landmissle

Hi all, I've been thinking about getting a collapsable pilot chute for my rig. I currently have a Mirage G3 with the standard pilot chute and am flying a Cobalt 150. Atair's web page suggest that the appropriate pilot chute size for this canopy is a 24" ZP. I've contacted Mirage and they said based on canopy manufacturor input, they are going to making only F-111 fabric pilot chutes. So my questions are, what size pilot chute made of F-111 fabric should I get? ( I've contacted Atair about this issue but haven't heard from them yet.), and why would canopy manufacturors reccomend F-111 fabric over ZP? Feet up, heads down, blue skies, Landmissle *WWOD

Hi all, Thanx for the nice compliments on the car. Believe it or not I bought the car in Minneasota and drive her back. Would have taken three days but ended up taking four because I broke down in Winneamucha NV ( 15 miles out side of Winneamucha actually, which is still 15 miles outside of nothing but desert, fuel pump took a dump on me...). An overpriced tow and two trips to Kragen's remedied that situation. All-in-all it was quite an adventure. Kind of a unique deal driving a 36 year old car through five or six states with no predetermined schedule or pit stops. Gives your mind plenty of time to cogatate on things you normally wouldn't, if only to keep you sane during the twelve to fourteen hour driving spells. Miracously, FallenAngel has decided NOT to kill me based on my latest ticket acquisition. Well, that's what she's saying, of course this could be to lead me to a sense of false security, so that the dirty deed will be all the easier to do when the time is right. MountainMan, there's no way I'll be selling this car soon to make a profit. I probably paid too much for it anyways, and with all the time I've invested in this endeavor, well, let's just say I'll probably be buried in this car. Which may happen sooner rather than later . Lummy, yeah, I brought her in last weeked to Skydance. Next time I bring her in and you're around, I'll be sure to let you check her out. Feet up, heads down, blue skies, Landmissle *WWOD

Oh yeah, I almost forgot put it's probably worth mentioning. That beautiful woman, FallenAngel, in one of the pictures, will probably be available soon since she's going to kill me after she learns of the speeding ticket. That makes three since this past November. Hasn't been my year I guess. Anyways, besides her enchanting looks, sparkling personality, and smarts to boot, she makes a great skydiving partner and will even pack for you occasionally. Not bad huh? So keep an eye open for when she reports my unfortunate demis.... Feet up, heads down, blue skies, Landmissle *WWOD

Hi all, Wow, it's been awhile since I've posted last. These last five or six months have found me in a complete emersion in a new passion (naw, haven't given up skydiving by anymeans..). Got the bug this past December and decided I wanted to buy a vintange Mustang. So finally with five months research, too many miles traveled, way too much money spent, I finally got one. She's a 66 GT Fastback with a solid lifter (chatter chatter chatter...) K-code Hipo 289 engine. Here's a link to some pictures of her, FallenAngel, and me http://photos.yahoo.com/landmissle Click on the folder "My K code finally" to see about a dozen pictures. Anyways, I know this is way off topic, just thought I'd let everyone know what I've been up to, and figured the pictures would be a good way to put a face to the names of FallenAngel and Landmissle. Oh yeah, FallenAngel, doesn't know I got a speeding ticket yesterday for doing 66 in 45 MPH zone. So let's keep it our little secret, O.K? Feet up, heads down, blue skies, Landmissle *WWOD?

Hi geoff, Thanks! I probably should have checked the manual myself instead of bothering you folks. Feet up, heads down, blue skies, Landmissle *WWOD

Hi all, Been awhile since I've posted. I've developed a new passion for vintange-mustangs and recently purchased a 66 GT Fastback. If ya' wanna' see it here's a link http://photos.yahoo.com/landmissle Anyways, back to the subject matter. Somewhere, somehow, I got it my head that a prudent mini-riser replacement interval should be around 100 jumps. Well, I recently passed that threshold on my risers and inquired with my local rigger about replacing them. He looked at me like I was nuts and stated that was WAY too early to replace them unless they showed obvious signs of wear. So my question is how often should I replace these little guys. I'm pretty anal about this stuff ( the little detail that my life depends on the maintenance of my rig probably has something to with that....) so I would rather error on the side of conservatism. I have a Mirage G3 with mini-risers. I'll contact them in the next for days and pose the same question, but, I thought I'd seek some sage wisdom here in the meantime. Best Regards, Landmissle

