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I'll answer my own question from the last post. According to PD, you cannot have the brake/steering line attachment points moved towards the center ( from 1-2-3-5 to 1-2-4-6 ) which would improve the flare without a complete line set replacement. Bummer since the canopy is still fairly fresh. So, from others who have have jumped both the old and new line set on the same canopy, is it worth the $$. Thanks. Alton "Luck favors the prepared."

I'm going to bump this thread since it's been while. Did Elliot get his new line set and did it make a difference? I have an older Pulse with the original line set. No-wind landings are difficult to say the least. Anyone know if it's possible to just do the brake line modification without putting on a new line set ( which I don't need yet )? My rigger will be calling PD for their opinion, but just wondering if it's been done. Alton "Luck favors the prepared."

I tried leaving my Solo II on, but it burned through the original batteries in a few weeks. I now turn it off at the end of the day or weekend and the batteries haven't needed replacing after all this season. YMMV Alton "Luck favors the prepared."

Hi, Douglas. PD talked like they won't make it to SDU this year, so they're mailing the canopy. I'll get Jack or one of the others to do it or at least walk me through it. I don't want to violate an FAR. I'm trying to decide between a smaller Silhouette or a Pulse. Alton "Luck favors the prepared."

Sounds like a good plan. Alton "Luck favors the prepared."

I tried a search and couldn't find the answer to this question. I have a demo chute coming, which is on risers but you have to attach your own D-bag and pilot chute. The swap looks straight forward and I feel comfortable doing it myself. Is this a "modification" that requires a rigger, or can this be done by the anyone? Thanks. Alton "Luck favors the prepared."

Tried to get some tunnel time this weekend, but they were booked. Maybe next week. However, I jumped today with our moderator, DSE, and he found what I was doing wrong. Mainly arms and shoulder position, and somewhat the legs. By having my arms "boxed" better, and my elbows further back than my shoulders ( hard for me ) I had a much better upper body position. Also, better leg position and I fell perfectly straight. I get the feeling DSE felt most of the problem was with the arms and chest. Only got in one jump before the weather shut us down, but I learned a great deal which I can practice in the tunnel or on my next jumps. Also, I can do some exercises at home which should help. Thanks, Douglas. Alton "Luck favors the prepared."

Arms are next to my head with hands even with my ears. By changing arm position, I mean I slant my forearms down which helps drive me forward some. I jumped with an AFF-I today (Phil L.). No video, but that would be a good idea. He noted I fly with the upper part of my body more slanted upwards, which pushes me back. I do have my legs out, but without being able to arch more at the hips, the legs aren't as effective, I guess. I'll get some tunnel time this weekend. Weather is supposed to be crappy, so it will be a good time. I'll see about getting video with an AFF-I next time I'm at the DZ. Thanks for the help. Alton "Luck favors the prepared."

Off topic a little, but... How does one fine canopy courses and how do you know which ones are best? Alton "Luck favors the prepared."

That's fine over the long term. But over the short term, that is only good advice if someone has the means (distance; time; money) to get to a tunnel soon. This guy does not live within easy driving distance from the nearest tunnel. He needs advice on what he can do now, in the sky. Actually, there is a tunnel a few miles from my home. I've been in it a few times. I back slide in it, but not as badly for some reason. I guess I need more time in it. As mentioned earlier, putting my forearms down at an angle does help more than anything. In fact, it's been about the only way I can begin to do RW. My jump suit is pretty tight, expecially in the legs. I'll try borrowing a DZ student suit that's baggy and see if it helps. Thanks for the suggestions. Please keep them coming. I'm determined to master this. Alton "Luck favors the prepared."

Anyone have any suggestions for back sliding? I slide backwards about as fast as some people track forwards. I thought it was due to the fact that I'm old (62) and stiff which affects my ability to get into a good arch. I've tried stretching exercises to improve my arch, extending my legs until they're almost straight out, changing my arm position, but I still slide back. I've jumped with coaches who give some suggestions, but nothing so far helps much. Best I can tell, I have trouble extending my legs back at the hips. ( And no, I'm not interested in bowling. ) Alton "Luck favors the prepared."

I bought it and was somewhat disappointed. I'll sell you my copy for half price plus shipping. PM me if you're interested. Alton "Luck favors the prepared."

I forgot to mention in my previous reply, if you have the surgery done, try to find an orthopedic surgeon who can do the knee arthroplasty with the newer "small" incision. The recovery time is much faster, less complications, less bleeding. All around better procedure if done correctly. Alton "Luck favors the prepared."

To some surgeons, just having knees makes you a good candidate for knee surgery. Get a second opinion and don't do it unless you really need it. ( Knee pain keeps you awake at night. Can't do the things you want to do. etc. Maxed out on anti-inflammatory Rx. ) Did you search the "Skydivers with disabilities" forum? Alton "Luck favors the prepared."

Agree with the previous answers. About six weeks if uncomplicated. Might be wise to see your doctor state-side before you jump just to be sure. Alton "Luck favors the prepared."

And it just keeps getting better. Congratulations. Alton "Luck favors the prepared."

One other new "option". I thought I saw on their website that all new SkyHook rigs were shipping with Spectra reserve ripcords which they claim is stronger than the metal cords. Anyone have any experience with these? Alton "Luck favors the prepared."

Thanks, Sandy. Alton "Luck favors the prepared."

Like some other audibles, it beeps when climbing through 1,000' to let you know it's on and the pattern tells how high the first alarm is set. I wondered about leaving it on all the time, also. The "manual" (one piece of paper) doesn't say anything about whether you should leave it on, except for instructions on how to turn it off. Alton "Luck favors the prepared."

On the UPT website. Their order form shows four hardware options: 1. Thread thru 2. French hardware 3. B12 4. Quick ejectors On several of their stock containers (one I would like to buy), French hardware is already included. Just wondering if I should get it or not. Thanks for all the replies. Alton "Luck favors the prepared."

What is "French hardware" which is listed as an option on new Vector 3 harnesses? I did a search and only found one post which didn't really say anything. Is it better than standard pull through hardware? Thanks. This may be an issue on a rig I'm hoping to buy. Alton "Luck favors the prepared."

I second this. I had an afternoon to kill while waiting for a flight back to frigid Utah the Monday after Thanksgiving. So, I drove out to SD Houston and made three jumps. Even though I'm a very new skydiver with the ink still wet on my A-license and older than dirt, everyone made me feel welcome and right at home. Especially Stacey who jumped with me and gave me some great pointers. Awesome place. ( I saw lots of dogs, but no goat. ) Alton "Luck favors the prepared."

I agree completely. That's why I feel tandems, unfortunately, are the only safe option for someone with seizures. As noted, this is off topic. There are a number of threads about jumping with seizures on the "Jumping with disabilities" forum. http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=1379438;search_string=seizures;#1379438 Alton "Luck favors the prepared."

Also, not mentioned are what aura or warnings of impending seizure does to person have, and how long is the warning. ( i.e. long enough to pull? ) There is a neurologist skydiver who posts occasionally. I was hoping he'd chime in with an opinion. Maybe he still will. But this is getting off topic. Alton "Luck favors the prepared."

It's risky, but if a person was seizure-free on stable medications for a year ( or what is required in your state to get a driver's license ) and used an AAD, then you might consider it. Avoid things that precipitate seizures, such as fatique, sleep deprivation, etc. Still very risky and epilepsy is disqualifying for a pilot's medical certificate. I wouldn't recommend it, except as a tandem passenger, unless you and the DZO were willing to accept the risk of becoming incapacitated after leaving the AC. Perhaps others with experience in this area will disagree. Alton "Luck favors the prepared."