skygypsie

The rigid is a real hoot for bar-hopping. And it's equipped with a vibe-rider (tm), so my pax's seem to like it too. The V-rod comes out when I tire of the punks with their sportbikes. The Breakout is... amazing! 110" of pavement-shaking therapy.

Does she ride already ? Shortly, after I started I found the Sportster too light for highway riding with any wind, especially being smaller. I also had to put a lower Mustang solo seat, lowering kit, big bob tank & forward controls to make it more comfortable & even with that still was a tip toe balance. I tried out the Dyna Wide Glide. The front end felt good, but that was about it ! I can flat foot the Softails (Springer & Heritage), love the lower center of gravity, so much more negotiable on turns & curves, being so lean-able & just a much more comfortable, controllable ride, for my size.

Wow, very nice...all of them So which is your favorite ? (knowing they all have their special purpose) The Black Hills are amazing to ride in..my favorite part about going to Sturgis. Wisconsin's country roads & scenic north aren't bad either

mostly these - these days ... a little bit of this - a little bit of that Awesome!!! ETA: Which is your favorite? I was at Sturgis last year... but left on Thursday before the craziness really began. Oh, Without a doubt, The Springer ! '90 Sportster was my 1st...a '96 Xmas gift. My Dad died the night I got it. Had it re-painted in memory of him, so lots of sentimental significance & will always keep it ! She's going into retirement soon. Shortly after the Sportster I wanted to go bigger so the Low Rider...for just that very reason.. I'm 5'2, but prefer forward controls, so don't care for it so much & don't want to put any $ in it, to modify... I love, love, love how the Springer handles & rides...she cackles when she wants to be heard...& perty, too Looking to go Road King, or Heritage Softail...before next summer, to start getting some road trips in again ! Sturgis trips include camping at Glencoe Campgrounds, right near Buffalo Chip...there by Sat of the start week. My favorite time is ride to Hulett, WY., but after a couple crazy daze in Sturgis, ready to head out for the long ride back to WI., by Friday ....so I know what you mean 1st trip was in '97 Last was a few years ago, but Hubby's never been there so, would like to go next summer again

mostly these - these days ... a little bit of this - a little bit of that

Thanks for the info "period of contestability". Regarding need for honesty when obtaining any insurance coverage, I agree. In this case, this is not the issue regarding his USPA life insurance coverage obtained... given his past 20 years as full time Instructor May-Nov yearly, his then-present, & hopes to continue in future as he had his own small dz, (& helped out at other dz's) were the basis he obtained the policy in the 1st place. His wife & I have often discussed how at the start of every season (as I'm sure many SO who chose skydiving as their choice of profession) they have had "the talk"... "you know someday something may happen..." My husband & myself have it every season start, as well ! We all (they) are aware of the risks, therefore the additional reason some go with life insurance specifically for skydiving coverage. But, when the worst case scenario, like this occurs, IMO denying is more than inexcusable !!! Thanks to you all who have shed some input & advice. I have passed them on to her. She is grateful, no doubt in my mind, he would be as well ! ~BlueSkies ~ ~BSBD Paul ~

Though the date of incident was 1 year ago, she received the denial(s) around November, 4 months later. It is my understanding they were awaiting investigation results pending, per USPA, autopsy & law enforcement. So are you saying 1 year from date of occurrence or date of filing claim ? She has been very open discussing details, emotions, issues....with me, so I will share with her input from those of you have given knowledgeable advice. Thanks for your feed back ! I'm hesitant to say anything that might be construed as legal advice on here. But generally speaking (although this is not legal advice) - The clock usually starts running as of the date of the occurrence. - It's not just what the state's law says re: deadline - i.e., the so-called "statute of limitations" for filing a lawsuit (which varies greatly depending on the state and the type of claim). But most insurance policies have specific deadlines for filing suit written into the language of the contract, and they're often shorter, sometimes much shorter, than whatever deadline is in the state law. Blow that contractually-set deadline, and you're possibly (maybe even probably) shit outta luck, no matter what the state-law deadline might be. That's why she needs to see a lawyer ASAP to advise her. No worries about your (nor any others) statements being misconstrued as legal advice, though with that being said, I will contact her IMMEDIATELY -TODAY ! I know she is not only struggling emotionally & physically, but also financially. Like I said, a major portion of their income was his skydiving, but also a very successful 'built from the ground up' home business, he ran. He also had his own dz, but was just helping another dz out with tandems, when he died. No doubt she needs to get on this. They had an attorney for their business ventures & he was the initial go between with insurance companies after his death, but once claims were denied, she relayed to me there was nothing more to be done.... I will suggest to her she needs to find an aggressive, specializing in insurance cases, attorney - NOW ! Again, thanks to you all for your 'statements' !

