Andrewbrinkhaus

It sounds like from nanook's description, that the rider had entered the fourth lane and was riding normally at the time he was side swept, not lane splitting. I am a rider myself, and being very new to motorcycles (about a year) I am always very alert on the road, especially on the freeway. It's the place where you tend to want to relax and enjoy the open road the most, because usually you aren't slowing down, stopping, speeding up, etc. your mind wants to zone out, but it's definitely one of the most critical places to stay focused and SEE (search, evaluate, execute) for when things like this happen. Accidents aren't always avoidable, and it sounds like this would've been really hard to detect before hand especially if the guy was rocketing into his lane. Glad to hear the rider wasn't hurt too bad. Please be safe and responsible out there! Do not pursue happiness. Create it.

Seriously love the cartoons! I live in the LA area too and hoping to start my AFF soon at Elsinore. Really enjoy the inside perspective on the program you're presenting with your commentary and drawings. I've done tandems and wind tunnel before but until I've worn the chute myself, I can only imagine. :) Maybe we'll get the chance to jump together once we are both licensed, safe and confident (relatively) skydivers. Keep 'em coming! Do not pursue happiness. Create it.

Don't get me wrong guys, I originally wanted to do my AFF at Elsinore or Perris, it's close, I can spread out the jumps, etc. I know about the tunnel time included and most of the details. My issue is mainly cost. Even with the airfare to Houston, I am still saving $1,000 by doing the program at Spaceland... No matter what other stuff sounds enticing about doing it out here, I just can't justify having to spend that much extra money. I know both (or at least Elsinore) offers discounts on packages paid in full up front, but I don't know how much, I haven't called...I'm sure it isn't $1000 off. Always open to ideas and suggestions however! Do not pursue happiness. Create it.

Congrats! Look forward to more stories. Do not pursue happiness. Create it.

Well originally I was going to do AFF at Elsinore but I've decided to do the "A license in a week" program at Spaceland, so I won't have time in between FJC and the following jumps to hit the tunnel, so I am trying to get as much time now so that I minimize the chances of a repeat during the week since time will be pretty tight. Even though I haven't started AFF yet, I still feel like practicing in the tunnel with proper feedback, body positioning, practice pulls, etc. will be quite helpful... Do not pursue happiness. Create it.

Thanks for that- btw Paul do you work at Lompoc as a camera flyer by chance? If so my first tandem was with you guys a few months back. Good stuff. Do not pursue happiness. Create it.

I'm wanting to do some tunnel time pre-AFF, and wanting to get the best start possible. iFly Hollywood is a 15 minute drive, the Perris tunnel is about 1 1/2 hours. Perris is on average about 10% cheaper than iFly, but more important to me than either of these things is the actual coaching and advice I'll receive at each. Do any of you guys/gals think one would provide a more worthwhile experience in prep for AFF than the other? I realize both locations have excellent instructors, iFly just seems a little more corporate "get em in, get em out" in comparison though I could be wrong. Also, what is a good average amount of time to schedule in the tunnel at a time? Keep in mind I'm saving for AFF at this point but I want to get enough out of it to see improvement and know I am retaining some muscle memory. Thanks. Do not pursue happiness. Create it.

Gotta be the newb who asks...What exactly is a Mr. Bill, and where does the name come from? Do not pursue happiness. Create it.

"It's a bird! It's a plane! ...Whatever it is, that's one floaty bastard." Do not pursue happiness. Create it.

At only 5lbs heavier than Tomcat, I am what most people refer to as "lanky" Do not pursue happiness. Create it.

Thanks for the lightspeed response, Quade! Much appreciated! Do not pursue happiness. Create it.

I realize their are physics behind this question, (surface area, drag, etc.) but I also would like to hear your opinions on it. I'm 6'3" 180 lbs, how does my height/weight affect my stability, assuming I had good form as opposed to someone much shorter/lighter? Does more surface area mean more stable, or will it just give the rushing air more space to push me around? Do not pursue happiness. Create it.

It was good meeting you out there Luke! Hope you enjoy the rest of your stay and make a jump for me. :) Do not pursue happiness. Create it.

Anyone still curious, they did it! 2nd jump of the day, which was around 1:30ish yielded a successful 180-way formation. Here is the announcement and celebration: (careful it gets loud ;) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGSh3Agi63U&feature=youtube_gdata Do not pursue happiness. Create it.

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