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7-8 - USPA Coach Course. Hosted by Bram Clement USPA Course Director 9-13 - AFF Certification Pre-Course with Pip Redvers. Great training for upcoming week from HELL! 13-15-"Plnk Mafia" CHICKS ROCK FreeFly Boogie Pink Mafia Sisters Gathering, All-Chic ways, "PMS" number jumps, Saturday night party!!!!! 14 - FreeFly couples competition, 4 jumps: 3 rounds of IPC Intermediate speed compulsory, 1 Free round. $30.00 registration fee goes toward prize money. Special Jump Rates for Valentine's Day 14-2 - USPA AFF Certification Course, details TBA Contact Bram Clement at [email protected] 23-27- Strong Tandem Certification Course FMI: [email protected]
6 -7 - 4 Way Scrambles Meet, intermediate and beginners welcome - since you get to jump with a high quality team captain. $30 registration and 4 rounds covers video and slots. 17 - St. Patrick's Day - $ 14 jumps all day for everyone. S' 1 1 J J- 3-1 1 - The Annual Caster Boogie atZ-Hllls - alw ays the best! Competitions, music, fun organizing, food, parties, nudity and debauchery. Last year we did almost 8000 jumps from 6 planes at the Boogie-THE Spring Meet FreeFly 4 way Speed "Scrambles Competition" 5 Rounds Saturday $30.00 Registration fee goes toward prize money. 15- 19 -14 0 W ay 2 point Dives. Another World Record to be broken. We set the 120 Way record last year and will trounce It again this year. FMI: [email protected]
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Patron: His Royal Highness Out on the sixteenth of every other month The Prince of Wales BPA, W harf Way, / Glen Parva, flV Leicester LE2 9TF M | fU * * 1”'' editorial Tel: 0116 278 5271 Fax: 0116 247 7662
A Christmas present from the BPA to all members is enclosed [email protected] with this magazine; the BPA Skydiving Calendar 2004. www.bpa.org.uk My warm congratulations to Eddie Jones and the 2003 Communications Committee for their initiative in a superb way BPA Staff of promoting the sport. It has been a pleasure to work on this Technical Officer Tony Butler project, the stunning photographs reflect the beauty, excitement National Safety Officer John Hitchen and diversity of our activity. The theme was 'British Skydiving' PA to above officers Trudy Kemp and as such, all images are of Brits, by Brits or both. We are Financial Administrator Jon Gretton EDITORIAL aware many are not over the UK but went for the sweetest, Secretary-General Martin Shuttleworth The Mag, Station Road, Ailsworth, Administration Secretary Susan Waterfield Peterborough, PE5 7AH tastiest, most mouth-watering eye candy. Enjoy! United Kingdom Membership Services Karey Goodwin Membership Services Sue Allen The AGM in January is the first of many BPA dates printed in Tel/Fax: 01733 380 568 Stock Controller David Lucas the calendar. The Competitions Committee have arranged [email protected] National and Grand Prix events earlier than usual and these www.skydivemag.com have all been included, a great example of the various BPA BPA Council 2003 committees working together. These dates (plus the CF BPA Chairman SUBSCRIBE Nationals which has only just been decided) are also in the Chris Allen [email protected] www.skydivemag.com magazine diary, inside back cover. Following the Comps Vice Chairman & Competitions Chairman Or see page 7 Committee's lead we chased up as many dates as possible for John Smyth 2004 and are proud to present a full and early diary to help [email protected] CHANGED ADDRESS? you plan next year. Development Chairman Email: [email protected] Kieran Brady Call BPA: 0116 278 5271 Unusually this year, we will not have a Skydive Mag stand at [email protected] Communications Chairman the AGM. This is because I will be away in Thailand at a Eddie Jones World Record attempt; Colin will be at the AGM but will be [email protected] ADVERTISING managing his own audible altimeter stand and we did not Jayne Notley want to mix the two areas. I'm happy to say that over the Council Members Warners Group Publications years negative feedback has reduced each AGM and positive Paul Applegate [email protected] West Street Calvin Blacker [email protected] input increased so we felt it wasn't vital to have a magazine Bourne, Lines PE10 9PH Ralph Fielding [email protected] presence. If you do have any feedback about The Mag, email Billy Gollan [email protected] it to me, we're always interested. Dave Hickling [email protected] TELEPHONE Nigel Holland [email protected] Ad Sales - Jayne Notley I hope you have a super Christmas break, whatever you're up Ian Marshall [email protected] Ian Midgley [email protected] 01778 391 189 to. If you're skydiving, make sure you send us pictures and Jim White [email protected] Ad Production - Jo Cooke reports for The Mag as soon as possible in the New Year... 01778 391 164 and don't take out any reindeer! BPA Officers Fax: 01778 394 748 & Representatives 2003
STC Chairman John Hitchen MANAGING EDITOR [email protected] Lesley Gale [email protected] Riggers Chairman Paul Applegate EDITORIAL & WEBSITE 01869 277 469 [email protected] CO-ORDINATOR BPA Vice Presidents Jim Crocker, John Lines Colin Bridges & Bob Card colin @ skydivemag.com deadlines Treasurer Debbie Carter DESIGN Pilots Committee Chairman Tony Knight Andy Vernum Royal Aero Club Delegate John Smyth Tel: 01733 380 809 stylaprint@ btinternet.com CAA Liaison Officer Tony Knight BPA Gasco Representative Angela Hickling IPC Delegate John Hitchen
d e a d l i n e - 3 Photo, by Gary Wainwright, shows jumpers at Langar Boogie 2 on their way to a successful 34-way
NOTE: Some of the photos in this magazine may show skydivers without helmets or altimeters, or otherwise not O ut on the obeying the BPA Operations Manual, in which case they were taken abroad. In the UK it is mandatory to wear a sixteenth of every helmet and alti for obvious safety reasons. Students within other month The Mag are complying with BPA regulations.
© The Mag All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a SUPPORTED BY retrieval system or transmitted in any form; electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, without prior permission of the Editor. The views expressed in The Mag are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the BPA. Opinions in the editorial are those of the Editor, not of the BPA. The Editor retains the right to withdraw any advertisement at her discretion and does not accept liability for delay in publication or for errors, although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes. The information in this magazine was, to the best of our ability, correct at the time of gong to press. Reproduction, printing and mailing take a total of three © weeks so some information may be out of date, or superseded.
December 2003 features
New British Women’s CF Record
Flight Test: Satire 2 Al Macartney’s verdict
Cutting Away 24
Vital info about risers and cutaway systems
For Starters: Buying a Rig
The second part in Anne Maxwell s buyer’s guide
Corners Can Kill
The BPA Poster Explained
World Cup: Canopy Piloting 40
Action and excitement at IP C ’s first official swoop event
Ez Liggitt Ian Marshall recalls Ez
regulars ie rs oe Weston over Frost Mike Cover photo: photo: Cover Subscribe to The Mag JMs Newsround BPA Matters Kit News Puzzle Club News by portraitSelf BPA Affiliated Drop Zones BPA Associated Organisations Classified Adverts Diary Advertisers Index
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December 2003 CF UK
Canopy Formation isn't making a comeback in the UK - it's made it!
Two exciting formations set new records over Langar, here's the full story on each... Polishing a Diamond
On Saturday 30 August, ten Back to Bas:'~ The following weekend five others came along to dedicated jumpers built a very The first proper get 1 year was start building bigger. On every dive almost special canopy formation in the Easter and we had a very enjoyable weekend everyone was learning a brand new slot - first skies over Langar - a 9-way building eight and nine stacks and getting people ever wing dockings, first ever lock dockings, first diamond with a stinger as a tail. used to the new canopies. ever receiving a lock... no-one could quite Twelve months earlier most of the believe the improvement: a 5-way on the first jump, then six, then a seven and finally an jumpers had only a handful of CF Skill and Discipline 8-way wedge with the ninth just feet away. Lots of jumps, one had only one CF jump - Offset CF formations require more skill and more firsts, and - yes, everyone did buy beer - lots what progress was seen over discipline than straight stacks. The aim is to dock of it! the year! the end cell, or both end cells of your canopy onto a hip of the jumper or jumpers (as opposed Then during the summer, progress seemed to take Resurrection of CF to the centre cell on someone's backpack with a step backwards. Whilst everyone was getting Over the past few years, canopy formation has stacks), so you must arrive with very little better each jump, we all took it in turns to have a been enjoying a bit of a resurgence, thanks in no momentum. Once in position you often need to bad dive, which meant that the 9-way diamond small part to the CF seminar weekends that the actively control your canopy to ensure it doesn't was always just beyond our reach. Red Devils have run about once a year. Having wrap around the person you are docked on. Car accidents, trampolining incidents and landing had some of these weekends, Langar had a Actively flying a canopy during CF is much more injuries meant that throughout July and August bunch of people dabbling at CF, mostly building involved than flying back to the dz after FS. we attempted a 9-way diamond with only six or small stacks and downplanes. Some of these Toggles, back risers and front risers are all used seven people! Now I'm no genius at maths but people had CF kit, some didn't. The jumps were in various combinations to constantly fly your even I knew the odds weren't looking good, always fun but not often developing new skills. canopy in response to other canopies docked or although the base of the formation was getting They were a bit like recently qualified Cat 10 docking on the formation and also to the air - better and better and people were learning new skydivers - with proven skills but not able to move turbulence, change of windline while descending, slots to compensate for those that were on to more challenging stuff without coaching. thermals and so on. unavailable. Having spent the last few years on the CF People learned new skills and became more On 30 August we still didn't have nine people - sequential national team Team X, I was looking to proficient at canopy flying but the formations we had ten. Cool! Confidence was at an all-time put something back into the sport so I sounded were less successful than the straight stacks. It high. On the first jump of the day, which out the idea of showing this gang some offset CF would have been very easy to get disillusioned at normally just gets rid of the cobwebs, everything formations rather than the stacks they were easily this point but I was constantly amazed at how the came together to build the first 9-way diamond building. At this point my mouth ran away with gang were eager to learn and always had a over Langar - plus an extra canopy on the me and I said "/ know, I will teach you how to great laugh no matter what - they weren't even bottom to make a cool 10-way! With Tony D build a 9-way diamond!". That was it, the deterred by a pilot chute in tow (can't blame there to do the honours with the camera the challenge was set and I knew they were going to CRW for that one) and a wrap! (Same victim as summer's goal was achieved. hold me to this one! the pilot chute in tow, mentioning no names but it The biggest problem was always going to be was Taz that chopped!) Every situation is a The Future getting enough compatible canopies. A mixture is learning experience and it was good to see such Next year's plan is to progress to a 16-way okay for building small basic stacks but, to do events dealt with calmly and correctly. diamond, hopefully by adding some more more advanced larger formations, you need the experienced CRW jumpers to the group and then, After half a dozen attempts we eventually same kind of canopies. Trying to build offset who knows, the Marines' 24-way has been a managed to crack a 4-way diamond. This was formations with incompatible canopies is British record for far too long now. Watch this always going to be the most difficult hurdle; too definitely not recommended. The dedication of the space! many people try to build large diamonds before group to learn CF showed as they pulled out all they can even build a small one. Mark 'Plastic' Weaver the stops to source used PD Lightnings within a [email protected] few weeks. Game On! 8 slw d lv e •'December 2003 Record Breakers Mark 'Plastic' Weaver Baz 'N o Cares' Carey Martin 'Wrappiette' Robiette Gordon 'Wrapkinson' Hodgkinson Quinten 'O'Blimey' O'Brien Taz 'Cause-a-Wrap' Causer lain 'Freddy' McDonald Gavin 'McW rap' McLeod Pat 'Take Me' Hammond Karen 'Bent 'Em' Brennan
lecember 2003 . — Ill— M l P l l Pat's Angels Seven determined women set a new British CF Record at Langar
Sarah-Jane, Karen, Maria, Yo, Sylvianne, Taz and Jude
