voilsb

From Kris and Purple, I heard it was mostly inlet improvements. My speculation is that the P2-P2z change is greater than the P2z-P3 change but not worth a number change, but that the P2-P3 change is significant enough to warrant an increment. Brian

I've got a P2z and I've flown a Ghost 3 (not a lot) ... To me, the Ghost seemed sluggish. Like comparing a Subaru WRX (Phantom) to a Suburban (Ghost). The Ghost can get going fast, has a lot of range ... but it's acceleration between modes is poor. Felt "sluggish." I tell it to turn ... then it turns. I tell it to pop ... then it goes up. I tell it to max out and go into light speed ... and it speeds up, eventually getting there. The phantom, on the other hand, you know. You tell it to go, and it goes, right NOW. You tell it to pop, and bam, you're up. You tell it to max out, and you're at max speed instantly. Since it matters, I'm 5'11" and 200lb in both suits. No issues with being too light on the Ghost. I decided to pass on the Ghost because it wasn't responsive enough for my preferences, after jumping the P2 so much. Brian

pro-tec.net/ace-wake-water-helmet.php also an excellent choice Brian

we're gonna do a double at zhills Brian

Okay, how about this idea: Call VSE, and ask them this question: What size container should I buy for a Safire2 189 and an Optimum 193? Then, buy that container. And that main. And either the OP193, or a Speed 210. Doesn't matter, both will be appropriately sized for you. You can eventually fit a 170 into it, and a 150, and maybe even a 135. And you'll never have a reserve that's too small for the next 500 jumps or more. Brian

I agree. I've taken 3 or 4 formal canopy classes, and I've written my own canopy currency syllabus based on those classes. Even still, I would be fine demonstrating proficiency on a couple of cards, one time, to update my licenses to the current requirements. A good thing to do on those days the cloud ceiling is at 3 grand and the plane isn't really flying. Brian

What I'm curious about ... ... ... ... ... Did he make the gates with his Optimum? What did he score? Brian

I would even support requiring the B, and theoretical C and D canopy cards to be filled out by existing licensed jumpers in order to renew their license. For example, you have a D license and your membership expires in 1/2012. If you've only sent in the B card by Jan 31st, your new USPA card now lists your old B number. When you send in your C or D card you get a new USPA card with your old C or D number on it. And life members get to slip through the cracks, or have it required to renew ratings. Brian

Something I thought of reading this ... Someone mentioned that night jumps are fun (they are; I only have 9 though). Someone else mentioned that maybe water jumps should be required. I know I have never seen water jumps advertised outside of the Belize boogie. If night jumps weren't required ... how hard would it be to do night jumps for fun? I know some DZs do them periodically, but around here they only happen once or twice per year. If people weren't required to do them, how hard would it be to fill a load? Brian

The Silhouette will have a flatter glide and will probably have snappier turns. Openings will likely be faster, but still on-heading. Should surf longer during and have a more powerful flare, too, but I've never understood why people complain about a Spectre's flare. Brian

that's what I use, only in navy blue not camo Brian

Here are some good pictures showing a decent rodeo on an S-Bird, which has a pretty big wing. Photos courtesy of Skwrl on Smugmug (http://skwrl.smugmug.com/) http://skwrl.smugmug.com/Skydiving/Puerto-Rico-2011/Puerto-Rico-Full-Set-smugmug/1188382814_kkhdw-L-2.jpg http://skwrl.smugmug.com/Skydiving/Puerto-Rico-2011/Puerto-Rico-Full-Set-smugmug/1188382748_GhWcs-XL-2.jpg From them, she tries to keep her legs off the wings as much as possible, along but slightly outside my legs. Brian

Come to Spaceland Thanksgiving weekend and we'll teach you. Can probably get in 20+ skyvan rodeos that weekend :) Brian

http://www.skydive.ie/packages/charity-skydives.html http://www.skydive4charity.ie/ Brian

The fastest rodeo I've ever been on fell about 95mph. A really really good tracker can keep up with it, but it generally requires the rodeo to fly to the tracker. Likewise, if you fly it real efficiently, you can get it into the low 70s, then most wingsuiters can catch it. Brian

You can also do practice touches after house keeping, before unstowing your brakes. I've done it a number of times. Yes, my handles move to my armpits, but they're still easy to find. Brian

The test is ridiculously easy. If you only read over the sections listed in the study topics portion of the SIM one time, you'll easily pass. Brian

This thread is worthless without pics ... Brian

Due to a date miscommunication, I no longer have a ride from the airport. My flight lands at LAX at 8:20pm no Friday night. Is anyone headed from the airport to the DZ around then I could ride with? Brian

I've traveled with my rig as a carry-on at least a dozen times, through both major and minor airports, and never taken my hook knife off. I keep an all-metal Benchmade one on my left mudflap, very much visible when they swab my rig. I've never had it get even a second glance, they're too concerned about my AAD. Although yesterday, they didn't even bat an eye at my rig going through security, and didn't even need to swab or inspect it. I also just had to do a metal detector. No body scan or pat down Brian

How about "interesting" Brian

Yes. Here is a video(yeah its crappy...turn off the sound...I got plenty of excuses ) of Adrian and purple Mike doing the transition. This is the first jump of the weekend and we all saw the Artistic video. Let's just say the video of the artistic comp has got people inspired. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaFNq3N1U-Y I got to try it on Sunday...it looks very much like a scary roll . You missed it last-load yesterday. Mike, Gui, and I did a triple-poop, and then scary rolled it. It was pretty well controlled. Brian

I just talked to Skydive Carolina and they still have room at the bunk house for the event if anyone wants a cheap place to stay. I'm flying in Tuesday the 20th at 9:15pm and flying out Sunday the 25th at 8:15pm. Who else will be there? Let's start a list: 1. Me 2. ... 3. profit! Brian

That looks pretty interesting. Thanks for posting it Brian

I've never had any issues getting quick replies from them, even if it had nothing to do with their products or services. They're probably just busy and have a lot of messages, e-mail, and work to get done. Brian