Hi, Troublema...errr, Terry! True, your little adventure on the Crossfire started a bit of an uproar, but I think everyone just wants you to be careful & cautious, k? Soak up all the opinions & advice you can, but ultimately make your own decision...I was in a similar situation right off of student status(with only Safires available to rent), so I know where you're coming from. On a happier note...any possibility that you will be going out to the DZ for the Valentine's Day $15 to 15k this Thursday? Steve *was* my date for the day, but can't get off of work :-(...so, I need a date for the day. We just have to kiss in front of manifest before each jump (I promise, no tongue ) Blue skies, cool rides, Karen

Hi Phreezone, I'm replying to this because you've made a statement directed at me. You're right it's just my opinion. And it's just an informed opinion by someone who was there. And it's a just an opinion on someone elses opinion and knowledge that I happen to know quite well. I was there. You have your opinion, analogy and what "information" you've read here. Does that make my view better than yours? No. But, it does make my opinion informed in the sense that I was able to take in all kinds of subjectives that can not be gleaned unless one was there. My "trust" and "respect" for someone may not mean squat to you, but they sure as heck mean much more to me. You'll note in my post that I cared not to address whether semi-ellipticals/elipticals are a good idea on this matter. My position is pretty obvious. What I cared to address was whether a certain dropzone was showing a disregard for safety based on the instruction model they chose to adhere to or blantent example of negligence. Nothing more, nothing less. Based on the above I'll not take on your anology. Basing arguements on analogies is risky buisiness, all analogies can be blasted apart by virtue of what they are, something that strives for simplification of something it's not. Finally you would like to question my logic or sanity by positing an ad-homious attack wrapped up in a question as to whether I would let the jumper in question fly my "unsafe-at-any-speed" Cobalt. If the jumper weighed less and the same people who were there and discussed felt it was safe, than yes, I would have. I've flown both. I'm no expert. But I would say that the Cobalt is actually "safer" in the hands of a newbie. It's less twitchy, "flies big" (yes there's truth to that..), and is less ground hungry than the Crossfire. Again, my opinion. Your's is likely to vary. Don't get me wrong. I don't mind that you disagree with me. What I have issue with is that, everyone on this thread, with the exception of myself wasn't there yet are very ready to make a snap judgement. I offer the fact that I was there and witnessed the event, and I'm relagated to "that's just your opinion.". Great, thanks, I appreciate that. You to, have a nice day! Feet up, heads-down, blue skies, Landmissle (*WWOD?) * What Would Omar Do?

Hi all, Well I was there when the jumper in question was being counseled on wheher he/she should jump the Crossfire 169. As a matter-of-fact I was a party in the discussion. I won't even attempt to pursuade you on the merits/consequences of using an semi-eliptical/elipitcal canopy early on in a students progression. I think this has been discussed ad-nausium and at this point the original poster obviously has his mind made up on this matter. What I can state without any doubt, is that this decision was not made without deliberation and consultation. The senior AFF instructor is the one who made the suggestion and he in addition, sought the opinion of the Master Rigger. I and three of my compadres (including my wife) were all taught by this instructor. I trusted his opinion and guidance with my life and I still do. This event in no way changes that. His decisions in the past have always been conservative with an eye towards safety first. So if he feels this individual could safetly fly the Crossfire 169, I have no reason to doubt it. BTW, I know the jumper in question and questioned him/her on their skill set. I then spent a fair amount of time with this person discussing what to expect from this canopy, how it differed from the canopy he/she was used to flying, how to explore this one safely up high, and how to land it. Bottom line: some assumptions were made here about carelessness or negligance. That is simpley incorrect and unfounded. You may not agree to the concept (ellipitical canopies for newbies...) and you're certainly entitled to that opinion, but to try to start a bad-mouthing crusade on 2nd hand or incomplet information is uncalled for. Had I done the same, this forum would have ripped me a new ass-hole. Feet up, heads-down, blue skies, Landmissle (*WWOD?) *What Would Omar Do?

Hi Wildblue, Thanks alot.!!!!!!!!

Hi all, Been awhile since I posted. Probably no great lose there. Quick question does anybody know Skykat's phone # (the gear shop). There web page is not up, or least it's not available to me on my system and I need to contact Tony there about a canopy I'm sending him. Appreciate the help if you know!! Feet up, heads down, blue skies, Landmissle (*WWOD) * What Would Omar Do?

