Sky Diving

[FN FAL]

FN FAL,

How about them packers (parachute, that is)

You know how you can tell when your FAA Licensed Rigger is "FRUGAL"?...he always seems to be packin' some guys 'chute!

 

[BD King]

You know how you can tell when your FAA Licensed Rigger is "FRUGAL"?...he always seems to be packin' some guys 'chute!

Puts a new meaning to humping it..........Seriously, I started flying in 1960, and after reading your guy's posts, I will still adhere to Ernie Gann's observation, and that is if it is still flying "Ride the bastard down".

 

[PA-44Typed]

I got a my first job in aviation that way.-DO IT!

 

[FN FAL]

Puts a new meaning to humping it..........Seriously, I started flying in 1960, and after reading you guy's posts, I will still adhere to Ernie Gann's observation, and that is if it is still flying "Ride the bastard down".

Hahaha...no sin there! The sport isn't for everyone, but in reality there is nothing more to the sport, than "mind over matter".

There was a large group out last weekend to do tandems and at the end of the day, an elderly lady who came there to watch her group jump, decided to take the plunge...she did a tandem and got the video. Out of all the hot shot kids out there that shrank as the plane went up to altitude, this lady smiled all the way up and all the way out the door and during her skydive.

I was freaking impressed! She had to be pushing 70 if not at least that old, and her avocation was as a missionary. I have a lot of respect for that position and I would imagine that she has lived through some things many more times dangerous than a sport parachute jump. (yea, there was a pun in there somewhere, but it eludes me )

 

[BD King]

Interesting. Does that mean she jumped in the missionary position?

 

[rumpletumbler]

Thanks for all the help, tips, and information. I'll let you know should I jump in the spring.

 

[FN FAL]

Interesting. Does that mean she jumped in the missionary position?

No, actually when you think about the tandem type skydive, it's more relevant to the doggie style.

 

[FracCapt]

Thanks for all the help, tips, and information. I'll let you know should I jump in the spring.

What area do you live in? Somebody here could probably recommend a good DZ in your neck of the woods.

 

[rumpletumbler]

I was thinking about this one http://www.georgiaskydivingcenter.com/ It comes recommended locally.

 

[FracCapt]

I was thinking about this one http://www.georgiaskydivingcenter.com/ It comes recommended locally.

The DZ in Rome is a great place I hear. I haven't been there since that one opened(the old DZ at Rome closed late 2002 or early 2003, and this new one popped up almost overnight), but I haven't heard anything bad about it. Most of the jumpers are the same that were at the old DZ....and that was an awesome crowd. When you decide to go, you may want to call ahead to see if they are going to have a turbine aircraft there or just a 182. The benefit to a turbine is you will get a higher altitude - which means more freefall time - and you will get to altitude faster. Don't get me wrong....I love jumping at small DZ's that run small aircraft, but for a first jump, I recommend the highest altitude you can get. There are several other DZ's in the area....one in Thomaston, one in Monroe, and two in Cedartown. I can recommend all of them except for Atlanta Skydiving Center in Cedartown....I HIGHLY recommend avoiding ASC.

You can find all the contact info for those DZ's on the USPA website...here's the link to the direct page.. http://www.uspa.org/dz/states/GA.htm

 

[rumpletumbler]

The web site says they use a Caravan.

 

[CSY Mon]

Broke my ankle into many pieces after first jump 22 years ago. (28' round chute)
Still carry bolts and steel in the foot and have nasty scars after the wound became infected under the cast.

Figured skydiving is not my cup of tea.

Took up scubadiving instead, no rush there except when ya run out of air.

 

[FracCapt]

The web site says they use a Caravan.

I don't think they have a turbine there full time...they just bring it in when there is a need for more lift capacity than a 182. I may be wrong though, this is based on info from friends that went there several months ago.

 

[FracCapt]

Broke my ankle into many pieces after first jump 22 years ago. (28' round chute)
Still carry bolts and steel in the foot and have nasty scars after the wound became infected under the cast.

Figured skydiving is not my cup of tea.

Took up scubadiving instead, no rush there except when ya run out of air.

Rounds aren't very forgiving. Luckily, when I started jumping, square mains were standard, and square reserves were just gaining popularity. My first rig had a round reserve....luckily I never had to use it. I have never had a round reserve ride, but I did jump a round main at the World Freefall Convention back in '98....I hit the ground like a ton of bricks, and my legs were sore for a couple days. A buddy of mine also did his first round jump that day....and stood up the landing instead of PLF'ing...broke his left tibula. Whoops!

No rush in scuba diving, huh? You obviously haven't been in virgin cave...or a virgin wreck...or been hanging on a deco line at 150fsw while a couple of Bull sharks circle you for a couple minutes.

 

[CSY Mon]

No rush in scuba diving, huh? You obviously haven't been in virgin cave...or a virgin wreck...or been hanging on a deco line at 150fsw while a couple of Bull sharks circle you for a couple minutes.

Been there, done that, but find scuba very peacefull:
Sure there is the occasional rush, but my dives are along the lines of gliding along the bottom observing things, not trying to survive every minute.

As for the bull sharks, never seen 'em yet...Yup, that would be a "rush", tigers and Great Whites included.

Most of my dives in St. Croix, some wrecks, some nurse sharks, but mostly peace and quiet along the North Wall.

Biggest "rush" was in the Red Sea when I did a personal screw-up and was close to loosing control and being in the local news the next day..