Titanium_Gecko

Chris, Have fun in Gap! When you get back give me a shout and I'll come fly with you anywhere in my Expert. If you can get cleared for the Expert or Verso, great, otherwise just enjoy as there's plenty of suits (borrowed GTi, Firebird c/o Mark Harris, Phantom c/o Pheonix Fly etc.) to try back home. Ditto - I'd recommend waiting until cleared/happy for an intermediate suit (as against Access or Indie or Prodigy). I was there the week before last skills training with Zun and co. having trained on the Access in France in 2009. They really will help you understand how to fly your body and get a feel (for the range/capability) of the suit. Blue Skies, Ross www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Gecko Take 4ish: A piece or pieces of equipment used by a person in freefall, comprising flexible material spanning between their arms, torso, and legs, to allow a significant increase in glide ratio and forward movement forming a temporary wing or wings. The wing or wings are primarily supported by the person’s body with a profile changeable by that person in freefall and inflated by the person’s movement through the air. The equipment does not limit the means my which the person may cease their freefall. 1) a piece or pieces i.e. one or more piece wingsuits 2) person in freefall i.e. a skydiver or BASE jumper etc. falling under gravity power so no engine implied. Do not be sport specific then Basic Safety Rules will NOT matter in the definition in my opinion. 3) comprising i.e. what the equipment is made from 4) flexible material i.e. no rigid wing 5) material spanning i.e. it is the material that does the spanning between structural members and no the equipment 6) to allow i.e. recognising that different people will get different performance 7) a significant i.e. a wingsuit can give more, just that, performance over a tracking suit etc. without being numerical 8) glide ratio and forward movement i.e. factors that we look for in a wingsuit 9) temporary i.e. use of flexible material but also something that is not fixed and gravity powered flight can only ever last “so” long 10) wing i.e. a recognised shape/principle with implied characteristics 11) wings i.e. any number of sections of material spanning a persons limbs or body 12) primarily supported i.e. person is the main support without excluding ribs etc. 13) body i.e. not just between the arms and legs so no mono or tri wing issues or material in certain places 14) profile changeable by… i.e. by talking about changing a wing its changes in performance are implied and dependant on the skill of the person. 15) inflated by….. i.e. RAM air principle, implies temporary wing and not rigid, dependant on movement 16) in freefall i.e. further excludes rigid wings etc. 17) person’s movement… i.e. not restricted in direction and excludes pre-pressurisation etc. 18) does not limit…. i.e. method of stopping fall under gravity is not limited (implying canopy access, opening of flaps, use of exoskeleton and ramp etc.) 19) person may….. i.e. we all have a choice on how we freefall or stop it, what size wing which may restrict access or type of canopy we jump etc. Take that!.....lol www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Arai, Please don't get hung up on the word "cutaway" as a BSR, it is the safety intent for canopy access and control I am trying to get at (and didn't explain very well first go). I didn't use this word myself let alone my first 43 jumps being on an S-Fly Access. All suit manufacturers allow you access to the risers for canopy control etc. Therefore, should the definition of a wingsuit be linked to "allowing or not infringing canopy access" or "even to require use with a canopy"? Wingsuit "landing equipment" would then require its own definition, which seems logical to me as would be neither skydiving or BASE. Gecko www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

A further thought....... This is still a wingsuit, without question, but a wingsuit ten years ago etc. My analogy would be that of a motor car....... If you asked anyone to define a car 20-30 years ago, or a hundred years ago, it would be "internal combustion engine which drives a number of wheels for movement, mounted on a chassis with at least 4, with the ability for a person to turn the wheels for directional control whilst sat in the chassis." Since the introduction of governance, regulations and technological developments cars have evolved (read doors, roofs, key ignition etc.). A manufacturer, today, cannot think about designing, building and selling a car without BSRs such as brakes, lights and horns. Airbags, ABS, SatNav, radio are all optional features that can be ignored etc. Therefore, I think the definition of a wingsuit needs to somehow take into account BSRs as set out by the governance/physics of skydiving (need for canopy control/safety) that we have today. I recognise that BASE is not regulated and can be justified as a different sport but we all need to control our canopies safely! What do others think? Gecko www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Thanks, SG! Big Kiss. Okay, you don't need to collapse for acrobatics but for fault situation recovery you do at the moment. Therefore, is manipulation of the equipment by the skydiver to "recover from being unsymetrical" a BSR? I think the answer to that is yes at the moment. Therefore, shouldn't it be in the definition at the moment or in "a beginner category of wingsuits"? Ditto, releasing of wings? Gecko www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Hello Jarno, How's tricks? I totally agree but I wanted to set a set a target, for others to aim at, based upon what has been written before. Matter call the Tracer a wingsuit and Pressurized say the TwentyG has wings, so I'm not sure I can totally win this argument......lol. http://www.matterclothing.com/products/wingsuit-tracer.htm http://www.pressurized.at/products/twentyg/ Therefore, do we need to define a "wingsuit" with a minimum wing or surface area? I think a cleverer definition may be required than I thought to include performance, to some degree. I agree, however, we are skydivers first so must be able to control and land our parachutes and deal with canopy emergencies etc. Therefore, an implied requirement on all wingsuit manufacturers is to have a wing release mechanism, so shouldn't that be part of the wingsuit definition (at present)??!! A stretchy or slidable arm wing, to allow you to reach upwards for risers or toggles, would change the profile of wing causing deflation I think, hence, my chosen words. My words, which I would be only too delighted to have improved by anyone, also try into imply the need for "physical access" for safely getting to a cliff top or into an aeroplane and balloon etc. Recognised techniques for getting out of a flat spin are balling-up or tracking-out requiring the skydiver to be able to collapse their wings, hence, my statement. Would a statement along the lines of the “skydiver having the ability to control the symmetry of the equipment” be better? Sorry, I don't recognise this abbreviation. What is BSR? With respect to posting on the IPC, I just wanted to embarrass myself in public, amongst peers, to get all my ducks in a row, before presenting anything to a higher power! Ross *edited to improve counter arguements* www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

