angrypeppers

Our cat Rusty used his up before we got him. He was dropped off anonymously at the shelter. At the time, his front legs were mangled and infected. The vets told us that he was touch and go for a while, the damage was that bad. But they nursed him back to health. And now, he's the happiest cat I've ever known. The docs said that he may have some problems as he gets older due to scar tissue, but you'd never know now that he was so badly injured. Here's a picture from tonight: wrapped up in his blanket, cleaning himself, and waving to all the dz'ers... Chris Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.

Well, my instructors gave me a present today and passed me on my Level 2. It was a perfect day for jumping, though a little cold. Sit back and relax, as this noobie tells his tale... I arrived at Mile Hi an hour early this time. While waiting for the briefing, some of my AFF buddies and I chatted, and I reviewed the briefing questions. The hangars were kind of quiet. Guess the cold was chasing away some of the tandems or something. The briefing with Justin went well. There were six of us students: Me, Benji (Level 5), Kristen (Level 3), and two other girls who's names I never did learn who were also on Level 5. After the briefing, we practiced with vests for a while, then practiced exits. We'd be on the King Air today, which is new to me. No sweat, just a little different than the Otter. Cool too, since it would be a new jump plane for me. After the drills, we had a little bit of time before we had to gear up, but I got my stuff ready anyway. Too much nervous energy I guess. Finally, we got the call for our load, and we headed to the trailer. Kristen and I would be jumping on the same load, along with one of her friends who was doing her first tandem. We took the ride to the loading area, and waited for the plane to roll up. It's still strange to me: getting on an airplane that you're going to jump from. Once the plane arrived, I noticed that the adrenalin is already flowing. My mouth is dry, and I'm getting really focused on my jump. I've been dirt diving all week, but still stumble a bit on the dive flow. I chalk it up to nerves, but it's still a bit disconcerting to me. The plane ride was fine, though not quite as comfortable as the Otter. I go over the dive again and call out the important altitudes as we climb. We review the exit again, and try to relax. I try taking deep breaths, but it's really not working for me. I still have dry mouth, and am a bit nervous. It's getting better for me each time, but I'm not totally there yet. Finally, the light comes on and it's time to go. Two guys go out, then Kristen's group, and finally, it's my turn. I like the King Air door. It's taller than the Otter, but more narrow, so for me at least, it's a little easier. I get the shake, and we leave the plane. We seem to get a little head down, though maybe that's just a noobs perception. Anyway, we're stable soon enough, and I start the flow. All's going OK, but I'm still getting the extend legs signal...need to work on that. The COA and practice touches were OK, and I actually did the turns! They were sloppy, and I was backsliding through them, but it was fun to actually do something besides falling straight down. Wave off and deployment were on time. The chute opened up at 90 degrees again. Didn't twist up, but I was ready (again) if they did. Maybe it's the big chute (290 / .76 WL), or maybe bad body position, or both. But it was there, square, and controllable, so all was right in the world. I spent some time just flying a bit, trying to get more comfortable with the canopy. I'm still a bit tentative with flaring and turns, but I'm getting more confident with each jump. I actually set up a proper pattern, and flew it. I kept an eye on Kristen since she was ahead and below me. I was watching the praire dog holes too, lest one reach out and grab my feet. The flare was OK, and I dropped in from a foot or two. Didn't stand it up, didn't PLF, but kinda hit and stumbled. Should have just done a PLF. Once the canopy was collected, Travis came over and asked about the jump. The debrief is strange for me. I'm still pumped from adrenalin, and my thoughts aren't making it out of my mouth in coherent sentences. At least, that's how it seems to me! So I gave a rundown of the jump to Justin and Travis, at least as well as I could. Justin told me that we were falling pretty fast because of my leg position. I think the jump went OK. Not perfect, but fairly well, and much better than last week. I didn't brain fart. I was able to (sloppily) turn. I pulled on time. Thoughts: 1. Dirt diving at home paid off. I was much more comfortable with the dive flow, especially since I knew that I could complete it in the amount of time we had. 2. I need to work on legs more. The funny thing is, in the tunnel, I'm fine: I can turn, move forward/back/left/right, change my fall rate, etc. But it was different out in the sky. As Travis pointed out, in the tunnel, I'd know I was backsliding when I'd hit the wall. On the jump, I had no idea it was happening. 3. I like the exits on the King Air better than the Otter. The doorway is taller, so I can get myself outside easier. Of course, that will probably change once I get past the levels where I need two instructors with me. I definitely like the Otter more than the King Air for the trip up. 4. With each jump, I can remember more of what's going on, and process hand signals better. I guess I'm just getting a little more confident. 5. I still need to work on heading control, legs, legs, legs, and relaxing. Many thanks to all of you for giving me encouragement. Thanks too to Travis and Justin for helping me have a fun jump! And the most thanks to my jump buddy Kristen for helping me over my Level 2 obstacles. Clear for Level 3! Chris Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.