Though the date of incident was 1 year ago, she received the denial(s) around November, 4 months later. It is my understanding they were awaiting investigation results pending, per USPA, autopsy & law enforcement. So are you saying 1 year from date of occurrence or date of filing claim ? She has been very open discussing details, emotions, issues....with me, so I will share with her input from those of you have given knowledgeable advice. Thanks for your feed back !

Yes! - but the factors that affect the deadline vary from one state to another, and one insurance policy to another, among other things. She should consult with an attorney immediately! (with respect to all insurance policies and any other issues) Ok - I will be talking to her later in the week... He said "immediately!" ...if not, sooner. I wish I could talk to her "immediately", except I just spoke with her exactly one week ago, exactly the one year date since she lost her husband, our close & dear friend. She, their children & his family (parents & brother) are taking this week together, privately, to celebrate & honor his life. Not only is she not accessible, but it would be disrespectful to attempt to call her voicemail, etc. I will get in touch with her when she & her family have had this time together & she is taking calls. I will honor & respect their wishes & privacy during this much needed time together. Thank you for pointing out this really needs to be acted on immediately. Your concern is appreciated

Yes! - but the factors that affect the deadline vary from one state to another, and one insurance policy to another, among other things. She should consult with an attorney immediately! (with respect to all insurance policies and any other issues) Ok - I will be talking to her later in the week, so in hopes not to come across insensitive, I will attempt to approach the topic & relay this to her. Thanks again ! * too bad you weren't in her area...a skydiving attorney who has handled both sides of insurance claims legal issues, given the circumstances, would be her best shot !

(FWIW: I've handled a lot of insurance claims law, on both sides. The following is not legal advice.) If the main stream policy had language that excluded skydiving, then it did, and that's hard to fight. But to be sure, a lawyer should review every word of the policy from front to back; one should not rely on a layperson, and certainly not on the say-so of an employee of the insurance company. BUT - and it's possible there are more factual or technical details of which you're not aware - IF the USPA's insurance carrier is claiming the drowning was an event that was technically separate from the skydive, my default reaction, even without reading the policy (though that still must be done) is that's bullshit, and your friend should consult a lawyer with an eye toward fighting it in court. Of course the cost may be a deterrent. But although taking cases on a contingency-fee basis is usually only done in personal injury type cases, some lawyers do handle certain types of insurance claim cases on contingency, too (though many do not). Except for the most rural areas with very low population density, almost every county in the US has a local county bar association that provides attorney referral services to the public. And every state has a state bar association that often provides similar services. Your friend should look them up and speak with them, with an eye toward getting at least an initial consultation with a lawyer who handles insurance claims. She just might be able to find one who'd be willing to take her case on either a contingency or a "blended fee" basis (i.e., part hourly, part contingency) that she'd find affordable. Thank you for your feedback, Andy. " USPA's insurance carrier is claiming the drowning was an event that was technically separate from the skydive, my default reaction, even without reading the policy (though that still must be done) is that's bullshit, ..." This is exactly their position & reason for denying !!! Like I said she is still extremely devastated by the loss of her husband, but I will definitely suggest to her, what you've pointed out. Is there a 'timely filing' to appeal denied claims ? His death was July 9, 2013, so this week is extremely hard for her, but I wouldn't want her to miss any procedural requirements. She has shut down from pursuing this. Sometimes you would have to wonder if insurance companies count on this. She hasn't even been able to move his gear from the spot he had them in their home, nor go into a closet he had clothes, since his death, so it is hard to bring the topic up to make suggestions. So far all I've really been able to do for her, is listen. Though no doubt some day, she'll wish she hadn't missed her window. Thanks again for your input. It's very much appreciated !

