tombuch

QuoteMax Cohn's post made me think of something. How on Earth does one achieve 1000 jumps a year (not doing tandems or other paying skydiving stuff)? Is it paid by yourself or what? I am trying to come up with a method to do this (that's why i'm still in school). Don't know how feasible it will be.Quote Max is a full time freefly coach at The Ranch, plus he travels working the boogie circuit. Jumpers pay to skydive with him. Cameramen and instructors can manage 1,000 jumps a year and walk away with a reasonable income, but it is hard work. Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

I have never heard of that. But it seems like overkill to me. The failure of a closing loop is a simple problem to prevent, and I'd rather not add complexity with an additional loop or cable. In the tandem world we use a continuous loop and two cables, but thats a unique application, and even so, we have only one loop. If what you have is a split cable and two loops I would worry about the increased likelihood of one cable snagging and causing a pilot chute in tow. That's just a quick thought. As I said, I haven't seen your system. I'm interested in what others have to say. And of course, you should always check with the manufacturer before modifying gear. In my experience every manufacturer is happy to discuss field alterations, and is probably the best source of information about specific modifications. -tom b. Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Agreed, loop wear is a very bad thing. With that understood, students will often see a few loose fibers on a loop that has been used just a couple of times and consider it enough wear to replace the loop. That level of concern is nuts. The 10 percent guideline is small enough that wear at that level won't cause failure, but it will prevent further damage. The concept behind the question is for an instructor or rigger to discuss that issue, and provide the student with real world considerations. That's why I like to play show-and-tell with real rigs and loops that are in service. -tom b. Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

I disagree with the first (sort of) and agree with the second. This forum is read by students and experienced jumpers alike, and students should NEVER hold onto their handles. I don't want my students thinking about keeping handles, and in fact teach that all handles should be pulled out of the housings and thrown away. The school is filthy rich (jk) and shouldn't be worried about the cost of handle replacements. I'm not filthy rich, and have 17 reserve rides, so I've learned to hang onto my handles. Experienced people will do that, usually after the first time they have a cut a way on their own rig and need to buy replacement handles. Students and inexperienced jumpers, however, should just get rid of the handles. Tom Buchanan Instructor, etc. Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

The new category tests in the 2003 SIM are basically the same as the 2001 version. The concept behind the tests is for the instructor to conduct an oral quiz of the material and provide discussion. The questions are mostly just a starting off point for that discussion. The questions are all published in the SIM so the student has a guide, and knows what material he/she must learn. The hope is that if a school isn't teaching some things, the students will recognize the oversight and quiz the instructors. My DZ doesn't use the ISP, but of course we do have a final exam for the A license based on the SIM questions. I simply ask the questions and expect a student to offer general discussion. I don't look for the specific answer listed with the question, but rather knowledge of the subject. The category H quiz still has the question about visible wear on a main closing loop, and the stated answer is 10 percent. There is no longer a question about how to determine that. I don't think anybody is going to meter 10 percent, but a student should know what level of wear can be a problem. If the student is unsure of what 10 percent is, we can easily look at a few rigs, and I have some overworn loops in my rigging bag. There is also an oral question on the H quiz that asks what the danger is of a worn closing loop and the answer offered is "premature deployment." The G tests still includes the question about AAD's, as follows: "What extra care is required when wearing an AAD near the open door of an aircraft or when climbing out?" The published answer is " AAD activation near the open door of an aircraft presents a dangerous situation." I agree that the answer is pretty weak, but the discussion point is important, and students should understand that an AAD could misfire. If I use this question I like to discuss different models of AAD's and the maintenance requirements of each, and discuss different airplanes and how to keep your backpack facing inside the plane whenever possible. Obviously we can't prevent an AAD from firing when outside the plane, but we can minimize the occurrence. This questions addresses that effort. If you really object to any of the questions or answers you can write a letter to the Director of Safety and Training at USPA and request a change or improvement when the SIM is next updated. They really do appreciate comments from the field. Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) S&TA, etc. Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Yup. There is a tunnel called Extreme that rides on a flatbed truck. The tunnel mostly visits college campuses for festivals. Students are loaded into balloon suits and have a moment in the vertical air while being held by two attendants. That's it, really. No serious flying, but it's usually a few ride for registered college students. I was able to spend some time in the Extreme tunnel last summer with a regular skydiving jump suit. The air is crappy but the tunnel does work. I'd say it is a step below the FlyAway tunnels, and about 3 steps below SkyVenture. Still, air is air and it was fun. Tom Buchanan Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Soon to be. The book is called "Jump! Make Your First Skydive Fun and Easy," and was actually contracted by McGraw-Hill. It is scheduled for publication in February and should be available at most book stores and places like Amazon. The manuscript was delivered to the publisher at the beginning of September. I just received the edited copy yesterday and will return it this afternoon with my changes. From there they generate page proofs, then a final book. It's pretty cool. Hey, this post was initially about the loss of a job and the depression that follows. I was feeling pretty awful when a lady I had never heard of at McGraw proposed that I write a book about skydiving. Somehow I managed to develop the book idea and then complete the project. Prior to this I hadn't written anything more substantial than a grocery list, and the thought of generating a 216 page manuscript was just not imaginable. Now, I've done it...never would have happened without that rotten day last year when I was fired. -tom buchanan Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Ahhh, cheer up. You can still visit the DZ and hang around with your friends. They will understand the financial situation. You might even pick up a few pack jobs or find somebody to cover a jump or two. And don't feel too sorry for yourself. I lost my job (of 17 years) in August of last year. I was soooo depressed and sure nothing could be worse than my life, but I went to the DZ that weekend anyway. That day I watched a women go in, and I figured out my story wasn't that bad. A few weeks later September 11 happened, then the Enron mess hit the news. At least I'm a single guy without debt and a great opportunity to build a new life. Loosing your job isn't the worst thing that can happen. In my case I was a chronic work-a-holic and really struggled with having nothing to do, but somehow I learned to relax. I still don't have a job (14 months later), but I'm far happier in life. Along the way I managed to grab about six months of snowboarding in Vermont and two multi-week camping trips to Montana. I also wrote a book, and made a few skydives...but not as many as I would have wanted. Your life could be worse, but it will get better. -Tom Buchanan Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

There is no set point. Many newer rigs have safety features built in (pin protection, bridle control, ease of use, packing, maintenance), but that doesn't make older rigs unsafe, as such. Have a rigger check the harness for wear and elements that could/should be modified. Keep in mind that older gear is generally not a good idea when doing Vrw/freefly. Also, know in advance that some older rigs haven't been or can't be modified for a Cypres. Speaking of a Cypres...please don't save dollars by eliminating this feature. There are some older Cypres units available with limited lifetime left, and others that are approaching their battery replacement or four year checks. Consider one of these as a way to save a few dollars, but as you calculate costs, figure in the required maintenance. At your level a Cypres is a really, really, really good idea. Older parachutes can be a problem. A really old F-111 main that hasn't be used much and has been stored in a reasonable place will be fine. Have your rigger check the main, and have somebody you trust jump it. You should also jump the main if you have a chance. Be aware that old mains can be ragged out, or need new lines. A rigger should be able to help you with this issue. Older ZP mains are generally a better bet, but here too, you may need a new line set. Consider a round reserve if you must, but know that rounds are not easy to resell later. Also keep in mind that while a round will work just fine, control and landings are very different and you will need to be comfortable with this. Likewise, a round shouldn't be jumped in high winds, and even at your limited experience, a round will probably limit when and where you can jump more than your experience will. The key is to consult with a couple of instructors and at least one rigger that you trust. Make sure they each have a chance to inspect the equipment you are thinking of buying, and then ask for their honest opinion based on your skill, intended use, and price. Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) Sr. Parachute Rigger Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Nope. As it was explained to me, the person must volunteer that they can't operate the exit. The FAR doesn't require the airline to make that determination. In this case, it was quantifiably obvious...she needed both arm rests up, she couldn't seat herself without assistance, and she needed a seatbelt extension. Yet, unless she told the flight attendant she couldn't operate the exit she was fine to sit there. What a great policy! -tom buchanan Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

So I was on a Continental flight a while back, sitting in an emergency exit isle seat in the middle of the airplane. Along comes this really, really really fat person waddling down the isle sideways because she could't fit in the isle any other way. When she finally reached my part of the plane she was puffing from all the excersise of the long walk. Her seat was in the adjacent emergency exit isle. The flight attendants had to lift both arm rests, assist in lowering her to the actual seat(s) and get her a seat belt extension. When I complained about having somebody so fat blocking an exit the flight attendents told me she couldn't fit in any regular coach seat, so she had to be assigned to an exit row with more room. They agreed she would be unable to use the exit, but promised to relocate her in the event of an emergency. I wrote a friendly letter to Continental Airlines and received a reply that told me in very clear terms that overweight people have a right to fly, and Continental appreciates their business. If the only seat a large person will fit in is an exit row seat, then Continental will accommodate the person even if that person will block the exit. The letter basically said that my concern about safety was misplaced, and that I should be more sensitive. Go figure. Tom Buchanan Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

A hackey might not be the best deployment handle. We had an incident a few months ago involving two very experienced and current skydivers doing some canopy proximity flying. As one parachute passed infront and slightly to the side of the other, the trailing hackey was entangled in the lines of the second parachute. The result was a nasty wrap. The investigation that followed clearly showed the cause being lines of one parachute tangled with the hackey of the other. Tom Buchanan Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

There is also a good story about this accident on the homepage of Dropzone.com. If you get to the forums with a direct link, step back and check the home page. Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

I suggest you get some tunnel time first, then do AFF training. The tunnel will be fun and will help you relax once you get into freefall. The Las Vegas tunnel isn't as powerful as the one in Orlando, but it should work for your needs. Give the tunnel company a call and speak to them about your interest in AFF/tunnel training. They may have a package available with a local DZ, or at least they can help you with specific training objectives while you are flying in the tunnel. One of the other posts mentions that you need a big suit to fly in the Vegas tunnel, and while that is true for first timers, experienced jumpers can fly without a suit. Folks working toward AFF training may be given a smaller suit and more fan speed...so, chat with the tunnels operators and get their opinion. You can also check out their web site at: http://www.flyawayindoorskydiving.com/index1.htm. A package of five flights with video and coaching is listed at 250.00, and that seems reasonable to me. -Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

You have asked several interesting questions. First, you did not over stress the parachute or cause the malfunction. It sounds like that was an old parachute that should have been retired long ago. A small number of drop zones over extend the use of their student parachutes to save money, while a few others simply don't spend the necessary time to inspect student parachutes for damage. The rip you reported along the center ribs and top skin is among the most common problems following a seriously hard opening. It is also the point most likely to fail on an old parachute. While this kind of problem is rare, it does happen. While it is usually preventable, it can also develop completely by surprise. Don't blame yourself for the problem. The drop zone should have been VERY concerned about this failure, and should have immediately grounded every student rig for a complete inspection. That means unpacking the main and actually crawling inside every cell for a visual and tactile inspection. If any problems are found, the parachute should be removed from service until it can be repaired or inspected by the manufacturer. This equipment check shouldn't take more than about 15 minutes per parachute, and it should be included as a regular part of the normal 120 day reserve repack. Your second questions had to do with your cut-a-way at 1,300 feet. Obviously what you did worked, so don't be upset, but asking the question is certainly appropriate. Now, let me ask a couple of questions... Would you have cut-a-way at 1,000 feet? How about 800 feet? What about 500 feet? Ummm, what about 200 feet? Another option you didn't mention is a canopy transfer, that is using the reserve and then cutting away. Some student programs discuss this option, some don't. Some include it in the upper levels. In any event, every licensed and experienced skydiver should know about the transfer option, and should consider when, where, and why to use it. USPA publishes a book called the 2003 Skydivers Information Manual (SIM) that is loaded with great information. The student part of the book recommends a minimum cut-a-way decision altitude of 2,500 feet for a first jump student (Page 31). It also recommends pulling the cut-a-way handle no lower than 1,000 feet (also page 31), although this seems a bit low for a student. The Skydiving Emergencies section of the 2003 SIM lists a minimum suggested cut-a-way altitude of 2,500 feet for students, and 1,800 feet for A-B license holders (Page 102). Those numbers sound reasonable to me. I'm betting your local DZ has a specific "hard deck" of their own. Ideally, every jumper will have an established procedure for dealing with a partial malfunction, and a defined "hard deck." The goal is to make most of your key decisions on the ground where they can be carefully considered, then when you have a malfunction, you simply need to implement your decision. It doesn't always work that way, but it does help to at least have a set of decision templates for use in those high stress situations. It sounds like you have very little experience, but many of the people reading this board have lots of experience. Emergency procedures and solutions will vary depending on that experience, so I don't want to limit my discussion to your specific situation. I have thousands of jumps. My minimum cut-a-way altitude is 1,000 feet, but I'll always try to deal with an issue higher than that. If I have a problem below 1,000 that requires use of the reserve it will be answered with a transfer. Thats my program, here, now. It is based on many thousands of jumps, many cut-a-ways, tons of training, and BASE experience. Your altitudes should generally be higher, and I'm thinking the USPA recommended 2,500 or 1,800 foot level is probably much better. Each skydiver you talk with will have different altitudes depending on their background. Remember, you are not me, and you do not have my experience. Chat with your instructors. Do what you are told, now. When you have more experience revisit the issue and set your own decision altitudes based on your current experience and the type of equipment you are jumping. For now, however, have a black and white decision made and stick with it, and I'm strongly suggesting the USPA 2,500 foot altitude for student jumps, then no lower than 1,800 feet after that. Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, Tandem, SL, IAD) S&TA (The Ranch) Sr. Parachute Rigger etc. Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Congratulations! Very nice work. I liked the sports action shot that really captures the reach for the catch. You are right, there was a bit of luck involved. Still, good job being there and hitting the shutter at the critical moment. The feature was really great work, and you should be especially proud. You selected a super angle then waited for just the right moment. That shot is a terrific personality portrait that shows creativity and skill on your part. Please take a moment to reach around and pat yourself on the back. Way to go! If you are not already a member of the National Press Photographers Association, you should join. NPPA is the national organization of news photographers, just as USPA represents skydivers. The group has regular contests and photography seminars, and a monthly magazine that will keep you well connected within the industry. For membership information, call the photo department at your local newspaper, speak to your college advisor, or visit the NPPA web site at www.nppa.org. -tom buchanan...who somehow survived six years of local newspaper photography, and still HATES night football. Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

