skyfox2007

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Everything posted by skyfox2007

  1. Nope, but I daisy chained my lines - out of habit - and didn't realize that I probably shouldn't have done that until after I walked in. Flight Concepts Maverick (200 sq ft). I won't be jumping this again, ever. Just ordered a new PDR 218. -JD-
  2. Derek, I'm not sure. I could see something just below one of my left-side slider grommets, but not well enough to make it out. This happened on a night jump. Pumping the risers for a few hundred feet did nothing to help clear it. Maybe a knot? JD
  3. I had a cutaway recently and only partial control of the reserve. My slider was stuck about 4 feet above my head and so the reserve lines couldn't spread completely. My left toggle wouldn't come down past my shoulder with very sluggish turns in that direction. I still had a good amount of forward speed and was able to do a 25% flare and slide it in on the grass with only some scraps and bruises. I'm grateful for being able to walk away from it...definitely lent me some perspective
  4. A DZ that a visited a few times this summer employs the burble system. It's nice to be able to manifest right from your phone! The hangar has a few TV screens connected to Burble and folks can see where the empty spots on each load are 2+ hours out. On the downside - this DZ requires that your either leave a credit card at the manifest desk or buy a package in order to use it. I've left my credit card there a few times after forgetting about it and it's hard to come up with the money for a package...even if the jumps are at a discount.
  5. Not a bad idea, I've never given much thought to the smaller places. But good attitudes would be worth sacrificing some altitude.
  6. Who couldn't use thicker skin? Life's more fun when you can land a few proverbial jabs on people. But there's a fine line between taking a jab and then allowing the DZ alphas to look down their nose at you for long enough to make them feel secure about themselves before they'll accept you. And we wonder why - as others have asked here - we have such high turnover rates in our sport. I must - however - give you credit about your reply on Mile-Hi. It's been a few years since I've visited the place and things do change. "No Pro Sessions" back then would have kept me around.
  7. Nice line. I've heard many an instructor or seasoned jumper use that on a newbie to excuse their own BS and he or she walked out of the DZ and out of the sport. And we wonder why our turnover rates are so high? No pun intended as I too am turning a bit gray, but brother, it isn't 1981 any more. I wish it was...the music back then was just awesome. Can't find a tune worth a damn on the radio anymore. Taylor Swift just isn't cutting it, you know?
  8. Wow, just ridicules man. OK, allow me to regain my composure here. Good bit of advice on the packing. This place is insisting I pay. The LO's can seem a bit standoffish, but you're suggesting I charge right in like a "fresh piece of meat" huh? Well, my hinges don't point in any direction, but at my Mrs., but I suppose I can muster the courage to give Y a run for her money w/o the innuendo.
  9. The only "sound" we're all making is that of fingers hitting keys on our keyboards. Jealousy? Perhaps. But then again, who wouldn't be in that situation? Would you be jealous if some brand-new dude showed at the DZ with half your numbers and got the LO's attention because he put his "mack" on her and he got to fly in a group and learn something new while you got to do another solo? I agree with you suggestion in taking the initiative - and agree with the many others who have suggested the same. And I've tried that. But how long - do you think - is too long to wait for the regulars to lower their guard?
  10. Good, funny replies folks. I'm still chuckling at some of them. Frankness and humor sometimes go hand-in-hand. Thank you to the majority of you who gave me something constructive to chew on. As far as "getting over myself" or "toughening up goes," well, you're entitled to your own opinion. But the truth is we ALL could use a little humility or grow thicker skin couldn't we? Everyone has an ego and no one is the exception. Take care folks.
  11. We're all keeping a journal...it's called a logbook.
  12. Haha...I about rolled out of my chair when I read your response. Blunt, but funny. In all seriousness, I prefer neither. It's not sincere anyhow. But I know a lot of other jumpers who do, including the mentions in my post.
