tombuch

I did a quick calculation of ambulance calls and jumps for the 2002 calendar year at my home DZ. The numbers show that roughly 22 percent of all of our ambulance calls were for landings away from the drop zone. I'm betting that at most two percent of the landings were off the field. That tells me that a jumper is far more likely to get hurt when landing off the drop zone, and that should drive every DZ to build a solid response program to these off-field landings. I'm sorry your local DZ doesn't understand the need for responding to off field landings. Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) S&TA Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Check out the American Trial Lawyers report of this case. It is clearly one sided, but it is also worth looking at alternate points of view when jumping on trot reform issues. Find the abstract of the McDonalds case at http://www.atlanet.org/ConsumerMediaResources/Tier3/press_room/FACTS/frivolous/McdonaldsCoffeecase.aspx -Tom Buchanan Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

The NPRM was a huge document with tons of minor changes and a few majors. You might be surprised at some of the little things that slipped through without notice, and some of the simple things that really helped us. I think USPA did a fine job of advocating on our behalf given their limited resources and the complexity of the proposed rule. I've got to give them MAJOR credit for choking the life out of an accident reporting provision, supporting the tandem provision, and getting approval for foreign jumpers to use gear from their home countries in the United States. With all that said, any skydiver could have taken an active interest in the changes, and some did. USPA even asked us all to review the NPRM and offer our comments to the organization, and also offer those comments to the FAA. Many of the comments were incorporated into the new rule, while others were rejected on perceived merit, or because the suggested change was not specifically included in the original NPRM. It's not a perfect process, but it does give us at least some voice. I made the effort to share my comments with USPA and the skydiving community via rec.skydiving before sending them along to the FAA as part of the official docket. I guess I'm one of those who didn't think there was much ambiguity about single harness single parachute systems being used for intentional jumping. Heck, the intent of the regulation is clear. For what it is worth there is a new NPRM that deals with supervision and authorization issues that are mostly related to pilots, mechanics, and commercial operators, but it also has some imapct on the skydiving world. Take the time to read it and offer your comments to USPA and the FAA before May 20 when the period is set to close. Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) Commericial Pilot (IAMSEL,G) S&TA Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Some interesting issues have been raised regarding the use of a single harness, single parachute pack. The poster believes that since 105.43 addresses only “single harness dual parachute” packs that the regulation does not apply to a “single harness single parachute” rig typically worn by a BASE jumper. It has been argued that since a BASE rig is not specifically addressed under the current Part 105, it is legal for use when making intentional jumps from an airplane. There is an assumption here that the regulation must be interpreted narrowly and may only cover that which is specifically listed. The original Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) for updating Part 105 listed a change that would add a tandem parachute system as distinct from a “single harness dual parachute” pack. The original rule, and the modification suggested under the NPRM, assumed that only dual parachute packs were to be used for intentional jumping. The NPRM included the following: It looks to me like the FAA expects single parachutes packs to be used for emergencies only, and that intentional jumping must include the use of a dual parachute pack because that is all the FAA has ever recognized. If we think about the actual violation that generated this issue, it should also be mentioned that that Part 105.5 specifically prohibits the creation of a hazard as follows: Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) Commercial Pilot (IAMSEL,G) Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

I was simply saying it is better for USPA to enforce FAR's within our organization, thus demonstrating to FAA that we can self regulate. That's a better option than turning those violators over to the FAA, or demonstrating no control and encouraging FAA to get involved. -tom buchanan Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Of course USPA can enforce FAR violations! The function of USPA is one of self regulation so the government doesn't need to do it. USPA needs to be proactive in FAR enforcement, and we have the authority to do so right in the BSR's. Basic Safety regulations, 2004 SIM: B. Compliance withFederal regulations (NW) 1.No skydive may be made in violation of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