I assume you have finished the IAF student program... Go to Florida or Arizona at some point over the winter. I really like Skydive City in Florida, or Skydive Arizona, but each state and region has other great DZ's. Chat with your instructors and see where the folks from your local DZ go. I find that a couple of short winter trips are a great way to stay in shape, and it's fun to visit other DZ's. Florida also has a great wind tunnel in Orlando called SkyVenture where you can practice your freefall skills without needing a parachute, and you can bring your whuffo friends for tunnel flying too. ...now, if you are NOT finished with the IAF program, you can travel south and finish at another DZ, but you should call first. If you don't want to do that, some book-work might be in order. Buy the USPA 2003 Skydivers Information Manual (SIM) and read it cover to cover. The new 2003 SIM is now available directly from the USPA store. Pick up a copy of Joe Jennings DVD called Good Stuff, its not very educational, but it offers some amazing video and is a kick to watch on those cold winter days. Buy it directly at Joejennings.com. There are a few great training videos such as Breakaway that help keep you in touch with skydiving through the cold season, and your instructor may be able to recommend a few, or perhaps even lend you school copies. Many dropzones stay open for experienced skydivers all winter, and if yours is one, you should feel welcome. Some of the best learning takes place at informal DZ gatherings, and most northern DZ's are very low key over the winter. So, if your DZ is open, stop by and hang out. Ask questions, and have fun with your new found friends. -tom buchanan Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Glad to hear you are OK, other than your wrist. That's a common skateboard type injury, and it happens in skydiving too. Consider yourself very luck. The real danger of lifting your legs "like a tandem" is a spinal compression fracture. That's the kind of injury that can leave you pissing in a bag for the rest of your life, ughhh. Be careful. One of the problems with tandem training is that it puts the "legs up" concept into the student's brain, and when a student panics later, they often revert to their first jump training. Ouch. Oh well, at least your injury isn't that awful. -tom buchanan -tom buchanan Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

I have the Pro-Track and love it. I also can't say enough great things about the customer service of the manufacturer...this is a great company to do business with! -tom buchanan Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Student loans, I figured I was student, so it was legal! My first rig was actually an almost new Security System with a Tri-Con (round) reserve and a Unit main. The rig only had five jumps on it, but two of those were malfunctions, so the owner was selling it cheap (700.00). It wasn't a great student rig because of the malfunction history, but the price made it perfect for me! I had a few malfunctions too, figured out the problems, and it became a great rig. -tom buchanan Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

I use a pair of "Pipe" gloves from Burton snowboarding. They are lightweight and have good overall feeling, but they are super warm. Try a snowboarding/ski store. Or, check Burton.com for a list of dealers in your area. The other gloves I have used are made for SCUBA diving. they aren't as warm, but they do work. You can add a second layer to improve warmth. Some people use latex gloves under their regular gloves, while other folks buy an extra large pair of gloves as an otter layer. Whatever you do, please make sure you can feel your handles and grip everything you need to reach, including toggles. Try the gloves in the store, then try them again with your actual gear on the ground. Tom Buchanan Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

It's a real photo shot at Skydive Spacecenter. The stuntman is none other than Dean O'Flaherty. He has done a ton of really cool shots as the subject, and the photographer. -tom buchanan Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

30,000 feet. Or actually, FL300 in big pilot talk. -tom buchanan Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

I think you will have a hard time using Photoshop Elements...it is a lightweight package designed for the consumer. What you are looking to do involves a bit more blending and light source work. The full version of Photoshop is your best bet. With that said, the cut/paste and blending that you will need to do in order to make the finished photo look real is pretty high end work. I doubt your boss will be able to make it look real at any reasonable level of resolution. You might try finding a local photo artist or quick print shop with an artist that can bang the composite out for you in an hour or two. If you are paying 50.00 per hour you should be able to get the gig done for under 100.00, and with a lot less trouble than learning the program yourself. Likewise, if you have a series of these to do, an experienced artist can knock them out easily, and may even be able to do enhancements that you hadn't thought of. Go with a pro! -tom buchanan Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Quote can someone post a link or something about your licensing system in US, so I can learn about it. Quote Try USPA.org, that's the home page for the United States Parachute Association. Explore the site and you will find tons of information about jumping here in the USA, and a list of every USPA DZ in the country with direct links to their web sites. License information is included in the Skydivers Information Manual, also called the SIM. The entire SIM ( a couple of hundred pages) is available as a FREE pdf download. On the left side of the home page (uspa.org) you will see a selection for "download docs and forms." Click on that, then click on "documents and manuals." The 2001 SIM is at the bottom of the list, soon to be replaced with a new version. Also of interest may be the Instructional Rating Manual (IRM), a package of material that covers training for all instructors in the USA. Happy reading... Tom Buchanan Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy