sealing

I recently had the opportunity to jump at Opelika over a two month period and I'm so glad I did. This DZ epitomizes what a DZ should be, and how it should operate. Many small DZ's talk about how they are in it for the sport, but their actions do not reflect their words. This DZ doesn't have to say anything. They ARE in it for the sport....as reflected in their AFF progression, prices, and personal attention given to students and up jumpers. Everyone on the DZ wants to get to know you....they all want to jump with you. No matter if you have 1,000 jumps or just coming off of AFF. They start the day flying one 182, but if the need arises they crank up the second aircraft.....nice. My last jump of the last weekend I was going to be there, I rushed through a canopy change out and wasn't paying attention when I attached the three rings of the new canopy. Well, I loaded the canopy backwards.... (Embarrassed). I did a clear and pull at 3500 ft and had a great opening....all except that one important detail. I left the brakes stowed and asked myself, I said "Self....can I land this thing?" I did some rear riser turns.....180's and a couple of flares. I know there are people out there that will say that they would have landed it, but I made my choice.....no way was I prepared to land backwards. At about 2500 ft I made my decision and I initiated emergency procedures. After I landed under my reserve I noticed that a large portion of the DZ was already in the woods looking for my main. It took us two days, some lost car keys and with the help of the entire DZ I was back on schedule, with my entire rig in my possession, heading home to my wife and kids. They really took care of me.....thanks to all of the Alabama Gang for holding me together and revitalizing my love for this sport. You guys rock!

I haven't lost anyone in skydiving, but I know what it's like to bury a comrade....many of them. I've recently returned from my third tour in Iraq and I've laid many of my friends to rest. Just like in skydiving, they understood the risk they took on joiing the army.....to quit on them after they pass brings them no honor. They took on that risk because they believed it was the right thing for them to do. Carry on, my friend. Blue Skies "I shall not die of a cold. I shall die of having lived. " Willa Cather

I've noticed that so many things in skydiving depend primarily on jump numbers. Jump numbers dictate what level you are licensed, what ratings you have, when you can wear a camera helmet, try CReW, and many, many others. I understand why these rules are in place and I respect the wisdom that brought them to the sport. My question is, when does the stigma of being a “Newbie” wear off in skydiving? I’m sure that a person with a billion jumps looks at someone with a few hundred jumps as a newb, but generally, when is that embarrassing label removed from a skydiver? Blue Skies "I shall not die of a cold. I shall die of having lived. " Willa Cather