nshaver2

I agree every exit is special but like I said the dangers of the exit should be determined by the type of the aircraft or the type of exit you are doing NOT by a careless pilot who doesn't level out.

I do not agree with this person suing over something that is their own fault. Everyone knows the risks of skydiving and everyone should be aware of the risks associated with the situations they jump. That being said, I think in order for people to take responsibility for their safety the skydiving community needs to foster an environment that allows people to do so. There is a difference between yelling GO! GO! at people who are just slow getting out of the plane and are ruining the spot for the rest of the load and someone who has a safety concern. We have to make the distinction between the two. Also, if this person looked out for himself and asked for the plane to level off would that request be honored? if it wouldn't then how can this person take responsibility for his own safety? This person paid for a hop and pop and I believe it is the pilots responsibility to do the best job possible getting the plane to altitude and provide a safe condition for the jumper to exit. I don't agree with putting jumpers in the position of having to do a special exit just so the plane can keep climbing to save a couple dollars (I realize every plane is different and people should be aware of the safest exits, but that should be determined by the type of plane not trying to save on gas). This is a stupid situation and is ultimately the jumpers responsibility, but I would like the see all skydivers get the best possible jump conditions (cut, level flight) whenever possible. It is sad that situations like this occur because of trying to save a little money on gas and not cutting and leveling out.

A friend and I did this last spring. Its not too complicated the way we did it. We made handles with webbing and reinforced them like others have said and each took a corner. We had the flag folded up on exit until we got stable and then released the flag. I was surprised at how easy the flag was to hold on to, it didn't really pull us around much. The flag did get a little shredded from the wind in freefall, but it was a cheap flag so we didn't care. For deployment I let go and my friend deployed as usual and pulled the down flag as low as he could as his main opened to try and keep it clear of his lines. It worked really well and wasn't too difficult. I attached a couple pictures.

I am looking into downsizing from my Sabre 170 to a Sabre 2 150. I wanted to know what a fair asking price would be for my Sabre 170. The 170 has between 350-400 jumps on it. It does have some patches, but they are factory patches done by PD. The lines seem to be in good condition (still white and no fraying). I plan on asking some of the riggers at my dropzone but I am just trying to get as many thoughts on it as possible. Thanks

I have had Unicare insurance's "Sound" package for the last year. This was the only policy I could find that did not exclude skydiving. It is very similar to "Tonik" if anyone is familiar with that plan. My problem is that this company sent me a letter saying the "Sound" insurance plan is not going to be available as of the first of the year. This means I need to find a new plan by then. I would just switch to the "Tonik" plan but it is not offered in my state (Illinois). I don't have a full time job so insurance through my employer won't work. Anyone know of any insurance plan in Illinois that doesn't exclude skydiving? I know insurance has been beat to death in these forums and these forums are how I found "Sound" to begin with, but I can't find an answer to this question in a search. Thanks for the help

My name is Nick and I went to Skydive Perris this past Saturday. I am just posting to say thanks to everyone there who made it easy for me to find people to jump with. I had a great time. Even though there was a ghost nationals competition which all the organizers were competing in they took the time between jumps to find me people to jump with and introduce me around the DZ. So thanks again and I hope I can make it back out to Perris again soon.

I was interested in getting something on my cutaway handle, but havent been able to figure out where I can order one from. What site can I order one from that will let me customize it?

I am in California for the summer and usually jump at skydive tahoe when I'm here, but I called the other day and got a message saying they are closed through July. Does anyone know when they will re-open? I'm hoping it wont be too long from now since its the only dropzone in reasonable distance from where I live.

this might make you feel better..my first canopy (Sabre 170) I bought used. The original owner apparently left it out before he ever jumped it and his dog got into in a tore it up, so it sucked for him before he even jumped it he had to send it back to PD to get all patched up...at least you got to jump yours first

I am a wildland firefighter in the summers and have looked into smoke jumping. Like a few people have mentioned you will need to be on a fire crew for awhile, probably at least 3 years if not more before they will even consider you. Experience on a hotshot crew would be best compared to a type II handcrew. Also, your chances of getting hired aren't improved by having previous parachute experience. Having said all that, good luck if you decide to go the smoke jumping route, I have talked to a few jumpers and they all love their jobs.

My rig has a Sabre 170 and a PD 160 reserve it cost me $1300. It didn't have a AAD but I am getting one for $500 that has 7 years left on it.

Someone was asking me the other day if you lose your stomach when you skydive (like on roller coasters)?. I told them that it doesn't happen when you jump from a plane, or at least hasn't for me, but I was unsure if I was correct on the reason behind it. I told them that when you jump from a plane you don't get that sensation because initially you are moving forward at a faster rate than you are falling. I told them if you jump from a stationary object like a helicopter, balloon, or a base jump that you might get that losing your stomach sensation, which is what some people have told me, but can't confirm because I haven't done any of those types of jumps. I said it was because there is no forward motion just downward. Is this correct? Just curious if I told them right. Thanks

I got these for christmas http://www.square1.com/manufacturers/square1/p1154.asp#SQ1Heavy-WeightWinterGloves I just got a chance to jump with them last weekend. They are great. I like jumping in the winter but my hands are usually really cold. I have tried a few different gloves, but these work the best. I had no problems with my hands being cold. They are warm and keep the wind out, but they are also thin and have a tacky palm, so you can feel your handles.

I recently bought a Sabre 170 and I have had no problems with it. I pack it just like any other canopy and have had no hard openings. The person I bought it from put about 300 jumps on it with no problems as well. Just pack carefully and watch your body position when you deploy. I have enjoyed my Sabre so just jump it and see how it opens...you might be surprised. If not there are some suggestions out there to slow the opening.