That sucks and I am sorry to hear of your and your friends loss. I was just thinking about this, and I didn't think it was good practice to be insured twice for the same type of cover for exactly this sort of reason? If a loss adjuster thinks they can push it off onto the other company generally they will. Unfortunately, his widow doesn't have the financial ability to retain an attorney to fight them...& they know it ! In addition to her ongoing grieving, she also doesn't have the emotional strength to fight them...& they know it ! I am astonished & curious as to the why's & the point in having USPA life insurance, when their carrier can conclude as they did with this incident. * I am not slamming USPA. I realize they offer the coverage, but are not the adjustor's who make claim's decisions, nor are the policy provider's. * personally, a bit unsettling to know that carrier is also my personal insurance company for my home, auto, health Regardless of whether the landing was in water, resulting in his death...my 'teaching' as a student: no skydive is a successful completion, unless you can walk away after landing... He wasn't in the water for a leisurely swim, though he was a certified scuba diver... He was doing a professional skydive

Hmm, I still carry term life insurance (V's gonna be rich if I go in) that doesn't exclude skydiving. But now I think I may have to recheck the super fine print. . . ______________________________________________ Had a good friend who had USPA life insurance coverage & also a main stream life insurance policy, as well. A big portion of his income was from skydiving ( TI, AFFI, Demos). Sadly, a year ago he drowned doing a tandem skydive, when he & his student landed in a body of water. He was able to save his passenger before he drowned. His wife; also a good friend, was sole beneficiary. She filed life insurance claims with both USPA & their outside life insurance carrier. She was denied by both. USPA provider concluded once he made entry into the water, the skydive was completed, therefore no pay out. Main stream provider concluded he died 'skydiving', a non covered incident. BTW: Can anyone suggest a medical insurance provider who covers 'paid' skydivers ? Most we've checked into won't cover skydiving, if it is brought to their attention. Actually they won't accept as an insured, once it is noted. Medical insurance through other employment doesn't give skydiving coverage option.

In total agreement !

I initially responded based on "promise 5" post # 347 of the thread, where she goes into to specific detail of the mind set of a survivor of sexual assault goes through whether riding on a bus, train, plane.... My 2nd response was an alternative choice as someone "promise5" again describes in post # 347, who desires to celebrate their freedom as a victim through a skydive. My 3rd reply was in response to yours, as I assumed you were being serious & based your comment on "promise5" post 347, as well ( by referencing terms: turn over control, uncomfortable). I thought you were serious, as sexual assault is a serious issue. Of course I would NEVER single any one individual suffering from any issue, nor not support anyone wanting to skydive. My husband has close to 4000 jumps. 2000 of those as a TI, 1000 AFFI & combo of shooting vids & fun jumps. I have over 10,000 tandem packs. Skydiving is how we make a living. In order to do that, soliciting & promoting skydiving...keeping in mind SAFETY 1st FOR ALL, is required. However, given the detailed scenario "promise5" describes can you in all good affirmation, feel that INDIVIDUAL is quite ready to do a skydive ? And by the way....I GET IT !!!!!!!!! just found no point playing 'damsel in distress' role going through life...

You do make a point "turtlespeed", given the scenario "promise5" shared. Tandems it's a given, student's are "along for the ride". AFF & S/L jumps.... Those 15-20 minutes packed in during the climb to altitude, the 10 seconds with instructors in close proximity "grabbing/holding" a student during freefall, who is already uncomfortable turning over control & at wave off on their own...could make for situations for others on the load & themselves "if your head is not in, don't jump until it is"... even if it means riding the plane down... better yet WAIT until you know you are 100% ready !!!