(over the years three co-workers at three different companies independently of each other designated me as a walking encyclopaedia; albeit one that IMHO stores way too much useless information) I hear ya. I've been called a "cesspool of useless knowledge" by some of my friends too. Welcome to the forums...and the addiction. Chrihs Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.

Couple of thoughts: On the Guesbook page, at the bottom: "Please leave your commnets that others would find useful in taking that leap." Also, I would put a link so that visitors can read the guestbook entries. I'd probably re-think this statement on the photo page: "Feel free to download and use images." Maybe change it to say that it's free to use for non-commercial purposes or something similar. I also like sites where pictures can be expanded to desktop size. I would also put the hours of operation, contact info (address, phone #, fax #, email addresses, names), directions, and a picture from, or a link to Mapquest/Google Maps somewhere on the site. The hours and Lynn's contact phone are in the text, but I'd clump them together someplace too. I like having all of that info in one area so that it's easy to print out on one sheet. Maybe link to a separate Information page that's printer friendly. I would also add: 1. Copyright information on all pages. 2. Pictures to the home page...the pages need attention getters! 3. Real content 4. A page for staff pictures and info. I'm new to my DZ and wish their staff page was updated. I'm starting to match faces/names, but I'd have a much easier time if I could just take a look at a page when I'm at home. Like Rasmack said, I too like simple sites w/out Flash and all that kinds of stuff. They are quick to load, even on dial up connections. Good start on the site! Chris Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.

Travis popped his head in the door during our AFF class, but I can't say that I've met him. Know who he is though. I've been doing two minute rotations, so I think I'll keep doing that, though I may try three minute rotations next time. I've done one one minute rotation, and it went by so quickly, I don't think I got much out of it. I've got about 30 mins so far, and am fairly comfortable with the basics: turns, different fall rates, forward/back/side to side, etc. I think me and a buddy are going to sign up for the adult league. We're both AFF, though she's a level up on me right now. That would be cheaper for me, and I think I'd learn at a faster rate too. And yes, the skydiving fund definitely feels the cost of tunnel time. But it's like crack...I should just get a job there! I'll look for Travis on Saturday if I get time. I'm scheduled for Level 2 and 3, so it will be a busy morning; hopefully the weather will cooperate. Congrats on the B! Chris Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.