In the spirit of the holiday season and the fact that it's raining here in Ca and I'm bored. I propose the following lil' contest. I'll start a story line in the fine tradition of "No shit there I was..." and you continue it. Why? Why not? O.K. here's a reason. How about two free jump tickets! Here's the rulez; The story will continue until fifty entries are created not counting my own. You can add to the story in anyway you like but must use no more than four sentences. You may only add to the story once. The entries will be judged by those who participated and up to 50 lurkers/non-participants. I can not vote. You may vote for yourself but most people will think you pretty lame for doing so.No anonymous entries accepted as story inputs or votes.Only one vote per registered login. Mulitiple logins will invalidate your entry. When fifty entries are completed, the voting begins. If yours is the final entry, you don't have to bring closure to the story, but your rating will probably go up if you do. Entries should be judged on 1) Creativity 2) Humor or unique twist 3) Clarity 4) Whatever else turns your crank. Upon the completion of the up to 100 votes or when the thread dies (in my opinion.) The votes will be tallied and winner proclaimed. I reserve the right to veto the votes and declare a winner of my choosing if I feel any shananguns have occured or if I'm just feeling pissy and think the vote count is lame. (Probably won't occur but, I can't release totally to fate since I'm a control freak.) To the winner I will buy to two normal priced jump tickets (.i.e $15-20 per ticket). Tell me the dropzone you frequent I will call them up and charge the tickets to my credit card and make sure they're waiting for you next time you arrive. Sound fair? So as they say, let the games begin........... No shit there I was, doing a five-way nakie heads-down dive with FallenAngel, Freaksis, Lummy, and SkyMonkeyOne. All was going perfectly when...........

I had my first cut away and reserve ride on jump # 87 in Aug of this year. It was a little differnet than most that I've seen posted. Had a good canopy over my head and was over the landing area at 1800'. I was in deep brakes as I waited for my partners who where below me and entering the pattern at about 1000' to clear past me. Once they did, I performed a hard right turn to spiral on down. Unfortunately I came down MUCH faster than I anticipated. Because I was in deep brakes when I initiated the turn, the canopy performed a "helicopter". That is the right side collapsed as the left side drove forwards. The whole thing spiraled up like a twisted dish rag and I essentially entered free-fall again. My initial reaction was to spread the risers and kick out of it but, by time my hands where even close to the risers my body was horizontal to the ground and I was spinning really really fast. Cut away, reached for silver, and opened up in line twists on the reserve that thankfully cleared themselves and I was sitting at 900' now. Rest of the ride was uneventfull though. Gotta' agree with Kris above. A highly loaded eliptical with twist can easily lead to chop chop! I almost cut away my Cobalt this weekend. It opened with line twist, two little ones, no big deal. Except the canopy began to do a hard dive and didn't initially respond to my kicks. Diffently watched the alti and while trying to determine if my lil' girl was going to spool up on me. She played nice but, it was a good reminder that things can go real bad real fast. Feet up, heads down, blue skies, Landmissle (WWOD?*) * What Would Omar Do?

Hi Jabeln79, I have a full face Z1 helmet and I just got a Pro-Track as an early Christmas gift. For me the choice would be a no brainer. The full face helmet. Not only does it provide protection but it provides warmth and a distinctly different sensation while jumping compared to an open face or no helmet. The Pro-Track while a neat toy, is just that, a neat toy. It is a back-up, back-up device for altitude awareness. First being your eyes, and second being a visual altimeter. Yes, I know that it provides addtional information besides just audible altitude warnings, again, more neat stuff, but not as useful, to me at least, as a full face helmet (YMMV). Feet up, heads down, blue skies, Landmissle (WWOD?*) * What Would Omar Do?

Hi Skydolphin, Cool!! Perhaps we can hook up. Karen (FallenAngel) is pretty easy to spot from her RW suit. Lots of NEON GREEN. She looks like a Might Morphen Power Ranger, a cute one, but definetly a Power Ranger. I on the other hand am quite forgettable, especially after you meet Karen (see "Hey Landmissle" thread in this forum, it'll explain everything.) We'll be down there on the 11th but it'll be pretty late, we're driving from Modesto, my hemoriods are already beginning to pulsate at the thought of that drive ( sorry you probably didn't want to go there.) Anyways, we should be bright eyed and bushy tailed for the 12th, and the helicopter jumps! Seriously cool! Let us know, via this forum or PM if you'd like to hook up while we're down there. Feet up, heads down, blue skies, Landmissle (WWOD?*) * What Would Omar Do?

You again Lummy!, Hey you dissed us man! No show at Skydance a few weeks ago. Bad form, bad form! They're my breasteses, and I'll call them what I want. Tell ya' what; you keep your hands off my breasteses, and I'll refrain from touching your boobies! Well, um unless they're really firm and pert with nicely defined nipples, not those big loosey cow nipple thingys. Aw shit, gotta go find some more moist towelletes. Damn you Lummy....... Feet up, heads down, blue skies, Landmissle (WWOD?*) * What Would Omar Do?

