fcajump

The airshow I work at has an annual hot air balloon festival in Aug. The pilots only way to steer is by finding different wind directions at different altitudes. A few years ago we were doing afternoon flight on what was a very calm day. By working the slight winds from ground to ~1500' they were slowly circling the airport!! Most were landing back at their launch site. If you have ever worked with HA Balloons, this was just WRONG! (And, no, they weren't tethered.) So, can winds be 180 off at different altitudes, YUP! Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Fastest opening I've ever had - Strong Starmaker (and it did) Slowest opening I've ever had - Strong Set 400 (3rd jump on canopy - just over 2000' from release handle to grab the risers. (having just taken my hands back off of the cut-away and reserve handles.) So, slow/fast is not particular to the brand JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

NOW you tell me... I've got a Strong Starmaker reserve converted for use as a intentional cutaway... Hop-n-pop from an Otter and there was INSTANT canopy. TSO says they need 3 seconds... not sure why, the other 2.5 seconds were unnecessary... JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Do you mean they shouldn't snap the shackle to the 3-ring cable housing? I've always thought that was a good a place as any to secure it. I'm open to counter-argument, and if this is what you mean, I'd like to be persuaded by your reasoning. Or do you mean they shouldn't snap the shackle to the base (harness) ring of the three rings? I agree they shouldn't, but I'll bet you can't make the rings jam just by snapping the shackle to the base ring. Mark I usually hook it to the cut-away housing (and also would like to hear any opinons against it.) But I have seen them snap it to the rings themselves (base and others)... I suspect that when all hell brakes loose that it can jam. (could be wrong, but would not want to find out. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Ah... but my Vector II... mfg'ed with an RSL. True the lanyard must be there to finish packing it... BUT, is it legal for me to jump it with main risers that do not have the RSL attach ring? (without Master Rigger intervention) I understand from Sunpath that this situation would not be legal on a Javelin. And by their statement that this holds true for ALL mfg's rigs TSO'ed with RSLs... Will have to get Booth to make a statement here. BTW - what I really would like to see from the mfgs is a strong statement written in plain English (and all other appropriate languages) that informs people NOT to stow their RSL snap shackle on their 3-rings when not in use. YES I'VE SEEN IT, and more than once! This gets back to the other thread that questions the average "experienced" jumper's lack of knowledge when it comes to their gear. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

No, if you extend Sun Path logic re the RSL shackle that couldn't occur... ...because releasing the RSL shackle in anything other than an emergency situation would be an alteration... which may only be done by a Master Rigger etc etc So if Sun Path are right then you are effectively prevented from ever removing your risers from the container ever again... unless of course you are a Master Rigger and record the un-snapping of the shackle on the Data Card as an alteration etc etc... Ah but that is simply an disassembly and reassembly of compatible components. There... there's your loop-hole. J Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Don't know... anyone else know? Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Sloppy dressing... unfortunatley your likely right. I hope I'm wrong, but.... As to those who won't fit in the harness. I have never agreed with "everyone should try it once..." NO, not everyone should go. When is it that we decide someone is too big? 200-lbs OK 500-lbs No Ok... so where is the line? That's called judgement. But it MUST NOT be affected by money or friendship. That's called maturity and professionalism. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

