Keep your fingers crossed....Toes too.

[TomCat]

After 33 years as an active skydiver/commercial pilot, I've decided on Friday I'll point my bus south to compete in the US Parachuting Nationals being held in Eloy, Arizona next week. During my years as a skydiver, I usually was stuck flying the jump ship at air shows and other large events. NOT THIS TIME!
By Tuesday, I'll have made 10 practice jumps, and be attempting to consistantly land directly on a 3cm target...a little larger than a US quarter...Yeah, that's pretty small from 2500' agl.
My normal skydiving canopy is way too small for an event like this, so I'm using the large canopy I normally use to BASE jump from cliffs, bridges and buildings.

So, please keep your fingers crossed for me next week. Not to keep me safe, but to do well in the meet!

Jay
87 SaftLiner

[Connel]

Jay,

Have a great and safe week in AZ!!
Thought - hmm - why do people jump out of perfectly good aircraft??
Have fun!!
Connel

[brojcol]

There were four men on an Airplane Flight, the Pilot, the World's
Smartest Man, a Hippie, and a Priest.

The plane began having engine trouble. It started descending at a very rapid
rate. The pilot informed his passengers about the engine trouble and that
they would have to bail out. There was a problem; there were only three
parachutes. The four men started talking over the situation.

The Pilot stated that he has to use one of the parachutes so he would be able
to tell the FAA what happened to the plane and that by doing this doing this
would save countless lives. The other three agreed, so the Pilot took one of
the parachutes and jumped to safety.

The World's Smartest Man said he had to use one of the parachutes
because the world relied on him for his knowledge and leadership. The other
two passengers agreed, so the World's Smartest Man took a parachute and
jumped out.

The Priest and Hippie looked at each other. The Priest told the Hippie, "You
take the last parachute because the good Lord will look after me."
The Hippie said, "Thank you Father, but there isn't any problem, the
'World's Smartest Man' jumped out with my back pack on.

MAKE SURE YOU GRAB THE RIGHT PACK!!!

[HighTechRedneck]

That sounds like a lot of fun!

But 3cm target?  Yikes!  How do you see it from high enough up to adjust your landing?

Enjoy, but keep it safe.

Thought - hmm - why do people jump out of perfectly good aircraft??

To avoid airport hassles? 

[wvanative]

I would guess that the target is a big bull eye and can be seen easily from above but he will need to hit it dead center "oops" sorry about that bad word, absolutely center each time. So as they say in hollywood break a leg kid, "oops' I did it again.

Jay,

Go out there and have fun and be safe we are all wishing you well.

Dean 

[gumpy]

Now there's something I've never had a desire to do... exit a perfectly good airplane at 10000 ft.   
Just don't make sense to me.

But then again, I've climbed mountains and hung off the sides of them on ropes, just because they were there 

Good luck. Play safe.

[jaybe_2]

We buy old buses to fix up and live in!! I think most people think we are all a few frise short of a happy meal. I have a feeling that by the end of this build, I will be ready to jump out of plane without a shute. Any way good luck!!

[WEC4104]

Years ago, when I made my first jump, I remember a comment a friend of mine made to me. I had invited to join me and make the jump. His response: "I don't want to try anything I have to do right the first time". 

Wayne

[Ncbob]

Well, Tom..I agree with one of the earlier posters...having been a pilot sine the early 60's I've never felt the need to leave an airplane with two good wings...but I've taken skydivers up a few times and it seems so strange to be alone after all the pleasant conversation on the way up.

I admire you're zeal and wish you the best.  Please, please...I don't wish to see another ad for a slightly used parachute  on the Board again.

If you approach your skydiving with the same attitude in which you reply to inquiries on this Board...you will definitely place in the competition...meaning you've done your homework.

Best of Luck and fly safetly.