The other alternative would be AFF or S/L if a victim of sexual assault, was compelled to celebrate their freedom from the assault through skydiving. There would be no "intimate" attachment or body positioning !

*** And if this TI gets a survivor and doesn't have the decency to step aside and let another TI take the survivor? quote] _______________________________________________ Understanding sexual abuse is intolerable & more than unfortunate to its victims !!! Sexual predators / molesters are loathsome !!! So with this statement you make, are you also suggesting waivers should include, or should students be required to divulge (or given the opportunity to) they are survivors of sexual molestation ? Should this disclosure be made prior to scheduling, at some point throughout their pre jump course, while rigging up, so as they are assigned to the 'just right' TI, for both safety & security of the student, as well as, the TI ? Would this disclosure be made procedurally (waiver), to be subjected to potential viewing by others, & subsequent sexual harassment accusation by the victim ? Or would this disclosure be held privately between the student, DZO & TI's, so TI's would be given the opportunity to step up, or step aside out of decency to that particular student ? What USPA standards would that 'custom' training & TI assignment fall under ? Would that potentially be scrutinized as a sexual harassment violation, if the student didn't get a TI they were totally comfortable with ? Would / should a TI also have to divulge he/she is also a survivor of sexual abuse or any other PTSD issue before he/she obtained their certification ? Would / should a TI, or any instructor, packer, pilot (beyond a flight medical exam) have to be psychologically cleared before being considered as dz staff ? Should students have to be psychologically cleared, or victims of abuse provide therapy reports upon notification they are survivors, as to ascertain they are of sound mind to make a skydive ? If so, say good bye to skydiving ! Though it is a horrible ordeal to go through I'm sure, but given the already intense training a TI goes through to get their rating, in addition to the stress of taking students they are also not familiar with, trusting in them they follow their instructions & training, it seems they would also have to have 'psychotherapist' qualifications, as well...beyond the 15 min. to 1/2 hr. they spend with them, hoping to figure out their character, while training. I am both empathetic & sympathetic to any victim of sexual abuse, or any individual suffering from other forms of abuse, physical, psychological, emotional, heart wrenching, soul tainting hardships & PTSD for countless other issues, in general. I applaud those who challenge themselves in life to overcome; but specifically in response to this thread, to make a skydive. However, with that being said, each 1st time tandem & all students will have their issues with their beginning skydives, let alone whatever "baggage" they bring on board, in their decision & CHOICE to make the skydive. Can you imagine if all were expected a TI assignment was specifically hand chosen & assigned for each "special issue" ? Do we then ask the USPA, or DZO's to screen &/or refrain from obtaining instructors or other staffers who may have any issues I mentioned above ? If so, again I say...good bye to skydiving ! If you don't feel that would be warranted, then this would be somewhat biased to all other sufferers, or victims...wouldn't you agree ?! This is not meant to be insensitive, but just looking at it from another angle (skydiving safety for all, for starters)....realistically it sounds to me someone suffering this traumatically, would have trust issues with any TI & is perhaps not quite ready to do another tandem jump. Skydiving is therapeutic to many, but should those involved to make the skydive happen, now need be CERTIFIED pyschotherapists ? Your debate seems to suggest the USPA, the DZO & the TI should be a choice of pure all, cure all 'therapy', for sexual abuse victims who CHOSE to do a tandem skydive. Sorry, but I disagree with your thoughts the USPA, DZ-DZO should PROCEDURALLY be required to screen TI's. A skydiving experience is offered to everyone, but IMO perhaps skydiving (tandems) are not for everyone, given the scenario you bring to topic ! I have actually witnessed & have great respect for instructors who have declined the most well intended student from doing a skydive, after every effort to establish they are 'getting it', has been exhausted. * It is a general rule of thumb to all jumpers: " if your head is not in it, don't jump until it is " !!! ** it is my experience most USPA dz's / dzo's obtain INDEPENDENT contractors as their staff

Tandem. Actually it never entered my mind to skydive EVER ! I never knew it was an option for the general public. Met a TI, thought he was fascinating, went to DZ to 'observe' for a few hours, manifested for last load of the day, did a tandem with him, had a mal/ reserve ride, did 2 more tandems in next 2 weeks then started AFF, he taught me to pack, became DZ packer, been together every day since for 8 years, married him 4 years later

Now, that's fascinating ! Bet some interesting conversations & history lessons took place in that dorm room, as well !!!