If you had an RSL you could always disconnect on the plane.If you had a mal who is to say you didn't disconnect it then."Emergency situation" is left way open to interpretation. But what about people who got their rig from the manufacturer without an RSL to begin with?What are they supposed to do? If I understood the reply I got from the factory, Javelins manufactured without an RSL now MUST be noted by a Master Rigger on the pack data card that the system was manufactured without one. (effectively, you have to get someone to attest to the non-alteration.) OR you have to have one installed, which is itself an alteration. Just what I was told... JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Speaking only for myself (sr rigger), I certainly will not pack a rig without the RSL in place. I have also alearted all of the folks I pack for that have Javelin's of the policy on their web site. Were I a master rigger, I would be very reluctant to sign off on such a removal on any rig other than my own. This is (admittedly) a CYA attitude. I am however, NOT in agreement with Sunpath. Situations as discussed here present jumps where the RSL might not be available or actually present an increased hazard... Loaner canopy on non-RSL prepped risers. Camera / CRW jumpers However, in some offline discussions with them, it is MY understanding that they consider only the following to be legal: 1. Installed AND connected 2. Master Rigger removed and signed off 3. Emergency situations I am sceptical as to how a fed would feel during a ramp check to learn that the jumper had boarded the aircraft with the RSL disconnected in a "pre-declared emergency"... While I think RSLs are in general a good idea, I do not think this is the right approach. BTW - their statement letter implies that this legal interpretation would apply to ALL rigs TSO'ed with an RSL (regardless of brand). Has anyone heard from other manufacturers on this? Jim Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Not sure, my Vector1 came already updated to the V2-PC, but given a good condition I think the Vector I container is just fine for a second rig (though not for all types of flying). JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Skydive Orange doesn't stop jumping, but it seems that the seminars are well attended. Some are repeated during the day (recollection) and some are "grab an instructor/coach/rigger and do this thing..." during the day. Attendance in each seminar (or self-paced monitored activity) gets you a ticket for the evening goodie drawing. Good Safety Day all, Jim Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

To be clear as to what your jumper wrote... was his rig originally made with an RSL? (not all were, and that might have lead to what on the surface seems to be an inconsistancy.) JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

No. Not all came with an RSL, but I understand from Sunpath that they became standard (no option) quite a few years ago. This came up during a discussion about adding one to a 1989 rig that had never had one. At the time, I understood their verbal position to be it was against the TSO to pack it without it in place IFF it was originally manufactured with one. (Jan 2006) JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Okay... I admit, I borrowed CMan's post (above) from an old 04 thread, but I thought it good base to kick-off my question... Any of y'all all fresh from the recent PIA convetion and all jacked up on safety... PD says... "Fabric testing should be done annually"... and... "apply 30lbs for 3 seconds". Okay, I'm not here to debate the use of the word should in the above excerpt from the PD Manual, but what I'd like to ask is was there any discussion of Pull Tests at the recent PIA convention? Some more specific questions... 1) What about other reserves / mfgr's other then PD? Do they recommend Pull Tests on their products? 2) PD's recommendation is different the PIA's TS-108, which is basically the same, but 40lbs for 3 seconds. Any discussion of clarifying the difference between the two? I suggest that a full mfg list be made to chart this as some (PD) want it done annually, and others PISA have stated NEVER put a clamp on our canopies. I often call the mfgs to get their current read on it, but a comprehensive survey would be useful... Anyone have time? JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Also turns out to be 17 weeks and 1 day... So if you are usually a weekend flyer/jumper (like me), and work with a rigger who usually packs during the week (like me), a Monday-Thursday repack never leaves the weekend in doubt... its either IN or OUT. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

FAR wording is that it must have been packed "Within 120 days before the date of its use." So counting the day it was packed, the cycle is actually 121 days. But to get that kind of mileage, you'd have to get your rigger up early in the morning to pack for you--not recommended However, I also believe that it helps if the Fed doing the ramp check reads it the same way, and had a good nights sleep. For eliminating arguments, I try to space things so that repacks happen ON the 120th day (or pull them from service by then), so they are already out of service. Part of not having stess in your life is to not give someone reason to argue symantecs with you while they are holding your license and a pair of tin-snips... BTW - ASSUME I charge $60 for a repack. That one day we are arguing about is $.50. A fine for violating the FAR's was running ~$1000 per occurance (read "per jump"), and its not just your butt on the line, but also the DZO and pilot (that's what the fine was when a pilot got busted for an out-of-date emergency rig a few years ago) Break-even point... 2000 repacks done one day later for each violated jump. Your choice.... You can argue it in FAA court, I will get it repacked a day/week early. Just my $.02 (or ~58 minute's worth ), Jim Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

