conor

d123 I think I know just the coaches for you: http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/sofpidarf/ Be sure to post your cool swooping pictures (I mean x-rays) Conor

Thanks - yes I had seen that page but it didn't show a score for all rounds. I guess they only did 2 rounds of speed and distance.

Are the final CP scores posted yet? I couldn't find them...

I've got a Removable Deployment System (from PEA Engineering) and I'm trying to figure out how to attach the long lanyard (that connects to the pilot chute) to the two shorter lanyards (that connect to the pilot chute). The instructions say to use a "larks head knot" but the accompanying photo is not very clear. Can anyone confirm if my attachment method is correct - see attached photo (I've left the knot slack so you can see how it is made but obviously I would tighten it before use).

I agree. Ok Airspeed, Fastrax, Golden Knights and Fury have good reasons for not attending the WC but what about the rest of you? Each country can send up to 4 teams to the World Cup. Did no one want to go? You guys missed out on a great event.

A more general flight control that is often overlooked is BODY POSITION. Most people just hang under their canopies like a sack of potatoes. By getting big (stick legs and arms out, turning booties sideways, etc) we catch more air, increase drag and slow down the canopy's flight through the air. Similarly, by getting small, we penetrate the air better. These controls are more noticeable on the smaller canopies (where the jumper's drag is a significant component of the overall drag) and are useful if you are trying to fly in formation. As an input it may not feel significant but when you add up all the small insignificant inputs (collapse slider, open chest strap, collapsible pilot chute, etc) they can mean the difference in getting back from a long spot and not getting back.

Hi Mike If you have the position on the ground and are just trying to replicate it in the sky, then all you need is practice. Obviously doing tunnel time or just doing loads of jumps will help but they are expensive so my advice to you is not underestimate the value of ground practice. You can develop your muscle memory without even jumping. Have a coach observe you (on the ground) practicing the position and once you know you're doing it right, just keep doing it (preferably with your eyes closed and imagining the sights and sounds and feeling of freefall). Rather than practicing on the floor or a creeper, get into a hanging harness (if available) or lie on a bed - they are more realistic. When you do actually do it in freefall, you may need to fine tune your position a bit but if you have developed the muscle memory then you're 90% there. By the way, if you are turning rather than sliding in the intended direction, then you are not giving enough leg input (you're upper body is moving faster than your lower body - resulting in a turn around your knees). Try giving less arm input. Anyway, enjoy this next stage of your skydiving progression and don't get frustrated. Never again in your skydiving career will you learn so much over such a short number of jumps. The finesse will come with jumps and practice. All the best Conor

Hi People Will I fit my Velocity 90 into an RSK 0.5? I know the Sun Path website shows the suggested canopy size in the range 80 - 85, but I also know that Sun Path are traditionally conservative in their suggested sizing. (I've put a VE111 into an NJK, a ST150 into an OJ and my brother has a VE103 in a RSK1). Has anyone got experience/views on putting a VE90 into an RSK0.5? Cheers Conor

I'm just looking for some clarification on what criteria needs to be met for a big-way record to hold. As I understand things, the criteria are (or used to be): 1. Everybody must survive the jump. 2. The formation that is planned must be the formation that is built i.e. slot specific and grip specific (does the slot specific rule still apply?) 3. The formation must be stable. 4. The formation must be held for 3 seconds (does this still apply?). There are probably a few more technical rules I'm missing. Can anyone confirm the above, or add anything? Thanks! Conor

Hi John I think Eoin has those Neuman tackified gloves if you wanted to try them. Regarding technique, I prefer to push out on the rears rather than pull down. I also find I get a better grip if I grab the riser at the top (up by the slink). If you are planning to use rears for your plane out, I would suggest you start flying your full canopy ride on rears (except for your final turn) on every jump until you get used to them. This will get you used to giving input with the rears, give you experience of how the canopy responds to rear riser input, and you will get more comfortable (and find a better grip position) as you increase your "exposure" to rear risers. You will also be able to find them easier when you do need them. Hope this helps. Conor

Check out http://www.thepai.ie/PAI/index.html for centres affiliated to the PAI. The IPC is the biggest one, but GoSkydive and The National Parachute Centre (Falcons) may be closer to you. The Wild Geese is in Northern Ireland and would be quite a distance for you to travel.

I'm interested in hearing the opinions of experienced canopy pilots on the best way to carve a canopy on landing. 1. Would you simply carry the turn from the dive into the carve or would you allow the canopy to level off first? 2. If you level off first, would you level off at your normal height, or slightly lower? 3. What is the best form of input to carve the canopy? 4. If you're doing it right, what distance should you cover, compared to a normal distance run? 5. Whatbank angle would you be at? 6. What are the main safety issues to watch out for? I would nomally level off first before starting the carve (but slightly lower than, say, if I was going for distance - which for me is about 4-5 seconds after completing my turn). I would give input on the rears and harness, switching to toggles to get the canopy back over my head. I might only cover about a third to half of the distance I would get on a normal distance run. This is carving about 45-90 degrees. I'm currently jumping a Velocity 90 loaded at about 1.95. Thanks Conor

How did the canopy formation jump go? Are there any pictures?

Well done Brian. You'll surely be in the top 10 at the next meet. And great news about Pablo! Please pass on my congratulations :-)

Hi gingerjo I attended Brian's course twice. It is very thorough and well worth it. He is an excellent instructor and if you're having problems with your landings (or other elements of canopy flight) he'll be able to sort you out. Conor