Hmmph, I suppose if I was endowed with breasteses, you wouldn't be so harsh now would you? I bet you'd be all shmoosy and couldn't wait to tell me how you're gonna Jack, off to Perris. "Foolish consistancy is the hob-gooblins of small minds." Of course, if I had breasteses, I wouldn't have to Jack, off to Perris to get my jollies. Interesting....hmm...yes...with the proper dosage of hormones and a vivid imagination...hmm....yes.... Feet up, heads down, blue skies, Landmissle (WWOD?*) * What Would Omar Do?

Hey all, FallenAngel and I are gonna Jack, off to Perris, together, unabashadly, and in public. Matter-of-fact, I can't stop thinking about how I'm gonna Jack, off to Perris each and every day. Now, these things are best done together in groups, the larger the better, so... we sure would like to meet some DZ.comers' while we Jack, off to Perris. Anyone plan on coming? We sure are, did, will, whatever............now where did I place those moist towelettes? Feet up, Heads down, blue skies, Landmissle (WWOD?*) * What Would Omar Do?

Hmmm. Perhaps you should read the post in "Skydiving Talk Back", "DZ.com Community". What we have here is the ejeculate splatters of mental masterbation. Come on folks, keep it cordial. Do you really think that you're impressing newbies that may be coming here solicting advice. More importantly, do you think there're likely to post a question (let alone, offer a differing opinion) if they have to fear reprisal from the obviously superior intellects that inhabit this forum? It not only affects newbies, but other folks that have well founded advice but, lack the egotistical fortitude of others, clearly demostrated here, are also less likey to contribute. Feel free to tell me to take a flying leap since I'm not a moderator. I'd love to take your advice anyways, since most of flying leaps are restriced to weekends and Caravans. Just thought I'd throw out a cautionary note. I really don't want to abandon this forum but, if it devolves into "is to", "is not", 'is to", "is not", well I can better allocate my remaining life-span into other arenas. Let's lighten up. I really think this can be an awesome forum chock full juicy ted-bits. Whata' say? Feet up, heads down, blue skies, Landmissle

Hi PalmettoTiger, You've asked a question that only you can answer. And a question that you probably already know the answer to. Our sport is filled with adrenaline addicted junkies that in some cases(o.k., maybe alot...) are also impatient. They see something being done by the local hot-shot and immediately what to immulate it,not realizing (or caring) that the local hot-shot may have perfected said stunt with the investement of several hundred (maybe thousands) of jumps and years of experience. What does this have to do with you? Well, even if you're not the one that wants to immediately immulate what you see, the people you jump with, or the folks you talk with at the DZ might. Their peer pressure is very powerful and often times not easy to seperate from well founded guidance and advice. And so it's very easy to forget all those wonderful but boring safety guidlines and advice you heard from your instructor during your training days. The point is while skydiving is a wonderful life enriching sport that is relatively safe, it is not very forgiving of the "tragedy-of-errors". The boring saftey advice (i.e, the size of your reserve, just to name one.) has most likely been written in the blood of someone before you. It is up to you to seek reliable guidance and digest the information you recieve. This is made tricky because often times a question asked ten times will get ten differing answers. However, if safety and longivity in this sport are important to you, I bet you already have a good idea who you can talk to locally that seems to have their act together. I'm not suggesting that you don't push the "envelope" in order to get better at some task or to explore a new discipline. Rather, I'm suggesting that you slowly (baby steps, baby steps) approach your boundries rather than brazingly blast right past them. Seek the advice of others, especially those that you respect and trust, and listen to the voice in your head when it's sending you danger signals-heeding it's warning will serve you much better than the bravado shield of invulnerabilty that too many folks rely upon. Complacency kills. Finally, when you screw up, rather than make excuses, embrace it and greet it like an old friend. Your mistake just did you the greatest of favors, it let you live to jump again. Give it the respect it deserves and learn from it. I apologize if this seems a little soap-boxy, trust me your not alone in re-examining assumptions or practices, I do it all the time. You've already taken the most important step, you've reappraised yourself and are seeking input from others. That's what it is all about. Feet up, heads down, blue skies, Landmissle

Hi Lummy, You don't have to worry about slighting my feelings since I don't have any! Karen and I will be out there this weekend if, as you mentioned the weather is decent. Knowing how jump horny Karen is, it'll probably be for both days. Of course we would jump both days only to appease her jump lust. I suffer from no such malady. Again, sacraficing for the benefit of others. Will my burden ever lighten? Hey, did you know that SkyDance is doing $16 jumps on every Sunday till the end of the year? If you're into the sit floundering, um I mean sit flying, you should join us for a sit-train exit. It's a blast and is a good way to get into a sit; well for awhile that is, until the train derails and flings it's participants across the sky. But, hey, that's part of the fun! See ya' this weekend hopefully! Feet up, heads down, blue skies, Landmissle

