funfall

You'll need to spell it "Vigil" to search. Try this: http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=3597887;search_string=vigil%203;#3597887

Thanks for the comments and suggestions (some private) so far. They've given me food for thought.

I should mention that I'm not encouraging or discouraging the old guy to do the tandem. He's very active, in good health, and can make his own decisions. I have mentioned the higher potential health risks associated with age, but feel that my responsibility is now to make sure it's sone as safely as possible.

Can anyone tell me about Saratoga Skydiving (or sister dz Duanesburg) in NY? Feel free to PM me if there's anything you'd rather not say publicly. I'll be visiting an older relative (in his 70s) in NY who has expressed an interest in making a tandem jump while I'm there. He's near the Saratoga dz, but I can't find much about it except on their own website. I'd prefer to visit/inspect before even scheduling anything, but may not have time. So.......I need to know enough about Saratoga dz to be sure it's a decent (esp as safe as possible) place to take an elderly novice for a tandem jump. Any tandem instructors to favor or avoid? I'm interested, but less so, in how good it would be for me to jump, too (maybe solo, on the same load). I might only make 1 or 2 jumps, so wouldn't travel there with my rig, but would rent. What I've found is this: It looks expensive ($250 to 9000 ft in a C182) and very tandem oriented. (no mention of taking licensed jumpers; no AFF offered.) I'd put up with that for the convenience of the tandem jumper, IF their reputation for tandem service/safety is very good. But if they cut corners in safety to maximize profit, forget it. BTW, they're apparently run by the same people as nearby Duanesburg, with almost identical websites. I'm familiar with the suicide (no rig) incident, and pilot license suspension at Duanesburg (same dzo). If that's not a pattern, I'd tend to discount it. A place might even become more safety conscious after such a public incident.

Congrats! Sounds like a tricky landing that ended well.

They are nice, aren't they? All I had to do to get one was buy a new Vector 3. Got another from the UPT rep at a boogie.

Nice video - well worth watching. What a life!

I've been told privately that the release date for the next Vigil isn't yet known by dealers, and probably won't be until it really is imminent. I'd say the lack of replies here tends to confirm that. So I'll make my comparisons between available AAD models, rather than waiting for the next Vigil. I didn't make it clear, but I'm keeping my current AAD. A new one would go in the old backup or new rig. I may decide to sell the old container and one AAD in the next year or two, which is why early depreciation is a consideration.

Does anyone know when the Vigil 3 is due to be released? Imminent, or just someday? I'm happy with the AAD I have (not Vigil), but need another for a new rig. I'd be more likely to wait and consider a Vigil, if the new one is coming soon. Part of my reason is future resale value - I'm guessing that Vigil 2s will lose value if there's an improved Vigil 3 available. Also, a new version will probably address some of my minor concerns about the present version. Thanks. --------------------------------------------- edited to add: Here's the post (in a Gear & Rigging thread last month) that got me thinking about this: "Now, the Vigil III is coming and the possibility of firing problems near the ground will be solved plus we will see some surprising new features." "Where did you get this info. from?" "The Vigil reps @ PIA 09 in Reno. "

I doubt if you'll have a problem. I found it very easy to stuff into a bag that a full zp main (300 jumps) required some effort for. And only Vectran lines are used (as stated above).

Oops - I meant to say "as regular ZP", of course.

I spoke with the Aerodyne CEO at a boogie last week, and he pretty much confirmed what has been said here about ZPX. Orders are coming in, with delivery limited mostly by fabric supply. Some colors n/a yet. No reports of any difference in openings or handling of canopies. Sounds like a good option, if you're buying a new canopy from them. I guess it will be a while before we can be sure if it's as durable as regular ZPX.

Thanks! Anyone else? I'm a little surprised that it hasn't caught on. Maybe dealers or someone from Aerodyne can tell us if it's selling.

Interesting, but does this actually save time? If not, what's the advantage? And would it take more floor space? Thanks.

Does anyone here have experience with the ZPX low bulk material available on Aerodyne canopies? I'm wondering if there are any differences (eg. openings, handling), other than packing ease and higher price. If not, I'm considering it for a tight fit in a new container (for easier packing, and to allow more downsizing). TIA. I've been watching for new info, and searched, but have seen nothing.

Thanks all. So it's a yoke dimension, rather than harness.

I see it in specs for some used containers, and new stock containers, but don't know what to make of it. Most seem to be OSA 0 or +1. I assume it affects proper fit. If I order custom, I won't be as concerned about it.

What is the "OSA" in harness measurement, and its significance? "Over the shoulder"? Search turned up nothing else useful. Can't reach our rigger for a few days. Thanks.

It must be true. How many active skydivers die of old age?

Sounds like fun, and less than a 2 hour drive for me. I had obligations at my home dz this weekend, but I'll mark the calendar for next year.

What's going on there? Where is more info regarding any skydiving activity?

That one looks effective! There was a recent discussion of others at http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=3494989;search_string=hans;#3494989

Thanks for venting here! I offered to buy that same canopy, and was still waiting for a reply. I can now stop wasting my time, and look at others. I really appreciate it when sellers take the time to reply, letting me know an item was sold. (or just delete the ad, or mark it as sold.) Most do so, fortunately.

That type of collar is meant to limit mobility, but won't provide much protection in a hard opening or similar event. Most are much softer/flimsier than their advertised descriptions - so fairly comfortable (for wearing all day), but not very effective for anything but reminding the wearer to limit movement. There are other devices more appropriate for protection from hard openings, that won't restrict normal movement as much. (Some are made for motocross racers, football players, etc.)

Here's a paper seal.