ouch

They are all APF drop zones (Australian Parachute Federation) so they all meet the same high standards for safety and training. Perhaps you could ring them and see what feel you get for the place. How much sport jumping do they do? (A lot of DZs have a very high focus on tandems.) How many student courses do they run? What facilities do they have for students who stay on-site during their training? These answers might help you decide. You'd also want to consider what happens after you finish your A licence. How far away from your home is this DZ? What priority do they have for continuation students and novices after they have finished the basic AFF course. If the weather is good and if the DZ has the right aircraft, staff and attitude, you could certainly complete your A licence in 2 weeks. However, be prepared for some variables, like poor weather or your own progression rate not being as fast as you want it to be. You might have to repeat a jump or two to pass the stage. Picking up the phone might help in this situation. You'll need to get a feel of where you'd fit in best.

I have seen heavier people sink out in a track when their weight is in their belly. No matter how hard they de-arch their chest, arms and legs, there is still a distinct centre of gravity point that is pulling them down and preventing the generation of 'lift' through a de-arched shape. Sometimes larger people (without the belly issue) can get a better track because they are usually in a larger suit and they are often stronger in pushing into the de-arch position.

I bought replacement lines in Vectran and I don't recommend it. 100+ jumps later, I am getting my sabre2 relined again - with the recommended 825 micoline. The vectran set has given me too many erratic openings. On most of them, the slider stubbornly stayed 1/2 to 3/4 of the way up and only came down on toggle release rather than riser input.

Odd that you couldn't find anything?> I went to the APF website, looked at the various options and clicked the one that said 'overseas visitors and non APF members'. Quote

A visual alti can let you know your height all the way through the skydive. That equals total height awareness. You can anticipate break-off height because you are aware at all times where you are. An audible only goes off when you tell it to. This means break-off awareness, or deployment height or whatever. But it is not real height awareness.

Maybe I'm reading too much between the lines, but is it possible that you have worn out your welcome with people who once tried to help? There are many people in this sport who are willing to give their time, their advice, a ride to the DZ, a 'come and jump with us' invitation etc etc etc. They spend money and they expend energy. They do it because they want to see up and coming jumpers thrive. Most skydivers genuinely want to help the real go-getters who are loving every new adventure in the sky. But there are also some people who are exhausting in how much of the above they take from the generous people, without showing serious commitment - or any progress at all - in return. One skydiver has spent the last three years telling me what he is going to do, and asking for my advice/help. Yet he isn't really showing me that he really wants to do it. I am getting tired of the same conversation, with no real outcome. Especially when I am trapped in my own car giving him a ride - AGAIN - without him so much as buying me a drink or offering gas money. I now make excuses to avoid having him on jumps. He thinks he is entitled to the same quality skydives as other people with the same jump numbers, even if they are much more current and capable. It's easier to just avoid him and leave him to his own devices. Mine are drained. This might not be you. But, if it is, you'd be much better off just getting on with things rather than worrying about what other people are doing or saying. If you choose that path, you'll be a much easier person to hang out with, and the help will start coming again.

Thanks for your input everyone, especially voilsb. This is exactly the feedback that I needed.

I have looked at several older discussion threads about low pack volume reserves, and I'm wondering if there have been any new developments in the past year or so. Any trends spotted by packers or riggers? Any issues of concern? From what I can gather so far, if I want to upsize my PD143 reserve without upsizing my container, I'd be looking at an Optimum 160, A Nano 160 or a Speed 150. Is one proving to be better than the other, or does it come down to brand loyalty and cost?

"Then I realized that the more technical stuff I read the less confident I get; I assume it's not helpful doing it all in my head rather than actually getting any physical idea." You'll see many people on here giving the same advice: Don't overthink it! You will be taught how to recognise a good canopy and how to fly it. You will be taught how to recognise a malfunction and how to deal with it. Instructors call it "Must know, should know, could know." You will be taught what you need to know, when you need to know it. The rest of it will come with time. And your natural curiosity will help fill the gaps. Physically, it is no more difficult that driving a car. The judgement and finer skills will be developed with time and experience. Psychologically, it'll do your head in if you go out seeking more and more things that could go wrong. You have enjoyed four tandems. You have asked for a little bit more involvement along the way and learnt a little more. Now go out there and do it. Shut out the clutter of websites and books, open your mind, back yourself .. and do it!

How many countries have compulsory audible altis if you are wearing a camera?

Trying one on before you buy makes good sense for such a large investment. I reckon there might be one or two people at your DZ who have a G3. It's not like they are hard to find.

Not sure you want that free ride? If the tandem master decides he wants it, you would actually want it! Just out of curiosity, if you're coming to forums to chat about this, perhaps you might be interested in learning to skydive without the TM having to make the judgment calls? Contact a DZ that does full student training and investigate further.

Only problem is that fairy tales have well founded intent and happy endings. Greg is a malicious, self-promoting fool, who keeps saying it's over and then adds another stupid sequel. He sets out to damage the sport and the people in it. Thanks for ruining a really good debate, again.

I wonder if you would also have a defamation case, completely separate to the copyright argument. If reasonable people see the pic of you associated with burgers, they might think a lot less of you. They might conclude you are lying about being a vegan. Worth asking somebody who knows the relevent laws for your area.

I wish it would. But the shit like this does keep coming back and he keeps slandering good people. He's like the turd that clings to the bum of skydiving. He once passed through briefly but stays desperately, pathetically holding on, smelly, ugly and threatening to infect everything.