  13. Good Evening All, I’m a relatively new jumper with 120 jumps. I’m hopelessly hooked – having bought my own equipment, planned my first boogie for this December, and spent much of my free time reading safety articles, forums, and product reviews. I do have one complaint – however – and it’s one that compels me to ask whether I should invest more of my time and money into this sport: my home DZ and others I’ve visited harbor a social scene that is either exclusive of or outwardly intolerant of fun jumpers. “Cool guys” or “hot chicks” are – of course – the exceptions. The following are a few snippets from a journal that I’ve been keeping and are no more than 60 days old from the time of this writing: -X showed up to the DZ today sporting a brand-new jump suit! I approached him and jokingly said, “wow, man…someone might mistake you for someone important!” We shared a brief laugh and that caught the attention of several of the DZ’s long-time regulars. He quickly assumed center stage of the DZ social scene for much of the morning with comments and praise from all-around. Like that popular kid back in 8th grade who shows up to class one morning sporting a new pair of Air Jordan’s, he became the center of everyone’s attention and even made it into our DZ’s latest newsletter edition. I just earned my B-license and past my 100-jump mark with only a single handshake with from the local S&TA to show for either of them. -There has not been a single weekend this summer where Y has not sauntered around the DZ wearing low-cut tops with her cleavage spilling out all over the place. As a man, I must admit that I’ve taken my fair share of glimpses. But for someone who has fewer jumps than I and has yet to be invited on a single group dive with the DZ regulars, she always makes the Load Organizer’s cut. In fact, she’s one of the first jumpers the LO extends invites too every day she’s out here. I – along with the other new, male fun jumpers – feel like I’m still sitting on the sidelines waiting for a chance to play in the game. But someone shows a little skin and suddenly she’s an all-star. -I took a packing class this evening and wish the packer had called me beforehand to cancel. It was after the last load of the day and so I wrongly assumed that my instructor could provide me with some one-on-one instruction. I arrived to see no fewer than 15 unpacked rigs lying about the packing mat and – after a brief 10-minute orientation – was left to pack my chute on my own. They didn’t even look over to see if I was performing the steps correctly as they were packing other rigs and chatting with a few friends. After an hour or so of sweating and cursing, I decided to call it quits, thanked them for their time, and resolved to find another instructor who could devote his or her full attention on me so that I could learn a thing or two about saving my own life. -The LO finally invited me on a group dive today. I was beaming from ear-to-ear at the prospect of jumping with some of the more experienced folks and to learn more about RW. Thirty seconds after he had extended his invite, he burst my growing bubble my admitting, “I need you on this load…I get a free jump ticket If I can organize 10 or more and you’re it.” [expletive] I’ve jumped several other DZs – Raeford, San Marcos (to my deep regret), Mile-Hi, Canyon City, Co., and a few others. The culture at these locations wasn’t much different than what I’m experiencing here. Is this type of BS typical of most DZs? Are there any gems that anyone knows about that I could try in the Ohio-Indiana area with a less pretentious atmosphere? How do you get past that “force field” most DZ regulars place between them and the newbies to the point where they’ll accept you as a member of the team? -Skyfox-
  14. I recently purchased a used PA Fusion 210 main and have made approximately 65 jumps with this canopy. Its primary flight characteristics couldn't be better. It's stable - even in high winds - is capable of sporty turns even when loaded at 1:1, and has a powerful landing flare that can't be matched by any other canopy I've jumped previously. The openings - however - are scary and dangerous in my opinion. The initial phase of deployment is smooth - exhibiting a long, comfortable snivel of approximately 800 feet. The second phase of the deployment - when the chute begins to inflate along its long axis - is characterized by uneven inflation of the cells and violent 90-270 degree turns to my left that almost always produce line twists. In 65 jumps, I have yet to witness a single, on-heading opening. My primary concern is running into another jumper up or down the jump run. Soft pressure on the right riser during deployment will sometimes inhibit the turn or reduce the violent yaw I almost always experience, but this doesn't always work. I've