funjumper07

Generally I do to with the exception of coach jumps with students. In the instance I chose to correct the gear because we were less than a 1/4 mile out on jump run and he was speaking to the pilot before opening the door. In hindsight I wish I would have said something to avoid all of this, and in the future I will (that's what this sport is all about; learning, right?). I was just surprised by the hostility I encountered trying to help a fellow jumper with an imminent safety concern. Let's just keep it fun!

But what about those who do not wish to be policed at all? I have chosen to make this post anonymously, mainly because I really dislike drama, and I would like to keep any bad feelings away from the physical DZ at all costs. This afternoon I was seated all the way in the rear of a 182, with two jumpers getting out low. Myself and the 4th were going high. We were on jump run for the hop 'n pop'ers and the jumper in front of me was getting turned around to face the door. His did not realize it, but he caught his rig on part of the aircraft that sticks out a couple inches. I watched it as it happened, as I was a good 6 inches away from his rig. The main flap got caught, somewhat twisted up, and the closing pin was extracted about half way out. I happen to own literally the exact same rig, and know it like the back of my hand, so as he was speaking to the pilot I seated his pin and closed the flap. He turned back to look at me and just as I opened my mouth to tell him what had happened he snapped at me telling me to never ever ever ever ever ever touch his rig again. I tried to explain but was met with sheer hostility so I said okay, and leaned back again, enjoying my now spacious ride to altitude. When said jumper got down he apparently went around the entire DZ, including the DZO as well as a group of students telling everyone how I had been fucking with his rig in the plane, which he was met with very very little sympathy from what I was told by others. Was I completely out of line here??? I personally ask for a gear check before I board the plane every single jump, as well as a pin/flap check on jump run. If someone spots something amiss with my rig that I obviously cannot see, I would sure as hell hope they would do something about it and bring it to my attention. With all this talk about self-policing, and taking care of others... etc... is this a common attitude with some jumpers? Opinions? Let's just keep it fun!