texascrw

Yes, you can switch Pilot and Solo line sets, as long as they are the same size canopies. The largest Pilot is a 230 and the smallest Solo is a 190. The only Pilots and Solos that are the same size are the 210 and 230. Someone off of student status could buy a 210 Pilot and have Aerodyne put a 210 Solo line set on it. And down the road when they were ready for it, they could have a 210 Pilot line set put on, and be almost like downsizing, without buying another canopy. That is just an example and you should talk to your instructor before you do anything like that. They are more likely to know what you can handle. If you order a new Pilot or Solo, Aerodyne will put which ever of the line sets you want on it. Rob Fischer is the guy at Aerodyne to talk to. Great guy and very helpful.

Rob told me why they quit using the F-111 type fabric on the bottom, but I can't remember what he said. I got both of my canopies with ZPX, which breaks in faster, and packs up smaller than regular ZP. So having ZPX pack up smaller probably negates that reason for using the F111 type material, plus the ZPX is stronger and won't lose porosity over time like the F111 type. Seems all around a better idea. I'm sure using the same canopy design and changing the line set, putting a different name on it, and some extra reinforcement on the student version does save on production costs. I have been very happy with both versions.

That is not the reason for the price difference in a Pilot and a Solo. Because Solo's are no longer hybrid canopies. They are made of all ZP or ZPX. The lower price difference for the Solo is probably to make the Solo more competitve for the student market. I just bought a new Pilot and Solo this year. The only choices were all ZP or all ZPX. According to Rob Fischer at Aerodyne, the only real difference between a Pilot and a Solo is the line trim. Sporty for the Pilot, more docile for the Solo.

If you like the Pilot, you have a couple of other options. Aerodyne makes the Pilot and the Solo, using the same canopy. The Solo is designed as a student canopy, but it is just a Pilot with a different name on the side, extra reinforcing, and a more docile line trim. If you like a 230, but think it is too sporty, order one with Solo lines, and down the road you can have it relined with the Pilot trim, instead of downsizing. Cheaper than buying a new canopy. The man at Aerodyne to talk to is Rob Fischer. He had me one made up last year. If you would be more comfortable with something larger, the Solo comes in sizes up to a 290. Best of luck on the gear hunt.

I always remember him as 'Dutch', from the Wild Bunch. What a great western, and what a way to go.

If you enjoy long flights under canopy, you need to look into CRW. Very relaxing.

That was sickening, but I suppose you can't expect any better. I'm sure those pictures will keep Mr. Vaughan from Toronto, and little Charlie Schumer, in wet dreams for weeks. Maybe they should move there. It's seems more in line with their thinking. I would be happy to chip in on the tickets.

The screwup by the TI was not what my post concerned. And I don't condone it at all. My response was in reply to the blanket statement on the guy's Facebook page that everything and everyone was dangerous at Lodi. And yes, I did appreciate the care and attention that my instructors gave me as a student at those "small Texas dz's". However, since we didn't always do things 'by the book', he probably would have considered us dangerous too.

The sport has really changed since I came back. I don't know who that guy is, but he wouldn't have lasted long on our small dropzones in Texas, back in the early 80's. Probably would have gone home crying, because we didn't have the latest gear, or weren't safe enough for him. If I am ever out that way, will be happy to drop in and jump at Lodi. BSBD

I bought CRW stamps from Square One last year and they asked me if I also wanted RW stamps, too. Maybe they still have them. Good luck.

Thanks, Jim. Need to contact them about a Zombie number.

Haven't heard that before, but it will work. By the way, great cartoons.

Airtrash, skytrash, skysluts and parapigs. Terms heard on dropzones in 1981, when I made my first jump. Before we had PC dropzones. BSBD

Love to hear the history. It is great!

Silver and red wolf, with the gold falcon as my soul mate. That first mating should make an interesting video.

So much for going to San Marcos this summer to do some CRW. Wendy, can I spend my CRW dollars at your dropzone?

Chuck, I remember those times. We had a lot of out of work union auto workers come down here. When they found out you didn't get maximum wages for minimum work, they went back home. The Dallas area bumper sticker told them to take I-30 back north. Texas first!

Well said, Chuck. And the same thing applies to the 'Texas bashers'. If they don't like the way we do things in the Republic of Texas, don't come down here. Texas first!

Congratulations!

We are very proud of it, and the heroic men that fought and died for Texas.

Scott, That was our major concern, Don not being able to visually check his canopy. We discussed this at length with him, but he wanted to do it anyway. He had a radio, but the quality then was very inferior to what we have now. Luck was with us and we had no problems. You said your son had some sight. Would it be enough to check his canopy? It can be done. It just takes a lot of planning, training, and being willing to accept the extra risk. Best of luck with whatever you decide. And spending the rest of your life doing tandems isn't such a bad deal either.

Train him for static line. Back in the eighties we trained and static lined a Marine that had lost both eyes in Vietnam. He wanted to jump in and do the Death Valley Marathon. Have a large landing area, radio, and light winds with a large canopy. We did it during the week, so no other jumpers to worry about, and no air traffic. Don did great! Maybe your son would like to try that first. Best of luck.

Great stuff!

There are no easy answers, or solutions, to situations like this. The more British officers told me about it, the happier I was that my war was in the African bush. Much simpler. I suppose I should run this by Andy first. Just to make sure I'm not embarrassing myself.

Nice twist on words. I can see why you chose your profession. No one said anything about British troops getting out of line. I was referring to the acts committed by both civilian sides in the conflict. Mainly to each other, and any innocent bystanders that happened to be in the wrong place, at the wrong time. Like walking down the street, or coming out of a movie theatre. And Skyrad is entitiled to say anything he wants. And, Perry Mason, please stick to what people really say. No one is going to be impressed with your courtroom antics of twisting their words around. And if Skyrad and I are embarrassing ourselves, according to you, that shouldn't concern you. We're happy to entertain you. Maybe we are just ordinary guys, lacking your education and razor sharp wit, honed by many years in the courtroom.