The greatest superhero ever? BIFF! SMACK! POW! Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.

it was Jet Screamer singing it: Eep Opp Ork Ah ah Get in the capsule, baby We are blasting off. Eep opp ork ah ah (whooooo) Eep opp ork ah ah (whooooo) Eep epp ork ah ah And that means I love you. Well now, I took my baby for a ride in space (Eep epp ork ah ah) And met a funny little man with a funny face (Eep epp ork ah ah) He taught us both to wail this way (Eep epp ork ah ah) And nobody digs a word we say (Eep epp ork ah ah). Eep epp ork ah ah (whooooo) Eep epp ork ah ah (whooooo) Eep epp ork ah ah And that means I love you. Yeah I read my baby loud and clear (Eep epp ork ah ah) She just said I love you dear. (Eep epp ork ah ah) Now when I reply the way I do (Eep epp ork ah ah) I just said I love you too Come fly with me! Up high with me! Come on fly with me And now Eep epp ork means I dig you. you heard the word that crazy word That word you heard Eep epp ork ah ah means I love you. Hop on baby, I'll put you in orbit. ------------------------------------------------- Yeah, I'm a dork. And old enough to remember watching it on the Jetsons.. Chris Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.

Looks like Tim Tams are for sale at Cost Plus. And here: http://www.about-australia-shop.com/advanced_search_result.php?search_in_description=1&inc_subcat=1&categories_id=&pfrom=&pto=&x=8&y=6&keywords=tim+tam I'll check out Cost Plus tonite... Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.

Double stuff Oreos. Eat the cookies first, then stack the middles and eat them all at once. Lard is your friend... Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.

I'm really feeling pretty good about the jump overall, even though I didn't get to the turns. My exit was great, the canopy ride was good too, I was ready to handle the twists if they happened, and I pulled on time. All in all not bad. I just have to get through the flow a bit faster. We jumped at 12000 BTW. Thanks for the encouragement! Chris Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.

Student here. One problem I've run in to in my brief AFF progression is that I sometimes think of questions after I leave the DZ. I'll usually search here first, but I wouldn't think twice about posting a question here before I get the chance to ask my instructor. Bottom line is that I *will* ask my instructors, but I wouldn't hesitate to ask here too. I like hearing the different opinions/experiences from the people here. If a three jump wonder like me has a question about something, chances are some other student is thinking about the same thing. Or, maybe it will spark something and he'll ask his instructor. I'm with Lisa on this: I seek the knowledge from several sources, not just them but also articles and actual physical people at the dropzone. I also agree with Ron on this statement: They are eager and want to learn more...They just want to talk skydiving and so they do it here. I have spent untold hours on this site since I did my first tandem two months ago. Reading, researching, learning. All good stuff, but I will go by the advice of *my* instructors. Doesn't hurt to have other opinions/ideas though. Chris Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.

Thanks, guys. I still like the two minute rotation idea. You can bet that I'll be practicing the dive flow at home and at the DZ this week. We used the practice alti's in the AFF class. I'll probably just get a digital kitchen timer and set it for 20 seconds for when I practice. It won't show the altitude, but I can use my imagination for that. Students are supposed to be able to Dirt diving is good, it's fun, and it's free!complete the Level 2 dive flow from 9000' feet, so anything higher is gravy. DZ, you're speculation is correct. I knew the flow from the book, but didn't practice it enough. Thanks! Chris Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.

I'm basically OK with the jump. I should have gotten back in the air yesterday, but really couldn't stick around to wait for a slot to open up. I went up today hoping to get on the list, but I was probably number ten on the wait list. I feel pretty good about the jump, but now know that I need to get things done a little faster. And to not hork up the dive flow either! Thanks everyone! Chris Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.

How long do your tunnel sessions last? I've mostly been going for six minutes, in three two minute sessions. However, I'm rethinking that now. I just busted my Level 2 jump, and I'm wondering if my longish tunnel sessions have created a problem for me. I have to repeat level 2 since I ran out of altitude before I could do my turns. And I had a dive flow breakdown of sorts too. At least part of the problem was that I didn't have any real sense of urgency in getting the dive flow done in time. I'm thinking that since my freefall is about 50 seconds or so, I should do one minute tunnel sessions. Kind of like muscle memory...brain memory? Whaddya think? Chris Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.

Welcome to the forums, Scott! I just posted my Level 2 misadventures from today in Gen discussion. Hope you get back to the sky quickly... Chris Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.