On October 25, several months of Relief training came together as seven As the last to dock I remember feeling a huge ladies jumped from the Caravan sense of relief having piloted my canopy into and built a complete canopy position and put the top surface of the canopy into formation. They instantly smashed Karen's hands. I knew we had got the record! As I the UK record for women's canopy looked up and saw the six other girls looking formation, in front of the trained down and counting out a ten second delay eyes of FAI judge Bob Charters. (required to qualify the jump as a legitimate The previous record was a 4-way set in 1991. This record). I couldn't help but feel overwhelmingly seems a modest record to beat but there are very proud to be jumping with six such skilled and sex group. It was a lot of fun to be all girls few women doing canopy formation in Britain, determined people. The formation was solid and together laughing and joking on the ground. As something CF coach Pat Hammond was flew exceptionally well, testimony to the skill of Yolande said "Everyone really gets on" but what I determined to change. Recognising that women each and every jumper. remember most is looking around and realising have just as much skill and ability to do CF he put Break-off that this was the first time I'd been in a jump plane the team of seven girls together earlier this year The last person to dock (from below) breaks off with a clear majority of women. The atmosphere of and set about organising the record jump. Pat first. One at a time, each jumper must apply the the dive was noticeably different; very calm, commented "Women can do anything they want to brakes equally which depresses the canopy and professional and serious. Everyone on the team in skydiving and they are really very good... they allows it to sink back; combined with a gentle right commented on a certain degree of control and tend to listen more to coaching." or left input on brake or riser, the canopy slides out teamwork that only a group of women can bring. I Training from behind the formation safely to the side. Then dare say, after the women's CF team success, it We trained individually throughout the year, each the jumper turns in a pre-defined direction, also may actually be the future of CF! doing a couple of jumps with Pat at some point part of the dirt-dive, and heads back to land on Calling CF Chicks and getting into a few mixed big-ways. We met their own. Our immediate goal is to recruit a selection of girls each other for the first time to train as a group at Peaceful Environment to train for their CF1 so we may break our own Netheravon two weeks before the record attempt. Canopy formation can be the most amazing and record with a 10-way in 2004. This will equal the Slots beautiful sport. Unlike freefall there is plenty of current European record held in Germany. Sylvianne was our pilot, flying at the top. Our time, the dive plan is longer and it can be very The Future formation was a straight stack with one canopy peaceful flying a canopy and working relative to The world record for women's CF is currently a docked behind the other with grips taken by each another in a controlled and skilled environment. As 25-way diamond, set in the USA. Our long term jumper in the risers of the docked canopy behind Taz said "None of us are gurus" but the canopy goal is to see a selection of British women trained her. Sylvie's role was to control our direction of control skills learnt through practicing CF are very to a level to take part in the next European record flight and check our progress. relevant to all canopy flying. Maria and I both attempt - and onwards! We are currently planning Each girl was given an order to dock and the jump admit we learnt CF specifically to improve our a special training scheme in the UK next year. If was dirt-dived on the ground beforehand, just as confidence under canopy - neither of us thought there are any females who would like to train in in FS. Everyone was given a holding position we would be breaking CF records some time later! CF and take part we want to hear from you. There whilst waiting to dock and then an approach Pride and Professionalism really is no limit to what you can achieve if you pattern. Jude docked second, followed by Yolande, Talking to some of the girls who took part in the choose to join in. Taz took fourth position with Maria fifth and finally women's big-way Brit Chicks FS record I felt the Karen and myself docking sixth and seventh. The Sarah-Jane Smith same pride to do this CF record as an all-female [email protected] jump was made from 9,000 feet with break-off at team. It really was different to jumping in a mixed 3,500 feet and was built well within time. The Thank Yous FAI judges Prof and Bob Charters Cameramen at Netheravon Tony Danbury at Langar Pat Hammond Mark Weaver Staff at both DZ's for their support
Record Breaker Jumps CF Jumps Canopy Sarah-Jane Smith 700 250 PD Sabre 135 Karen Brennan 800 150 PD Lightning 126 Maria Russell 300 40 PD Lightning 1 26 Jude Haig 600 80 PD Lightning 160 Taz Causer 400 60 PD Lightning 126 Sylvianne Herrick 300 100 PD Lightning 160/Fury Yolande Lee 600 150 PD Lightning 1 26
"There is an awful lot o f scaremongering P with CF but, given a good coach and the right kit, CF is safe tCjS and really really enjoyable because you get maximum time in the air"
"All girls! Great, no farting in the plane! And proving it takes more than a pair o f balls to do CF!" Maria Russell
"This record has signalled the rebirth of CF and women have spawned it!"
Yolande Lee
"The girls did not need a lot o f training, they knew what they needed to know already, they just needed organising" Pat Hammond
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Langar has bought a second World Champion team Alchemy have moved from Cessna Grand Caravan to join their Sebastian, Florida to Perris Valley, California. fleet of turbines. This replaces their The Freefly Training Center at Skydive Sebastian, 206 which has been sold on. Florida, is still very much in operation with national UK St Andrews will be flying their freefly champions Chris Lynch and Rob Silver plus Dave own Turbo 206 with in-flight door, Brown (pictured) and Francisco Neri. Freefly Training oxygen system, floater rails and Centre offers freefly coaching for all levels, in freefall or step. at the nearby Orlando SkyVenture wind tunnel. Strathallan have bought another Chris Lynch ~ [email protected] Cessna 206 to join their existing Rob Silver - [email protected] two. One 206 is currently on lease Dave Brown ~ [email protected] but two 206s will be flying from Francisco Neri ~ [email protected] January onwards and they ay Wainwright Gary anticipate flying all three from April 2004. Brit Chicks Black Knights are leasing a S O O € Porter from 1 July to 1 August Kate Stephens, Lesley Gale and 2004, which will be used for the FS V/Vlax are aiming for a women's 8-way Grand Prix in the beginning British record 60-way in 2004, at of July. Langar. Base practice/build up is 25 Years On over the bank holiday weekend of 28-30 August and the record It's 25 years since Britain's first attempt on Friday 3 to Sunday 5 parachuting gold medal was won September. by Jackie Smith in the accuracy event at the 1978 World Meet in Warm-up Brit Chicks events will be held over both weekends of the first Langar Boogie in May. These Zagreb (ex Yugoslavia, now will be combined with Langar's load organised groups so that the multi-aircraft loads will be of both Croatia). Jackie, on a 5-cell Strato sexes. Seminars are open to all. Star, was the first competitor to [email protected] score ten consecutive dead centres in world competition. UK's second European Skydiving League gold at a World Meet was this year with V/Vlax. ESL (European Skydiving League) is a project spear headed by W illy Boeykens, the Belgian cameraman. Different European countries hold 4-way meets on the same weekend with the same draw, so the results can be measured against other nations. Such meets decide the team to represent their country at the ESL finals. ESL is primarily aimed at non national teams giving others a chance to experience international competition. It is hoped the UK will join the league in time, although a problem to overcome is that their Jackie Smith, photo by Bob King intermediate dive pool is very different. ESL 2003’s winning team Hayabusa (Belgium) 14 sky who beat 22 teams, averaging 15.1 [email protected] December 2003 Tunnel City R e v i e w s Another UK wind tunnel is planned. W illin g t o P ly DVD This one already exists on a former MOD testing site in Bedford but Reviewed by Hannah Barnes requires modifying. It is larger than Su m m a ry Put it on your Santa list, a 'must have' for any freefall simulator currently being your DVD library used, with a 16 feet diameter Running time 3 hours compared to Aerokart's 14 feet and Cost £36.95 SkyVenture Orlando's 11 feet. The Content 9 /1 0 airspeed is apparently suitable for flat VFM 9 /1 0 and freeflying. The tunnel has existed Norman Kent's Willing to Fly DVD is chock-full of extras such as a bonus film, director's commentary, since 1955 but has not yet been used photo gallery, the creation and original storyboard art. The quality of the 35mm film can really be by humans so it requires major appreciated on DVD versus the original video release. renovation. Planning permission has been granted and the projected W illing to Fly is an artistic expression of Norman's skillful cinematography exploring all aspects of opening is August 2004. skydiving. The director's commentary, an in-depth explanation by Norman, is well worth watching and will also give a leg-up to those who might be put off by the Skydancervoice-over on the original www.extremebodyflight.co.uk soundtrack. My personal favourite feature is the scene selection and being able to go straight to chapter 1 2 starring Frightful the Falcon flying with his freefalling keeper. Stolen Rig Flightscape, a 43-minute bonus film, opens with incredible under canopy footage of Frightful the A rig was stolen in a house burglary Falcon grabbing Norman's pilot chute and trying to take off with it. Flightscape can be viewed with its and the owner is offering a reward original soundtrack but has been edited so that you can play your own music instead. It's uncanny for information leading to its recovery. how the footage seems to go with any music. Downloadable trailers and samples are available at It's a Vector III, black with turquoise Norman Kent's website. trim; PD Spectre 190, alternative www.normankent.com white and turquoise blue; PD 176 UK Stockist DZ Sports 01295 812 101 reserve; and Cypres. 07870 698401 soul Plyovs DVD [email protected]
Review ed by Chris Hollis RAPA is 40! Su m m a ry A well presented product of some fearless 2004 marks RAPA's 40* anniversary so French dudes having a laugh this year's annual championships will Running time 45 minutes plus 14 mins extras be a massive reunion. Everyone who Cost 30 Euros has ever jumped or flown at RAPA is Content 9 /1 0 warmly invited to attend and bring VFM 9 /1 0 their memorabilia. Skydivers, pilots, Loic Jean Albert and friends have produced this road trip capturing innovative and daring aerial riggers, teams and individuals, take stunts involving wingsuits, extreme canopy flight, paragliding and base jumping. The movie takes you your old photographs, jumpsuits, on a journey as they play above the Alps, Namibia, Canada and the Reunion Island. ancient sets of kit and your holiday slides. The championships are from Soul Flyers has some great footage of ingenious hybrid jumps featuring the paraglider as an 13-16 June, and include style & airborne launch platform, rollerblading off a bridge, a James Bond-esque canopy flight down a piste accuracy, 4-way FS and pond pursuing skiers and, most impressively, an extremely low pass of a ski slope by Loic in a wingsuit. swooping. Please spread the word to Accompanied by a driving techno sound track, the locations make stunning backdrops and the stunts anyone who has been involved with have to be seen to be believed. The length is just right to retain interest without becoming repetitive. RAPA at any time. This DVD will go down well with anyone with an interest in pushing the envelope of flight. RAPA: [email protected] Flights: www.airberlin.de Extras include an extended 14-minute section of the Namibian desert scene with English subtitles, a useful facility as the movie voice-over is in French. This voice-over doesn't detract however as the Stop Press! stunning visuals need no explanation. www.flyyourbody.com Jumpers set a World Record CF formation of 70, at Lake Wales, Florida on 29 November. a Did YOU Hour? Border Parachute Centre will be o Do closing on 22 December 03 due to Four British skydivers were in a deaf world a>' record 15-way set at Perris Valley in September. residential development at Brunton Brits Alan Thompson (Peterlee), Peter Davis Airfield. (Headcorn), Stuart Wilson (Peterborough) and American Jay Stokes set a new record Ian Rayners were among the record-breaking for the most jumps in 24 hours, of jumpers. Alan also became the first deaf person 534; achieved on November 11. See to do a high altitude jump, from 32,000 feet www.mostjumps.com over Davis, California. skyo'tvi' 15 December 2003 SUN, SEA & ADVENTURE!
