MikeFB2764

http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/xbox/xbox-jellydong-mod-034058.php

I know a Steve March that I met back at skydive sandwich (80's). He also jumped at Skydive Chicago and Chicagoland Skydiving (Hinckley). I had not heard that he passed away. What happened?

Seems like they are working on a 12 way. Looks like (in the last pic) a 6 way base with clusters. Attached are the screen captures from the trailer. Sorry about the poor quality. There is not much I can do about that.

For the canopy comparison, you will need to do the following: -Once at http://www.riggingzone.com, click on the Canopy Comparison link under the online tools section. -Once there, select Performance Designs as one of the canopy manufacturers and some other manufacturer as the other. Click on the select button. -The page should refresh and then there should be two additional dropdowns on the page. The dropdown under the Performance designs item, should now have all of the PD canopies. The other drop down will have the canopies for the other Manufacturer that was selected. Select the Katana from the PD list of canopies and a canopy from the other dropdown. Click on the select button. -Again, the page will refresh and two more dropdowns will be on the page. These dropdowns will contain the specific sizes for the canopies that were previously picked. Select the sizes that you want to compare from each dropdown and click on the compare button. -The page will refresh and the results of the comparison should now be on the page. If these were the steps that you took and still did not see any comparison results, please let me know and I will look into this further. Thanks, Mike

Our database has been updated to include the information for PD's new canopy, the Katana. You can view the current specs for the canopy or compare it against other canopies using the online canopy comparison tool. Stop by http://www.riggingzone.com for more information. Thanks, Mike Garza

I dont think that this type of solution would replace a rigger's logbook. It would "enhance" it. Personally, I do like having a log book in my kit, so that I can document repacks on the spot. I see this type of application supporting the information that is being loggged. This type of application would provide statistical information (totals and what not) of the type of work that was done. It would also provide and alert mechanism so that you would know when reserves are coming due, batteries are expiring and what not. The intent of this software would be more information management. It would not be a replacement for a logbook.

Site looks good. There is also another rigging based site, aslo under development, out there: http://www.riggingzone.com

Sort of... record of the repack is required. According to FAR Part 65: Sec. 65.131 Records (a) Each certificated parachute rigger shall keep a record of the packing, maintenance, and alteration of parachutes performed or supervised by him. He shall keep in that record, with respect to each parachute worked on, a statement of- (1) Its type and make; (2) Its serial number; (3) The name and address of its owner; (4) The kind and extent of the work performed; (5) The date when and place where the work was performed; and (6) The results of any drop tests made with it. (b) Each person who makes a record under paragraph (a) of this section shall keep it for at least 2 years after the date it is made. (c) Each certificated parachute rigger who packs a parachute shall write, on the parachute packing record attached to the parachute, the date and place of the packing and a notation of any defects he finds on inspection. He shall sign that record with his name and the number of his certificate. Paragraph (a) indicates that a record must be maintained, but does not indicate or limit how the record is kept. Regardless, the software would have the capability to generate paper records on a repack or logbook basis. Thanks for the feedback, Mike

I am toying around with the idea of writing a log book program, for riggers. In fact, I am currently in the process of prototyping the application. Before I get to far, I wanted to get an opinion from the riggers out there about the type of software that they would most likely use (if any). The options would be: A PC based program (Windows 2000/XP .NETv1.1) that you would load on your computer and all of the information is stored locally. Updates would need to be installed on you local machine. A Web based application that you would access via you internet connection. All of the information is stored on the web server and all of the updates would automatically be applied to the application. And of course, there is the option of neither and sticking with the old reliable logbook and pen. My bias would be for a web based application due to the fact that updates would be readily available and everyone, regardless of Operating system, could use it. What are your thoughts? Please vote! Thanks, Mike Garza

For those who have not seen this yet... http://www.relativeworkshop.com/general/news2003.html http://www.relativeworkshop.com/pdf_files/09238.pdf

The Clipper is manufactured by Flight Concepts (previously Glide Path Intl.) There is not all that much information on their web site, but it can be found at : http://www.flightconcepts.com/9cell.html The Clipper is a 9 cell square canopy with an area of 195 sqft. It is listed as having a max suspended weight of 215 lbs.

Yes, wing loading can be too low. Just as manufacturers specify max wing loads, they also can specify min wingloads. This upper and lower bounds are the operating range for that particular size canopy. Going outside of these bounds could mean that you will not get the optimal performance out of that size canopy. Just as overloading a canopy is not good (for obvious reasons), underloading is not good either. The canopy may not perform as described by the manufacturer as there is not enough suspended wieght.. When in doubt, always refer to the manufacturers guidelines and if those guidelines do not give you the information that you need, you should contact the manufacturer to get more information. As for your container, I would not worry about that too much. As long as you are not drastically downsizing (which it sounds like you wouldnt be), the canopy will always fill the bag.

I added another utility to the site. This is a search feature that will let you search for a canopy based on some parameters that you input. Give it a try and let me know what you think. Go to RiggingZone.com and then Canopy Search, under the Online Tools Section. Also, I still am working on the performance problems. Not getting much help from my hosting provider, so if you know of any good hosting services that support .NET (v1.1), let me know. Thanks, Mike

Again, sorry about the performance. I'm an stuck until I can work things out with my hosting provider. I have removed one of the "heavier" pieces from the home page to try and speed things up. Thanks, Mike

Yeah, the performace is an issue (sorry). I am trying to work with my hosting provider to fix that. Thanks for the feedback!

I am putting together a new website that is geared (no pun intended) toward providing information about sport parachute equipment. The site is RiggingZone.com This site is VERY much under development, but I wanted to put it out there so that I could get some feedback from the skydiving community. I would appreciate your feedback as well as suggestions on what could be included in the site. Thanks, Mike Garza

There are more pictures posted on the WFFC site at: http://www.freefall.com/images/rantoul/08072003/alt/index.htm Though when I tried to hit them, they were not active yet. I may have hit them while they were being posted.