mrfalconfixer

Where do I start……I finished my AFF in 6 jumps and after 3 coaching/fun jumps decided to take the plunge and purchase my first rig. I heard both sides for buying a rig this early. Wait until you know what you want………learn with your own gear……..on and on for both side of the argument! I am here to tell you, I am a believer in having your own gear when you are ready! I found a great used rig; Mirage G3 M7, Safire 229, PD 253, Vigil, etc., the money was right and after a thorough inspection from the master rigger, it was off to the drop zone. I was a bit nervous on the first jump being I had only been under 2 other canopies at this point (Manta 388 & Triathlon 220). After a nice freefall from 10,500, pulled @ 6000, and when I looked up there was beautiful yellow and purple canopy, control checks done and it was like we were old friends. To be honest the first landing I didn’t flare as far as I should have, but the next flights were stand up landings!!!! I was a bit nervous about the flare after reading the other reviews; but a nice staged flare is all it took to settle right in. I have a wing loading of 1.09 and it is great to be able to cover some ground once under canopy. I am also learning to pack and finding out what causes a solid and soft opening on my set up…….lots to learn still but the Safire performed as advertised. A+