weekend about his time as a Navy Seal. He sent me an article he wrote about the Leap Frogs that might interest a few skydiving historians.

She lost her life after her third base jump in 2001. Erin was a good soul but seemed naive regarding the dangers of skydiving and base. I wonder how many others have gotten caught up in the excitement of the two sports without really appreciating the dangers.

We lost an engine after take off. The plane crashed into the forest which ripped off the wings and caused a fire ball. Everyone got out, but there was some serious injuries. It ended the era when Tennessee Skydiving Center in Tullahoma had allot going on.

I’ve had 10 years of “bonus time” since the crash and it’s been allot of fun. We were all lucky enough to get out alive. Is there anybody still around who was on the flight or remembers it? Chris Martin, Kent Stevens, and Bill McShane have all died since then. I remember allot of people helping out that day who were on the dropzone.

It was allot of fun. I hope people remembered to thank Oren. It was allot of work and he didn't even get to jump.

Yes, it is the tunnel. It will help if you keep your mouth slightly open when the tunnel is starting up and shutting off. That is when the change in pressure needs to be equalized.

That Monday is memorial day, so we have Sunday and Monday so we have 2 days to try. I don't want to ask people to block out the entire weekend. I forgot about it being memorial day. That should work out good.

What about starting the meet on Saturday so we have two days if the weather does'nt cooperate?

It's too bad there is'nt any local experienced jumpers in the Z Hills area.....

I tried emailing a photo but it was returned. Is the email box full? I'll try again tonight.

How long have you been at Sea?