ixlr82

"What is it about the nature of this experience and how one is organized around it that still makes it worth it even though it is such a short-lived experience, and many times the conditions are not even right for getting access to this short-lived experience? " I just don't think any of us can answer this for you, not me anyway. When I was just starting I would drive 2 or 4 hours to a dropzone on a cloudy day and just hope that a hole would open up. I almost felt like life without skydiving was kind of empty. I certainly wasn't thinking about it in the practical, analytical way that your question is directed. You were struggling with AFF a couple months ago. How did that resolve? Perhaps a tandem once or twice a year would give you the fix you are looking for without the investment in time and emotional energy.

For those of you that didn't notice...In the USPA email update there was this link to a really wonderful article on the making of the 400-way back in 2006. It was by Paul Bertorelli and, IMO, really well written and interesting. https://www.avweb.com/features/the-making-of-the-worlds-largest-skydive-2/

Based on your experience, Billvon or Joe Weber, what is your assessment of the likelihood of the 400 way ever being broken? Logistics, qualified jumpers, interest, etc...

Maybe, if no one answers here, copy and paste into the Freefly forum. __________________________________________

I would be very uncomfortable with a staged breakoff of 5k and 4.5k. That's 3 seconds, way too close for those two groups. And 12 people doesn't typically require a staged breakoff. Also, you can always request to 'up' the breakoff altitude. __________________________________________

Chanman, I'm going to quote Wendy's second paragraph because it seems you didn't actually pay attention to what she said when you posted. "2500' is a good lower end for BSR now I think. But just as a safe speed might be above the speed limit, I think a safe opening can be planned down to about 2000'. Margin of error is always nice". A baglock or a no pull needs immediate emergency procedures, no doubt. However, it can be PLANNED, even down to 2000 feet. The outer ring of belly big ways have been pulling at 2k for decades. If you have an AAD and/or high performance main it means you have to be extremely responsive to initiate EP's. __________________________________________

Yes. Thank you for that link. Clicked on it and spent the next 54 minutes learning about parachutes from someone who designs, modifies and test flies parachutes. And he refuses to get very technical, instead always bringing it back to the very pertinent, tangible and easy to understand aspects that are pertinent to real world skydivers. __________________________________________

You should be fitting into the landing pattern. Based on info you have given us as well as jump numbers, I am guessing you have plenty of people to follow down. Don't be a lemming, but you should be 'safely' enter the landing pattern (whatever it is) and following those before you. If you are uncomfortable with this, find somewhere far, far away from the main landing area to land. Most DZ's that I've been to in Cal, Or and Wash have such areas. And as has been stated, you could use a more fluid approach with your landing patterns. Do what you have to do to land safely without hosing others. Sometimes that may mean landing far away. __________________________________________

Sorry for the slight highjack but...absolutely do track up jump run if that is the direction you need to track to get away from your 16 way. No more and no less than is necessary to gain adequate opening separation from your group. Then fly your canopy off the line of flight until you see the next group open. __________________________________________

I'm not going. I'm working. I'm sad...You should check this out. Just google 'Skydive Awesome' then click on 'Awesome Events'. Near Bend, Oregon, ground zero for the eclipse. Even if you didn't jump at all the price would better than most anything you could find just to be in the totality zone. I have nothing to do with Skydive Awesome, never been there, but it just seems unjust that more skydivers aren't aware of this opportunity. First time in my life I'm truly sad that I'll be making money instead of spending it. The eclipse load is stated as full but I suspect if you have deep pockets someone would sell you their slot. __________________________________________

Ralph Hatley. 'Call Ralph'. He still has a small ad in the classified section of Parachutist. __________________________________________

Seriously? The lower jumper doesn't track? There was clearly one inexperienced jumper. The other three...not necessarily. Even if you were keeping an eye on him, as you can see, shit happens real fast when he decides to pull in place. __________________________________________

August 21st is a Monday, not a Friday. I would be very surprised if any fun jumpers find their way onto a load. This seems like an opportunity for DZO's to make some serious money with some very expensive tandem jumps. Pretty much every campground, every park, every motel in the eclipse path is already sold out at very exorbitant prices. The experience from altitude should be remarkable and I am willing to bet there are people willing to pay big bucks. Heck, maybe scratch the tandems and just have an Otter full of tourists to witness the eclipse. __________________________________________

Lamest troll ever. Come on man. At least put a little thought into it. __________________________________________

Thanks for sharing that Summerfest video. That second jump (or second video) might have been the funniest thing I've ever seen. Total chaos and no one gets hurt equals grand entertainment. To the OP: In my opinion, right now, it's about safety for you. So if you choose not to wear an appropriate jumpsuit, talk to knowledgeable skydivers about safe(ish) alternatives and why certain clothing is questionable. __________________________________________