councilman24

And the real limit has been hinted at. It's ability to sign a legally binding wavier of liability. Most states it's 18 for the individual and parents can't sign away the rights of the minor to litigate so.... the defacto age becomes the age when the student can enter into a legal contract, usually 18. Most DZ's I know now use 18 for the "public". I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE

http://www.store.allbrands.com/sewingmachinestore/arinsewmac202.html This site has a new 20U53 clone, parts interchangeble and probably made at the same plant, for $799 with table and motor including shipping to a business address. In the 48, didn't notice you were in Hawaii at first. About the best deal I've found on a new one. Probably going to be tough to beat even on a used one if you can find it. I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE

GEt someone to show you, but here's how I do it, folding from the left side of the canopy. When you reach under to s fold the canopy gather the rolled tail from both sides in your left hand as you reach under it. When you fold the canopy DON'T put your weight on it. You can put your right knee on it, but leave your weight on your left knee and only put enough weight on your right knee to hold it down. Put your left knee right next to stacked canopy. If you put your weight on it, it will squirt out. As you tuck the top in and get ready to put it in the bag put your right knee next to your left but on the rig side of the stack. Now you have your left knee on the left side of the stack and your right knee on the rig side of the stack, close together. This gives you a corner formed by your knees to work against. Put the far side of the stack in the bag first, then the part controlled against your knees. Make sure the locking stows bands are intact and ready to use, and have some in your pocket. Rotate the bag up in its bridle end so your now stuffing against the floor. I put one knee on the rig side and one on the other side of the bag kneeling facing the right side of the rig. Cross your ankles behind you and again you have a corner to work against. stuff it and lock it. This is a poor attempt to describe what has become second nature. Everyone does it different. Or, go drag it through the mud so it isn't as slippery. When I got my first one, after 6 years of rigging and 10 years of jumping, it took 10 pack jobs to get one I would jump. You will learn, it will get less slick, and eventrually you will be as fast as your triathlon. Never as easy but as fast. Don't give up, just sweat a little. I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE

I think the idea of "traditions" being in a "list" is contradictory. Every DZ is different, every skydiver has been taught differently. And unfortunately, with the change from the "good old days" of clubs (and ParaCommanders, Cessnas, Twin Bo's, LoadStall's, B-18's, and Agent Orange DC-3) to commercial centers (with turbins, packers, air conditioning, GPS, and ZP) most new jumpers don't know Cap'n Crunch from Cardinal Puff. And when was the last time you saw a hacky not on a PC? You know, I bet there is a whole generation of skydivers that think a hacky is only a handle! Unite to FREE ALL HACKYS so they can enjoy the pleasure of being kicked!!! For a feel of the old days read United We Fall http://www.cs.fiu.edu/~esj/uwf/uwf.html. I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE

I'm not sure there are "one source" numbers anymore. Especially for some of the newer canopies. The PIA published list is the most controlled but the latest update in 1995. http://www.pia.com/piapubs/TS%20Documents/ts-104.htm A discussion held on this issue at the PIA meeting in Sept. brought to my attention even more discrepansies. And proposed changes to the test method. My only point is don't buy something at the upper end of the theoretical volume range of the rig expecting it to fit without trying one first. BTW I think its fair to say the most rig manufacturers volumes are based on the purported canopy volume of canopies that fit. Most now give example canopies. There is no standard method for measuring rig volumes, athough this was also discussed at PIA. I'm not naming names to keep from getting into the marketing/pissing contest. I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE

You need to realize that volumes you get from different sources may (will) not be comparable. While PIA has a SOP for volume measurements not every one who publishes volumes follows it. Or follows it carefully enough to be consistent. Also know that the volume differnce between individual canopies of the same model may be significantly different, especially when it "just" fits. In addition practical pack volume will change as location or season changes. Just looking a numbers in tables isn't going to give you all the information you need. Also, realize that not everyone measure canopy area the same. So one persons 160 may be anothers 170. And of course all "7 cell" mains are not created equally. The question should be "Will a canopy that gives me the performance change I want from a Sabre 150 fit in this container." The answer might be a smaller canopy. Bottom line, don't blindly follow the numbers. I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE

In 1987 I went into the top of a tree with both my main and reserve still inflating. Wasn't at terminal but wasn't completely slowed down. I shattered the ankle end of my tibia and broke a chunk out of the fibula. This was Feb. I ordered a Raven IV shortly out of the hospital. (Remember it was 1987). I was non load bearing for 3 months, and various walking braces for another 5. In October I made my first jump back. My ankle didn't let me take a running step at that time. So, if I had any forward speed left I'd slide on my butt. If timed right with the right canopy this works pretty well. Just like sliding into second. (But its a bear learned to flair for your feet again.