I would like to suggest an alternative to DSE's suggestion: A piece or pieces of equipment with flexible material that spans between a skydiver's arms, torso, and legs creating the possibility for sustained forward movement powered by gravity only. The equipment is inflated by the forward movement with the skydiver's body forming the primary frame for the equipment. The inflated equipment is capable of being deflated or mechanically released by the skydiver, at least in part, to aid manoeuvrability and safety at all times. Thoughts, ignoring performance criteria: 1) Need to allow for 1 or 2 piece wingsuits 2) “Flexible material” to exclude rigid wings 3) Tried to shorten long first sentence and suggest keeping whole definition to 3 sentences min/max. 3) Reference to “spans between” arms, torso and legs already excludes tracking and camera suits, in my opinion so TICK. 4) “Equipment inflation” from forward movement (instead of “spanning material from….”) to not differentiate between mono or tri-wing designs or be RAM Air specific with skins etc. The reference to “from forward movement” also excludes inflation devices or systems such as compressed air canisters etc. 5) I like the use of the word “frame” like an “airframe” so TICK 6) I would like to see reference to collapsibility or releaseability of the “wingsuit” by the skydiver for safety and acrobatics etc. (i.e. not specific in terms of cables or zips and which wings or the amount that is colapsed or released). What do people think, especially about 6)? Gecko www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Oooops, I meant to attach a bit of my GoPro Geeking as against casting asperstions on anyone who may want to photograph themselves.....lol. How have people attached the camera to their chest strap or mudflap? Gecko www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Easy! Pretend you have friends to show-off your "GoPro Geeking", which should be its own sport in my opinion. Back of the left hand works for me with enough wrist movement to change angles etc. Gecko www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Just done my first trip to France this year and had to get the 25 euro license, which was no drama at all. Having downsized my canopy since jumping in France last (and put on weight), I had to get the CCI to clear me for before I jumped. I was open and honest and had an up to date logbook (plus video/photos) to prove jumps on that canopy this season. The French chart for weight versus jump numbers to give canopy size stops at 600 jumps (I think or 500, maybe). For me, 80kg without kit and between 300-400 jumps the chart gave 189 sq.ft as against my own 149sq.ft. Blue Skies, Gecko www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Thanks for posting and has certainly made me think, especially after a few disastrous first attempts at back flying. Blue skies, Gecko www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