I'm not too happy with myself right now. I failed Level 2. Because of some mental errors on my part, I ran out of altitude before I could do the turns. Crap, crap, crap! Except for having to wake up at 0530, today started out great. Even after giving myself 90 minutes to wake up and get out the door, I somehow still ended up leaving the house late. I tried to make an hour's drive take 45 minutes. Didn't work. Lesson #1: get to the DZ on time, or even better, early! I don't really know why, but for some reason, I just wasn't feeling too confident about the jump on the drive up to Longmont. On my Level 1, I had a bit of trouble getting out the door but the rest of the jump went fine. That was three weeks ago and I've spent a lot of time reviewing that exit and preparing myself for this one. The safety briefing went fine, as did the practice bibs. I checked in with manifest, and asked to be put on a load later in the AM. I wanted a little time to practice the dive flow a few more times. I listened to the AWOS, and the weather sounded nearly perfect: Vis +10 miles, no sig clouds to 12000, temp 10 C, winds calm. Nice! I'm feeling pretty good about the jump. I want to jump! Finally, the instructors come over and we get go over the jump again. We review practice exits, procedures, the dive flow, and the exits some more. I told Brady and Brad about my troubles on Level 1, and they both gave me plenty of encouragement about this one. We got geared up, and waited for the ride to the airplane. Once at the landing area, we had a few minutes to review the dive, and watch the previous load land. The Otter finally rolled up and we got on board. The plane ride up was nice. We reviewed everything again, and I really just tried to relax. The other jumpers were cool, just chatting away, asking about my jumps. All in all, I was feeling pretty good at this point. Finally, we got up to altitude, and the door opened. It's still a strange, surreal sight to see people fall away from the plane. Way cool, but I got a bit of nerves again as we scooted back to the door. Brad told me to just take a few deep breaths, and relax. Standing in the doorway wasn't nearly as bad as my Level 1 jump. I got the shake, Prop, Up, Down, Arch, Arch, Arch! I remember while falling out that I did much better on the exit. This is good because: 1. I exited on time, and 2. my brain is processing things better. We got stable, I did the COA, no problems so far. The practice touches went well. Brad was giving me the extend legs signal, so I tried doing that, but it wasn't working. He would tap my legs, I'd extend them, then pull my legs back in. So we spent some altitude getting that sorted out. Here's where the jump went wonky. After I got my legs sorted out, I went back to my practice touches! Even now, I don't know why I did that. I remember thinking that that was a really stupid thing to do. Luckily, Brady and Brad saw what I was doing at about the same time I corrected myself. But we were now down to about 7000' so I didn't bother to try the turns. I was so pissed at myself! What if they thought I was was trying to deploy? Uggghhh. I waved off and deployed on schedule, and waited for the canopy to open up. It did, but was about 90 degrees off heading. I saw what was going on, and got my hands to the risers, fast! Either I was able to prevent the twists, or it just wasn't my day to experience twists, but either way, the lines were straight, the chute looked good, and I was on my way. The canopy ride was fun! I did the controllability check, all was well, so I just tried to fly the canopy a bit, and enjoy the ride. By now, I knew that I had busted the ride. The flight down went fine. I'm getting much more confident in my turns, and how the chute flies. Brady was on the radio giving me corrections, and I set up to land. The flare was OK, and I did my first real PLF on landing. We gathered up the chute and headed off to the trailer. Good things: 1. My exit was much better than Level 1. I did what I was supposed to, and we left on time. 2. I think I'm altitude aware almost to a fault. 3. I'm able to mentally process what's going on much better than my earlier jumps. 4. I realized the potential for line twists when the chute opened, and reacted properly. 5. PLF. While standup landings would be cool, I recognize that I'm still very new to this. PLFs can help prevent injuries, and I'm all in favor of that. Bad things: 1. Showed up late which threw me off right from the start. 2. I'm still having problems with leg extension. I know this is somewhat common for students, but I have enough tunnel time that it shouldn't be happening. Need to work on that... 3. I screwed up the dive flow. I knew the flow, but didn't follow it when I went back and did the second set of practice touches. 4. Setting up a landing pattern. I'm getting better, but still have some work to do. 5. Need to work a bit on keeping my head up throughout the jump. I'm fairly good about it, but still not totally there yet. 6. Monitoring heading. Even now, I have no idea of what direction we were pointing in freefall. Maybe that's part of the mental overload I'm working on... Overall, I'm fairly happy with the jump, even though I have to repeat the level. My exit was much better, and I'm more aware of what's going on during the jump. My canopy skills are improving too, which is nice. So, even though I have to repeat Level 2, I'm making progress. I know the turns will be fine next jump. Another nice thing is getting to meet new folks. The guys on the plane really helped me feel more confident and relaxed. I had fun flying with Brady and Brad. I got to talk to one guy from my AFF class, and another guy I flew with in the tunnel. I met one other guy who drives about five hours from NE Wyoming to do his jumps. There was also a guy there for a tandem that was a surprise birthday present from his wife. He was a trip! Kinda nervous and excited all at once. He had a billion questions, and I tried to answer them as much as I could as a two jump wonder. But he came over and thanked me after his jump. Said it helped, so that was nice. Chris Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.