The article then bullets the members by name and membership number, and includes the specific penalty. Penalties ranged from a 30 day suspension of membership to memberships being revoked for life. None of the violations are correlated to a specific member or to a specific violation. Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) S&TA Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Boy do I disagree. Of course there should be a firm upper wind limit. There is no excuse for jumping a student in 30 mph winds, no matter what the suspended weight. Some instructors and DZO's are too focused on dollars and don't adequately respect the risk a student is exposed to. I'm starting to believe that students really need a consumer standard of some kind to protect them from programs that are just interested in grabbing their money and jumping in outrageously high winds, or doing other really stupid things. I've watched tandem instructors dump at 3,000 feet, watched them jump in high and turbulent winds then crash badly and get back on the next load, watched them do sick hook turns through crowds, watched them jump after drinking, watched them jump at night, watched them punch clouds by intent, watched them jump in such a fategued state that they couldn't even carry their own rig to the airplane. It's really crazy. USPA is dropping the ball on student protection. I believe that firmly. It really bothers me to hear of cases like the one that started this thread, and it bothers me to know nobody is working on the students behalf. Beyond that, only about 80 percent of drop zones belong to USPA, so 20 percent have almost no regulatory oversight at all, other than the very limited protection of FAR 105. Given the level of crazy local drop zone activity that jeopardizes student safety I'm beginning to believe skydiving should be regulated by consumer affairs departments at the state or local level, just like taxi drivers or hairdressers. We as an industry have really dropped the ball on advocating for and protecting student safety. Meaningful USPA regulation is a better solution, but our self interest as an industry won't let that happen. It's frustrating. Bill, I know your current experience is with a solid program and good DZ, and most DZ's are probably in that category. There are, however, quite a few students exposed to outrageous risk, and leaving the decisions completely up to the instructors who are incentivised to push limits is nuts. I hate to advocate for outside regulation, but it is beginning to seem necessary. I know that's an unpopular opinion and I'll get slammed pretty hard here, but don't our students deserve some level of protection? Don't they deserve some standard other than that created by a greedy local operator looking to generate a profit? Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Well, you could go to USPA.org and get the phone number and web address for the drop zone and call them directly. It's a weekend, so somebody should be around. Most drop zones would rather interested jumpers just call for the real scoop, rather than rely on rumors from the Internet. You can see the Skys The Limit web site at: http://skydive.skysthelimit.net/, or call them at 973-940-6998. Tom Buchanan Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Check your loans. They may include insurance to cover the unpaid balance if you die. The car loan should also be protected by the actual asset, so your parents could sell it at market value and repay the loan. In general, term life insurance isn't a "good deal" for young people. Of course if you really want the coverage, then keep searching. Tom Buchanan Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

I would probably suggest a coach jump, but would have no problem with a tandem if that's what the customer wants. I can't think of a single safety related issue with a tandem in this situation. In fact, helping the customer to relax is a key benefit of tandem, plus it allows an instructor to better analyze the mental state of the jumper in all phases of flight. Now, at the risk of being too commercial, I'm going to suggest your friend purchase or borrow a copy of my book, JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy. It includes a chapter about Psychology that several low-time jumpers have told me helped them deal with their anxiety. There is also a chapter about risk that may scare your friend even further and help him/her to decide not to make another skydive. JUMP! was really written for beginners with no experience, but information is always a good thing, and this book help your friend to come to grips with fear and then to decide if the sport is self-appropriate. Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) S&TA Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

As a student, that is generally true. Once you are off student status and making your own way in the skydiving world you will need to make your own decisions. As you gain experience, change equipment, and change your jump profiles, your risk exposure and risk tolerance will change. As that happens an instructor will no longer be in a position to make decisions for you. In fact, given the issue at hand in this thread (RSL's), instructors have many differing opinions. My suggestion is to follow your instructors advice as long as you are a student. As you gain experience seek other opinions and demand supporting facts. Evaluate the experience and training of the people offering those opinions. Make your own decisions, initially favoring your instructors positions. As time moves on and you gain confidence in others, include alternate opinions and thoughts. Reevaluate all your safety decisions at least annually. The decision to use or not use an RSL, for example, should be based at least in part on the kind of equipment you are using, the types of jumps you are making, your planned opening altitude, your total experience and currency, and your risk tolerance. Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) S&TA Senior Parachute Rigger Commercial Pilot (IAMSEL,G) Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Welcome to the forums. I hope you will reconsider teaching of the 45 degree method. It really isn't effective at higher speeds, with larger groups, longer jumpruns, or when applied literally. Your experience suggests that it can work under very limited circumstances, but not when it matters. I was originally taught the 45 degree method when I was a student at a Cessna DZ 20+ years ago. I think what happens at Cessna DZ's is that a spotter watches for 45 degrees, and then starts the exit process, thus adding extra seconds.Too, the groups are small and since there are so few groups there isn't the pressure to get everybody out fast. At a bigger or more active DZ there is a stronger "Go NOW" pressure so users of the 45 degree rule tend to bunch up. Anyway, my point was that the 45 degree method really doesn't work, but that there are plenty of experienced jumpers who believe it does. When discussing spotting with experienced jumpers we need to acknowledge anecdotal experience that suggests the method does work, then disprove it technically before we can apply a time/distance based method that really does work. I got grief for even acknowledging the 45 degree method a while back, and I suspect that can of worms has been opened again, but oh well. If you missed my S&TA feature about the topic on The Ranch web site, it is available at http://ranchskydive.com/safety/tb_article15.htm Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) S&TA Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

At my DZ we have been told clearly and unequivocally by the local rescue squad that we may NOT use or maintain a traction splint, or even oxygen, on the DZ unless it is under the direct control of a physician who is then the only person that can use it. The rescue squad position is that an EMT (in New York state) is licensed only under the direction of a physician, and the EMT license is not valid without medical control or a physician on site. In the absence of medical control an EMT is simply a member of the general public and is not authorized to use any advanced first aid skill or equipment for which he is trained. Thus, according to our rescue squad, using a traction splint represents practicing medicine without a license and is illegal. That’s a crappy position, I know, but it is supported by NY State EMS policy, and must be the policy of our drop zone. Check with your local rescue squad prior to stocking any EMT level equipment, and prior to authorizing any EMT to perform service. The other thing worth of note, is that in NYS a responding volunteer CFR (certified first responder, the lowest level of certification) has control and authority, but a trained EMT or paramedic who works full time in the profession has no authority unless he/she is directly affiliated with the local rescue squad. My response to a femur fracture with deformity is to apply manual traction, treat for shock, and await a local ambulance squad responder who is under medical control. At that point we can use the ambulance equipment. For additional discussion, please see http://ranchskydive.com/safety/tb_article10.htm Tom Buchanan EMT-B S&TA Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

That's some good stuff to think about. I actually wrote about visiting other DZ's in a winter S&TA feature on The Ranch web site. The focus of the feature is how to evaluate a new DZ. It is a pretty good companion to the MakeItHappen post. read it at http://ranchskydive.com/safety/tb_article09.htm, then use some of the concepts while examining your own local operation through the eyes of a visitor. It makes a good Safety Day topic. Tom Buchanan Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

see http://www.cypres-usa.com/english_maintenance.pdf Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) Senior Parachute Rigger Author JUMP! Skydiving made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Airplanes are all pretty different. Older aircraft may be lacking in some obvious safety features. On most modern airplanes that I am aware of there is a safety device called a squat switch. It basically detects weight on the gear and prevents the gear from retracting even if the switch is set for retraction. It's possible for that (or those) switches to fail. There are also airspeed detectors that are designed to alert the pilot to a no gear condition at low airspeed and landing configuration. Some of those systems can prevent the retraction of gear on the ground. Most can also be disabled by the pilot. Again, those systems vary among different airplanes, and they too can fail. In any case, safety devices can not be relied on, so it is technically possible for gear to be raised while the plane is on the ground. Also, a plane on takeoff roll will release pressure on the gear before reaching adequate rotation speed. If the gear switch is in the up position when this happens the landing gear could retract, and the plane would then slam and slide into the ground. So, if you are worried about foolishly lifting the gear while parked on the ramp, relax. It's not likely to happen, but since it can happen, pilots are trained to avoid the trap. Tom Buchanan Commercial Pilot (IAMSEL,G) Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

I built one for Twin Otters at my home DZ. See: http://ranchskydive.com/safety/tb_article15.htm. You can make your own charts for your airplanes and the spacing your drop zone wants. It just takes a bit of math...think back to your high school algebra class. Keep in mind an American mile has 5,280 feet, a nautical mile has 6,076 feet. Umm, please, let's not use this thread to discuss how to do the specific calculations. Check with a local math guru or pilot. Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) S&TA Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

For those who don't know, [FB] means that the section is waiverable by the full board. [NW] means not waiverable. I read the above as meaning that a 17 year old could get a USPA license if the requirement is waived by the full board, but a 15 year old could not regardless. I read it to mean a jumper must be 18 years of age unless they have parental consent, and may not be less than 16, even with parental consent. The full board may waive the consent requirement for a jumper of at least 16 years, but may not waive that requirement for a jumper less than 16. At first look it appears that if a 16 year old wants to jump but his parents or guardian say no, he could appeal to the full board to jump without their approval. In practice, the board wouldn't likely agree to that. So, when might the full board be tempted to approve a 16 year old jumper who lacks the consent of a parent or guardian? The only case I can think of is a child who has been emancipated by the courts and has the legal right to make his own decisions under law. That's a rare, but possible situation. Those are just my thoughts and are NOT based on any official USPA regulation or interpretation. In practice, if a jumper wants to comply with the BSR's he must be at least 16 with parental consent, or 18 without. Obviously, there are some kids who jump in violation of the BSR's, or at non-USPA dropzones. The technical read of the rules says they can not apply for a license based on jumps made when they were younger than the USPA minimums, but in practice I doubt the issue would even be noticed on an applilcation...assuming an instructor signed the application in the field. So, we have a formal rule answer, and an answer based on how the process really works in the field. Tom buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) S&TA Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Well, sort of. All jumps that are used to qualify for a license must be made "in accordance with USPA requirements in effect at the time of the jump."-See Classification of Skydivers, SIM, Section 3 (c)(a). Age requirements are listed in the BSR's and are mandatory. Thus, jumps made while underage can not be used to meet license requirements, and as such a person under the BSR minimum age can not earn a license. Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) S&TA Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

The other big deal issue here is to do a pin check prior to putting the rig on, and then getting a pin check from another jumper prior to jumping. The pilot chute bridle should have a window with a marked section of kill line indicating it is set. Make sure you add that inspection to your pin check, and specifically ask anybody doing a pin check if the pilot chute is cocked. Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) S&TA Senior Parachute Rigger Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

I like students to help. First it conserves my energy, but more than that, tandem is a teaching tool and a student should learn to land. I consider every tandem jump a teaching/learning jump. My objective has always been to open a bit high and get the student involved right away. I like to do at least three dual practice landings, then let them steer a bit without my help. I am always back in the toggles by pattern time, or if there are other parachutes nearby. Some students need extra coaching, but most can handle helping with the real landing. Some, obviously, are brain dead and I'll ask them to let go for the real landing...those are very rare. Some students will freeze up, or stiff arm a landing even if their practice landing were fine. A good instructor will be solid on the toggles and should be able to both anticipate the problem and save those landings, although they won't always be pretty. If we think of every tandem as a learning opportunity then it makes sense to let the student help. A whole bunch of first timers arrive believing skydiving is something way beyond their ability to master, and believing it's tough to fly a parachute. Getting the student involved throughout the jump helps them recognize they too can master the sport, and that improves self confidence and then drives return bookings. Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) S&TA Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Hang it up by the tail, then climb into each cell pulling the fabric toward you. Move around within each cell doing a 360 inspection. It's faster and easier than you think. I know a rigger who has a series of fluorescent lamps mounted on the wall behind his hanging space so the light shines through the fabric and makes it easy to see any wear points. It's a pretty neat set-up and easy to build if you are going to be packing a bunch of reserves, but probably not worth the effort for a home pack job. If you go that route, just be sure there is either a bunch of space or some kind of guard between the lamps and the canopy. Fluorescents don't get very hot, but there is some heat, and the fixtures create a few snag points. Tom Buchanan Senior Parachute Rigger AuthorJUMP! Skydiving made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

If you are not an AFF-I, stay away. If you are, the decision would probably be based on local policy and how ugly the situation was. If there was absolutely no chance for the instructor to get back (ie: floating flat spin), then perhaps it would be reasonable to offer an assist. Of course keep in mind the student could dump at any point, or could flip around and increase fall rate, thus bringing the AFF I back into the game. If a video flyer saved one of my students at 9,000 feet I'd be mighty pissed. If he did it at 4,000 feet I'd feel like a fool, and would then buy the camera flyer a beer...but only if he had the AFF rating. Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) NOT a Camera Flyer S&TA Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

I don't think I have ever heard a better argument for a static line program! Contact a few local dropzones and investigate static line or IAD jumps. These jumps generally happen at about 3,500 feet, and the parachute opens immediately. There is not much difference in temp., and very little sudden pressure change. The SL/IAD programs take a student up gradually with altitude and freefall delays increasing on each jump so you will have a chance to limit your exposure and feel how your body responds. The big issue you may have with these programs is that stress sometimes aggravates medical conditions. And, as Bill pointed out, there will be brief periods when you will not be able to use an inhaler or have access to assistance. Check out a few local DZ's and their programs, then discuss the issue with your doctor. Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) S&TA Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy