astleysean

But in any case, the next time we are at risk for a 9/11 style attack, would you rather our armed forces be in Iraq fighting the terrorist du jour or here defending the US from attackers? I'd take issue with "the next time". You are at risk right now. Does anyone seriously think all the terrorist assets are being used up in Iraq?

whoops, finger trouble. Mean't to respond to Billvon.

Remove their targets? Have you been paying attention? Since when were suicide bombers restricted to Iraq? How do you remove the western world?

1. Quite a few, fairly close. Public transport would be possible but inconvenient. Lift sharing works once you make a few freinds. 2. Yes, comfortably. 3. Piss off back over the pond you burger eating warmonger. American history? I own furniture older than your country.

I know the "what should you do for a packer" thing has been covered in other posts. The packer did not expect more than the brakes being set. My point is really that he made a mistake that could have been serious. I wondered what other people would do? Tell the DZ staff and refuse to use the packer then make a fuss and let everyone know he f**ked up? Or accept that if you use a packer you take your chances? Do people think the flaps issue is a sign of a poor attitude or does it really make no difference with a Mirage?

I've never used a packer until last week. Trying to get a load of jumps in and on holiday. I pack slow so thought f**k it, let someone else do it. Did a few jumps with no problems, then when I checked my main pin following pack job I saw clear white in the bridle window. When I pulled the pilot chute out it was not cocked properly. Some of the kill line was through but by no means all of it, maybe half if I'm generous. I also saw that the flaps on my rig (Mirage G3) were done up with flap 3 on top not flap 4. The packer apologised, sorted the pilot chute and told me the flaps didn't matter. I know from reading other posts that some packers expect you to do slider, pilot chute and brakes, I just copied everyone else at the DZ and did brakes only. If the flaps can be done in any order why do they put numbers on them? How would you react to this incident? Thankfully I'm thorough with my checks.

Tails or not cats are vermin. We should train packs of hounds to chase and kill them. Maybe we could follow on horses.

Check out the thread that started - "The 'Oh no its cool, I'm a really good skydiver' attiude" (You'll have to search for it as I don't know how to put a link in!) I load a sabre 2 at 1.2 and have similar concerns to you, I am a newbie with 65 jumps. I also have a background of risk sports including rock and ice climbing. I'm 40 so again I'm no youth. I saw someone snap their femur last year so I've seen the results of a f**k up fiirsthand. I am still struck by the difference between first hand advice from instructors who know me and the opinions voiced on the forum. I jump regularly at two major UK dropzonces and have spoken with very well respected CCIs and instructors about this issue. No-one I have spoken to thinks I am being reckless with my wingloading. Views expressed in the forum seem to think I'm just another statistic waiting to happen. It would be interesting to see if there's a difference between ;- 1. Those who know their inexperience, do the research, train canopy control specifically on every jump, get specific canopy coaching, avoid other canopies as if they were carrying the plague and WORK AT IT. and 2. Those who may jump a more conservative wing loading but simply jump, pull, flare, land repeatedly for hundreds of jumps. I've also ridden sports bikes for 20 years. Make a mistake on a fast bike and it will kill you. Ride a 400cc bike slowly for ten years and you've learnt very little. Ride a 400, get some training, ride a 600, do a few track days, get a 750 or a 1000 and some advanced training and within a couple of years you could be very competent. You've done fewer miles than the bloke pottering about on the 400 though. Whose safer? Whose having more fun? Experience is what you know NOT how long it took you to learn it. Attitude must play a part. Jump numbers can only ever be part of the picture.

A little off topic but - Started skydiving in July in UK, 60 jumps by December, completely hooked, got my own rig. Then UK winter arrived. High winds, closed DZs, black skies, constant rain, utterly miserable and depressing. I'm missing it and the tunnel is no substitute. So I went and bought a Kawasaki ZX10R for £8000 and I can't afford it.

Try "The skydivers Survival Guide". Aimed at people who have done AFF (as you have). I have 60 jumps and have read it cover to cover twice. Very, very highly recommended and not at all patronising. (funny in places too.) I found "The skydivers Handbook" ok but very dated. There has been an attempt to bring it up to date but the more recent stuff is obviously tacked on to a much older book. All sorts of stuff in there about static line and round parachutes. Pictures of massive five cell mains etc. Fine for background reading but not all that relevant.

Thanks! Look like I'll try Lillo to start with. Blue skies and thanks again for taking the time to reply.

Anyone know the best DZ to go to in Spain in March? I've got a week off and was thinking of a flight to Madrid and either Ocana or Lillo as they seem to be nearest. Is the weather reliable? I've 60 jumps and don't want to hang around waiting for Tandems and AFF students. Where will I be most likely to find people to jump rookie FS with? Thanks for any advice.

A question for you. Do you accept that there are ANY good Cops in the world? If you do you shouldn't start a post "Cops Hypocrites". I was recently ripped off by an electrician. I would not start a post stating "Electricians Dishonest". It's insulting. You have obviously had a bad experience with the police. Don't allow that to poison your attitude to all of them.

Flat turns and obstacle avoidance are part of the CH system. Um... its a Sabre 2 not a Stiletto, slightly tapered not eliptical. Don't worry, I don't feel shit on, I posted to find out others views and how they fit in with the advice I've received face to face.

"Cops Hypocrites" Yeah, and all skydivers have a death wish. Reminds me of a protestor who said to me at a demo once "You cops, you're all prejudiced". Got a blank look when I invited her to take a moment to think about that sentence. I genuinely hope you never need a police officers help really urgently. I also hope if you do, he or she breaches all manner of minor traffic rules in order to PROVIDE HELP FOR YOU, to the best of his or her ability, regardless of your personal opinion of his or her chosen career. By the way, I've never issued a seatbelt ticket in 15 years and I almost always wear one at work. I just don't like being called a hypocrite.