Nice job, Chris. I came close to getting twists today on my Level 2. The canopy got to almost 90 degrees. I pulled the risers apart and stopped it. That, or the canopy just didn't want to twist up for some other reason. And I now have to re-do my Level 2 because I ran out of altitude for my turns (brain lock on my part). Sound familiar? Chris Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.

I bought LG machines last year and couldn't be happier. They are quiet, efficient (the washer uses about 9 gals. of water/load), and they do a great job on the laundry. One thing to consider: make sure the floor in your laundry room is solid. The front loaders spin fast, and will make your floor vibrate a bit. Nothing too alarming, but you'll know when the spin cycle is going. I redid the laundry room floor with half inch Hardi board and porcelin tiles, and can still feel it a little bit. Chris Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.

Hi Phil! Welcome to the forums. Don't worry about contributing...I'm the same way. I've got two jumps, and I don't really care if I ask a noob question, though I'll usually search before asking. Chances are another newbie is thinking of the same thing! BTW, I'm from the other end of the state: Lancaster. Nice to see another PA person here! Chris Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.

From what I remember, both pilots lost their stripes because of the flight. The story was that one of the jumpers was from the Friendly Aviation Administration, and wasn't too pleased about the bridge part of the flight. True or not, it's the story I heard. Chris Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.

Ryan, I'm a noob too, and I think you should start AFF. It's getting cold here in Denver too, but there's still plenty of good weather left. I'm doing my Level 2 this weekend, and plan on jumping straight through winter, weather permitting. I'll fly the tunnel when I get weathered out. Even if it takes me all winter to finish AFF, I'll be spending money on jumps towards that goal, rather than tandem rides. Just my $0.02... Chris Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.

Check your registry. I've seen viruses and *ware that plant themselves in there, and are a bugger to clean out. Then run registry, virus, adware, and trojan scans. I'm no expert, but it works for me. I also run FireFox or Opera rather than IE which seems to help a bit. Good luck! Chris Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.

Here's our cat Rusty in a full face yawn! He's the happiest cat I've ever known... Chris Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.

Alti-2 kicks ass! I sent them a new-to-me Altimaster II for recalibration a week ago Friday, and I received it today...ten day turnaround. Besides the quick turn, they replaced the lens for no charge! Luann and the folks at Alti-2 are the best! Chris Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.

Thanks for the info, Terry! I'll bring it up to the DZ next time I jump. I have a feeling the Galaxy will check out just fine, and Alti-2 has already shipped the II; so I should have it Monday or Tuesday. Chris Burn the land and boil the sea, You can't take the sky from me.