chuckakers

My version is a bit more direct. "When it comes to deployments, any canopy can kill you on any jump".

Try contacting David Munoz. He has military style s/l connections everywhere. https://www.facebook.com/davidskysharkmunoz

Pretty slick ride, Mike. Something tells me you'll keep her busy.

How so?

Trying contacting Dr. Nancy Grieger. She is a jumper and writes health-related articles for Parachutist. She can probably offer some advice. https://www.blueskiespt.com/

For a USPA drop zone, see the Basic Safety Requirements in the SIM.... https://uspa.org/Portals/0/files/Man_SIM.pdf

I won't knock the Wings, but I can speak about the Curv. I have owned three of them and every other rig R.I. has made since I purchased my first Talon in 1985. The Curv is the most innovative rig ever. The bio curv and bio yoke along with the shape of the container completely hug the body while not restricting movement in any way. Sandy Reid has refined the rig starting "way back" when he first produced the Voodoo - late 90's. He's really good at what he does. R.I. service is top notch as well. They never disappoint in impressing.

It would seem to me that from a safety perspective it shouldn't matter under most circumstances whether the movement group goes before or after tandems as long as they fly away - perpendicular-ish - from the jump run line of flight. Could it be that it's preferable to have experienced jumpers land off than tandems?

I don't know that it was a good idea, but back in "the day" we tacked a square of inch thick foam padding inside the pack tray to fill some area.

How long will that thing last doing butt slides? Just about every ultra HP pilot I know slides a lot.

Thank you. Support for our family comes in many forms and I'm grateful for yours.

Skydiving may not be a thing for you these days, but for 40,000 USPA members it is. Besides, after tomorrow the "real election" will be over. The USPA election goes on through the end of the month.

.....first.

Sorry, I meant to say I give a lot of credit "for the problem" to the TI. I agree with everything you said. I've shot a couple thousand tandems and it was most typical to see the TI check my position before tossing.

Great minds think alike. I have one on every jumpsuit. Front of my right thigh (I'm right-handed). If you don't have a hook knife when you need one, you may never need one again.

Didn't appear to be any f'ing around or selfish decisions going on. Looks to me like a confusing (non-existent, actually) count. Never any rocking, hand motioning, vocal counting, or other obvious signals to indicate when the TI was leaving. You can hear him say "ok" (which the camera flyer may not have heard) then he just exits. Based solely on the video, I give a lot of credit to the TI. 2 cents

Do you know this drop zone, camera flyer, or the skill standards at the DZ in question? Really good skydivers make really bad mistakes, you know.

Not true. Check out the video link clearly showing a Jack knife slicing through the bridle like hot butter. https://www.facebook.com/frickflyer/videos/3597604893625570 As for trouble reaching the bridle, I think adrenaline would solve that problem.

That may be because folks would order what they think is correct, but it may not be. I also don't believe the volume is altered. I think they use the customer's measurements to figure out which is better.

I do not, and it may not be a problem at all. I'm just a bit nervous about anything that could foul a deployment, and putting an elastic band around the flap adds an element that could come into play under unusual circumstances. I'd love to hear other folks' experiences.

The Curv comes in 2 configurations - taller and slimmer or shorter and a bit thicker. Long torso types just need to order the taller one and reaching the p/c is not an issue. Typically that call is made at the factory, but if it's a potential issue just let them know your concerns and they will make sure you get the right one.

I like the magnetic but not a fan of putting anything on the reserve flap. R.I. makes a magnetic that is attached to a fabric loop sewn to the trim on the yoke. No interaction with the reserve flap and very effective. I'm sure a field installation can be performed with this or any similar design.

Concur. I've been an RI jumper for 35 years. Both of these rigs are top-shelf and have similar features and options, but the Curv is the only rig I've ever put on my back that I can honestly say is comfortable. It's amazingly comfortable. The bio-curv and especially the bio-yoke make the rig fit and feel like no other. Be advised that a lot of folks who buy a Curv say it's too small when they first put in on, but it's not. It's just that it actually fits the body correctly. These same people "get it" after putting a few jumps on their new rig.

Too many variables to know what's right for you in a forum setting. Average fall rate in your area, your typical fall rate profile, etc., all come into play. I love Tony suits and have been a user and dealer for 25 years. I suggest finding a dealer in your area and consult with them. Even if you figure out what is truly the right suit for your situation, you still need an accurate measurement and guidance on all the details. Side note, I never order a jumpsuit without a big Ripper hook knife on the thigh. That way I have an accessible hook knife regardless of what suit I'm wearing.

From the USPA Governance Manual, available for free here: https://uspa.org/Portals/0/files/Man_GovMan.pdf "Safety & Training Advisors 1. The regional director appoints S&TAs and forwards the appointments to headquarters for processing. a. The appointments should be made in consultation with the drop zone owneroperator, while recognizing that the advisor is a representative of USPA, not the drop zone. b. The appointment of a DZ owner, operator or employee as the S&TA should occur only if another suitable candidate is not available. c. The following qualifications are required: (1) be a current USPA member (2) have made a minimum of 50 freefalls within the past 12 months* (3) hold at least an instructor rating* (4) hold a D License (5) be willing to endorse and promote USPA policies (6) attend the regional director’s annual S&TA meeting* *Items marked with an asterisk may be waived by the regional director. A letter of exception will be included with the appointment forwarded to headquarters. The regional director may appoint himself as an S&TA as long as the minimum requirements are met. 1-4: Regional Directors USPA Governance Manual • Section 1: Governance USPA Governance Manual • February 2019 • 1-4: Regional Directors — Page 20 United States Parachute Association® Publications USPA Governance Manual • Section 1: Governance 2. The regional director will hold at least one meeting of S&TAs each year to— a. promote uniformity of S&TA activities b. enhance communications between the regional director and the S&TAs and among the S&TAs c. provide a forum to exchange experiences, ideas, and methods of operations d. inform and update S&TAs regarding USPA policies, programs, and administrative procedures"