I've seen newbies get on instantly with the Phantom2 and Firebird, although skydiving ability/experience had something to do with that as well. Renting or borrowing from instructors or schools is definitely the way forward to start plus taking the time to practice pull on the ground and in the air. Having started on the S-Fly Access for 40 odd jumps due to being a slow learner, uncurrent and trying to get out of bad habits I would suggest newbies go for the S-Fly Indy instead! I held off jumping the Indy to get cleared for the Expert instead and haven't looked back. Gecko www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Howdy Folks, It's a slow day in the office so.... I thought I would put my artistry/neck on the line for the admiration or ridicule of my peers….lol. Please feel free to reply and counter post in this thread with your shots and comments. Rules 1) Posts in this thread of unedited stills, only reduced in size, and not video captures by the honour system 2) Subject for stills to be wingsuiting in the air and not on the ground 3) In air shots allowed to be flukes, accidents or planned without having to say Go on, I DARE you!! Gecko P.S. Fab work on the Formation Software and USA Flying, recently. www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Jarno - Duely noted! I totally agree. Thanks, Ross www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Yippeeee, I've got some replies - Thanks Folks! It's the standard GoPro with the helmet mount on my hand underneath a glove (and a hole to the top to screw the camera on). I can then have it pointing inwards or outwards when flying with others. Croissant in on hand and Effiel Tower in the other? Mmmmm, tough call. Even though I'm an engineer I think it would have to be Pain au Raisin in each hand (because I do actually have both hands free )!! LOL! I recon I can now hum under the Gath RV but will test that next jump and get back to you all. I recon there is still a bit more to come from my suit and me yet, hence, the reference to flying like a Frenchman, really. I've already learned a lot from some clever Brits and a Dutch Dude. Skills Camp in May will be the first time I'll have flown with a group of S-Flyers. Yes, I'm thinking abouting demo'ing the S-Fly Verso with a view to buying that in the next year or so but will try the other big hitters. The best way for me to help and hopefully oneday coach newbies is to have flown their suits as well. See a few shots of GoPro facing outwards of UK Newbie Matt's 6th & 7th Flights in a PF PhantomII at the end of January - Give him a BIG warm welcome to the flock - Great flying (and suit)!! Blue Skies, Gecko www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Hi, I spent 10 months living and working in France from Sept 2008 to July 2009 and jumped at 3 centres in that time. However, I spent most time at CERPS Saumur in the Loire Valley and can't wait to get back. If you can introduce youself in French and fill in typical DZ paperwork on your own that will be a massive help but not absolutely essential. I found log books, kit docks and FIA license (UK issued) universal and never needed anything French specific. I had to do a safety jump with an instructor to get French grade "B2" to clear me to jump with others, which was no more demanding than the skills for/up to 4 point 4-way; It was just an unlinked exit, swoop to pin, docks and turns for me flat flying. The longer you spend at one place the more english speakers will come out of the wookwork but you need to be willing to try your French; drawings and hand signals worked a lot. I ended up helping drive jumpers out to the plane, put the plane away at the end of the day and got involved in meals and drinks at the end of the day. There was an annual membership fee of about 60 euros at Saumur with jumps around 23/24 euros after that for 14,000ft, from memory. I love Pilatus Porters! Bulk buying should reduce that a bit further. Be prepared for a shutdown at lunchtimes for folks/staff to have a cooked meal, which was a surprise initially, but never really slowed my jumping. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50aNSbU8CRY There are French rules on canopy progression, which didn't affect me but just be open on arrival and I'm sure you'll be fine. Like everything currency will give them confidence and yourself! They also seemed to like having guest/visiting instructors for flat and free flying over certain weekends, who were all very friendly, let alone a fondness for tracking Have fun! Ross www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

A quiet Saturday afternoon and perfect time for a quick spin! This is what it's all about........... www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Evening All, I'm not "really" looking for an answer but just wanted to put my own muse on my last year out into the wider world. Soo.... in vague chronological order.... Solo first flights at CERPS Saumur in France, Coaching (Re-education) at Brienne Le Chateau with S-Fly, Suit upgrade over Saumur, First Flight in UK at Langar where learnt to jump, Coaching and Group Stuff at Hibaldstow by PF, Solo flights at Langar, Coaching and Group Stuff at Sibson by BM, Downsized to ex-demo canopy from Icarus, Solo flights at Tilstock, Getting involved with Gath UK, Solo flights at Black Knights, Flights next to BM and PF clad newbies at Langar, Wow-Weeee!! I'd only managed 169 jumps in 8 years before 2009, read never managed a 4-point 4-way. I've now flown at 7 different dropzones in 2 countries from 7 different planes flying next to or seeing 12 odd suit models in the air. The amazing airborne experiences have been matched at every stage by the people I've met, friends I've made and sights I've seen, and I actually feel I belong to a community more now than ever before. A massive jump in currency has improved my all round ability but would strongly recommend (virtually insist) any wannabe to be current at flat or free flying before starting and getting in-air coaching as soon as possible. These guys have progressed quicker and mastered formation stuff more easily (than me) from what I've seen. The brand wars, interdisciplinary jousting, national mickey-taking and judging implosion have been "interesting" to observe but I'm sure that they will all fade, a bit at least, in time (for me) with more time in the AIR! Let alone look smaller doing a +20k jump, one day....lol. All in all, I'm happy with the decisions I've made over the last year and tried to learn from every jump (sorry PF I'm a bit slow) and just want to do more of everything. Read, still trying to learn to fly like a Frenchman....lol. What next..... An easter break to see some European friends, hopefully A canaopy piloting course in the UK, A wingsuit coaching trip to France, Buying a new AAD, .....and then the Summer at which point my plans are less clear.....lol. I hope to make it to the USA later in the year and get involved with some bigger stuff on this side of the pond but we shall see. VERY Blue Skies, Gecko www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Happy New Year Jarno & Macca I shall endeavour to stop by and say hello!! Ross www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Typos corrected in credits..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdgMjk17yO4 www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Well Tuesday and Wednesday were rained off, I missed Thursday and Friday going home and now today it's snowing; Brilliant! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXD94RcT2Mc Fingers crossed I can get my first flights of 2010 in tomorrow.... Stay Warm!! Gecko www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Update: Good afternoon yesterday with a couple of wingsuit jumps and a practice freefly jump - "I'd forgotten how frightening jumping out of a plane actually is without being in straightjacket!!" It's rain and cloud today and not looking much promising for tomorrow. Oh well, at least the beer is still cold. Gecko www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Ditto! Blue Skies Darren. Ross www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com