theplummeter

I haven't jumped one yet, but I just purchased a Nano for a new container as it was recommended by the container manufacturer over all other options.

I currently jump a Fusion which looks just like the Xaos pictured at the pilot chute attachment point - no metal ring.

Well, about 21% of air is indeed oxygen, so strictly speaking that DZ was correct, oxygen does come out of the air vents. Our dropzone runs a 78% Nitrogen blend. The larger molecules are less subject to temperature related expansion and contraction.

Starting jump run MP and prop RPM go to the bottom of their green arcs, descend at 140 after all jumpers exit slowly pulling power to keep the MP at the bottom of the arc through the descent. Also in a 182 with no cowl flaps, and we haven't had to change anything in several years except an aileron hinge and a flap track from a former pilot who likes to practice sloppy aerobatics

Jump a stowless for a while and you may change your mind. Beyond being easier and faster to pack after getting familiar with it, a stowless bag give better, more consistent openings. One advantage - line twists are sometimes caused by a d-bag that rotates as the rubber bands release the stows unevenly. A stowless bag releases the lines smoothly from the center of the bag, virtually eliminating that possibility. Chances are good you already jump a stowless bag - on your reserve. Line twists were exactly the problem I was having. I commited to stowless packing and have had twists only one time since, on a wingsuit jump with an unstable deployment. The magnetic bag was offered to me at Square2 when I purchased the Curv so I opted for it. Sandy also mentioned that he is working on a MARD system and revisiting magnetic riser covers, both which will be retrofit options for current owners.

I jump an Infinity right now, but have a Curv on order. I just spent two weeks in Eloy and during the multiple wind holds I wandered over to Rigging Innovations and took a look at everything. The magnet bag is awesome, I can't wait to try it. RI has published packing instructions with some photos on their website under the support section that show how it works. Sandy and Angela gave us a demonstration at the factory. http://rigginginnovations.com/files/Docuemnts/6/MAG-STOW%20PACKING%20INSTRUCTIONS.pdf My current Infinity has the party bag, which works either way (you can pack semi-stowless or put bands on top of the bag and use it like a normal bag). I get much better openings packing stowless than fully stowed, but I've always wondered if there wasn't a better way to control the lines than shoving them into a pouch. I prefer the RI or UPT setup in that respect.

If you're still looking I have an excellent condition setup for sale in the classifieds.

Directly from the Government Printing Office: §91.211 Supplemental oxygen. (a) General. No person may operate a civil aircraft of U.S. registry— (1) At cabin pressure altitudes above 12,500 feet (MSL) up to and including 14,000 feet (MSL) unless the required minimum flight crew is provided with and uses supplemental oxygen for that part of the flight at those altitudes that is of more than 30 minutes duration; (2) At cabin pressure altitudes above 14,000 feet (MSL) unless the required minimum flight crew is provided with and uses supplemental oxygen during the entire flight time at those altitudes; and (3) At cabin pressure altitudes above 15,000 feet (MSL) unless each occupant of the aircraft is provided with supplemental oxygen. In other words, the pilot needs to be on oxygen above 14k, above 12.5k after thirty minutes, and supplemental oxygen needs to be provided for passengers at a cabin altitude above 15k. It's your choice whether or not you take advantage of the oxygen provided. I spent a couple days jumping in Houston at Spaceland last summer, according to my Viso 14,400 feet is the lowest I got out of an aircraft there.

Watching "A Bridge to Nowhere" on youtube was the last in a series of experiences that have led me to stay away from BASE at least until my children are raised.

Thanks to everyone for the PMs and replies, I snuck away to Denver and spent the day jumping my P3 there with the Phoenix Fly coach. The rest of the group is in touch with Chuck and James. A special thanks to Adam who changed plans on Easter to fit me in even though I was by myself! And to everyone who has been waiting to fly a wingsuit, it's a blast, very intuitive, and easier than you think....until you rush the deployment and spin yourself up.

If we're going to do that, we might as well meet up in Empuriabrava!

Thanks for the tip but I contacted him and he is unavailable during that time period.

Thanks a ton!

A group of friends and I are headed to Eloy for a week and a half towards the end of April and would like to do a First Flight Course. I went through the Phoenix Fly website and attempted to contact Chuck Blue, but no reply and his website is down. We called the dropzone and got referred to Alec or Alex, but he is not available until the last day we will all be there. I am wondering if anyone here knows of another coach who would be available in Eloy during those dates. There are three of us who would like to go together. All of us are C licensed or higher, all have changed to (or stayed on) more docile canopies, we all have 9' bridles, everyone has gone to a mudflap altimeter mount, and we all own Phantom 3 wingsuits that we purchased from a Colorado dealer in hopes of doing the FFC with him, but scheduling conflicts put a stop to that plan. If anyone has a clue who to contact I would love the help.

The Navy 26 ft conical was/is one of the strongest canopies ever built. It was designed for high speed ejections. It will stay together when a lot of 'sport' reserves will not. JerryBaumchen That's good to know, I think that might be the reserve in the PEP rig at our dropzone!

I'm pretty sure the new Pilatus looks different: http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/#275 I'll let you know when I get the type.

The dreamliner did some of its certification tests at the airport where I work. The wing flex was the amazing part to watch, on go arounds it looks like the wings decide to go first and then the fuselage catches up.

I have an Infinity I-34 with a Micro Raven 150 and a Fusion 150 in it right now. I started out with a Pulse 190, then a Safire2 169, Safire2 149, Stiletto 150, and now the Fusion. The Pulse was easier to pack into the container than any of the other main canopies and didn't cause any bulk distribution issues. Pilots pack bigger, so unless it's ZPX fabric a Pilot 168 would be a nasty pack job in my opinion.

Maybe I'm predisposed to like it given the subject matter, but that is some good writing.

It's new container time. After eight years on a used container that never really fit me well to begin with I have saved up and am preparing to order a new one. I currently jump an Infinity, and while it's a great system I would like to try something else and have whittled it down to either a Curv or a Vector. Both are similar in price when you deck them out, both come from reputable manufacturers, both are aesthetically pleasing but the build time for UPT seems ridiculous to me and the Curv just looks like a stellar setup for a slightly lower cost in less than a third the time. The only hangup I have is the limited time that the Curv has been on the market and I have yet to see one in person. I will be in Eloy for two weeks next month and plan to try to get a good look at one then but was wondering if any current owners would share their experience as to how the rig has held up and what you like or dislike about it.

Much appreciated. I'll be in Midland from the morning of the 2nd until the afternoon of the 5th.

I got the Bobcat from a friend who gave it to me when he got his Swing Mirage 13m. The Mirage is a truly amazing wing, and it's almost scary how close the glide is to my Bobcat with the trimmers all in, especially with the size difference. I have a ton to learn on this wing but I would like to get on something like the Mirage eventually. I am also glad that I got to start on a bigger Bobcat, it's been very forgiving when I have made bad choices. The Katana and Crossfire both dive considerably more than any speedwing will. Most speedwings have a very flat trim and little reinforcement other than in the nose to save weight. Most also have multiple cells, and tiny lines with or without sheathing. I inherited a Gin Bobcat 16.5 last year and am still getting used to it, but I think it's one of the easiest speedwings to learn on. The design and riser system share common points with mini paragliding wings and speedwings, so it functions in a number of different scenarios. In higher winds it's easy to ridge soar when the big paragliders can't, and in lower winds it's great for proximity flying on shallow runs while retaining better glide than smaller more aggressive designs so I can chase my friends on smaller wings from slightly above and watch the mayhem. Skydiving canopies are great, and I'm trying to learn all I can jumping but speedflying is a whole new set of possibilities with some amazing equipment that really puts into perspective how much we sacrifice in performance for openings. agreed, but you would be AMAZED at the glide range of the mirage. with trimmers on its nice and flat and even loading mine the way i do, i get pretty sickening glide ratio. take the trimmers off, and its a ground hungry beast that flies fuckin FAST. i dont really have a base for comparison because all i have flown have been swing spitfires and mirages, but the range on the mirage again is unbeatable........ to the OP, like stated above, soboba has lots of wings for demo, get the best feel and go from there. have fun, be safe, and DONT hold your toggles down for an extended period of time or ever touch your risers. harness input is all you need for slow or sharp turns, toggles should be saved for gaining lift if ever needed. fly safe!

The Katana and Crossfire both dive considerably more than any speedwing will. Most speedwings have a very flat trim and little reinforcement other than in the nose to save weight. Most also have multiple cells, and tiny lines with or without sheathing. I inherited a Gin Bobcat 16.5 last year and am still getting used to it, but I think it's one of the easiest speedwings to learn on. The design and riser system share common points with mini paragliding wings and speedwings, so it functions in a number of different scenarios. In higher winds it's easy to ridge soar when the big paragliders can't, and in lower winds it's great for proximity flying on shallow runs while retaining better glide than smaller more aggressive designs so I can chase my friends on smaller wings from slightly above and watch the mayhem. Skydiving canopies are great, and I'm trying to learn all I can jumping but speedflying is a whole new set of possibilities with some amazing equipment that really puts into perspective how much we sacrifice in performance for openings.

I will be in west Texas (Midland/Odessa) area in the early part of April and was wondering if any locals could tell me who might be open and running weekday loads near there. I found Westex and Eagles Nest searching here but the Westex website is down.

Fusion is worth a look too, I love mine just like I loved the Safire2 I had, but paid much less for it.