Yup. My dad died back in '97, a month short of his 90th birthday. He was in the Navy in the Big One. My mother, who will be 92 one month from today, was a welder in the shipyards. Time passes, JerryBaumchen Every time I'm still fortunate enough to meet a veteran of WW2, I'm more and more in awe. ------------------------------------------------------------------ As am I ! I'm closing in on 60 myself, so have had many conversations with many who "were there", over the years. My former father in law was a gunner on a ship at Pearl Harbor bombing, shooting down Kamikaze Pilots. My husband's grandfather was an Air Force T-6 Texan pilot during the "BIG WAR". So bittersweet is the fact those who are still here to pass on their accounts, are yet so cognitive given their age. Though; as most war veterans I suppose, don't go into vivid detail, it seems the remarkable memories for their age, has been left in tact to pass down the history. At best, WWI, WWII, Koreon, Viet Nam are briefly touched upon in class room education & until recently, by the public * Jerry, you're mom would truly be my hero.... a real "Rosie The Riveter" !

I hope this applies to the thread somewhat. This past weekend I attended a funeral & met a 93 survivor of WWII. As most elderly are, he was very interesting to talk with. He was radioman on B24 bombers, flying over 50 missions. One of his missions was flying the last US bombing mission of WWII. He said that B24 is still airworthy.

True story: In 1983 while living in Alaska, my then husband (deceased), our 2 year old son & I had a very unique opportunity to stay a few weeks with a family living in "The Bush", near Glennallen, AK. Though they were not a family of 9, they were a family of 4 living in a very small 1 room log cabin, with no running water-plumbing, electricity & only a small wood stove to heat & cook. They had contracted us to do drywall / finishing in a large 2 story log cabin with modern civilization updates. 'Dan'was a bush pilot, who took off daily with his Cessna float plane from their nearby lake. He is now with the FAA / FAAST, in AK. 'Patti' was the most upbeat woman I've ever met. Their 2 children were happy & content. My 2 year old son celebrated his 2nd birthday there. 'Patti' baked a "made from scratch" cake in their wood stove oven, their 2 kids wrapped a couple of their toys in the Sunday comics & we had a party sitting on tree stumps with moose drinking in a stream in their back yard. It was nothing to see a plane landing on the Glennallen Highway & neighbors getting together to help work on their cabin, with women bringing in the food, men at work & kids playing in the dirt for entertainment ! They lived near grizzly mating grounds & so the older kids kept younger ones near them always...though they didn't seem fazed by the reminder it was 'mating season' ! The "Billman's" & that experience was of the best, of the best, I've ever known

Sigh.. it's really not conspiratorial as you seem to think. Beyond, that, I'm not going to expend energy convincing you. No convincing needed ! I'm pretty up front with my thoughts given my statements. Anything else another assumes to know what I "think" is purely entertaining speculation ! Here you go so need to assume to know what I'm thinking... Do I think it is "conspiratorial" ? Not at all. My thought is it is blatantly clear insurance industries have been setting the pace from the get go... no surprise there. Of course, I may be wrong.

So back to my original comment... this is all based on insurance industry backing ! Its not the individual humanitarian concerns of safety & well being of individuals who chose to ride helmetless... its what potential costs may be incurred & result of, spreading across the board. Just find it so bizarre & hypocritical tobacco smoking is still legal, affecting so much in medical costs, insurance premiums rates & so many more lives