also been very careful to halt my tracks, flatten my body position to slow down, and maintain a constant heading with a fixed object on the ground for at least 4-5 seconds prior to deployment. Several of my pack jobs have been supervised by packers and riggers and are proper and safe to the best of their knowledge. I've attempted to contact Precision Aerodynamics with respect to this issue several times: 4 times via email and 9 times via phone - at different times of the workday - over the past two weeks. I successfully connected with a receptionist only once and she gave me another email address to forward my previous messages to - but to no avail. Between the scary openings and the lousy customer service, I do NOT recommend this canopy or PA products to anyone - particularly newer jumpers. Their website is also poorly maintained and outdated. Many of its links no longer work and very little information - other than a vague, hyped-up description - is available on its products. I should've listened to my AFF instructors when they told me to "buy a PD." Only a few hours after emailing them the other day, I received a phone call to organize a for a two-week demo on one of their silhouettes. Skyfox
  15. The facilities and aircraft are great and are what make this DZ a fun place to jump. The hangar and packing area are large and kept clean. This DZ boosts two Caravans each weekend that can carry 15 or so jumpers - one dedicated primarily to tandem operations while the other is almost exclusively reserved for fun jumpers. There is a Cessna here as well - probably a 206 - with a roll-up jump door, but I haven't had a chance to jump it yet. The DZ exhibits monitors in the hangar that display the upcoming loads, the call times, and even the weather. The "Burble" system they employ allows you to manifest for loads via your cell phone. The airport is also located in town with a few local restaurants to satisfy your post-adrenaline appetite. I you like pizza, I recommend "Pizza and Kayaking" which is located maybe a mile from the DZ. The landing area – while spacious – is organized around the licensing system. Here, A-license holders are required to land about 500 yards away from the hangar and across the runway. The walk back takes no less than 10 minutes with all of your gear and is a sweaty haul during mid-summer. B, C, and D license holders can land in areas much closer to the hangar. I suggest upgrading to your B-license as soon as you can if you don't already have one and plan to jump out here. The training services here for AFF students and tandems are exceptional. A safe, fun location for those folks looking to make a tandem jump or start their AFF program. The instructors are quite friendly and the students here seem to feel at home after a few weekends and are quickly assimilated into the DZ culture. The rigger who works there is also VERY knowledgeable and helpful. As a new fun jumper from out of town, I liked the facilities, the landing area (except the A-license area), the aircraft, and the services. The social scene can take some time to work your way into. If your an A or B license holder, be patient and seek out the other jumpers at your skill level. It will take a few weekends before you're invited on big-ways with the more experienced folks. If you’re a tandem jumper or wish to start your AFF here, I would recommend it as there are few places better. If you’re a fun jumper I would also strongly recommend this DZ, but be patient with the scene.
  16. I recently visited Skydive Greene County and was impressed most by the laid-back vibe and location. Staff are approachable and accepting of newbies. The location - less than an hour away from Dayton - is a bonus. I also felt the safety of the operation was better than average. But this location comes with a few drawbacks as well. This drop zone features Cessna and Beech-18 aircraft. I flew both and it took some time to reach our jump altitude of 10.5K - 15 to 20 minutes. I'm a history buff and was psyched about the ride in the World War II-era Beech, but it was a haul. The Beech also lacks a door so it gets a bit chilly at 8K+. The max exit altitude of 10.5K (varies I was told) was also a bit low for a $24 jump ticket. Most DZs will take you to 12K+ for that much. The DZ itself is also small and surrounded by corn fields with little margin for error. Lastly, this DZ lacks an active Fun Jumper clientele. I counted 4 dedicated Fun Jumpers at the DZ this past Sunday - not including myself or the tandem instructors who took a few fun rides in between student loads. This DZ is primarily a tandem operation, but doesn't feel like one. If you're in the area and would like to make a tandem, this DZ is for you! If you're a fun jumper I would also recommend it based on the vibe and locale, but you might be jumping solo.
