Melliandra

One thing that confuses me, and in all the replies in this thread I don't think I've seen it, is why shoot to kill? I realise the torso (where I believe M was shot) is the biggest target and while you're busy having your head hit on the pavement (if we're to believe the witnesses and Z) you might not take time to aim, but surely at that close range it'd be just as easy to go for an arm or leg shot which would have incapacitated M and avoided this controversy - assuming Z's story is correct and he didn't just kill the guy so that there was only one side of the story left to tell?

D'oh! Pram = stroller/buggy/pushchair/perambulator i.e. things you put babies in and toys are thrown out of. Not the other way around.

As in teddy bear? Are you 12? It's merely an expression - Shroppy will confirm! I did not *litterally* throw a teddy... (I don't even own a teddy.) I think a more commonly used expression, in the UK at least, is throw your toys out of the pram, but the picture's the same. Hope you feel better soon, just apologise, all will be well

Not intending to be rude, but intending to be blunt. So what? Do you want confirmation you're doing the right thing? Or do you want to post more bitching about the BPA? The BPA are trying (as far as I can see, I don't speak for them) to sort out the coaching "issue". But they don't run the DZs so can't guarantee you a coach. BPA membership isn't that much, yes it's more than others, but for the price of

It seems to me whatever country you go to there will be good dropzones and there will be bad dropzones. Also within a dropzone there will be good people for the sport and there will be bad. The BPA does not control the people you meet at a DZ, nor does it have any influence over the reception you get from the staff there. People need to learn to vote with their feet but also not damn an entire country's jumping scene just because of a few people or a single dz experience. I had bad experiences due to individuals at 3 UK dz's about 4 years ago, I've since been back to 2 of them and was pleasantly suprised at the completely different experience. It all depends on who you meet and how you let it affect you. To the OP: Do you know where you are going to be based?

The difficulty is though, by putting a specific jump number recommendation rather than, say, a signed off camera training card (or equivalent) that's exactly what people do think. At jump 201 or anything beyond, because that limit is there, they must now be ok, you effectively said as much happened to you, and you had 1000 jumps. I'm not saying that the 200 jump recommendation should be removed or become a more rigid requirement (in the US, as it's already a requirement in the UK), simply that on it's own it's largely irrelevant.

I'm intrigued as to what someone with turrets would look like? Are we talking fairy tale castle types or more gothic style towers? Is this a new synonym for boobies that I've missed?

I know Joel doesn't need sticking up for, but I think this is a bit harsh. There are many people (Joellercoaster included) who are incredibly good to new jumpers, giving up time on the ground and in the air to ensure progression. But to say you have to pay for your jump when providing a service is a bit much, even if it was done "back in the day". I was lucky enough to start jumping before the rule clarification so I did jump with other people before I had FS1 with them paying their own slots. I did however pay for coached jumps - their slot plus a fee on top. I repaid the "free" jumps I got by paying my slot and jumping with other non-FS1s after I got mine until the clarification came in and I no longer could. I plan on getting my coaching rating/sign off from the CCI (which pretty much equates to the same thing) as soon as possible and initially pay for my own slot with non-FS1s. However, as soon as it stops being fun for me (generally because of the feeling of being taken for granted) I will probably ask my slot be paid or stop coaching. The camera man on a 4way dive expects their slot to be paid, a tandem master expects to be paid when he does a tandem. Why? Because they're providing a service and have had to pay out a lot of money to get to the level to be able to provide it. Why should a coach not expect at least their slot paid if they are doing a coaching jump? Justpin, different dropzones differ majorly. And dropzones everyone else thinks are amazing may not be your cup of tea. I understand the need to drive for hours isn't great, but if you're serious about the sport you may find you have to do it. Find some friends who are equally disgruntled with your local DZ and save money (and frostbite) by car sharing further afield for the odd weekend.

it goes down to greedy politicians, bankers, press and the police... What do politicians, bankers, press or the police have to do with disciplining individuals children? Ultimately it comes down to those individuals.

No, that's your version of "reality".

Why does everything have to be a conspiracy? Why is everything police/politicians v people, black v white or rich v poor to you? Some might say you are the bigot, as you are so quick to point out the potential prejudices in every situation.

Also in England we call it a cheque, not a check. This is a scam.

I get travel sick. Including on jump planes. I've found it's a good way of cutting short the "why do you jump out of perfectly good aeroplanes" conversation. "Because otherwise I'll throw up." "...oh..."

Why is it common place for someone not cut out for or quitting sky diving to be told to take up bowling?

Thanks for your responses, I wasn't trying to get you blaming anyone as such, just my b/f, who's a far more experienced jumper, and I were discussing it after and it's had me thinking that, like you said, it's my jump and therefore my responsibility. Afterwards I was very aware that I should have said something, though 3000 was the last time I looked at my alti till I was out of the plane. I'm confused as to this, I know there are lots of different types of aircraft but I have never seen the cockpit of the caravan I jump from, I climb in and jump out of a sliding side door towards the back.