Maybe he can but... it's just B12 snap with the gate removed theaded on any kind of strap. Put it over your head and one arm through so its diagonal across your torso. As you lean over the rig tie a slip knot in the pull up cord, hook it over the snap and use your entire torso to pull up on the cord. Works best on an adjustable strap so you can fine tune the length. This is the kind of tip you learn if you go to the PIA symposium. I actually don't use this one. Another "handle" that works well is a 1 1/4 inch diameter piece of delerin. Cut a slot with a power saw half way through. Put the handle on the pull up cord with the cord through the slot. Then wrap the cord around the handle with the cord going through the slot over itself. Number of wraps and width of slot (just width of blade you use) are varied for the type of pull up. Cypres cord needs a narrower slot. This locks the pull up on itself and its loaded at the middle of the handle so it doesn't try to rotate in your hand. Pops right off for the next grommet. I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE

Bikerbabe has a lot of good info. I have rough patterns for two different brackets. One goes on the toe, and is made out of aluminum. The other goes on the outside of the foot, and also is made out of aluminum. The should be equiped with a quick release in case of entanglement. At stated, expect to damage your rig and or canopy if jumping freefall smoke. In addition to freefall smoke you can tether smoke under canopy. Advantages, you won't set the plane on fire, you won't put burn holes in your canopy during opening, you won't burn your leg off. Use stainless cable to make a "leader". I use cable one size smaller than ripcord cable and nicropress sleeves to form loops on each end. Test for strength. Then I use stainless hose clamps to attach the cable to the smoke canister. Dangle the whole thing with appropriate cord, deployed after opening. Paragear smoke is ok, military smoke in colors shows up better but is much harder to get these days, seems to burn hotter, and some of the color stain and put out burning embers more than others. Military smoke is going for up to $40 a canister and higher. There was a bunch of East German military smoke on the gun show circuit before Y2K. It was cheap and pretty dense. I have use it a couple of times and have a bunch left. And beaware that any smoke you order will require extra hazardous shipping charges. An alternative to smoke under canopy is long streamers like the Seoul Olympics. I've made nylon ones but for high school football games I've used crepe paper. Roll out the appropriate colors, reenforce center with duct tape, fold in half around piece of cord and reenforce with more duct tape. Roll up and stow in fanny pack or jumpsuit. Attach to appropriate place and let stream behind after opening. Experiment with length for best effect. I've seen freefall brackest that looked like 20 pound leg braces and others that were a little sheet metal, a little webbing and no big deal. Email me if you want the rough drawings. I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE

Shoot, don't bring it to me I don't want to mess with it either. If your comfortable disassembling the rig, follow the RW instructions. If not, have the rigger disassemble it, then take it home to wash. Make sure you get all of the soap out. I had one come back kind of sticky with soap residue. I prefer my customers let me disassemble it. Then I know it's not damaged during the disassembly and its easier for me to put back together. For my regular customers I do things like this free (dissassembly), since its really for my convenience. Try to dry the hardware right away. It will take several days to completely dry. Put it in front of a house fan (no heat) to help with the drying. Oh, and don't lay it in the sun to dry. I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE

All of the advice is good. And most of it is what I would tell a customer. But, the reality is I almost never open any of mine up for winter storage. If I didn't pack after the last jump the main will be open in my gear bag. And most of my customers keep one rig in date (or at least packed) for winter trips and 50 degree F days. If you store it packed in a moderate temperature place protected from abuse it should be fine. If you do open it, make sure you keep track of all the parts, including the safety stow from the reserve free bag. Be carefull in handling the components. Don't bend the spring or snag the canopy. It's best to store in a cloth bag so moisture isn't trapped, but again the practical reality is most people use a plastic bag. Make sure your "closet" doesn't have any furry rodent friend visiting. I usually store canopies and rigs in plastic totes or garbage cans (unused for garbage) to protect from pests (and my cat). Terry I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE

see above Some pretty interesting reading in the TSO-C23b list in the database. I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE

I've seen plenty of log "inflation" over the years. One guy routinely "made" 1000 jumps in a couple of weeks. Depended on who he was trying to impress. As an S&TA I've been presented with logs that were laughable. Best case, all the accuracy in the same pen, different from the various pens used to log the jumps. He was then mad when "peas" weren't good enough. The pea pit is 15 yards wide. Same guy made sure of the version # of the C test I had when he called to set up the appointment, then hit the roof when he found out he had to take A through C to get his C as his first license. He'd obviously memorized the C test answers for that version. He was jumping mainly at another DZ, we all knew his skill level when he left. I told him not to come back to me for a D, to get it at his home DZ. I know the DZ owner. He's got a pretty good BS meter. No jealousy involved. I don't know who the jumper was but the doubt was probably deserved. I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE

Horizon Parachute System, Starkville, Mississippi holders of the TSO for Swine Flew. I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE

And when you get them in a room they have all the same varying opinions and arguments. One canopy manufacture recently said during a discussion of 180 days with others in the industry, "We all know most of the deployed reserves have been packed longer than a 120 days any way so why not go to 180 days. I know all my reserve deployments have been past 120 days." (Some slight paraphrasing) They cann't agree on how to measure the area of a canopy let alone inspection cycle or gear lifetime. Each would have their own opinion and a different cycle for each brand would be unmanagable. When asked for required service lifetimes for non US government contracts, they make it up, knowing that it all depends on the storage and use. If skydivers were conscientious enough to recognize there own unique situation, anything from 3 weeks to two years might be appropriate. We have to set a manditory time, and right now I believe that 120 days is a good compromise. I believe for most of us riggers it's not the reserve that concerns us but the rest of the maintenance. And no, I don't want the business. Nomex on. I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE

I did mean to cover it in "master" but your right, you have to be able to use the proper technique depending on rig. Every once in awhile I used to have to look up to see which one I had on. At one point my two main rigs were a Manta and a Sabre 190. (Bad ankle, couldn't run when I bought the manta) When I wanted a guarenteed soft landing for my bad ankle in squirrely conditions, I'd grab the Sabre. With my history I'm used to jumping different rigs and canopies interchangably. But, I wouldn't recommend this for newer jumpers. Pick a rig that can do every thing you want, even if it isn't the smallest, and master it. Make a second rig similar. Experience will give you the versitility to land multiple canopies in all conditions. Oh, I forgot my Cirrus Cloud. Hmmmm may have to put that in a rig That was a canopy in the mid 80's that had a reputation for no one being able to land it. I always stood it up (when most people didn't) BUT you had to fly it all the way to the ground. I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE

Bill, When you pull up the current list of companies your not listed because it only goes back to 23c. But the access database has 23b as well and does list the Relative Workshop. Everything that was ever issued to any company is there, including one I hadn't heard of called "Swine Flew"

I hate to plug Dan Poynter (he's very good at that himself) but the LATEST edition of Parachuting, A Skydivers Handbook, available from http://www.paragear.com/ will set out the basics very well. THEN, try to sort out the rest of it. I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE

Two?? You have to count higher than that. In 24 years of jumping I've never had less than 2 rigs I routinely jumped and often more. Right now I have a Reflex with a Sabre and cypres, a Vector II with a Triathlon and cypres, and another Vector II with a PD Lightning with no cypres. Also airworthy I have a Crossbow rig and reserve with a Rip Cord, R-3 type releases and a competition ParaCommander; a prototype SST with a 24' flat and stratocloud main; a Northern Lite with a Swift Plus reserve and PD 260 main (set up for a second set of harness three ring rings for intentional cutaways, outlaw. The cutaway canopy goes on the front and you go back into free fall with a normal rig.), a Navy seat complete, an Air force back, and enough parts to put together another northern lite, manta, and swift reserve. And I'm looking for a round to use as a main. (Phantom 28) At one time I had the Crossbow right hand Rip Cord with two hand releases, a Northern lite with right hand legstrap throw out, right hand cutaway and left hand reserve, and a complete MIRROR image Northern lite with a LEFT hand legstrap throw out, left hand cutaway and Right hand reserve. I'd jump these rigs interchangably when jumpmastering. I only ever reached the wrong way once and stopped myself before getting to the handle. I became a rigger originally just to take care of my own gear. No, I'm not a gear dealer (except Softies), DZO, or independent instructor. Just a gear junkie and a pack rat. One con to having two modern rigs is if they have different mains and you jump both it takes longer to get good with each main. Also the cost of cypres maintenance. And these days make sure the handles and risers are set up the same. Terry I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE

Actually is DOES exit.

Don't think you want the cruiselite, otherwise known as a cruisefright. For the time, it flew fast but didn't flare anybetter than anyother 7 cell F-111 type. They were popular with some folks but are certainly not something I'd recommend, even if you were buying a F-111. Nothing wrong with the PD 190 for a first canopy. Especially if the price is right, it isn't worn out, and you realize you won't be surfing. Probably do need to find a newer rig for freefly. Terry I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE

Got to bring your own woman. 35 with one score per question, 46!!! with multiples. But no extra points for 6 rigs, and not a DZO???? I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE

I've never seen any requirement to change battery pack. The self test the unit does when turned on checks the battery level and determines if the batteries have enough power to fire the cutter during the entire 14 on period. It will not turn on with a battery it determines to be too low. This might indicate the need for a battery change, but simply the fact that it fired doesn't. I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE

The standard four year service DOES NOT include converting a hardwired cutter to a field replaceable one. SSK will do it for an additional charge, I think $105 the cost of the field replaceble cutter. Take a look here. http://www.pia.com/SSK/cypres/english_maintenance.pdf Read through the literature at SSK's site to understand how it works and what needs to be done to service it. I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE

I have one jump on a Para Plane. My first ram air was a Strato Cloud, also by ParaFlite. I jumped a ParaPlane once just to say I had. It's still around the DZ used in the class. Comes down like a rock, doesn't flair a whole lot, but I stood it up. Terry I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE