skyflower_bloom

Stupid... very stupid... after two fun 2-way jumps yesterday I was packing, which I like to think takes me about 15 minutes but if I timed it, it's probably more like 30, lol, I digress.. I did the walk the lines up thing after cocking pilot chute and stowing brakes, and felt that one of the brake lines was twisted. I was thinking, well, it's attached at both ends, it can't have gotten that twisted, and I stowed the toggles in the toggle keepers on landing.. so I go back down, double check my brake stowing and re-do it just to be sure, realize there is no way it could be tangled from the bottom since it can't go through the metal ring, wtf, okay, walk the lines up again, hmmm it seems okay... (stupid number one) so I proceed packing. As I am gathering the lines together with the slider quartered to wrap the tail around it I notice one line doesn't seem to be holding tension (on the opposite side from the aforementioned questionable "twist"/position of the brake line, seems to be some slack on a single line... okay that's probably not a big deal right? I can't expect them all to be perfect as much as the perfectionist in me would like that, if I had everything perfectly symmetrical I'd be packing all day and never make a load...(stupid number two- when in doubt...) In the past I have been really anal about my packing and every little thing, I tend to ask someone, is this supposed to go here, what if this seems longer or shorter, what if this happens, can you look at this, etc. etc. and most often I get good feedback and tips, but have a history of noticing little things that I have perceived might be issues and am generally told after someone more experienced checks, they are not, so I think I got cocky in that I was finally feeling comfortable doing all my own packing on my own time, and had never had a mal on one of my pack jobs (dammit I can't say that anymore), so when those couple little things seemed off during the pack job, I just chalked them up to being similar types of little things that had no relevance (duh- better to have it double checked and hear all's well, than not and have something be wrong) As I am bagging it I hear "ten minutes till sunset load, we need more jumpers" and I am thinking no way I can make that, I'm not gonna manifest when I don't think I will be ready (rule is don't manifest if you're not ready w/ packed rig), but... heck yeah if I am ready I'll get on it (stupid- big stupid- number three, not having a plan and being impulsive) So I have this, well I want to make another jump, but I don't know, it'll be cutting it close, I doubt it'll work... continue on... and as I am doing the 3rd or 4th stow I hear 5 minute call... well shit at this point I am like okay I am gonna get this shit done and get on that plane (more stupid). Close it up, grab rig and additional gear and run out, see others running to make the plane, and ask manifest, can I run for it? I get the go-ahead that there is space and I can get on the load, so I run to the plane tightening my straps and checking this and that WHILE running to and getting in plane. Then on the plane I hear that a few folks are getting out for full alt clear and pulls and ask some of my former instructors if it is okay for me to do that too (not a good idea to change plans while on the ride to alt!) but they gave me a thorough briefing, and I talked to the other clear and pulls as well as the other jumpers and instructors to ensure it was okay to do (it wasn't my first clear and pull, but it was my first clear and pull from full alt at my home dz) So out I go, one two three yoink, look up at a ball of crazy shit over my head. Fuck. That's what I get. (if wondering, thinking tension knots and/or step through- canopy square and flying but in brakes, right toggle hanging down with about 8 inches or so of brake line between toggle and metal ring, left brake line tangles around everything in sight, canopy flew straight and slow with no right input and left toggle held at or slightly below shoulder, could flare, kind of, but about half the time the left toggle would jam up and the right would keep going, and I knew it was putting a lot of pressure/friction on the other lines that were being pulled when I yanked the left toggle that hard, and when I tried pumping the brakes (but I was up high with all this messing around obviously)... slider was twisty and higher on the right side, down on the left (but not all the way down on either side) For awhile I was flying it with the left toggle in my teeth and my hands on the risers... not a good canopy, not fixable with anything I tried (hook knife? didn't have one and not sure I would have used it or should have) I still want to talk more with folks and figure out how to ensure it doesn't happen again (obviously there are links in the chain that I believe would have prevented it- when two "weird-ish" things appeared during the process I should have had someone check it out- there were folks there who would easily have looked and helped, in fact a packer was right there when I noticed before packing the PC at the very end that the color was gone out of the window, I did the inflate test and threw it, and did ask that packer to confirm it was cocked, and he explained about the kill line shrinking, and the color moving, and watched me throw it a couple times to verify it was indeed cocked- so it wasn't like I didn't have someone to ask... I like the quote I just read somewhere on here by Bill Booth about, you're not really packing the canopy, you are packing the lines- yep) I should have asked someone and not just assumed that, because in the past my questions if something was "off" had resulted in a "nothing is wrong," had no bearing on whether something was wrong this time (it obviously WAS and my dumb ass did not ask, thinking I was being overly cautious- well yeah you can't really be overly cautious with your life...) And if the lines seeming a bit off during the earlier packing did not cause any problems (I really do not know for sure), it is quite possible that when I made the (stupid) choice to try to finish the pack job and run to the plane, an error in stowing or bagging, when I was probably distracted by the time pressure at that point (which was my own fault, obviously) then that contributed too... and even if the fuck-up happened early in the process when I had no intention of getting on another load that day, it was completely stupid of me to not acknowledge my gut feeling that something was off with the lines and ask for a double-check. I feel like I am safety conscious in terms of the gear choices I make, the types of jumps I do, etc. and that I ask questions and try to learn, I mean I know I have a shit ton to learn and am not very cocky at all about my skydiving abilities in general (aka I am getting better but overall I kinda suck lol), but I realized that even something like packing, I got in over my head and thought that I had that aspect figured out- guess not. And regardless if it caused the mal, I know anytime you have to rush to make a load, you are upping the chance of issues and it is not worth doing. Kicking myself- ignorance is one thing, but it's plain stupid when you can look back and say, well, I fucked up here and here and here, and I know I fucked up. Ugh. I think along with getting cocky about being able to pack okay, I just was thinking that I don't have many opportunities to jump this summer compared to last, and wanted to take advantage of the jump day, and let that "one last jump" itch get in the way of safe-minded, more meticulous planning. So yeah- don't be stupid. I know this shit has happened to experienced jumpers too but especially if you are new, realize that seemingly little things make a big difference and there are people willing to help or double check if you ASK them. If you read this far it's pretty obvious that all's fine now but yeah, lesson is don't get cocky in any aspect of the sport, if something is not right, even an inkling of such, ask someone else to check it, always, two sets of eyes are better than one (and one set of- inexperienced- eyes isn't always worth much lol) and regardless of whether it caused the mal, don't rush to finish a pack job or get distracted by making just "one more jump" at the expense of safety, or change plans midair (I was gonna do a solo to keep working on mantis position, then got all distracted by the option of a high altitude clear and pull to work with my canopy- one can be impulsive, but one needs to reign in the impulsiveness when it comes to skydiving!!) ---- short version: -if something is slightly off while packing, don't be stupid like me and assume it is okay, ask someone to check it! -don't be stupid and rush a pack job or gear check or dive plan to make one more load! -don't do stupid shit that you know is stupid but then do it anyway, you are not the exception to the rule! "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

voted for your poll... i'm a young'n... interesting to see you results/hypothesis! blue ones! "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Damn, you guys are impressive... :) someday I'll get there... My best is five, MAYBE 6(?), packing for myself w/ one rig (which probably halves the loads I can make, but it's worth doing imho), but did have a nanny with the kiddo off-site to focus on jumping, and took time w/ dirt diving etc. I was beyond exhausted (also did ten minutes tunnel time that night, so it was intense for a newbie) 3-4 is more typical for a "busy"/focused jump day for me at my level. I typically find my exhaustion/performance stops me around the same time frame as it takes for me to do all the packing for myself, the dirt dives, the plane ride to 13-14k, and the jumps, so it's a full day... but when I get faster at packing or a second rig, and get better at the sport, I am sure I'll be able to do a few more (if the wallet allows lol) I am amazed at the TMs who pop out 8-10 on a hot day like it's nothing, especially with all that gear in tow! And those insane (in a good way) records and fundraisers- good job :) But yeah I do feel much better/safer with 3-5 jumps a day for a week or two in a row, like with jumping trips/vacations- locally, I have been slacking in the currency department and that is no good... there's definitely too few to feel safe/current, but also too many- I don't know that I would want to push myself too far and trust others with all the ground tasks, but maybe I am a control freak "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

LOL @ 'Twardo... that's BAD!!! Good god!! "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

+1 I am sure (and it was stated) that they were "sick" about having to return that verdict, but as someone pointed out (here or elsewhere, I get mixed up) our legal system is not about "sides" working together to get the "truth," it's about who gets the better attorney, who can work the system, etc. That said, I'd rather have innocent until proven guilty than the other way, and there has to be some sort of system to make that happen... Yeah I think she probably did it, and that's messed up, but it's not the jury's fault that bad sh!t happens, and that sometimes legality is not enough for "justice." The child is dead and gone, Casey Anthony will never have a normal life, and being on that jury had to be one of the most trying experiences anyone could go through... I get that people have emotions and want to blame someone, but you are right-- it is way misplaced. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

CONGRATS!!! It's a good feeling, ain't it? Keep jumping and HAVE FUN (and buy your beer ) "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Me like! Not sure if I should laugh, or curl up in a fetal state of depression and denial under my blankie, but indeed... Bumper sticker "humans aren't the only animals on this planet-- we just like to act like it." "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

I'm sure skydivers do their best to skew that number. ok, true that. i feel a little better... and nothing wrong w/ being 'above average,' right?

ROTFLMAO!!! I have a good friend who had to stop his GF when she actually started doing #2! HA HA! HUm....#7 sounds kind of kinky I've almost had a #1.....key word is almost! SEE COSMO IS GOOD CLEAN goofy fun. See I actually think a number one is a good trick IF keyword IF you use lots of lube, it's a handjob adding multiple directions and sensations. Idk about as "hard and fast as you can" lol, you kinda have to twist as well, and I don't know about a fist so much as maybe 2 fingers from each hand... but it seems to be a violent way of describing an actually reasonable technique... men? "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Yeah I guess as long as she doesn't take it seriously... but it doesn't seem to be written as a joke... but yeah i am all for good trashy fun here and there... just... ya know! don't take sex tips or relationship advice from cosmo. pretty please. wait shah this is about you reading it, or the girl? or do you read it together? "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

omg... the mental imagery... my two year old is confusedly yelling "WHY LAUGHING MOMMY!? WHAT DOING!?" at me right now... lol. that's just bad news all around!! "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Hmmm, wait a second, the world average is only 7.3??? ......... Interesting to see the mens' numbers, though! "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Ohh PUKE!! Really!? Please, Shah, re-vamp your approach. Or pick up a Cosmo every once in awhile to see what these women you supposedly prefer are being "taught." I personally like wo/men who read non-fiction books, or perhaps Parachutist or Blue Skies, lol. But Cosmo!? Do Shape, Fitness, and Glamour fall on that list too? Wow I can be attractive and healthy without being spoon-fed bullshit, with ads every two out of three pages... sorry for the rant, Shah, you know I get off on ranting at you, but really? Have you read the magazine you espouse your "ideal woman" should read? And yes my toes are painted currently (purple, if you're curious) and I last washed and conditioned my hair just last night, so I am not (that much of a) dirty hippie LOL, but it is becoming clear to me now-- I think many of your issues finding the "right" woman may come from that little factoid right there- Reading Cosmo should be a disqualification, not the other way around (though yes, a "night out on the town" or "gals' night out" is good and healthy sign of a realistic social life, I'd say it just as often includes both genders as just gals, for me anyway... it's not a gender thing so much as a "do something fun and get a night out on the town" sort of thing... I know you guys like to think that we sit around and paint each others nails and gossip about boys but really? Cosmo? roflmao... edit: Teehee ok kinda off topic but I like this one: http://www.cracked.com/article/156_7-sex-tips-from-cosmo-that-will-put-you-in-hospital/ "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Hi Melissa! Congrats and thanks for sharing your story! Isn't it weird how you get so worked up drilling for it and wondering if you'll do it ok when the time comes, then when it does come, it seems so natural and easy! It's a good feeling to get out of the way, eh? (At least for me, I'm a control freak, knowing I could do it and that I didn't have to wonder when it would happen for the first time was a plus!) Sounds like you know the cause and learned from it too, kudos, we all make mistakes and now you know!

Oh, yea. BTDT

At leats shah knows the difference between "your" and "you're" And leave the poor guy alone would ya guys? I'll +1 this. At least Shah knows what he wants and is willing to tell it like it is. I, personally, won't date some chick with "baggage" (read kids). I'm just shocked at how far people will go out of their way to blast this guy (ie. starting a whole thread about him getting "snipped"). If you don't want kids in the relationship early on (or even ever), that's your prerogative and I respect it. There are some good reasons for not doing so. I too think it's ideal to have one on one time to get to know someone before choosing to parent together even if you do want a family; I can see that perspective too (but, the world isn't always an ideal place). But come on-- Based on the "Kids" thread he has some legitimate reasons for not wanting them in his life aside from occasional nieces/nephews and I respect that too. It seems people are simply saying that if you have legit and strong feelings about it, there is a way to protect against it. Isn't this the perfect example of a time when a vas might be a good idea for someone? I have my fun with Shah but would gladly buy him a beer if we crossed paths. I guess I just have trouble when people may overlook someone who is actually a good fit because of their ultra-rigid standards and pre-conceived notions. I have a general list of what I am attracted to but most if not all would be negotiable for the right person since I cannot predict that, and to be so stringent about a person you have not met seems to be setting oneself up for failure. So while I respect Shah's reasons for not wanting kids and that is okay, the way he writes about it, and his other criteria, do make him a target sometimes. And besides, this is not even really about not dating women with kids so much as not wnating to make his own either, and there is a way to ensure that with pretty good odds... (plus I secretly think Shah kinda likes hoards of angry women yelling at him! Shah, you know I am only writing this because I want to seduce ya and all, right? ---oh and yes, Millertime, I will agree with you that the original quoted post was slightly harsh and mean. But this thread in general? I thought it was a reasonable suggestion with some good humor in there. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

there we go again-- funny and disrespectful all at once by no means mutually exclusive. but hell hath no scorn like thr fury of a woman, or something like that, so beware! "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Omg you just made my day! That makes up for your last little post to me

Yes, dear Joe, I am aware that it didn't maliciously reach out and assault me That was one battle that should have been avoided altogether! I screwed the pooch. Royally. There ya have it. But I learned from it and think I am a lot more aware of where things are and how to exit safely (doesn't mean I don't funnel 'em occasionally, lol, but ya know...) Still get more nervous with 182 exits than other planes, not saying my nerves are totally rational at this point since I know I can do it safely at this stage, but I think it's at least understandable) Ya'll have a 182 right? Maybe I'll come visit you this summer and you can help me overcome my issues lol. (We have one but fly the PAC in the summer, not that I am complaining) **And OP-- congrats on your AFF completion, and welcome! I got distracted by people messing with my head here lol, but didn't want to overlook your accomplishment (you'll notice we get distracted on here sometimes... lol) "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

I've jumped a Cessna a couple times too! Caravans are made by Cessna, ya know? No step/wheel to hit and you gotta be doing a hell of a job to get on the strut! Yes, I know, I may be blonde, but I do know Cessna makes the Caravan. Lol. Never actually seen or jumped anything but a 182 in terms of Cessnas though-- but if the Caravan lacks any unnecessary appendages to attack me whilst exiting (I'll take your word for it), count me as a fan! "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

I'm never livin' that down, am I? I'll have ya'll know I jumped a Cessna (albeit begrudgingly) three whole times since said encounter. I won't dive out of one (ever), and I won't launch more than a two way poised (even that one was a big advancement for my skydiving career, lol) but I did it! "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Since the student failed to pull in time does that lay the responsibility on the instructor who taught the FJC? See, to me the difference is riggers are FAA certified to pack certain components (reserves/AADs/etc- I'm no expert there) and expected to know how- they are paid professionals. A student is almost expected to F up on occasion, and is PAYING for safe gear and instruction. There is a difference in your analogies (unless of course a FJC instructor actually failed to teach a student to pull, god forbid, in which case uh yep, they bear the blame there... but ridiculousness aside, this student had shown before they could pull (in my recollection this was NOT the first time they had to pull for themselves, yes?) So-- The rigger bears "responsibility" in that they did not perform that job (to the best of our knowledge, someone did point out that, while unlikely, we cannot say for certain what happened when that rig was packed) in accordance with required procedures, as trained and paid to do-- hence, responsibility. They are thus "responsible" for not doing it, since their primary responsibility is TO do it, is my logic there. Maybe I believe that "responsibility" and "blame" have subtle differences, and since we choose to skydive, and sign a waiver, part of that is accepting that we could do it right and die (or royally screw up and die) and even that someone else's error could do the same. Riggers are humans and this could and can and does happen and it's a fine line between the CYA waiver language, the FJC, and also not wanting to scare or overload students. But we have to accept we could die skydiving and accept our own personal responsibility- it's not perfect but it's reality. So the fact is, we cannot claim a rigger -should- be 100% perfect, though in an ideal world they would be, it seems most take pride in their work and do their best, and most do FEEL responsible knowing that someone's life could come down to the work they did, from what i am hearing. I think many riggers would say they do feel "responsible" for their work, and take that very seriously. I trust my rigger to have this attitude and do her best, to not do things like rigging under the influence or sleep deprived, but beyond that I have to accept human error is possible. I can't expect perfection, from any human in any situation, the world doesn't work that way. So do I think this rigger should be shunned, or jailed, or sued? Hell, no! It's part of the sport, and I am sure they feel awful enough. But, without getting too far into semantics, I do feel a rigger has a *responsibility* to pack a correct and operable reserve pack job, including reqs for a student rig, and failure to do so means that they failed in that basic responsibility. It's not a moral failure imo, and it is not the same as being responsible for the death itself, but yes, they failed to correctly pack the required components in an operable fashion, which to me is their job/responsibility. I just meant they both failed in their respective responsibilities (rigger to pack right, student to pull), not that the rigger is necessarily responsible for the student death- the rigger's error failed to prevent it when having done the rigging correctly MAY have, as Twardo said. But part of me wavers because I think we can usually expect riggers to do it right, while we can usually expect students to mess up... they require AADs for a reason. Hope that explains my thought process better.. overall, I lean towards Jim's summary of failing to prevent death, not causing it (but then the question becomes, is it really any rigger's responsibility to prevent death? In theory, it's the goal, but the reality is no. So how do we deal with newer students who don't fully have that understanding yet? Thoughts?) "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Yeah... you know, some men would pay good money to be sprayed with breastmilk! Unfortunately, when alcohol and cops are involved, the odds are not in the perp's favor... "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

They did an alcohol level check on her breast milk? Wow... I doubt (hope) this woman had the sense to pump prior to drinking, to provide milk for the baby, and then "pump and dump," as any BFing mom knows, this is the common practice when BFing if you feel the need to imbibe. Personally I just abstained for the first year and a half or so of my son's life. Contrary to popular belief, pump and dump is NOT to remove "tainted" milk-- as alcohol leaves the bloodstream and body, it also leaves the breastmilk. The point of the practice is to maintain constant milk supply and prevent engorgement or mastitis infection. I would also argue that, while that is extremely sad that woman who abused morphine and her baby died as a result, it is also quite possible she used that as a cover-up (i.e. she drugged her baby to get him or her to sleep, or she passed out and the baby ingested it somehow) and she played the breastfeeding card. Even if it did happen as stated, I can pretty much guarantee that more babies die or suffer ill effects from LACK of breastfeeding, than from nursing each year. Also, contrary to popular concept, breastmilk is NOT considered a biohazard like blood or other "bodily fluids" and is not treated as such in medical or workplace settings. While the idea of being sprayed with another's breastmilk may be gross to some, I don't see it as any more disgusting than the idea that we drink milk (yes, breastmilk) intended for baby mammals of a different species (cows, anyone?) Would you drink dog milk? I am not asking adults to drink breastmilk intended for babies, because after all, it's intended for babies, and this woman was out of line in exposing her breast for the purpose of spraying an officer, which imo is disorderly conduct and does a disservice to breastfeeding moms everywhere, but to act as though this is a huge deal or a health hazard is a bit of an overreaction, IMHO. I have taken Lactation Initiation coursework, postpartum doula and birth doula certification, and breastfed my son for two years as recommended by World Health Organization, so I think I know what I am talking about. (Yep, good call on the SC placement ) And for the record, I too have zero sympathy for those who endanger their babies or children, some of the most vulnerable among us and deserving of protection, but when people are addicted to alcohol or morphine or whatever, they are not thinking rationally. That in no way excuses their actions if they do indeed harm a baby, and they should be held liable 100%. Just saying, incidents like these are very rare, and the benefits of nursing far outweigh the oddball, once-in-a-blue-moon incidents like this. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi