OATSF14

Boy 16 did a Tandem last summer. Wants to be a freeflyer. (I'm so ashamed)

No matter how bad life sucks at the moment, I at least live in a country where the opportunity to make it better exists.

2000 20 years which includes an 8 year hiatus Highest 18K Lowest 900 (Tequila induced) Three reserve rides Four naked One almost bounce

We used to give "celebs" rides in our planes. Rare but we did it. Tried to get a ride for our "Sailor of the Year" and that went nowhere. (wasn't important enough, to dangerous) If rides are available and you had the cash you telling me you wouldn't go? Please..........

Just like every other forum out there, this one has jerks. It's in Illinois. Hope to see you there.

Kids are the greatest thing going. Drove a little over 1200 miles this past summer so mine could make a Tandem. (underage) I was worried of course but he did great. Last week he showed me a copy of a trade magazine he subscribes to. He had a letter published. I was very proud of his writing skills. He never ceases to amaze me. Physically he is a little hunk. Starting to date. He is surprised how "expensive" women can be. I can't help but laugh at that one. Kids only get better. I loved the newborn stage, the toddler stage, the T-ball stage, and now he can carry on an intelligent conversation. Can't wait until he starts jumping. (The ex-wife isn't crazy about it but what the hell) So... glad to hear you love your boy. Take care, best wishes and maybe we will make it out your way one day.

Slot perfect or it does not count. Anything else is trash. No pride in that. (unless you are a Texican)

I went to the '86 Convention. I remember the C-130 jumps. I can still see the door to a porta potty opening and three people walking out. 2 dudes and a woman. Knew at that time I could like this place. First Boogie of any size that I had gone to. Taught me that there are some great jumpers out there. I remember following 2 or 3 floaters downward toward the base. I saw the jumper in front of me flair, side slide, pivot, sink, and take grips without a ripple being detected. Absolute beauty. Turns out it was a female. First time I had ever seen that. Taught me to be humble. Good times. Parties at night. Anything you wanted. Great stereo systems. Woke up one morning to "Leader of the Band". (can't remember the artist) Just at that time the DC-3 starts coughing. Another day. Saw my first canopy collision. 2 died. Not good. Taught me the dive isn't over until you are down. Saw my first "double hump back growler". Still the best "mooning" position I have ever seen. Good days. I thank Roger for that.

Boobies on a wiener dog....very intersting possibilities.....

Drivin' with my buddy in his MGB, gettin' high, drinkin' beer. (miss those college days) Saw some parachutes and decided to try it. Static Line with T-10s.

Yes I did. Back in the days before they put our players in jail. Talk about ruining a season.......

Major should have been playing all along.

Great. Not only can OU routinely kick UTs ass in football but we can beat them in this area also.

The Shootist Matrix In Search of the Holy Grail Amadeus Full Metal Jacket

Agree with Merrick. Roadracing 1st, SCUBA 2nd.

My favorite is: "What does it mean when an Aggie baby drools out of both sides of it's mouth"?.......it means the trailer is level.....

I haven't really paid much attention to this Coach stuff. From what I'm hearing I sense good and bad. I drove my baby boy 1237 miles this summer so he could make an underage Tandem. (His 15th birthday present) Now he is scouring anything to do with skydiving picking his future rig, canopy, etc... Of course Dad will foot the bill for that. Dad will also pay for what I consider to be the SAFEST mode of learning for this future freeflyer. I remember so many stupid things I did as a student. (T-10s, PCs, early squares) The stupid things were usually in the company of other low time jumpers. I fully believe that Coached jumps with a qualified coach will be extremely beneficial. I also believe that a huge part of this sport is the comaraderie that is formed between high time and low time jumpers. My boy had the pleasure of meeting Jason Peters this past summer. Even though Robert, (my boy) was not jumping, Jason spent over 30 minutes one afternoon just shooting the breeze with him about freeflying, Voodoos, cameras, etc....This unsolicited, unsold expertise must continue or this sport will suck. We never stop learning. If you are worth it I will pay for the Coaching. I detest being required to do so.

Navy or Air Force will do you well. Ditto for the Marines. "Semper Fi". About being in the Navy and not getting to skydive...bullshit. I was able to jump in Italy, France, England, and Spain. It does suck living on a boat. Just imagine spending January thru July for a typical cruise. As a pilot you will be able to get off the thing for 2.5 hours at a time. During my career we were able to fight, "play fight", British, French, Italian, German, and Egytian pilots. The only group that could fight us face to face was our own Air Force. Great pilots. Everyone is good, the Americans are best. More flight hours, more training, etc....As for flying cargo planes in order to get a job on the outside, that is true. (if you have no pride) A beautiful plane has a sharp nose, guns/missiles, goes fast, and will slap you everyonce in awhile to let you know that it is indeed a fighter. If that means nothing to you fly a bus. Bring the fighter guys their food, mail, other accessories and then leave. A technical degree would be nice. It is a hard road. Fly fighters, let the others fly the slow shit.