katrina

hello, it was first hand information from president of Ukrainian skydiving club " Graal", Serei Ostapenko, Ret. Colonel. He showed System Monarch, Raven, reserve and several Cypreses. he doctored himself. Not an old military equipment!!! More likely nobody going to show up in America with gear like that, but concern is that his words were "it is widely acceptable", not mine. But from replies I got I am OK with the fact that in my country--America skydivers have airworthy equipment. Yes, I know My post got some resonance and lifted some conversation but safety is first, people lives are in question when president above club sending his skydivers up on the air with doctored equipment. Do you want to send your child to skydive to his club?? Thanks for reply, very important and intresting conversation for all of us. I contacted several officials from Ukraine Federation, I think they will make sure above situation will be discussed among Ukrainian skydivers, and it's all what I wanted, not a make a stir, but make aware and discuss. Katrina.

Hello and thanks everyone for replies. Yes I am not a skydiver, just doing business with some clubs. I was little bit in shock, when I learned about doctoring DOM, OK, I understand now, but they must at least test that gear, before sending someone up in the sky to jump down to Earth?? Last year they had near fatal incident, young skydiver ended up in a coma, someone gave him doctored gear without testing it. Yes, I know I sound neurotic, but my relative going to take skydiving as hobby. Please, advise how and what he must to do to stay safe and alive. Again, thanks (And it is not a gossip, president of that club looked very proud of himself, showing me doctored gear.)

Attention all America's skydivers!! If you are dealing with Ukrainian skydivers and dropzones, be aware of fraud!! As I was told by one of Ukrainian skydiver, It is widely exceptable among Ukrainian skydivers to change DOM and SN of skydive gears on later dates--"doctoring" gear to prolong its life. I was told that by Sergei Ostapenko-- president of Ukrainian skydiveclub" Graal", from Sevastopol. Make sure you check all gear if you allowing Ukrainian skydivers use your dropzones. Need details?, please write me. Did you have negative experience yourself??