speuci

Agreed, no contract is bullet proof. Anyone with money can spin-up all but the most frivolous of litigation and force a resturctuing settlment. That said, the more a contract is tailored to cases such as this, the less likely any lawyer will be to represent an injured party on a contingent fee basis. Hopefully DZs (and their attorneys) will incorporate some key takeways from this case into their waivers. 1) Specifics rather than general - explicitly waive negligence, and describe what sort of negligence is being waived (failure to maintain/fly plain, failure to maintain/rig gearing) 2) Properly outline risks, seek to clarify that skydiving is Not for the general public. While this case sets precedent only in VT, it incorporates CA public policy analysis ~ as its fairly apposite to our sport, it may hold sway in other states. //Not legal advice - just good sense

So I'm curious, what is your estimation of the total head count of people necessary to pull off this "conspiracy"? 100? 1000? 10,000?

This is a perfect opportunity for a crowd-sourced stunt... I would donate $5 to make this happen (now would 3MM other junkies do so?)

Go look at the forward currency contracts for the period you are concerned about. Thats your best indicator of where the currency exchange is likely to be going.

I want a new rig in time for when the nice weather returns. Problem is, I live way too far from dropzones to visit their gear shops just to have measurements taken. I've seen the measurement guide on UPT's website. Anyone have any experiences with a friend taking measurements? Did it work? Any pitfalls? What about taking the guide to a tailor and asking him/her to measure?

Good luck with that. I agree. Once you've got the early adopters (evangelists) on-board, this may be appropriate, HOWEVER, when you are going after first customers, the value of several reference accounts (in both reputation and free-bug-testing) is HUGE. My advice: Waive this fee for the first 5 clients (and cut the per jump cost) Turn it into an earn-out for the rest.

Why not post the video to YouTube so we can all have a look?

Wouldn't there also be oxygen involved with an 18k jump? I did one at Taft a while back and they (rightly) required us to all wear O2 masks....

I'm curious ... for those of you with your first chop at a low number of jumps, do you attribute the mal to a shoddy pack job that you packed yourself?

Hahaha... that guy is a dork. Here's a better picture! http://www.ank.com.ar/imgs/tron.jpg

Mark, it seems implied by your post, but this 'modification' is now standard on all vectors with the mag riser option correct?

Straight out of the movie Tron!

What is an xray card, and more importantly, where does one get one for a cypres? (I bought my gear used)

Awesome, thanks for the feedback guys!

Does anyone know where we can see the various tie-dye patterns that UPT can use? I've seen some awesome tie-dye, frustrated at the coloring programs lack of inclusion...

You might also look for down south dropzones that have a full A license program condensed in a week. E.g. http://www.skydivespaceland.com/license-in-a-week.html

Well, AFAIK, Hollister uses the same Instructor to conduct Ground School, and he drills in several dirt dives with practice throws on a training container. I went through ground school twice, my penalty for a several month Hiatus....

Wow!!!! It's always extra special when you watch video from your home DZ!

How much did the skittles embroid cost? How'd you mock it up? (photoshop?)

So did ya do Cat B?

I packed my rig last week, but I might not be jumping for 4 or so months. Should I: 1) Unpack the canopy and put it in a garbage bag? 2) Leaved it packed, but unpack and repack before I jump it in about 4 or 5 months time? or 3) Leave it packed, and don't worry about re-packing before I jump it.... My understanding is that ZP canopies shouldn't remaind in a packed brick for a long time, but that F111 can...

I'm curious as to whether use of this program actully confers any benefit. Anyone used this? Value, or mere entertainment? My canopy accuracy sucks, desparate to fix...

You're the *first* person to ever attempt to use this bullshit rule. You own another case to Westpoint for this.

I'm surprised no one's called you out yet for wearing a video cam. What sort of cam are you rocking?

Ahh... brings back a memory of my AFF1 about two years ago. I audibly said 'Thank God' upon seeing a canopy over my head. I questioned why I was jumping until things started to click around jump 6. I finished aff in 6, and my 7th was my favorite dive. It's a totally new experience once you get off student status. Moreover, once you start jumping with groups, it gets even better. Factor in the friends, and the dropzone experience, and there really isn't anything else like it. Coming out of ground school, I had the impression that accidents were frequent and uncontrollable. After listening to more and more stories, jumping, and hanging out on DZ.com, I came to realize that 'high order polynomial' risks can be mitigated through your own actions and choices. I only jump what I pack, I pull (relatively) high at 3500, and I don't try aggressive canopy manuevers. I tell myself that this minimizes the risk enough for me to feel comfortable, and keeps it inline with my other activities. Provided you can afford it, stick with it long enough to do some solo and group dives. That's when the hook REALLY gets you!