TommyM

I might not have been as scared as you but I didn’t really like skydiving for the first 50 jumps, It was entirely too stressful. I distinctly remember when it changed, I was in a DC-3 shitting my pants again and stressing out when I asked myself why am I putting myself through all this? then I said to myself “Because I am a skydiver” not just someone making another jump, but a Skydiver. When I accepted this obvious fact, everything turned around and I started having great fun. After 33 years and 4 digits of jumps, I occasionally ask my self why I still do it, It is because it is a part of who I am.

Give Lake Elsinore Skydive center a call, Gliders and Jumpers have shared that field for 50 years or so.

Interesting video. Here is a pic of my closed rig. I use the alternate closing method and don't tuck the bridle in under that corner. I think I like the alternate method even more. Notice the lower corner of my flap, it has a slight bend. Rig has about 200 jumps on it.

Just a thought, Maybe you are tucking too much bridle under the flap.

Just for fun, I did an experiment with my rig (curv, mfg late 2018) I use the alternate closing method on page 24,25. My bridle is perfectly free and clear when I pull it straight up, no perceptible drag at all. I did it with the pin protection flap in place and without just to see what was going on, no difference. You could post a pic here and others could comment, but I’d call/contact RI, ask them for advice.

Go with thin layers. Gloves are important, thin but warm if possible, numb fingers and hands could be a concern. Use something around your neck. Fortunately the exposure time to the coldest temps is only a matter of seconds. The plane ride may be remembered as being colder than the free fall. Moisture in the air can be a challenge, ice on the face is extremely painful. In the end, the instructors will guide you. Good luck and don’t jump right after scuba, but you know that right?

Ha! you know your jumps were very good otherwise you wouldn't have posted them asking for a rating, typical skydiver.."look at me, look at my video"...you'll fit in perfectly! Well done, and welcome to a new world.

Inspect the pin, make sure it has no significant scratches, burrs, pits, etc. it should be very shiny and smooth. I know the following is not a loop wear problem but while you are at it, you might want to inspect the washer that goes in front of the knot, some of them have a significant sharp burr on the ID (inside diameter) from the manufacturing process, I replaced a sharp edged washer for this very reason, I just didn't like that edge having the remotest potential to damage the cord.

I took approximately a 15 year break from regular jumping, I've been back 14 months. I had a bunch more jumps and years than you when I quit but I still went through the entire first jump ground course and one check dive. I would highly recommend you do at least what I did. I was a little shocked at what I had forgotten and coupled with the updated training, it was significant. The DZ safety rules and enforcement are 10 fold what I was familiar with. I also needed to update my gear to modern standards such as RSL, AAD, and MARD, and BOC, which all required new knowledge training and practice. looking back now, compared to today, jumping was somewhat wild and dangerous in the 80's and 90's. As for the free fall part, I have subsequently done some coached tunnel in an effort to update my body positions and techniques to the latest efficiency standards. I suggest don't get overwhelmed with all this info, just get new training and do that first re-currency jump to see if you still like it, then go from there, one jump at a time, just like when you started. Warning; be prepared to get sucked right back in, it's still a great sport with great people.

Duct tape and glow stick.

Congratulations! I had a very similar experience but with a few more old jumps and several more years in-between time. I figured I better do it now before I physically couldn't That old "Just like riding a bicycle" saying was very far from my experience, it took me nearly a year and 100 jumps before I started to have any confidence about my flying skills. The word is humbled. I used to be able to reasonably fly any slot, anytime, out of any plane and I'm still not back there yet. I also had to deal with modernizing my gear and EP's to all the new acronyms, AAD, MARD RSL, Etc. Welcome back, I daresay you won't regret it, I haven't for one moment. (except for that "packing" thing, it still sucks)

I think about that day often, especially when I’m rolling down the same runway just like they were. Scott and I were Newbs together and I remember how impressed I was when he started doing camera, he was good. Then there was Jacqui, that gal always had a big smile and a bright greeting, we shared many jumps together. At the memorial at the DZ they played the song “forever young” by Rod Stewart, I still get glassy eyed when I hear it. Forever Young indeed.

Flexibility and body control are more important.

Thanks Mark, I understand now, so if an AAD is installed in a solo rig then it’s considered part of the reserve system and is now controlled by the FAA regulations.

Does the status of the AAD affect the airworthiness of the rig or pack job? Does the FAA treat an AAD as mandatory to the reserve system and something for riggers to control? I don’t think an expired unit would prevent a normal manual deployment would it? An AAD is not supposed to be relied on to pull for you, correct? I thought they were just for worst case scenario, not first case scenarios. I suppose an expired AAD could fire incorrectly but If there is doubt, would it not be the jumpers responsibility to shut it off?