NiteQwill

My roommate is Persian (actually, he's mixed). He also grew up in Tehran. He was a broadcast director who broadcasted soccer to all of Iran. Will he ever go back? he says "never" "Fail, fail again. Fail better." -Samuel Beckett

Welcome home! I'm heading back in November... I have a lot of jumps to do until then! "Fail, fail again. Fail better." -Samuel Beckett

I was told as a student that I could not use a full face because of the visibility restriction AND/OR tinted lenses (instructors want to see your eyes). I wear an OPEN face because I find it more comfortable and less restrictive, especially if doing any type of freeflying. I tried a mamba a few times and I simply didn't like it. Try a few helmets and see what you like. FWIW, I own a Bonehead Mindwarp and it is VERY quiet and comfortable. Are you jumping with a Protec helmet as a student? have fun on your jumps! edit: I meant OPEN FACE not full face. I wear an open face... "Fail, fail again. Fail better." -Samuel Beckett

Did a jump at Speichersdorf DZ. I may head back to that or Hassfurt next week. Great people and great DZ. Thanks to Thomas for being so accomodating. "Fail, fail again. Fail better." -Samuel Beckett

From someone who is in the Army... I advise against airborne school for the simple fact it will result in messed up knees, fallen arches, or other injuries related to the numerous jumps. As a medic, we used to place bets how many would break their ankles on the DZ on jump days... it was a great way to make beer money before the weekend. Airborne DOES NOT = skydiving. Why don't you try out for the Golden Knights (then yes, you will HAVE to attend airborne)? They have try-outs in September. "Fail, fail again. Fail better." -Samuel Beckett

Congrats! "Fail, fail again. Fail better." -Samuel Beckett

I had the same issue. Called Cypres and they explained to me that the manual was updated with the newest firmware, so older Cypres 2's, like mine with a DOM 2005 will not show it (and the flight counter) until you send it in for service to have it "updated." YMMV "Fail, fail again. Fail better." -Samuel Beckett

Remember to spot And don't ever feel like you're rushed. Remember, at the end of the day, it's YOU who is responsible for your safety. Also, if you're trying to cover distance (for instance, trying to make it back to the DZ after a tracking dive), pull your rear risers to achieve an optimum glide with your legs up to reduce wind resistance. To the OP, jump with more folks! You shouldn't be having fun alone! "Fail, fail again. Fail better." -Samuel Beckett

Just a follow-up...

I did the same thing mrbiceps explained while a student. Another thing that helped was crossing my feet and bringing them up. Don't worry, once you get your own rig, it will improve dramatically. My Mirage rig got rid of the pain 100%. "Fail, fail again. Fail better." -Samuel Beckett

The worst fart is the one let off before the door is open. Or by the last jumper on the plane... "Fail, fail again. Fail better." -Samuel Beckett

By far California has the greatest assortment of DZ's. Just in my area alone, we have Elsinore, Perris, and San Diego. Hell, you can jump all 3 in one day if you want to. Come to California... "Fail, fail again. Fail better." -Samuel Beckett

No expert, but isn't that the purpose of the retaining spandex that usually helps tuck the excess strap away? With that said, my Mirage container has a "doubled over" flap at the end that would prevent it from falling out like you described. I feel that leg straps are far more important since they help prevent you from falling out of the rig on opening (which happened last year I believe, in Florida). With that, I would believe ALL straps are important... just make sure their all tightened, with excess stowed away. "Fail, fail again. Fail better." -Samuel Beckett

I just came back through LAX with no problem. They did run the rig twice through the machine and use it as an opportunity to train some of the people but no problems. Sweet, thanks for the info. "Fail, fail again. Fail better." -Samuel Beckett

I have the same issue. So I guess that means after the service, it should show the info just fine according to the "new" manual? "Fail, fail again. Fail better." -Samuel Beckett

Your DZ doesn't have an events calendar? Water training is usually planned way ahead of schedule so slots can be filled and whatnot. How about another DZ? "Fail, fail again. Fail better." -Samuel Beckett

This has me worried as I'm traveling through LAX on the way to Germany this weekend. I've had nothing but bad luck at LAX at their security checkpoint. I guess all I can do is have the TSA website, USPA letter, and cypres card on me to present if needed. I really don't want to check my rig in on an international flight. "Fail, fail again. Fail better." -Samuel Beckett

If you can afford it, I would recommend at least eye wear because you wear contacts (I do, too). Switching to my own goggles when I was student helped me tremendously in comfort for my eyes. You can spare $15-20, right? "Fail, fail again. Fail better." -Samuel Beckett

Generally, they process it within 5-10 business days. Then it should arrive shortly after that. If you have any issues, just email Ms. Groce at USPA, she'll help you out. "Fail, fail again. Fail better." -Samuel Beckett

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Anyone jump in Germany here? I'm headed to Grafenwoehr for 3 weeks and would like to jump while I'm there. "Fail, fail again. Fail better." -Samuel Beckett

NREMT, COTA, and RN BSN soon... BCLS, ACLS, PALS, PHTLS, blah blah blah... more damn acronyms that I can't keep track of... just means more money to recert every few years, ugh... "Fail, fail again. Fail better." -Samuel Beckett

It's not just R&D but the cost of purchasing/making the material to make the equipment. Many businesses in the past year went out of business because they simply were not making enough to cover the cost of supplies from their suppliers, who, inadvertently hike up prices because fuel is expensive. "Fail, fail again. Fail better." -Samuel Beckett

Mindwarp by Bonehead. I use it and it's super comfy and QUIET. "Fail, fail again. Fail better." -Samuel Beckett

Anyone take their rig international? I'm off to Europe in a week and would like to bring the rig. Flying United Airlines from LAX. "Fail, fail again. Fail better." -Samuel Beckett