verticalflier

I think he was asking about Europe, that is just few miles away from Lodi.

There is no problem with the Pilot, or for that matter any other canopy, shutting down in no wind. You just have to know how to fly it :)

I agree with Spot, read up on reviews and see who likes what and why. Also try to test jump something you are interested in, then you will be able to gain your own knowledge about that particular setup. There are ways to demo gear at dz's, through gear stores and manufacturers. Keep in mind that what I or someone else likes you may not. Safety wise listen to your instructors. Have fun, Leszek

No, I know Mel and Alex are taking good care of their dog. I am sure he has a fresh bone to chew on all the time. as for Argus, William has emailed me with assurance they are still on the market. That is nice to know as I do use their AAD and like it.

Have not seen them at PIA. Couple of my friends have ordered new units last year and still haven't heard about when they can get them. Is Argus still in business?

We will have 81, 91, 101, 111, 121 Les

I totally understand your idea of having your next canopy build out of a low-bulk material. I have been flying a ZPX Mamba for a couple of months now and there is no way I would go back to regular ZP, i just got too spoiled For me comfort on my back plays a big role in the choice of personal gear. We are quite lucky that ever-evolving technology is giving us, the end users, more options. PD did a very good job when they introduced Optimum to the market. It gave those who wanted a bigger reserve but had smaller rigs, to meet their needs. For us at Aerodyne, adding a ZPX option will allow skydivers who would like to up-size their canopy and at the same time retain their container to do just that. The same goes for those who would like to fly a Sensei, they will not have to worry about having to buy too small of a size to fit in their rig, they can simply use ZPX option to offset the bulk.

As far as I know we are not planning on building the lotus or samurai. If you are looking for any of those two, the best advise I can give you is to contact Brian and see if he would be interested in building one for you. Blues, Leszek Aerodyne US Tour [email protected]

Yeah Go Simon!!! Tube Stoes FOREVER!!!!!!!!! :)

I have not tried one yet but Sensei demos are coming soon. All of you who have been waiting to try Brian's wing need to be patient just for a short while. Sensei demos will most likely be made out of regular ZP material, so the pack volume will be much bigger. If I was to order one, I would get a ZPX version for sure. It really is a next step in ZP evolution and packers fight over it on the packing mat.

Our new fabric, called ZPX, is being introduced to compliment already well known ZP. It will be available as an option for additional $200 per canopy. Our A2 tandem made out of ZPX will have additional cost of $300. We are just in the process of getting a full range of colors for all those who are interested in ZPX. All in all, I have been jumping my ZPX Mamba 96 since December 2008, and would not trade it back for a standard ZP one. As for Sensei demo in Norway, we are just waiting for the snow to start melting in your backyard, but please email Herman of our EU Demo Tour, [email protected], for more info. For those asking about order form on our website, it should be up in a week or so, just giving you guys enough time to save up some $$$. The MSRP on this fine wing will run at $ 2,877.00 Please feel free to email me if you have more questions I can help you with. Blues, Leszek Aerodyne US Tour [email protected] [email protected]

If there was a canopy coming out to replace the Pilot it would have to come out of Aerodyne not PD, since PD did not make the Pilot and have no power to replace it. We do welcome new Pilot class canopy on the market as it gives end user more choices in finding a wing that will suit them best.

NO to RSL or SKYHOOK IN MY GEAR!!!

Aerodyne Research offers a complete system at military discount. Unlike any other manufacturer of complete system, we offer full range of main canopies to choose from. Feel free to pm me for details. Blues, Leszek

I have heard no complains. But I am still not sure if I will raise my rates or not. I am leaning towards seeing what happens, and going with the flow. I always suggest to unhappy people to get their own rigging ticket and not be subjected to the riggers whining. Quote I could not agree more, and on the other hand it would be good for everyone to get their rigging tickets anyways.

Stoney, You are not going to get post #4 :)

Hi Greg, I have been using various Icon sizes, and found that you can get away with using a size bigger canopy with I5 works just as well as using a size smaller than you see in Aerodyne charts. I had Pilot 188 in I5 even though it calls for only 168. My friend has been using his I5 with Mamba 132, quite comfortably. I4 calls for canopies from 132 to 150, but I had Pilot 117 in it and it worked just fine. Hope it works out for you. Good luck, Leszek

First off, welcome to Skydiving!!! As you have already noticed there are but very few limits to what you can do in this sport, but as always the choice is yours to make. As for gear, all rigs that are on the market work. Otherwise they would only be sold by assisted suicide stores :) LOL. Each manufacturer has their own style and designs which they believe is unique in its class. My very simple advise is:ask questions, get as much education as you can because ignorance kills and stupid hurts :) Try, try, try, try as many different rigs and canopies as your level of experience, and those who will hopefully look after your safety, allow you to. Last but not least, make your own decision about what you will end up buying and flying, because you will be the person who will have to use that particular gear in the end. Have lots of safe fun! Blue Skies Leszek

looks like someone took it a little personal... The answer is YES...RW is dead if you're under 30 and an up-and-comer in skydiving. Everyone agree? Not going to waste too much of my time on this, but why don't you check around and see how many under 30 jumpers were participating in P3 big way events? Then you will be able to make an educated guess...

I second that. Have had an Argus unit for almost 2 years now. I am very happy with it as well with customer service. I just ordered another unit for my second rig. Thanks to Karl and Argus team for their hard work! Leszek

This is a FANTASTIC Dropzone operation. Cookie and I have stopped at Start Skydiving with our Aerodyne Demo Tour on the way to Chicago. Needless to say, hospitality of everyone there was awesome, the facility got our 10 out of 10 rating, that goes for planes, gear buildings etc, etc. We highly recommend this DZ to seasoned and first time jumpers. Leszek and Chelsea "Cookie" Stachyra Aerodyne US Demo Tour'08 [email protected]

Mike Mullins Halloween Boogie has been awesome last year. Great hospitality, fun friends, fast plane. Start planning, go there, have fun, say HI TO MIKE!!! Leszek and Cookie Aerodyne US Tour

Mesquite, Mesquite, Mesquite!!! Check with Brad on his monthly turbine boogies. Have fun! Leszek

Thanks to all organizers for your hard work and by far the most happening boogie Aerodyne tour has been to in the past year. To all who did not make it this year- START PLANNING NOW FOR THE NEXT ONE!!!!! Hope to see you all in 2009!!! Blue Skies Leszek and Cookie

To Danny and all friends at SNM. Our hearts and prayers go out to you guys. Please hang in there. For what it is worth: This is not the end just another beginning. Leszek and Cookie