I've always had some buffet on: Star Trak II (308ft^2, 7-cell F-111) PD-260 (260ft^2, 9-cell F-111) Spectre 230 (230ft^2, 7-cell ZP) when diving straight. (Steering trim was not a problem at the time...) Recently got out the PD-260 and found that the trim is a little out now... Full stall at a little past 3/4 brakes ... Made for a careful landing. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Won't repeat the other's good advice, but will pass on my stats... Off student status in 1991 @~225#s actual First rig: Vector II w/ PD-260* (9cell-f111), Fury reserve. Current: same rig/reserve w/ Spectre 230 @~235#s actual *BTW- was told MANY times before buying the 260 that I was waisting my money and would be tired of it in no time... and they were (almost) right... ONLY put ~600 jumps on it over ~10 years. DO NOT buy what you will be comfortable with later. Get what you are safe with NOW. And if you get used, make sure a rigger inspects it before the sale is final!! Jim Chicken-shit skydiver Rigger "The Flying Brick" PS - So exactly how fast must you fall (belly-fly) to be an official "Anvil?" I can keep with most freefliers... Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

(Sorry if this is the wrong place for this,,.) I am looking to reconnect with a jumper who was at Hartwood Paracenter in the early 90's by the name of Randy Reeks (very uncertain of the spelling). If he's here, or someone is in touch with him, please drop me a PM. Thanks! Jim Wine HPC 1990-... (still waiting on the next load... ) Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Jim, I COMPLETELY agree with your notions of LOOKING for aircraft. However, it is not the case that the skydiver gets the worst of the situation... Several years ago there was an incident where a jumper hit the tail of a plane that was shaddowing the jump aircraft. Jumper had a minor break (ankle?), but the plane went down with all 4 on board. I think any efforts to fix this must include both pilots and skydivers (in addition to any controllers involved). JW D15598 1000+ jumps (somewhat experienced) and Private pilot (ASEL) 100+ hours (newbie) (Personally, when flying, I go well around any known DZ's unless I get confirmation that they are NOT jumping and I use "flight following"...) Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

I've got a set of PA soft links (brass ring). Thought about doing it that way, (this was before tacking was recommended) but then realised that a quick single loop tack through the center of the ring would keep it from rotating. Worked like a dream... As to changing canopies... If you can afford multiple canopies, why not spring for the extra set of risers? Much easier to change out at the risers than the links. And (if you are careful) taking out a single turn tack is not a problem. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Nancy, I think we would all (OK... some of us geek types) would be interested in seeing the data collected and what make/models were tested. I understand that this is only one component of what makes the system open faster/slower, but it all starts there. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

First thought... A guy in my class (DeWolf 1999) tried the old "stand on a chair" thing and nearly busted his head... Leaning over, into the cell while standing perched on a chair is not for everyone (anyone?). I do two different things, depending on my experience with the canopy... Reserve & never seen it before: (WARNING: the following is for the super anal-retentive rigger that insists on verifying every seam (top and bottom) of a canopy they have never seen before... I never said this was quick... ) 1. lay it bottom skin down and inspect all top skin/seams. 2. lay it top side down and inspect all bottom skin/seams. 3. Sit down with the canopy in my lap with one end cell open in front of me... inspect the inside of the end panel to the tail, (this effectively inverts the first half of cell #1) inspect the first (non-load bearing) rib from the tail to the nose (this returns the cell to normal) continue down the other-side of the rib you just looked at until you are at the tail... repeat until you are at the nose of the final end panel. For main canopies, or reserves that I've already seen before (hard with small canopies): inspect the outside similar to above slip the first 1/2 cell over my head while standing inspecting both sides as I go repeat for every other 1/2 cell (as we've already verified the seams were constructed correctly above, this is more for fabric stress/damage and/or contamination.) Obviously if you see anything strange, isolate it and get to where it is. Sure wish I had a hanging system, but until then... JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Is this a typo? Do you really mean 120 or did you mean 220? If you ment 120 you must be REALLY short! Often (both I and the packers at my DZ) use PRO for the Tandems... no prob. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...