  17. I was in Huntsville visiting family and decided to give this dropzone a try. I found the location convenient, within 30 miles of the city, and was overjoyed by the fact that they operated a twin turbine aircraft; making for shorter rides to altitude. But their complete lack of professionalism, poor customer service, and lack of services far outweigh the benefits of easy access and faster plane rides. When I first entered the front office I was greeted by a half hearted "hello" and a quizzical look. The folks in the front office were not thrilled to see me. It looked as though they were more interested in their lunch then they were my business. I then inquired about manifest and rig rental but their knowledge of DZ operations was limited and directed me to comb the DZ and "find the DZO myself." I found it strange that their office personnel were not familiar with the goings on. Aren't the office personnel there to answer those sorts of questions? But I tracked down the DZO in short order and asked a few simple questions about DZ familiarization, gear rental, etc. She seemed too busy for me and I was directed to another jumper for a quick walk around an explanation of the landing pattern. He quickly and annoyingly greeted me and gave me a brief explanation of the landing pattern before heading off to tend to something else. I then proceeded back to the front office to ask for a rig and was told that I would "have to fight it out" with two other gentlemen wanting to use the same rig. I asked if there were more, but all 3 of the DZs rigs were in use. I finally managed to hunt down a rig after 30 minutes of waiting, but was told by a staff member that it was "not airworthy." I brought this to the attention of the DZO who insisted it was. After I saw the DZO and the staff member in question debate the issue heatedly for a minute or two the DZO reassured me yet again that the rig was airworthy. But that was all I wanted or needed to see. I grabbed my belongings and made a bee-line for the car. 3 things: 1. Bad Vibe/no customer service! - the jumpers/instructors at this DZ are some of the most unfriendly and incompetent that I have seen. The staff and office personnel must have a working knowledge of the DZ and be friendly. Skydiving is about camaraderie and good times. These people need to get it together. 2. No organization/Lack of gear! - there should be a gear rental list on a first come, first served basis posted somewhere visible. No one should have to "fight" over equipment. Furthermore, 3 rigs is not enough to meet the demand for gear rentals at this DZ. This is bad for business and is unfair to fun jumpers. 3. Lack of operational awareness! - the DZO and staff must know which equipment is flyable and which is not. The disagreement between the staff members as to the airworthiness of a particular rig that I wanted to use was scary to say the very least! If staff members can't even account for their gear it calls into question the safety of their entire operation; what else do they cut corners on or fail to account for? Skydiving is a dangerous sport - we owe our lives to our equipment and any gear kept at a dropzone must be accounted for and properly maintained. I found this DZ scary and unfriendly - I recommend you steer clear of this one.
  18. This dropzone caters to tandem jumpers; those seeking a one-time thrill. The tandem instructors are safe and courteous and there are a sufficient number of them to meet the amount of business they receive. The wait time is reasonable short (under 90 mins) and the price ($189) is compartivly good. A friend of mine recently made a tandem jump and completed training and the jump in under an hour. If you seek a tandem skydive, this place is for you. Unfortunately, this dropzone does not employ a sufficient number of AFF and advanced level instructors. If you wish to make an AFF, re-cert, coach, or A-license dive your wait could range from several hours (3 or 4) to several days ("Come back tomorrow/next week") based on my experience. There is never more than 2 AFF level instructors on the DZ at any one time while the number of AFF/advanced students at any one time is much greater than they can tend to. I have visited this DZ three times in the last three weeks (once each weekend) and have only made 1 jump! They are also a bit short on coaches so completing your coach jumps prior to your A license "check dive" may take a while. If you plan to attend an advanced course here be prepared to spend the day there or come back the following day/weekend. The staff are also short on courteousy. They are all too happy to smile and cater to the every need of the tandem students who fork over large amounts of money and pay the bills. But AFF students and those seeking a license are treated as inconveniences. The staff never directed me to an instructor; I was expected to comb the DZ and find a him or her myself to schedule training and a jump. When I finally did, he or she was never thrilled to see yet another student while preoccupied with a few others. However, the instructors are certainly safe and do not cut corners when it comes to instruction. Each briefing I had with the instructors was thorough and helpful. Though the experience could have been more respectful and expeditious. It's no fun sitting on the ground for several hours or days at a time waiting in line.