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Should the day come, be.. Council Rigging Election 2004 A rigging course was run at the Rhine > \ Army Parachute Association (RAPA), Bad There is an election this year as 21 Lippspringe, Germany, 3-7 November. people have been nominated for the Examiners Bill Sharp and John Curtis 15 seats on Council. Information on worked exceptionally hard and awarded candidates and a postage-paid ballot eight new rigger qualifications. Everyone card have been inserted in this Mag. agreed the facilities and organisation made the journey very worthwhile. We Please vote - the BPA is your byM xttiiH GAlittteW O'ftA BPA Office even had time to visit Airtec. Cheap flights association and this is your chance to made the whole trip easy. Anyone have your say - the Council Members interested in next year's course, contact you elect are the Directors of the BPA. In the evening it's time to ditch the A G M and Bill at: bsharp2440@ aol.com The results of the election will be jeans and dress how your mum announced immediately after the Dinner wanted you to, for the dinner and dance. Tickets for this splendid AGM. The AGM, Saturday 24 January at occasion are £22, call the BPA the Hanover Hotel, Hinckley, starts Pay attention to the instructions on the Office. Hurry, they're going fast! at 10.30, followed by a ballot card, you need to follow them Dinner: 01162785271 exactly for your vote to count. If your presentation ceremony and card is not filled in according to the afternoon seminars, details on the instructions or is incomplete, it will be BPA website. There will also be an Rooms, including breakfast and invalid. If you spoil your card, or if exhibition of parachuting kit and parking, are at special rates: you need another one as you have a services. Show space (free) may still Fri 23 Jan £62.50 double/twin joint membership, call the BPA Office. be available - contact the BPA £42.50 single person Completed cards must reach the BPA Office. Attendance at the AGM is Sat 24 Jan £77.50 double/twin Office by noon on free and it's an ideal time to bring a £62.50 single person Hotel room s (quote BPA): Wednesday 21 January 2004 non-jumping partner along. RAPA rigging course; John Curtis, Andrew AGM Info: www.bpa.org.uk 08457 4 4 4123 Hilton, Bill Sharp, Roy Bannerman, Phill New Ratings Elston, Liz Ashley, Ian Anderson, Dave Insurance Increase Major, Steve Millington, Louise Cliff and CSBI Accuracy As mentioned last issue, a significant increase for the BPA’s third party Chris Clark (L to R, back row to front) Rob Oakly Judge insurance is expected for the new membership year from 1 April James Wilson Ruth Cooper 2004. The new figure is not known but a 30-100% increase has been Mike Beeden Karla Cole forecast. We've been fortunate with relatively modest increases, Russell Smith Ted Payne compared with spiralling premiums for other policies post September British Women's Jim Weir Frank Mallabone 11*. We'll continue negotiating for the best deal but it looks clear that Richard Wiggins Sue Waterfield deeper pockets will be needed. 4-w ay Team Selection Lauren Bannister Ashley Hollick CF Judge Christmas Holiday Ross Sibbald Sue Waterfield The BPA Office will be closed on Wednesday 24 December and re Douglas opens on Friday 2 January 2004. The BPA staff wish all members the McLelland Artistic Judge compliments of the season. Sue Skull TBI Richard Baldwin Basic Rigger lain Anderson CSI Liz Ashley Chris Chris Clark Southworth Phill Elston Louise Hawkins Dave Major The Competitions Committee David Drewette has pulled all the Jason Farrant Parachute stops out to get Andy Kille Rigger next year's Nationals Carl Jackson Louise Cliff and Grand Prix events Richard Parrott Steve Millington sorted (other than the CF Keith Davidson Nationals). Rigger VMax have decided to take a well-earned Advanced Examiner break from competition and are not entering Instructor Andrew Hilton the World Meet in Croatia, September Jim White 2004. As VMax were the only female senior Advanced team in the 2003 selection Nationals, there Packers Instructor is no second place team to be invited to Rich Aveyard Examiner represent us instead. Hence, the first 4-way Paul Hollow Dave Openshaw Grand Prix event, Headcorn, 8-9 May, will be a selection meet for the 4-way FS British Pilot FS Judge women's team. The highest placed female Examiner Frank Mallabone Dates and venues are on the inside back team will be invited to represent UK at the Phil Speight Elizabeth cover of this Mag and the BPA website. 2004 World Meet, entirely self-funded. Note Warner Sorry that two 8-way FS Grand Prix are on this only applies to the women's team, the consecutive weekends, this is to enable open team list ('open' to both men and British team VNE to support both events. women) has already been selected at the 18 sky 2003 FS Nationals. December 2003 Setting a new industry standard
When we set out to design and engineer the Pilot, one thing was evident to us: With the international skydiving community realizing that landing accidents have become a major issue in our sport we needed to release a canopy with a responsible attitude. We were confident we could achieve this and still provide a fun canopy to fly. Aerodyne’s introduction of the Pilot eradicates the stress associated with poor opening characteristics and fear of landings. Each soft consistent and controlled opening brings a new level of acceptance to the term good opening and on final approach you are greeted by a comforting controlled descent rate while maintaining sufficient forward speed for a powerful flare.
The Pilot is a semi elliPtical 9 cel1 designed for the intermediate and more conservative jumper. It is * fun to fly with responsive toggle input yet easy to land in all circumstances. The Pilot is rapidly becoming the choice of experienced jumpers and instructors, as well as what they recommend to their novices / and intermediate jumpers. The Pilot- setting a new industry standard.
something to compete against Performance and reliability. t r i a t h l o n the growing trend and successes Offered in CRW and RW of the Triathlon. The Triathlon has versions the Triathlon is still This is the canopy that set been redesigned and refined leading the pack when it comes the canopy world on fire as since its inception. We utilize to 7 cell performance. seven cell canopies made their industry standard silicon coated reappearance after some 10 zero porosity fabrics and proven years of absence. Virtually construction techniques to pro Photos by Patrick Passe every major manufacturer raced duce the one thing that never against the clock to produce changed...
i / > Available NOW at these and any The Kit Store of our other worldwide distributors. The One Stop ; Skydiving Shop s P www.aerodyne-int.com/sport There has clearly been a lot of work Icarus Canopies launched their original Safire canopy in 1998, which they believe to put into the design of this canopy be the first all purpose 9-cell canopy to include a lightly and truly elliptical planform shape. and it is most definitely one to consider. For the intermediate pilot, Icarus followed the changing requirements of the customer base especially noting the the Safire 2 is lovely. It has a long increasing enjoyment of canopy flight. Realising that new technologies were making fun control range which provides a and easy long flares accessible to a wide range of people, Icarus Canopies went back to the drawing board and re-engineered a totally new canopy. The Safire 2 came to comfortable feel throughout the respond to those in search of a mid range canopy which was both fun and forgiving canopy flight, the ability to that would cover the segment left under the Crossfire 2. Joris van Drunen, European manipulate the wing at all stages, Sales Rep for Icarus Canopies said "Planform design changes were introduced which gave the canopy more cell pressure, therefore greater rigidity, and less drag which plus super high or low speed created more flare power". In early 2002 they launched the Safire 2. landings with poise and style. This is a canopy you will want to fly rather Opening: eloquent than letting it fly you. After a standard pack job and deploying in a symmetrical body position at terminal, you can feel the lines paying out, under an assured tension. This is then followed by a secure and assertive, yet almost delicate snivel before the canopy expands and composes itself in an eloquent manner. This opening sequence instills confidence throughout.
To make the next load, a slightly rushed and most definitely sloppy pack job put me in twists. However, despite the Safire 2 being a truly elliptical canopy it then sat there beautifully while I, almost elegantly, manoeuvred myself around and regained full control of the canopy. Flight: calm and discreet yet boundless Flying the canopy provided an air of joy that allowed for the pilot to be in full command of the canopy flight. It was clear from the outset that this was a canopy you would want to fly and not a canopy you'd allow to fly you. The long control range provided a comfortable feel throughout the canopy flight providing the ability to manipulate the wing at all stages.
This predictable characteristic generated a reassuring ambience of both comfort and confidence. The firm but comfortable toggle pressure allowed a calm and discreet, yet boundless canopy flight. Holding both toggles down to full arm extent, it still took a few seconds before there was any indication of a pending stall, highlighting the length of controllability. Rear riser pressure was particularly strong but then most pilots flying this canopy will be unlikely to use this control input very often.
Generating that extra speed, the canopy did not dive uncontrollably and the front riser pressures allowed the pilot to hold the canopy in. Releasing the front risers immediately saw the safety characteristics of the canopy coming into play, directly inducing its recovery without delay. Who Jumps One?