Hi JumpinJohn, This is a good question for the "Gear and Rigging" forum, so you might want to post it in there. Too answer your question in the most general way, a basic rule of thumb to follow, assuming your rig was made for a 190, is that you can downsize one step. So, your rig should be able to handle a 170 comfortabley. Now, there's all kinds of variables here that could effect this rule of thumb. Here's a few to consider: Rig manufactorer, some brands may be more tolerant to changing sizes then others. Is your current rig really "made" for a 190 Sabre. Going from a 9 cell to a 7 cell may not allow rule to be followed. Going to a different brand 9 cell may not allow rule to be followed. Cross-braced canopies have larger pack volumes and as such may not fit as expected. The type of lines you have, Dacron, Vectron, Spectron, etc effect pack volume. Anyways, I'm sure you get the picture. Again, post this in the "Gear and Rigging" forum and I'm sure you'll get a nice case of information overload. Feet up, heads down, blue skies, Landmissle

Freeflir29, That's too funny!!!! Hard-openings aren't an absolute requirment to shit oneself since I nearly did after reading your post. Ya' had me snickering so bad I had to close my office door so my peers wouldn't think I was some cackling lunatic. Thanks for the Monday morning blue's breaker! Feet up, heads down, blue skies, Landmissle

Here we go again! First FallenAngel steals my heart and now she's stolen my thread! Note, it's entitled, "Hey Landmissle" NOT "Hey FallenAngel let's bump out Landmissle and be the center of attention as usual" This is the typical script. People meet me. People like me. I introduce People to FallenAngel (Karen). People really like Karen. People later talk about nice couple they met. People meet us again and call out Karens name as they run over to her and give her a big hug (as if they've known her for years.). People finally notice me after they've been chatting with Karen for half-an-hour, and say "Oh, hi, your Karen's husband, right? What was your name............" On an unrelated note. FallenAngel made a snide remark about my WRW (Welfare Relative Work) suit and that it was comprised of "any clothing he can find that will work for that day.".Hmmph! I assure your my atire is not just hap-hazzardly thrown together. Nay,far from it. Carefull analysis and consideration go into each and every garmit I don. The top half has to function and be able to meet the demands of my skydiving escapades for the day. And I always, always, always, smell the armpits to assure hygene requirements are satisfied (my lil' gift to society). Of course the bottom half is essential and a little more pre-planning goes into it. So much so that weather conditions have a profound impact on my selection. If it hot; some cut-offs that I haven't worn too many day in a row. But that's not good enough. The zipper must be functional and no stains should be visible in the crotch. Now if it's cold; only one garmet will do, my trusty old "I'm a life-long NRA member." Army BDU's; 'cause it matches my green altimeter and hell, if ya' can't FLY good you should at least LOOK good. Sometimes I have to violate the above very rational (and might I add very stylish.) atire proceedures because the rest of the gang I jump with, FallenAngel, Danvel, and Doug (Doug is Doug because we haven't thought of a witty name for him yet. Well, actually we have, in fact two, but if I EVER mention them in public, Doug has threatened to pack my PC and hacky in a location where I'll have a REALLY hard pull. We'll just move along now...) want to do some four ways and they'll start complaining about my fall-rate in my WRW suit and the fact that it has no grippers for them grasp and the only thing they can get a grip on is my badly backsliding hair-line (o.k, it's a valid point since I have a hard time getting a grip on it.). So when the belly aching trio want to do some four-way belly-flying I abandon all fashion/aerodynamic sense and slink over to ActionAir where I pry off a demo jumpsuit from the "rack o' rank" in "kooty corner". So now they have their damn grippers to grip and I fall fast enough for them. However, I don't fall fast enough, as far as I'm concerned because even at terminal the vapors immenating from this thing are making my eyes water! Oh, I know what your thinking! "He's such a nice guy. What a team player and look at the sacrafices he's made. He's Karen's husband you know. Now, what was his name.......?". And so it goes........ Feet up, heads down, blue skies, Landmissle

Why yes I did. I completed the AFF program last year in Sept or Oct. I still continue to jump almost exclusively at SkyDance. I did jump once out at Byron. I'm looking to go down to Perris or Elsinore right after the new year if some vacation plans fall into place. Do we know each other, Lummy? Feel free to contact me via PM if you would like. Feet up, heads down, blue skies, Landmissle