danornan

You're recommending something that doesn't work properly/correctly/accurately? Although the difference in measurement between it and your alti (which is what I'm guessing you are comparing its beep tones to) could be due to the difference in location on your body and therefore difference in pressure in those locations. Or if you are comparing it to an analogue alti, the lack of accuracy in the analogue. OR, the solo2 is actually beeping at the correct altitudes, and it is your other alti that's wrong? Exact accuracy is very subjective and can depend on lots of different variables. The audible is a guide and not exact. Trust but verify... As far as not using it on Big Ways, not sure what you mean. I've been on a few without it being an issue ! Dano

Personally I prefer the solo for it's simplicity. Set and forget. If a change is necessary, it's easy to do and can be done in the climb to altitude. L & B 's service is second to none and over the years, their support for skydivers is also first class. Dano

USPA - Are They Worth it? I think so, and I love the magazine too ! ..... If you don't think so, why not come up with a better process or organization to go between us and the Public and the FAA. Maybe run for office and "fix" it from the inside. Dano

It was fun to be a part of it, along with others from 20 different countries. It really was a nice low key event that was well organized and safe. Looking forward to doing it again in 2018. Dano

I'm going to play, what we call in the US, the Dutch uncle..... Maybe you should either move or just forgo skydiving till it's more convenient. Sounds like it's going to be a major disruption in your life and financially expensive for the return on investment. I love skydiving, and was lucky to live about an hour from a great DZ. If it had been a lot further away, with a family and or relationship, the timing might just not have been right. It's important to be current, especially in the beginning and as you are learning good constant repetition is critical. This might not be what you want to hear so it really depends on why and how badly do want to skydive. Dano

PM sent Dano

Putting extra weight on your back is fine if everything goes your way and nothing unexpected happens on your ride. Has that ever happened ? The problem on a motorcycle is that unexpected things occur all the time and your center of gravity is off, along with the swinging momentum. 30 + pounds can make a big difference. A small back pack worn close, is OK as many use it for hydration. Riding a motorcycle is dangerous enough without adding more to the equation. I too have thought about putting my gear on my back for a ride to the DZ, but strapping it to the back of the seat changes very little to weight and balance. Dano

Wearing it on your back is dangerous and not safe for several reasons.... Watch the bungees too. They have been know to stretch and come loose, whipping the container under the rear wheel. One of the simplest and least expensive is a gear bag strapped to the rear seat or side bags if you have them. There are some very good bungee type of straps (Rok) that are secure and will not come loose if used correctly. Dano

Z-Hills and Deland for the grass, airplanes and staff.... Oh ya, fun too....October through April is the best time.... Dano

I serve on a local university committee that effectively works to prevent cruelty to animals in laboratory research called IACUC (Industrial Animal Care and Use Committee) and I don't think we would have allowed any of the preceding experiments. :-) Dano

Google soft scuba weights. Same as solid except a bag of lead pellets. Much softer and flexible. Same as skydiving weights. 1-5 pounds. Dano

I know next to nothing on rigging for a flag demo, but have you considered soft scuba weights? Dano

Like comedy, there is a bit of truth in every joke, and the same is true at the DZ, from what I've heard. I've been married for quite a long time and for me personally, I've always felt it was best for my marriage to not hang around at the DZ too long after the sun set. I could never live there, just too many temptations..... Dano

The top of my tib was crushed about 16 years ago and 2 years after all of the surgeries and PT I was back to jumping with pain medication, ice and elevation. Accidently I found that by swimming several days a week with fins and limited arm motion, I went off of the pain medication and have cut the discomfort my 95%. I still need ice and elevation after swimming about 1/2 the time, but by strengthening the muscles above the knee, it took the pressure off of my knee. and one last thing, stop running...... It's not going to help your knee, only make it worse. Dano

Good article but like affirmation, without taking action, just words. The wilderness course mentioned is involved and does take some time. In the mean time though, most communities offer basic first aid and local fire departments can generally direct you to different levels of training. Every skydiver can easily carry a cell phone (disposable one from Walmart !) with important numbers preprogrammed along with a basic map of any new area you might be visiting. This is simple and can make a difference. In the basic first aid courses today the steps are to stabilize and dial 911. Things that anyone can learn.

The community should make them stick to solo's until they can learn to do otherwise. MUCH EASIER said than done ! Dano

As a newbee in 1986, I don't remember more than 4 DC-3/C47's at Z-Hills until my first Turkey Boogee, but it blew me away....More than 1,200 people were registered and there were always canopy in the air. Having just learned to skydive, I thought that all Drop Zones were like Z-Hills ! It was still an amazing time for me to start. Dano

In the old days it was located on the chest strap and then it gradually moved to the wrist. Since I only glance at mine occasionally I wear it on my mud flap. This makes it always easy to see and out of the way. Frank, of Look Ma makes a great adapter that works and is inconspicuous, but always there. Dano

I think this thread started out with good intentions, but in general, any topic on Drop Zone.com seems to take lots of twists and turns. Too bad it's not more professional, but that's another topic... It's always a good idea to have a cell phone with you for many of the above reasons, along with the number of manifest and, in particular, if you are at a new DZ, a good map or rough sketch of the area for an off DZ landing. No negatives I can think of. I did have a need for one 5 years ago at a new DZ with an injured skydiver, away from the normal landing area. He was carried out by helicopter and the cell phone made a big difference. Dano

The east side of Tampa ( Temple Terrace) is less than 30 minutes from Z-Hills and a great place to live. I've been in the Tampa Bay area for quite a while and can give you more specific info any time. Deland is about 2 hours away. If you dive (SCUBA) the Gulf is close and the East coast of FL, one of the best diving destinations is only 3 hours away. Lots to do and housing is low compared to a lot of the country. I hear though that rent is high. We just don't have mountains ! Dano

I use and have in the past, returned one of their products. The service I received was excellent and I wish other companies has service as good. Unfortunately, many skydivers abused the great service, returning goods found or way out of warranty and to stay in business, L& B had to adjust their very liberal policies. They still make a very good product with a limited customer base compared to many other sports. Dano

The requirements have to do with skill set and possible situations. No one ever has to make a night jump. Not even for demos. You can always come down with the airplane if it is too dark. Much too dangerous for a requirement. Dano

I agree with you 100%. I have made several and they were fun, memorable and uneventful, but in my opinion, way too dangerous to be a requirement. Everything that can go wrong is magnified. Glad you lived, but you were lucky and not good. Plan better next time and get lots of good local advise. Use the internet as a guide, but verify with your local instructors. Dano

I've got one I don't use any more. It a medium size and will hold about 12 pounds if you are interested. $20 and shipping. Dano