Eric Schimmel Dutch National CF Team Hilfiger I n Florian Lacroix H r Marketing Manager, Aerokart Daniela Scheurer m Firebabes Swiss female freefly team
Brits: ■ <«■* Stuart Livett Liz W arner Laura Mdoughlin Ian Nicholson £ Ben Daw son 1 i i Peter Dolbel Danny Jessop 4 I
Landing: gentle For the more experienced novice or the intermediate ■ Side View »
VERDICT - Stars out of 10 Toggle Pressure * * * * * * * * * * Front Risers *****★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Glide Angle * * * * * * * * * * Forgiving * * * * * * * * * * Landings ★ * ** *★ * *★ ★ In Turbulence not evaluated Value ★ ★ *★ ★ ** *** Overall * * **★ *★ *★ ★
SUITABLE FOR Novices: * * * * * * * * * * Intermediates: * * * * * * * * * * Experts: * * ★ * * * « * * * Extreme flyers: * * * * * * * * * *
NB: The above is purely opinion and will change dependant on factors such as canopy size, wing loading and conditions. We have assumed wing loading of around 0.8 for novices and I for intermediates. Eve n s low speed approaches allow a graceful landing Photos: Dean Hoskins and ‘Big AT Allen
See Icarus website for recommended wing loadings and flight characteristics www.icarusoanopies.com
s k y December 2003 On the horizon ... the sharpest 9-cell elliptical ever! | www.performancedesigns.com/katana
photo credits: Martini Shot Films/Peter Galli and Eli Thompson 5 K V P I V E 7 a t SkyysjJO 'T 'ts The U K’s most progressive skydiving centre Hibaldstow Airfield, Hibaldstow, Brigg, North Lincolnshire Office Tel/Fax: 0 1 13 250 5600 D rop Zone: 0 1652 648837 [email protected] www.skydiving.co.uk
I lib Evenfs Diarv Skydive Algarve April 1012 Faster Bash April 1718 FS 4 way Scrambles Meet Winter Boogie Sat 20 Dec - Sun 4 Ian J»me 25-27 Speed Skv»livin£ World Cup June 26 27 FS 8 Wav Grand Prix Spring Boogie Sat 28 feb - Sun 28 March and POPS Meet FS 4 Way Grand Prix 2 Dornier G92s flying to 14,500 ft July 1011 July 31-Aug 2 FS 4 Wav British Nationals Coaching and organising for FS and FF Aii(>,7 Aua.9 FS 8 W&y British Nationals. Artistic- British Nationals Competitive jump prices -IVeefly, Skvsurf. Free Style (subject to euro exchange rate) Aug 14-15 Back up weekend for AFF whatever level, WARP coaching British Nationals Sept 18-19 FS 4 Wav Scrambles Meet Glorious blue skies Oct 30 31 Halloween 10 Way Speed and sunny, warm weather Further events to come. All dates subject to change. . Please keep checking website in case any dates have to be changed.^/ (see www.skydive-algarve.com) SINGLE AMD TWIN TURBINE NIGHT JUMPS TO BE ORGANISED AIRCRAFT AVAILABLE FOR LONG AND THROUGHOUT WINTER MONTHS - SHORT TERM LEASE. CONTACT DZ fO R EURTHER INEO PLEASE CALL LEEDS OFFICE Students.... TSVL COMING IN FEBRUARY Best AFF deal DZ SHOP (walk-in & mail order)
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We are the proud owners of the three fastesituT bines in the UK 2 Dornier D028 G92 - 15 place 1 SMG92 Turbo Finist’ - 10 place The Turbines will operate up to 14,500ft at Hibaldstow - weather permitting Plus 1 Cherokee 6 (piston) - 5 place All aircraft are cleared for student jumping We all take cuffing away for granted but Bill's simple looking assembly was a What was attached to the risers was just how easy will it be if you need to? quantum leap. From two also changing fast. Newer, smaller co-ordinated simultaneous jobs with canopies were emerging on the Rick Boardman tells us a few things about both hands, releasing the canopy market, which were built with risers and cutaway systems, based on the now involved one downwards pull smaller lines, precision cut wings, with one hand. and less forgiveness for mediocre confidential reports this year... packers. The Beginning If you got one riser off ahead of the Back in the dark days, parachute other, it could make the second riser Reserve Static Lines (RSLs) systems were, to put it bluntly, a bit release very difficult. These Lots of fatalities over the years had of a mess. Equipment had started problems stemmed from the been caused by people cutting out as military surplus, and jumpers Capewell in its various forms being away and then failing to pull the literally took scissors to modify actually a device primarily for use reserve, either at all, or until it was things whenever they had a bright too late. Enter the RSL! A riser fitted on the ground, to prevent the The 3-ring system requires a single pull idea! One of the first big hurdles in jumper being dragged in high with an RSL would pull the reserve skydiving kit to emerge was how to winds. The design gradually The design appears simple but is for you. get rid of a malfunctioned main changed, and was tweaked by actually quite cunning. I've got a before using the reserve. jumpers and manufacturer, but mathematical model of forces within All well and good with big risers, something radical and new was a 3-ring, which I only read when but modern small ZP canopies with The early popular way to release needed. I'm feeling masochistic! Put very microline and a habit of opening from a parachute was actually the plainly, each ring set acts like a set hard were usually fitted with those Capewell, but this was not ideal for of levers. When a standard riser is snazzy mini risers. A few risers several reasons, mainly because loaded to 600 lbs, it should only actually failed and for the first time you needed to put a fair effort into take between 1 and 5 lbs to extract we referred to them as a 'fusible releasing from both left and right the yellow cable from the loop. link.' It was a good job these risers risers simultaneously, and you had failed because, if they hadn't, needed both hands to do it. Later, driven by jumpers' relentless desire for all things smaller and lighter, the mini 3-ring emerged. At Capewells required a two-action release the same time, the riser itself was with both hands simultaneously reduced from a 3,600 lb Type 8 Enter M r Booth... webbing to a thinner 2,500 lb In 1982, Bill Booth Type 17. The new 3-ring system patented the 3-ring now had shorter levers, and circus. It seems therefore the loop was now pulled impossible today to harder against the yellow cable. A imagine our kit 600 lb load on a mini 3-ring should without it. Compared mean between 2 and 6 lbs was to what went before, Various Capewell release systems needed to extract the cable. 24 skydive M ini 3-ring with RSL -'D ecem ber 2003 the harness would have been next. It was a flurry of hard housing retrofits Food For Thought did make a lot of people nervous and today soft housings are the Quite a few safety notices exist about that RSL though. exception rather than the rule. concerning risers. Next windy day, trawl through the file at your DZ, and Two solutions emerged: Riser Twists see how many problems have 1 Strengthen the riser with The new canopies continue to load occurred. I still occasionally find additional tape built into the 3-ring mini risers up towards their limits, punters who didn't know they were section. particularly on hard openings or fast using grounded risers. rotating mals. A more recent 2 Reverse the whole riser, so that discovery has been the effects of riser Mini 3-rings are not easy to make. there is no need to have a grommet twists on the cable channels. As the Different manufacturers 'do it their punched through the webbing. riser twists and stretches under heavy way'. The magic secret is to make load the cables can be gripped ever sure that, as the riser comes under tighter. high load during a malfunction, it actually stretches into the right measurements, rather than out of tolerance. If the risers are not built correctly the pull forces to get a cutaway can be massive. Original mini 3-ring (0), strengthened Severely twisted risers could potentially riser ( I) & reversed riser (2) 3 Bloke Test jam your cutaway system When you look at the amount of You can play with the different pull webbing left either side of that Twisted risers can grip the forces under 'normal' flight and And Finally grommet, it's amazing how little cutaway cable emulating high G forces, by setting A low experienced jumper recently holds you up! The latest specification up a '3 bloke test'. found himself under a main and for mini risers has yet another layer The industry solution has been to reserve. The system had reversed insert hard housings into the riser of tape built into the grommet area, risers. As the canopies started to to beef things up still more. channels, and they do a very separate, threatening to downplane, good job. the jumper elected to cut away. He Soft Cutaway Housings pulled the cutaway pad more slowly Soft fabric cutaway housings than normal and, as the main appeared on rigs several years ago, canopy released on one side first, it as an alternative to metal ones. trailed behind him by the remaining riser. Being a reversed riser, even though the second cable extracted a second later, the rings were prevented from pivoting through by the shoulder of the jumper. A hard housing insert in the riser channel
So ft cutaway housing With hard riser channels, twisted risers A 3 bloke test mimics a cutaway under Reversed riser jam no longer grip the cutaway cable a 3 G force similar to a malfunction
Briefly the 'must have' option, these If you ever get a chance to see Mike Get the rigger or CCI to show you Luckily, the jumper completed the started to fall out of favour when it Truffer's tapes or lectures on this how. Perfect for winter weekends! descent without the semi-collapsed was realised that they had two subject next time you're stateside, main fouling the reserve... Phew! problems: take it. All 3-ring systems need space in Merry Christmas. front of them, for the rings to pivot 1 The fabric housings added extra Maintenance and flick through each other. If Rick Boardman [email protected] friction to the yellow cables. Don't be afraid to occasionally cut something gets in their way, like my away your 3-rings and flex the head in the photo, nothing much 2 The housings didn't fully house webbing before carefully and happens... scary, ain't it? the left hand cable at all. On most correctly reassembling them. This systems, the cable routed makes the action cleaner if you ever Report any incident in around the neck between the layers need them in anger. complete confidence to: of the container. This made the length Rick Boardman, 281 Ablington, of that cable difficult to predict. Such maintenance should be done Fiqheldean, Salisbury, Wiltshire, Getting both cables to release for you on each reserve repack, so together was not easy. put a note on your calendar for SP4 8JX halfway through the six month pack P ho ne /A rts 01980 670598 cycle. Consult your rigger. Within a few years of the soft M o b ile 07747 114602 housings peaking in popularity, there E m ail [email protected]
3-rings need sufficient space to function w w w :
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The Proof Is In The Performance Some body positions (i.e. head down, stand up, and long dives) may enable the user to reach speeds and attitudes, beyond which your equipment has been designed and tested. Deployments outside of your equipment’s operational limits could cause any/all of the following: extremely hard openings, equipment failure, severe bodily injury, ejection from the har ness, or death. Performance Designs Inc., 1300 E. Inri Speedway Blvd., Deland, FL 32724 (386) 738-2224 Fax (386) 734-8297 www.performancedesigns.com photo courtesy: Wendy Smith B u y i n g
Y o u r
FIRST R i g Buying your first complete rig can be the beginning of a new love affair!
Choosing your new rig can be the source of immense satisfaction
On the other hand it can also be a very daunting experience for even the most confident and assertive individuals
Anne Maxwell explains how to Most people buy their first set of gear on the advice of their instructor/rigger or friends, with their only personal practical experience being on student equipment, which can be outdated, worn and poorly avoid pitfalls like buying sized. This article is not aimed at promoting specific rigs or canopies as I, like many people, jump entirely the wrong thing or sponsored equipment and would find it impossible to be impartial. Instead it is aimed at providing ending up with the perfect set of sensible advice to find a rig thatis right for you and which doesn't break the bank. There are just as gear but no money left to jump! many stories of fantastic bargains to be found as there are horror stories about dinosaur gear. Let the buyer beware When buying gear it is important to be very clear about how much you have to spend. Stick to your original figure even » . when offered discounts and killer deals, as increasing it is \ a sure fire way to owning the latest cool gear but having no money to jump or to pay for coaching.
I recommend beginning with a sheet of paper and put the amount you have to spend in large numbers at the top. Divide the page in half and head one column new and the other used. Start with the new column and put in every piece of equipment that you would like to buy new and the price of each. Total the column. If you are inside your budget, fantastic!
