Frogger

A quick back of the envelope calculation regarding recharging with "rooftop" solar. Assumptions: The best locations for solar harvest could optimistically assume 6h / day of productive sunlight. The most efficient battery-based system would hope for 80% efficiency of transfer of that energy to a battery. Thus: Using the least expensive type of grid-tie panel (~330watt/panel), this would require 32 panels covering 564 sq. ft and take all day to harvest that power: 32 panels X 330w X 6h X 0.8 efficiency = 50,688 watt hours (50.69 KWH). Thus, it would take a full (ideal) day with a roughly 11,000 watt array to recharge from one load. Solar energy doesn't happen fast, or at "high density."

I love those things (AN-2)! They look so cool. Unfortunately, the last I read, they aren't approved for anything but airshow demo flights in the U.S. Anyone know if this is still correct? Blues Frogger

Billy! You're right! Makes me want a "tooter-fish" sandwich, too! Adam

Well, I'll probably get flamed for this, but here goes anyway. I have always had trouble in social situations of just about any kind. I have to give presentations for work and was having a terrible time. I joined a local Toastmasters club to help with public speaking and have since found that this has really helped me with my confidence level in virtually all social settings (including the DZ). If you are interested, I believe you can find a club in your area by visiting the www.toastmasters.org website. Good luck, blue skies, Adam

Okey Doke. I wasn't trying to start anything with you, and I appreciate the calm reply! I too, am concerned about this issue. I sure can't afford to get individual liability policy to cover this. It doesn't make sense to anyway, since we are obviously a "group". So, if the premium doubles, then our dues will go up by $15 more next year. That's unfortunate, but survivable for most of us. If certain individuals or subgroups (e.g. demo jumpers) are disproportionately responsible for claims against this policy, then it should be up to USPA to look after the interests of the membership at large. In other words, remove "high risk" individuals or groups of individuals from the coverage. You know, kick out wreckless members and this should help keep premiums under control. That would be, like, you know, like an ACTUAL governing body that does something! Just a thought, Adam

Okay, I quote from your post on Aug. 29, 1:07PM. "We're talking 1/2 million bucks a year here! " And also from original post on Aug29, 7:19 AM. "(B) Raise the individual membership dues to point where it will cover the yearly premium, doing the rough math...a ten fold increase in your dues..." OK, $1/2 M divided among 33,000 members is $15.00 each. A ten-fold increase (assuming 9 of those 10 goes to increased insurance premium) is 9 x 39? x 33,000 = $11,583,000.00 So, which one are we talking about? 1/2 M per year or 11.6M per year in premium increase? Just trying to be able to form an educated opinion. Thanks, Adam

Wow, Thanks for all the great input! I actually think the risers I have now are a good length, so I did just want to be sure I replaced them with the same length mini-risers. I've seen some for sale used at big discount over new. Also, thanks for info on front risers w/ Falcon. I was pretty sure about that, but it sound like you have direct knowledge and that is good to know! Thanks, Adam

Hi Everyone, I want to replace my standard risers with mini risers. So, I'll need to measure to see what length I have now. Where should I measure, just the webbing or do I include rings or what? Thanks in advance, Adam Blue Skies

Hi Rob, Thanks for the speedy reply! I'm a 100 jump wonder, and about 1/2 my total jumps are on my Falcon 175. I guess you could say the openings are "firm", but I've NEVER been hammered by it. It does have Dacron lines as you mentioned, and that probably helps. Also, I flat pack it pretty carefully and roll the nose to just the "A" lines. That's not cuz I'm scared of getting whacked, just the way I do things. Actually, I love my canopy and was concerned when I thought you meant it was prone to malfunction. I guess I'll just keep on jumping my hot pink Falcon! (you sapps can kiss my butt! :) Thanks, Frogger

I wear my full face z1 all the way to altitude usually, and that cuts down the noise quite a bit. I assumed this was enough protection, but now you have me wondering. I there any way to check this? Thanks, Frogger

Hi Rob, I'm curious exactly what you mean about the Falcon canopy. Prone to malfunction, maybe? Or perhaps you mean it opens unacceptably hard. Did the Falcon go through subsequent design changes After the time period you refer to? I've never heard this before. If I misunderstood, could you please clarify? Thanks in advance, Frogger B25429

Narcimund's irony. Did you guys get it in the "Homo II" thread? A homosexual is indignant about the evolving meaning of the word "gay". That's hilarious! I love that kind of subtle humor! It's like Dennis Miller when he was on Monday Night Football. You're a real crack up. Keep 'em coming.

Hi Guys, Thanks for speedy replies! I already have added a KL pilot chute, and it did make a BIG difference. I was hoping I'd get more positive feedback about the split slider since that's $50, but sentiment seems pretty unanimous. New risers are $95, slinks $25 and I guess I could go the cheap route and have velcro put on my 1-piece sail slider. Still more than double. Out of curiosity, what is the hassle with the split slider? When I feel I'm ready, I will definitely downsize, but not before. I'd rather be bored than make a mistake under a canopy I'm not quite ready for. Frogger

Hi! I've got a Falcon175 w/ a kill line PC loaded at 1.1 PSF. I'd like to improve its flight with a collapsible or split slider, and would like to be able to pull it down or otherwise be able to let my risers spread to flatten the canopy. Unfortunately, I have standard (not mini) risers, so pulling the slider down over these is not so good. Would I be better off or cheaper getting mini risers or a split slider? Thanks in advance, Frogger

I was there and witnessed the landing. (decided not to go on the load because I wasn't finished packing and didn't want to ask them to wait.) 1st) The jumper that helped is a licensed pilot. I think he knew what to do. 2nd) I don't know what the "inspector" looked at. There was no elevator control on that plane when I saw it (after its "excursion"). Frogger