paulbo

I don't think anyone that met Todd for more than a few minutes could really forget. He always had a story about something that many skydivers would call crazy, but that he had actually done. He sure made the dropzone and anywhere he was at the time more fun for everyone. I always enjoyed his antics. When on a long car ride with Todd and a couple other jumpers; we came up with some interesting ideas on how to solve some of the worlds problems, to put it in non-offensive words. (AFB) Wish you stuck around longer Todd. Paul "It's like a hamburger, with cheese on it"

Is that the best idea? Paul "It's like a hamburger, with cheese on it"

Just be sure to remember that any posted breaking strength assumes new and undamaged material. Either size will be fine, just make sure that you inspect them regularly; like you should be doing with all your equipment. Paul "It's like a hamburger, with cheese on it"

Lowest pay for a SWA captain will be about $160,000 per year (before taxes). About midrange for a major airline on a 737 size aircraft. For more info check out http://www.airlinepilotcentral.com Paul "It's like a hamburger, with cheese on it"

True, but as you know, many pilots have wrecked airplanes and killed themselves and others by trying to make the turn back to the runway. And to the poster who said that it was bad piloting for the pilot to not make it back to the dz while the jumpers could; it is much easier to turn around a parachute than an airplane. Think of the turning radius, what speed does your canopy stall at compared to a Beech 18? Landing straight ahead after losing power at low altitude is commonly the smartest move. That said, I don't know what altitude the aircraft was at when they lost power. Joe is right when saying that as far as reporting this, it isn't a big deal, since the aircraft was not damaged in the off-field landing, it doesn't qualify as an "accident" and losing power due to fuel starvation isn't one of the incidents that require notification to the NSTB as found in 49 CFR part 830. Definitely something that the operator should (and i'm sure will be) looking into quite thoroughly. Paul "It's like a hamburger, with cheese on it"

I haven't been able to come up with words to describe how I feel but let me say this: Todd was one of the greatest people I've ever known, anywhere. He was always around to help out and had a wealth of knowledge about skydiving and flying that he was always ready to share. I remember how when the whole crew would be out at the bars, many times me and Todd would be on the edges of the group just sharing flying stories because I was taking it easy since I was flying the next day and Todd was taking it easy so he wouldn't pass out early. I'll always remember how he went to great lengths to help out students/newer jumpers especially with packing and gear advice. When I got a new canopy for my rig he must have bagged it a dozen times or more and was happy to do it, never asking for anything in return. He's done so much free rigging for me (and tons of other jumpers) that I can't even remember all of it. Any little thing that I would mention, he'd always take a look at it and fix it (usually right away) even if it was just a cosmetic thing. I'd try to pay him and he'd say, "No that's ok, It's just what I do." For me, one thing that really stuck out was the day that I first started flying at Wissota (I had been jumping there for a bit over a year) and after we had put the plane away, he walked up with a couple beverages and handed me one. He looked at me and said, "Good job, buddy." There's so much more to Todd than that. I feel extremely lucky to have known him for the two years that I did. He always inspired me to do better in everything, not just skydiving. Blue Skies Todd. Paul "It's like a hamburger, with cheese on it"

http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/recently_published/ It's also here, scroll down to the "Final Rules" section. "Modification of Certain Medical Standards....." Paul "It's like a hamburger, with cheese on it"

Hey Swiss miss, the only problem with wuffo hunting in the winter is that the species in question seems to become rather scarce in the winter months. Paul "It's like a hamburger, with cheese on it"

I am definitely not yet that guy (59 jumps now), but I help out with things I can such as packing student rigs and trying to be helpful to everyone that I can. I have many of "those guys" at my DZ and am very grateful for it. I hope people continue to strive to be "that guy." This sport needs it. Todd, I owe you a beer (or 24) Paul "It's like a hamburger, with cheese on it"

I went to SDC Thanksgiving weekend and loved the experience. It was the first time off my home DZ. I only had 50 some jumps but the locals still welcomed me on their jumps and offered helpful tips. I don't know much about their student operations but I would assume everything is top-quality judging by the rest of the dropzone. The twin otter sure climbs faster than a 182!

This is my home DZ; I started jumping in April 2006. I haven't been able to jump as much as I wanted (money) but at Wissota I have jumped much more than I could have anywhere else. Students are the top priority here so I could always get someone to help me out and give me coaching. I especially enjoy the help-others mindset; everyone will lend a hand and almost always not charge you. I mentioned the lack of food-service as a con, but there is usually plenty of food around (kind of a pot-luck idea) Mostly a belly-flying dz, so if you want to learn to free-fly, this wouldn't be the best place to come. If you want to start skydiving or work on your FS skills, Wissota will be there for you (and they're open all winter!)