If not, you need to decide which items you are willing to buy used. To give you some idea, a complete set of brand new custom equipment that includes main, reserve, rig and As a student your rig wasn't made for you and m ay not have fitted very well; AAD will cost anywhere from £2,500 to £3,500 depending on try on different rigs o f similar sized people (ask first!) to find what you like / the options. Upgrade to matching kit only when you ve a better idea of which canopies & containers you like and your improved skills mean less likelihood of grass stains!
Factors to think about have good after sales service and, even more importantly, which do not. This may not seem such a significant point but remember, if your equipment needs The main points to consider when buying gear are: maintenance due to an error during production or wear and tear, you won't be 1 Safe ty able to jump without borrowing or renting equipment. Is the gear manufactured under TSO regulations by a reputable manufacturer? Each piece of equipment should comply with a Technical Standard Ordnance to 6 Re-sale value ensure rigorous safety standards; this also applies to modifications of original This depends on two main factors: equipment. a) The make and model of the equipment. It is a fact that some brands hold their value better than others. Check out sales websites and compare 2 Performance prices of used equipment. It will be easy to spot the brands which are the Will your equipment do everything that you want it to do? For example, is it best investment. freefly friendly if that is your chosen discipline? I recommend buying from a b) Maintenance. Look after your equipment and it will keep its value. company with a good research and development programme. This means that This means storing it in a cool, dry place when not in use. Pack in a products are continually being updated and problems quickly modified. shaded area with non-abrasive flooring (use a packing mat). Adhere to the Cheaper copies of established equipment have only one advantage - cost. 6-month repack and MOT. Copies tend to be made with cheaper materials and labour. Because they are copies, they tend to have less understanding of the exact measurements that If you buy with the above advice in mind it is possible to get a good piece of change the overall safety and performance. In a small specialist market, used equipment, put 150 jumps on it and sell it for roughly the same amount I believe original creativity should be rewarded with sales. as the purchase price.
3 Exactly fitted With rigs this means to fit your body size and shape. Find someone who is your size and jumps canopies of similar magnitude; ask to try on their rig (most people will not object). Ask their opinion of their rig (most people will have a very definite opinion). You will find that some rigs feel more comfortable than others. When choosing canopies decide on a good size for immediate use.
4 Price Whilst an important factor, this is not top of the list. If money is no object I highly recommend buying top of the range, no holds barred, with all the bells and whistles. Why not? If like most people you are on a budget, choose wisely. A good piece of used equipment by one of the top manufacturers is usually a better investment than brand new by a smaller obscure company. Why would you want to save a few hundred pounds on that new reserve from Azerbaijan that no-one else has ever heard of?
5 After sales service It is rare to buy a piece of equipment that never needs altering, re-lining, re-calibrating, patching or an infinite number of other possibilities. It is essential to be able to do so quickly, easily and cost effectively. Your local rigger should be able to take care of most of the work for you on any well known piece of equipment. Your local dealer will have strong opinions on which manufacturers
imber 2003 X C o n s Most people lose their objectivity when they have a financial interest in the product they are selling. If you are thinking of buying a rig from a friend get an outside perspective and valuation.
Rigs Buy a size that fits your current canopies, even if you think a smaller size looks more attractive. A small rig with bulging canopies looks ugly, can be unsafe and is a nightmare to pack. Get yourself measured professionally and only buy a rig that is the correct size. Check it is safe for the type of skydiving that you are interested in. If you are buying used gear the rig is the perfect piece of equipment to buy slightly older than any other. A good rig in favourable condition can often be picked up for half price or less and will hold its value well. They are built to last.
The rig is sold with handles, main risers, deployment bag, pilot chute and the reserve free bag and pilot chute. It is a good idea to check that nothing is missing. Where to buy be the place to shop. There can also be a tendency to partisanship as they are often loyal There are many options; local dealers, telephone, to particular manufacturers and will push their Reserve web-sales, even your DZ instructor/rigger and all products; this can be due to personal of their mates seem to have a piece of equipment Buy from a reputable manufacturer; this is not sponsorship for the owner of the store. with your name on it. By all means shop around the pi ace to save money. Buy the largest reserve to gain a good idea of the price range for each that will comfortably fit in your rig. The size Telephone, Web Sales piece of gear. You may be shocked that almost should not differ greatly from your main. If you ✓ Pros every piece of equipment can vary greatly in buy a used reserve, do not be put off by a Price. With very little overheads and big sales price for exactly the same item from different canopy that has been jumped a couple of times. they can usually sell cheaply. They usually have a They are built to withstand hundreds of jumps wide range of goods on the shelf, ready to go, and at least you have the comfort of knowing so if you have a credit card you can instantly The main options are as follows: that it works. Always have it thoroughly buy any product that you can afford. inspected by a rigger. Local Dealers X Cons / Pros M ain If you have a credit card you can instantly buy They tend to be experienced skydivers and can Buy the perfect canopy size and model for your any product that you can afford. You are unlikely provide a wealth of free technical advice. They current experience level, not for where you to be questioned about your experience level or will measure you accurately and make sure that hope to be in 100 jumps time. If you buy the fact that you are buying a small elliptical you end up with a good piece of equipment that with the future in mind, when you need a canopy canopy with only 75 jumps under your belt. is safe for your current level of experience. They right now, you may end up with 'gear fear'. If Some sales staff are not skydivers and may lack are local, so they will be easy to reach for any that smaller elliptical would be perfect in a technical expertise that is often sorely needed problems that can arise. It is extremely unlikely hundred jumps' time, buy it then; you will have when purchasing your first piece of equipment. that you will be sold a piece of unsafe or shoddy fewer heart-stopping moments, less fear of the Beware of hidden costs, such as post and equipment or that you will be ripped off, as any canopy ride and are more likely to have two legs packing (plus shipping time) and, if buying from dealer who was known for sharp practices would in good working order! overseas, add in 17.5% VAT. Remember to check not stay in business for long. whether purchases are final as after sales service Ask your instructor/rigger/friends to recommend could be non-existent. X Cons several makes and models to help you decide. They are rarely the cheapest source so if you are I highly recommend buying a zero porosity Classified Ads looking for bargain basement gear this may not canopy (porosity refers to the amount of air that / Pros can move through the fabric of the canopy), as it It can be the best place to find a bargain if you is more forgiving if you flare too high or low. know what you are looking for. Also after 600+ jumps it can be re-lined and will perform as good as new. Zero-P also has good X Cons resale value as it can easily accommodate a It can be the best place to get ripped off if you couple of thousand jumps. don't know what you are doing. Canopies made out of F-111 fabric are outdated as mains (the reserve is always of F-l 1 1). They Instructor, Rigger, Friend become porous much more quickly, which can / Pros The A G M in make for harder landings and less performance. They know you and will have a very good idea January is a great After about 400 jumps the canopy is virtually of the best equipment to suit your current place to talk to worthless. Do not be lured into buying a cheap dealers and experience level. They are unlikely to sell you set of gear with an F-l 1 1 main, this is no I manufacturers, unsafe gear. bargain. \ see page 18 1 Ask for discounts. Most dealers factor in a discount. If buying a complete set of gear new, it is worth asking for something free, ie, gear- bag, packing mat etc. The mark-up on gear is fairly impressive, with manufacturers often making the least profit. Most sales prices are pretty flexible especially if you have done your research and can honestly quote the same product cheaper somewhere else.
2 When buying used gear, bargain hard. The price will usually be as flexible as the stated number of jumps on the equipment.
3 Buy the big items from your local dealer, direct from the manufacturer or a website with a full refund policy if you're not satisfied for any reason. (Bear in mind that unless you return the goods for a legitimate reason, you will incur the postage). By all means buy smaller items through tele/websales.
4 Have every piece of used gear checked thoroughly by a rigger or instructor with no financial interest. They will be able to confirm the condition and value of the equipment very accurately.
5 Watch out for sales of demo rigs by manufacturers. You can often pick up top of the range equipment a year or so old at bargain prices. Call the manufacturer direct or check out their websites on a regular basis.
6 Avoid classified ads until you have a thorough knowledge of the sport and even then be very cautious. If the bargain seems too good to be true, it probably is.
7 Research. Check out websites, ask instructors/riggers/friends to inform you as much as possible about the type of equipment that you need and a rough idea of how much you should expect to pay. Ultimately you are responsible for your final purchases.
8 Be prepared that your new rig will become your new baby for a period of time, and that If you intend freeflying ask a rigger to make sure the rig is suitable, this especially applies to used gear you will spend countless hours with your new purchase to the exclusion of your friends and family! When buying a used canopy look for one with years for the first eight years (£150) and every only a couple of hundred jumps or a recent re-line two years thereafter. The unit finally retires aged (or be prepared to splash out on a re-line 12. if buying used, beware of the seemingly cheap (
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Christchurch Parachute School Ltd PO Box 16625, Christchurch, New Zealand +64 3 343 5542 [email protected] 32 skydive "^December 2003 We skydive for fun. Yes, it's a risk, but we allows the canopy to recover from the dive Corners Kill take time to reduce this risk to an acceptable on its own accord. To require toggle input to So let's leave some room for error and keep level. That's why we spend lots of money on pull the canopy out of the dive is not only out of the corner. We're aiming to find the AADs, reserves, quality containers and high inefficient, negating the need to make the highest altitude that we can make our turn, performance wings. That's why we pull turn in the first place, but it is also poor not the lowest. I guarantee that if you can do above 2,000 feet and many considerably piloting and dangerous. this then you will have safer, more enjoyable higher. That's why we have training and a and more efficient landings. Ideally, Land W ithout Toggle Input multitude of safety checks. The more toggle input you need to induce an Coaching Cures Unacceptable Risk early recovery the greater the inefficiency So next time you jump, consciously think, is So why then, wherever I watch canopies and the smaller the margin for error. your canopy recovering on its own? Does it land, on almost every load, do I see people Eventually there will come a time when you require input? If you don't know then ask compromising this level of acceptable risk? won't be able to use the toggles to recover someone to watch you - or get some Do these people have a death wish? O r do because you're too low; instead, if you're coaching. We pay for coaching in FS and they just not know? Do they really not know lucky, you can use your snapped femur to freeflying so why not for canopy flight? what they are doing? help slow you as you plough a ditch across Watch and Learn the DZ. Go and watch a couple of lifts landing, and I Landing Turn Are You Turning Too Low? guarantee you'll see swoops requiring toggle It has become not just fashionable but Most people that make a turn understand input to recover. Ideally take a good canopy exciting and fun to make a turn before these basics; they know and appreciate the pilot out with you who can assist in landing. I love making my slow carving turn, added risks; too low is a no go. Yet many debriefing what you're watching. Videoing generating that speed and feeling the don't realise that they are consistently landings to watch later is useful too, your adrenaline flow as you rip up the surf across making their turn too low. There are too own and others. the drop zone. many jumpers out there making a turn, even It's impacting with the ground that kills, so a slight turn, which then needs input to Allow Altitude for Natural Recovery learn how to fly relative to it safely, so you recover. The turn generates speed that we further live to do it again. convert into lift on landing. To do this safely www.bpa.org.uk Alastair Macartney we must make the turn at an altitude that [email protected] Click the ‘stay safe’ button for canopy info
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Extension cable available from your local dealer or direct from F R € € O L O G V www.skydivetimeout.com Tel / Fax: +44 (O) 1992 715 244 extreme silence.com Email: [email protected] skydive 35 "^December 2003 Once upon a time two parachute ble! companies - Precision Aerodynamics and Icarus Canopies, were the best of friends Neptune- who clubbed together to build the Icarus range of mains, including 1 0 .3 the Extreme VX and FX cross braced pocket rocket tri-cells.
However this happy little arrangement came to an acrimonious end about two years ago when they parted company under a storm cloud.
Precision went back to playing with their own toys, and Icarus carried on alone building the Extreme VX and FX. With their recent history in mind it can't then have come as a pleasant surprise to the Icarus team to learn that their old mates Precision are now offing a major mod to the Icarus Extreme VX and FX which they claim greatly improves the performance of the canopies.
The modification known as the X-Mod, consists of replacing the stock Vectran line set with non-cascaded HMA lines, re-trimming the canopy, replacing the stabilisers with a proprietary design, installing a new slider with lighter brass grommets instead of the stainless steel ones, and fitting a new set of Precision soft links.
Precision calls its stabiliser design Stabilrib because it integrates the stabiliser with the end rib and improves the efficiency of the end cells by loading the stabilisers.
HMA (High Modulus Aramid) lines typically last twice as long as Vectran, and making them continuous with no cascades reduces chord-wise distortion of the aerofoil. Vectran lines were originally chosen for these ultra high performance canopies because Vectran doesn't distort or heat shrink like the more common Spectra, but is however less resistant to abrasion. Vectran lines can show considerable wear after as few as 200-300 jumps. High Modulus Aramid lines however have the dimensional stability of Vectran with the durability of Spectra with re-lining recommended at 600-700 jumps. They also have a smaller diameter than Spectra thus reducing drag. HMA lines don't have the clean white look of Spectra however and packing them is apparently like trying to pack cooked spaghetti.
Lighter weight brass grommets slide down the lines more smoothly than stainless steel ones which were brought in some years ago to combat the denting received when hitting metal links but, with the now universal use of soft links, brass is making a comeback.
Precision claim an improvement in the overall performance of the Extreme with better, softer opening characteristics, better glide, longer surfs and a stronger flare. The X-Mod is almost twice the price of a standard Vectran reline, but of course comes with new stabilisers and slider. After the initial mod though, subsequent ones are around the same price as a Vectran change, and of course you're gonna www.alti-2.com/neptune get twice as many jumps out of HMA.
Okay Icarus - over to you. www.precision.net iiom Aiiain Ninja
In July 2002, Parachutes de France decided Ninja 2 to ground all Ninja main canopies when more than one Ninja pilot almost became a kamakazi pilot after experiencing a scary partial collapse. Fortunately none of these incidents resulted in an injury but the company took the prudent, yet expensive, option to remove the design from the market until a reason could be found and a solution worked out.
However, due to a radical shake-up of staff at PdeF the people who designed the canopy for skydivers who want a bit more canopy no longer worked for the company, new trim that PdeF claim has considerably performance than the benchmark Stiletto so they had to wait for the formation of a increased the canopy's rigidity, improved its stable of ellipticals without going the whole new R&D department to start working performance and totally solved the potential hog and opting for the radical end of the efficiently on the Ninja problem. collapse problem. cross-braced tri-cell market such as the PD During the autumn 2002, a first series of Two other mods were to open the nose a Velocity or Icarus Extreme. trials was carried out which allowed them to little, and change to non-stretch Vectran They also claim that the Ninja2 now opens identify the causes that could lead to the lines. like the company's Electro main, ie - s oftly collapse of the canopy in certain situations. and on heading (now where have I heard Then, at the beginning of January 03, they PdeF claim that the Ninja2, which is a started to work on the canopy's trim. This cross-braced design, is now very solid in that before?). flight. They classify it as a radical and fast process plus field testing finally resulted in a www.parachutes-de-france.com X-Rated
Another French company have entered the very competitive main canopy market with the release of the X-Fly. Parafun, who up till now only manufactured the Advance harness- container system, are offering the X-Fly, a nine cell elliptical zero-P main, which fits into the niche presently occupied by the Stiletto, Crossfire and Springo to name a few.
Parafun tell us that they've carried out extensive R&D, along with other (mysteriously un-named) partners. They have taken time to make over 1,000 test jumps with their new concept to prove that their new (mysteriously unexplained) ideas were correct. Like all the others Parafun are claiming the usual good toggle response, great swoop, loads of lift, fantastic landings and... here it comes again... soft, on heading Auriana openings.
The X-Fly is available in six sizes from 90 to 170 square feet. te u a e B
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harness/container system, but claim that numerous incidents occur Out of Control! worldwide because the packer has not securely stowed the excess Performance Designs, one of the most respected canopy steering line after the brakes have been set. They give several manufacturers in the world has felt it necessary to issue a press examples how this excess may be stowed safely. They also point release on the subject of 'Control System Malfunctions'. out that the toggle itself may in some cases be stowed incorrectly by passing it around the riser or by looping through itself causing PD were prompted to do this by a spate of incidents where a total jam-up or excess friction on the steering line. unstowed, or incorrectly stowed steering lines have caused malfunctions which have resulted in serious injury or death. Within The full text plus pictures and diagrams may be viewed at: their press release PD make it clear that they do not themselves www.performancedesigns.com/education.asp manufacture either toggles or risers, these being part of the Click Control Systems Malfunctions information sheet in Articles come and jump the beast Umm Al Quwain (Dubai)
j'ysli^es'; from Ari 12 fly^oqaonirig available a ^ ljlp ir vibes;, jri&do, extra days; possible its-. . Contact Pete Marsden on [email protected] or 01932 701321 for more info i t y a m
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4-Way 2-Way Sport Accuracy Freefall Style Freeflying Accuracy Don't miss the 11th Hercules Boogie on the 24th to the 31st of July!
The Hercules Boogie is organized in co-operation with the Swedish Air Force and the Special Forces Corps since 1982. We are offering you a high quality Boogie with the best organizers from all over the world at your service. For good quality and safe skydiving a minimum of 300 non-student jumps are required to participate. Freeflyers will need a minimum of 600 jumps. Only groups of eight or more are able to manifest. The number of slots are limited to a maximum of 600. - Get your slot today!
Don't read about it in A ugust - Experience it in July!
To pre-register, send 650 SEK to Swedish postal giro account 400755-5, (Denmark BG Bank 0031771 , Finland SAMPO 800016-70844225, Norway DNB 7877.06.90209), Hercules Boogie-04, Box 31127, SE-400 32 Goteborg, Sweden, or International Money Order. Alternatively, pay at our web site www.herculesboogie.com. Always include your name, adress and e-mail. No refund after May 31st exept for Force Majeure. Registration after May 31st or at the Boogie will cost 850 SEK. Gheck-in begins on Friday, July 23rd. Exit altitude: 4000 m. A jump cost 180 SEK (approx. 19 Euro), no extra will be charged for organized jumps which also includes video. After your payment, please register your preferences and what sort of jumps you expect to do together with your qualifications, so we can prepare the groups and organizers in advance, any questions? [email protected] The First WORLD in CANOPY Swooping is probably the fastest growing area of skydiving - a spectator-friendly discipline requiring skill, practice, dedication and a resilient backside!
Swooping has now been sanctioned by IPC, and so the first World Cup of Canopy Piloting was held at Perris Valley, California, on 24-27 September. The UK was well represented at the event with Michael Holmes, Chris Lynch, Alastair Macartney, Brian Vacher and Gary Wainwright all swooping hard to represent us. W arm-up Many arrived the week before the meet to suss out the course and size up the competition. The Brit contingent was hard at work and looking good. The Japanese boys definitely earned the training award though; they lived at Perris for two months learning about swooping just for this meet. Opening Ceremony An amazing opening ceremony saw 64 competitors from 1 3 countries marching with their support teams. We were all treated to displays of jets breaking the sound barrier, incredible aircraft aerobatics and synchronised swooping from the PD Factory Team. Surprisingly, only one canopy manufacturer was represented in an official capacity - Performance Designs who had a stand there and sponsored the prizegiving party. Drew Lipinski Qualifying rounds This was also a show for the spectators, with commentator Harry Parker, flown in from Florida and DJ Andy (Joey Jones's brother) entertaining the crowd the whole time. Kicking tunes interspersed with Harry's unique style of commentary kept the spectators amused whilst they enjoyed the sun, supped free Go Fast drink and watched the swoopers.
The swoop courses were built over an incredible custom-built pond measuring 200 by 200 feet. There were two classes in the competition, 'ultra' and 'standard'. To ! qualify the pilots had to fly through 1 Oft high entry gates then fly clear through a 185ft left hand carving course of gates 30ft wide before touching down. To score an entry gate successfully, some part of the competitor's body had to be below the tops of the vertical markers that formed those gates; if the pilot failed to achieve this they were given a penalty due to 'vertical extension'.
The course had to be completed successfully four times to qualify for ultra and three ^ times for standard, with a maximum of six attempts. The standard class would only , ’ compete in speed while ultra class competitors entered the three events of speed, distance and accuracy. Our boys got off to a good start with Chris, Al and Brian having four clear rounds. Gary and Mikey provided nail-biting action for the Brit supporters; Gary missed a gate and Mikey missed two. Both had two more tries to get into ultra and to our relief both made it.
O f the 64 competitors, 51 qualified in ultra, seven in standard, four did not qualify, one withdrew and one hurt an ankle. Most who flew consistent safe approaches had been training at Perris just prior to the event.
December 2003
Speed Thursday The speed course was 220 feet long with 10 feet entry gates; competitors had to fly through the course as fast as they could. The three rounds were different, starting with a right hand carving course, followed by a straight one and finally a carve to the left.
With the Brit team mixed on loads 2 and 3, there was plenty of time to watch the first few jumpers down. With the lower temperature and damp air, it was claer that first thing in the morning the conditions were not the most favourable. Some competitors on the first load fought hard to fly the whole course with a couple ending up short by a fair distance. However, our boys put on a great show, making consistent approaches until the third and last round.
As the day went on the heat started to pick up and winds became slightly unpredictable. By the end of the day the winds were changing all the time. This made setting up (deciding the point at which to begin their velocity-increasing turns) particularly difficult and unfortunately Gary got a vertical extension on the entry gate, giving him a 30 second penalty - enough to throw him right out after his first two clean rounds.
Mikey provided some entertainment when, two thirds of the way through the carving course, the unstable winds caused a blade strike, which collapsed the entire right side of his canopy. Fortunately his skill shone through as he continued to fly the collapsed canopy (subsequently nicknamed his Velocity 45!) and safely negotiated the course.
The winners of the speed round were separated by only hundredths of a second but the PD Factory Team showed their true colours taking the top three medal positions in ultra class.
Speed Results - Ultra 1 Heath Richardson USA PD Velocity 2 Jay Moledzki Canada PD Velocity 3 Ian Bobo USA PD Velocity
Speed Results - Standard 1 Jonathan King Australia 2 Collin Sinclair Canada 3 Tobias Scherrinsky Germany
Photos: Craig O ’Brien, Francisco Neri and Brian Vacher
December 2003 Equipment and Technique The top canopy pilots had modified their gear jumping the removable deployment system (RDS) enabling them to disconnect their bag, bridle and pilot chute, with some going so far as to remove their slider as well. This cuts down on the unwanted drag and increases efficiency and performance particularly in the high speed portion of their approaches.
Many competitors were seen to be sporting tight clothing; if you are going to use RDS then jumping baggy clothing would defeat the whole point. This encompassed rash guard style tops and quite often motocross pants. These offered further protection for the inevitable scrapes, knocks and slides as competitors sacrificed their bodies to get the best score possible. Many had adapted their pants to incorporate a pocket for stowing their now redundant deployment gear in association with the RDS.
Many jumpers wore weight to increase the wing loading. Most of the pilots were flying small, high performance elliptical 21- or 27-cell cross-braced canopies. Jim Slaton was flying the new Icarus canopy which everyone called the GX; it is cross-braced in the middle and normal ram-air on the outside cells. The GX is still in trials.
Generation and maintenance of speed is a key factor to ensuring high scores in all three events. Much of the speed generation was made through the angle of rotation that competitors made. Most were making 270 degree turns with some pushing that further round to a 360 degree picture. Jay Moledzki, Accuracy event winner and PD team member, was the only competitor to further this and consistently made well executed, safe 450 degree approaches proving once again that he is the king of rotation. Distance Friday With the competitors used to their set-up points for hitting the 10 feet gates, the distance event threw a spanner into the works with 5 feet entry gates, requiring a different set-up picture. All three rounds were the same straight course with the objective being to score the entry gate and then travel the furthest distance, measured by the first point of contact with the ground. Many competitors were landing on their bums to scrape an extra couple of feet.
A speed gun was used at the entry gate, purely for informative purposes, not for any competitive reason. Each competitor coming through had their entry speed clocked and announced to the crowd. Amongst the top pilots, speeds ranged from a low of 65mph up to 72mph.
Many competitors were jumping canopies larger than the trend of the last few years. However they were also wearing weight to bring the loading up, with most flying in the distance event around 2.2 pounds per square foot. Team Extreme member Luigi Cani was wearing 50 pounds of lead, amounting to one third of his body weight! With the exception of Heath Richardson (a small guy), with a round 1 score of 370, it was generally the heavier people that posted scores of 350 or more in a single round, namely JC Colclasure, Ian Bobo, Cameron Rolfe, Bruno Brokken, Kamuran 'Sonic' Bayrasli and Jay Moledzki. This highlights the fact that a larger wing generates more lift than a smaller wing flown at the same loading.
Again some impressive performances were given with Chris Lynch twice scoring over 300 feet. Ian Bobo approaches the highest score o f 392 feet Jay Moledzki JC Colclasure stormed the event, winning with beautifully consistent scores of 374, 377 and 376 feet, totalling 1,127 feet. King of consistency Heath Richardson took second with a total of 1,056 feet and Ian Bobo just behind with 1,049 feet.
But Shannon Pilcher's unofficial world record of 41 8 feet still stood with the closest to that being his team mate Ian Bobo posting 392 on the score board in round 3. Shannon's world record is unofficial because no FAI representative was present when he set it whilst competiting on the Pro Swooping Tour circuit.
Distance Results 1 JC Colclasure USA Icarus VX 2 Heath Richardson USA PD Velocity 3 Ian Bobo USA PD Velocity
skycffve Gary Wainwright Francisco Neri December 2003 Shannon Pilcher USPA politics dictated that the world distance record holder, Shannon Pilcher, could not enter the World Cup. Shannon couldn't attend the US selection weekend because USPA moved the dates from those originally stated. As per the US Nationals, the American team has to be selected from these events. However, it was more of an attendance selection as every American who attended the event qualified for the US team.
Despite pleas from competitors, USPA stuck to their guns and would not allow Shannon to compete. To have a World Cup where the current record holder is present but prevented from competing, on principle and political reasons, is extremely bizarre. Shannon dealt with the matter extremely well and rose above the political shambles, giving out coaching tips and providing awe-inspiring footage following various competitors and flying neatly beside them as they made their high speed approaches. He was inspirational and a real asset to the event.
Clint Macbeth
s k yDecember 2003 Accuracy Saturday The most visually exciting event was last on the agenda. Competitors had to score the 10ft entry gate, fly the 175 feet over water and land dry in one of the three scoring zones shown below, aiming for zone 3.
The zones had different scores of:
zone 1 12 points Drew Lipinski zone 2 28 points zone 3 40 points zone 4 - 13 points zone 5 - 29 points zone 6 - 40 points The first point of contact gave the zone score with penalty points added for the area where you stopped; eg, if you touched down in zone 3 but didn't stop until zone 5 you would score 11. The minimum score for a round was 0. There were bonus points for trailing a part of the pilot's body in the water when passing between the water gates, highest scores for the first gate with the lowest figure for the fourth gate. This counts for 60% of the possible score, as 60 points are awarded if you toe-drag through all four gates.
Our boys put on a good show, Al entertaining the crowd with his water displacement technique! He and Gary had a bad day, despite looking good in training. Most of the other Brits scored very well with Chris Lynch scoring 96 out of the maximum 100 in round 2. Strict but fair judging on the zone lines meant competitors had to ensure accuracy. Straying into the penalty zones, which was easy to do, was costly with large penalties being accumulated by many, changing the overall scoreboard dramatically.
Xaos pilot Andy Farrington shone through sharing gold with PD Team member Jay Moledzki. Bronze went to Dave Hebert, with Heath Richardson only one point behind. The gold medal winners had two out of three perfect scores but no-one was able to do this on all three rounds.
Accuracy Results 1 Andy Farrington USA Xaos 1 Jay Moledzki Canada PD Velocity 3 Dave Hebert USA .. f & j t i
Awards Ceremony
The closing ceremony was as spectacular as the opening one with another gob-smacking aerobatic display followed by a banquet. W ith this being the first World Cup there were thanks to those that made this happen; Lyle Presse, Jim Slaton, BJ Worth, Scott Smith and the Conatser family.
There were five sets of prizes. Firstly to the standard class who only competed in the speed event; to the three ultra class events of speed, distance & accuracy; and finally to the overall winners in the ultra class. These overall places came from the positions held in each of the three events, in Heath Richardson wins the overall Wolrd Cup a similar vein to style and accuracy. Heath Richardson ranked first in speed, second in distance and fourth in accuracy, which combined made him the overall winner.
It's interesting that, had Jay Moledzki not been awarded a vertical extension on his round 3 of distance, he would have been placed second in that event and subsequently taken the gold medal in the combined event. (RHASS)
There were two women in the competition; one of these, Kaz Sheekey of Australia, did very well, finishing 22nd out of 51. Friendly Atmosphere The event was not just about swooping - the party was alive every night despite the early starts. Competitors even found Overall Results time for the all-important 'swoop n chug' and to take a 1 Heath Richardson USA PD Velocity break from the 100-degree heat in the pool. In the words of 2 JC Colclasure USA Icarus VX one competitor, this event was "more like a meeting of 3 Ian Bobo USA PD Velocity friends from all over the world than a competition". All were 4 Hans Paulsen USA Icarus VX pleased to have canopy piloting recognised by the IPC. 5 Clint Clawson USA Icarus VX The Brits 6 Jay Moledzki Canada PD Velocity Our boys represented us well! They all successfully 7 Jason Eames USA Xaos competed in the ultra class and are now eligible to take part 8 Andy Farrington USA Xaos in Pro Series of Pro Swooping Tour events. They returned 9 Jim Slaton USA Icarus GX home with a greater knowledge of the sport of canopy 10 Dave Brown Canada PD Velocity piloting, some good memories and several scraped legs and bruised bottoms. We girls went home aspiring to be 1 8 Chris Lynch swoopers ourselves, inspired by the fact that there were two 29 Brian Vacher women in the competition, but understanding how much 31 Michael Holmes time, strength, courage and skill it takes to be a safe and 41 Alastair Macartney competent canopy pilot. 50 Gary Wainwright The Future The future of swooping is a bright one and canopy piloting Brit team Gary, may be a World Championship event next year, subject to Al, Brian, Mikey IPC's ratification. Coaching is the best way to learn the and Chris basics of canopy piloting slowly and safely, from the best pilots in the world. In the UK Chris Lynch runs an excellent canopy flight school, W ing Tips and also tours the country with swooping roadshows. Next year's UK swooping events are already being planned with the possibility of an invitational meet in Jersey. Check out the web addresses on the right and look out for details in The Mag! Thank you Performance Designs Bev Suits Justine Shotton & Marie-Claire Rowlinson Sup path Headcorn Parachute Club [email protected] Larsen and Brusgaard Dragon Eye Art Tony Suits UK Swooping Tour
December 2003 ■
Heath Richardson in the accuracy event
"The vibes were excellent, there was a great spirit of encouragement from everyone to fly faster, further & more accurately, there were even cheers from the judges as you flew through the courses. My main reason for going was to see what techniques the full time pros are using and learn as much as possible. Without exception every question put to these guys was met by such enthusiasm that it was not possible to put all the info to use at the time. The whole team now has a much better idea of what needs to be trained & how to do it. Big thanks to MC & Justine for the support, videoing & transportation... and the Cavalry for the gear storage” Chris Lynch [email protected]
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US! Your new addiction! Because Faqtor is addictive! FREEFLY SUITS But we don't regret a bit! only $99 USD FREEFLY Heaps o f HELMETS combinations from $69 USD Delivery 2-3 clays 2-3 days to USA Delivery to ^ Straight in landings FREEFLY PANTS USA also available * ounega swoops. from stock Quality skydiving .uff>nonp% ot Flareing never was r<-ahs(u prttes. 25% d iscou nt il \ easier! P »TSO e * 3a j 't F A 9 T 8 R s,a»d“r<1 oftone. +61 89377.1919 fenc +61 89377.1920 [email protected] www.totalcontroLcom.au f A Q T © R The new drug! With a guaranteed addicition Faqtor, a high swoop Faqtor and a low price Faqtor! Get the Faqts from your local dealer. Paratec GmbH Weingartstr. 12 - D-66798 Wallerfangen - Germany Tel.: +49-6837-7375 www.paratec.de - [email protected] 50 skydive '•'December 2003 Mike Brooke (524,13 km/h) [vsl] n.m. flying, flight. High speed penetration into the air by minimizing the drag with a body attitude which also enables to resist the power of the aerodynamic forces that are generated. Photo : Jean-Pierre Roy - Tcxtc : Mike Brooke Mike : Tcxtc - Roy Jean-Pierre : Photo C Y P R E S 2 is the new generation of CYPRES I A m r n l / A r i GOOD FOR POND SWOOPING AIRTEC Mittelstrasse 69 TeI+49 2953 9899 0 D-33181 Wunnenberg Fax +49 2953 1293 "Water resistant for 15 minutes at a depth of 15 feet (5 meters) in fresh and saltwater Everybody who knew jump pilots there and I did not even him called him Ez. know he was a jumper at first. The CF team was looking for jumpers to A skydiving related crossword with two sets of clues giving fill slots, and Ez said he would like to Water-skiing, diving, home building, the same answers - use the cryptic main or the easy reserve! have a go at that, so we gave him a flying and skydiving... and he was try-out. Silly me, I was talking to him not even in the army! He even built as if he did not know what he was his own sports car. How did he doing with a parachute, as he had Across Down manage to cram five lifetimes into never tried CF before. I think he even I. Wear found inside irritated airways (10) 2. Book on the subject of funny verse (7) half of one? I do not know. He got 7. Danger at sea is free! Free! (4) 3. Inclination to soak head (9) enjoyed it. his degree in civil engineering, and 9. Attitude of snake before shock 4. Cockpit chair displays tarry residue (5) treatment (6) 5. AAD? No. MAD! Yes. (7 ) specialised in foundations, then he Ez was a natural at CF and he was 10. Quality of teabag apparent in brewing 6. Transport needed following 'off got a job with a large firm working brilliant at piloting a formation. He isotropy (8) landing (9) on some very big projects. He even captained the British CF sequential 11. Cameraman caught by flying ripsaw (4) 7. One who gets up noses of royalty in wrote a book on the subject. At 12. Addicted, having funny spell, second Egyptian revolution (5) team, Team X at the World Meet at came down rapidly (4,6) 8. in context remedy is severe (7) weekends he would do all the other Eloy in 1998. Ez was liked and 13. Let loose deer and seal perhaps (8) 14. Queen's stalking little river bunting (9) things, and he was good at them all. respected by all that knew him; he 15. Extremely huge dog eats rows of 16. Too many parachutes allow this I will only touch on his parachuting did not say a lot but when he had an b u sh es(6 ) unsafe configuration (9) here, as the other parts of his life 17. Search about for a horse (6) 18. Half-hourly racket precedes one input, he would be right. I never saw 19. Shout about worn-out county (8) escapee (7) would fill The Mag. Ez worried about anything in all the 21. Pole wearing jersey is a leading 19. Fortress in outlandish dialect (7) time I knew him, even in a canopy skydiver (10) 20. Beware stolen goods containing Ez started jumping at Sunderland wrap. All that would happen was his 24. Water polo played here! (4) uranium (4,3) parachute club when he was 18. He 25. Apiarist pretends oddly that 22. Exercise outside, it's crazy place for bottom lip would come out; he would only managed to get just over 1,200 bumblebee can not maintain it (8) risky sport (5) not say a word and just get the 26. University man carrying low 23. Medium small plug positioned in jumps, and 1,500 hours para- problem sorted out. quality paper flyer (6) Spanish river (5) dropping in at weekends, the only 27. Jump over half of evidence (4) time he had free. I met Ez at His great love was flying, and he 28. Trashed hotel suite canopy (10) Cranfield in flew at many drop zones around the 1989, he country, so many of you who he was one piloted might not recognise his photo A c ro s s D o w n of the in The Mag, as you would only have 2. Secondary parachute 1. Inflation vents seen the back of his head. But 3. Verticality 7. Coral bank he would have known you, 4. Roll, yaw ,__ 9. Ratio of span to chord 5. Parachute release mechanism and he would have been 10. Permeability 6. Carrier for injured person smiling, as he knew what 11. Hold 7. Canopy connector 12. Landed aggressively (4,6) fun you were going to have. 8. Icarus FX/VX canopy 13. Cut away 14. Malfunctions 15. Field boundaries Ez leaves behind a wife, Jane 16. Two canopy formation 17. A short with a pint and two sons Robert & Alex, and 18. Famous escapologist 19. Recently closed DZ 19. Stronghold three other children from a former 21. Person in charge of load 20. Observer 24. Small lake marriage, Joanne, Tom & Jenny. 22. Ski run 25. Aerial velocity 23. Communication device 26. Welsh symbol Will Ez be missed? Yes. 27. Fall deliberately Forgotten? No. 28. PD canopy °!PDU £Z '3>s!d ZZ 'inoyooq QZ 'PPDH3 61 'MPnoH '81 ‘auo/duMoa 91 's.mwdsjjs p) ‘aw&tjxg g Udsiy y ‘j31/j/3jis g 'puoodiy f 'i/oi'j > ‘ssaudaaig £ ‘3iU3S3y 7 Ian Marshall NAIOO ajianoiujs '8Z 3A!Q 'IZ ‘uoSvjq 9^ ‘paadsjty 'poj 'p£ Uajsvuidiunf ■/£ ‘/jdmujoj g/ UasDi/j 11 'saSpay SI 'pasvapy ‘paiunj yoojj 7/ ‘duQ 7/ VQisouoj oi 'toadsy <5 ‘foa# 7 ‘suodssojj 7 SSOHDV Noumos 2/dive 53 '■'December 2003 Tired of waiting on the weather? Make your next jump one that COUNTS! ove to Austra a If you are a qualified professional, in a trade, or running a business, you may be able to migrate to Australia (for BIG skies, cheap jumps and that relaxed Aussie lifestyle) To find out more, contact: Australian Immigration Law Specialist; Registered Migration A?ent 0317560 HnMlk .iiN r^lhiifti Taking Human FliQhmimTilf&NmKnmli w** jgEBSBii OVAN big walk in closets. "v* 2x double bedrooms with twin beds ■O’ Den has queen sized leather sofa which extends as a bed. •v’ Large 30ft x 15ft south facing heated pool with jacuzzi and large sunbathing area. ALL BEDROOMS AND LIVING AREA HAVE THEIR OWN TVS. CABLE TV, VIDEO, HI-FI AND PLAYSTATION ALSO AVAILABLE. L o c a l attractions : Lake Wales, Sky venture - 3omins, Deland - 9omins, Z-Hills - 75mins, Sebastian - 9omins, Disney - iomins, Larmmnti 1-Drive - 3omins, Universal & Wet & Wild - lomins. Mosevcj 3. Box 25 - 4070 Kirke Hy Very good rates for skydivers. Inte Phone: +45 46 48 24 80 L-and-B@l-Md-B.< E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 07813 953 54 skydive December 2003 I l l 0 3 ' 3 £ S 0 B £ VH i ■ i :JJJOS JOVU OJJ ■ a § 01J A Jl‘ JOV / V . i ± V' '.W l JJJOJ ^3^^3ZZTZZriIZIIZIZIZ!ZIZIEZE2IIIlIXIIlIlIlZZI13III I ■■111i TTTTT ■ RAPA Riggers Course I've just returned from probably the best professional course I've ever attended. This was due in no small part to the expertise and dedication of Bill Sharp, organiser and prim ary instructor/exam iner. Thanks are also due to the other instructors/exam iners, John Curtis and Andrew Hilton. It isn't easy to get a rigging course these days and it would be difficult to get one with as much hands-on training as we got. A trip to Airtec was interesting and informative. I cannot praise or thank Bill highly enough for the way the course was run and Black Knights in prepared - he even put himself out to chauffeur us at ungodly hours! I will return Shining Armour next year to do my exam course. I strongly urge anyone considering becoming a rigger (It's not a black art practiced by weirdos!) to contact Bill and book onto W hat kindness and mega professionalism I witnessed at the Black next year's BR course - you w on't regret it. Knights Parachute Centre, Cockerham. I have recently become Phill Elston wheelchair-bound due to a neurological disorder and am very [email protected] conscious of my disability and the attachment of wheels! I've just spent the best two weeks of both my disabled and able life with BKPC. I felt norm al' and felt totally accepted as a whole person. At no time was I m ade to feel the token disabled person; quite the opposite, staff and PS Nationals at Hibble skydivers approached me and asked about my disability which is a refreshing change. XL would like to thank Target Skysports for an outstanding FS Nationals. 47 teams, all complete in two days and I hear that the 8 w ay was an equal success. Jeff lllidge worked tirelessly to ensure everyone on the DZ was having Just incredible, first that there are so m any keen FS teams and second that we a good time. I felt so accepted and normal I did a tandem skydive! completed the meet with time to spare. G reat facilities and great staff, all helping W O W ! W hat an experience. I've never felt so alive and free. Thanks UK FS teams to excel! This must be the second biggest Nationals in the world, to the skills of tandem master Billy, pilot Kev and cameraman Dave, not bad for an island nation! not forgetting Jeff, Phil and C liff the owners, I have had the experience of a lifetime and can replay it again any time I'm feeling low and Pete, John, Steve, Thomas and Rob disabled. It reminds me how able I can be with the help of these www.sebastianxl.org fantastic people, thanks guys, you are the best. If all DZs are all as good as Black Knights they deserve the best publicity in the world! W hat friendly, unique people the sport attracts. Swell At Dunkeswell People tend to think this is a sport for the fit and able but I can assure W hat a great drop zone Dunkeswell is. I have only been in the sport a year and you the disabled get that something extra that no other sport in the felt pretty scared trying another DZ whilst on holiday but my fears were set to world can give - freedom and the feeling of being able again. rest by their friendliness and helpfulness. Hilda Henshall. [email protected] Liz Hurry [email protected] Automatic Activation Devices (AAD's) New Regs at However STC has deliberately left a four month From 1 April 2004, all parachute equipment used period before this rule comes into effect in order to Nethers at Netheravon must be fitted with an operational give club members sufficient time to acquire one. AAD which must be switched on before any The following new equipment regulations will M oreover club secretary Gwyn Burton will descent. This follows the lead set by Em puriabrava come into force at Netheravon during 2004: purchase a small pool of AAD 's for sale at cost to and all French drop zones. Audible Altimeters club members. Army Parachute Association W ith effect from 1 January 2004, all APA camera According to membership records approxim ately [email protected] jumpers must wear an audible altimeter. 98% of club members already use an AAD. CCI - IN CHARGE w w w .b l u e o n e .c o .u k OK, ninety right and hold that heading Oh my God! I'm right over the town square Perfect. When you land, call at the paper shop and get me a can of coke and a Sunday Times 56 skv " December 2003 SpreadEagles Reunion I'm organising a Spreadeagles Parachute Club reunion. W here are all our old mates? I've heard from Bill Boot, Nod Bourne, M ike Beynon, Sally Corre, Steve Polden and G ary Ivamy. The rest of that team were Paul Applegate, M ick Ashford, Eddie McBride and Stevie Nichols. W here are you, you horrible little men? Ex-members who would like to chew the fat please get in touch; whether team, club member, student or one-off charity jumper, you're still one of the SpreadEagles family. (01590 677705 or 45 Bankview, Lymington, Hants, S041 8YH or email me) Mike Abraham [email protected] PERRIS PERFORMANCE PLUS TRAINING CAMPS Formation Skydiving Camps with Dan BC Just One More Dec 11-14 Kate & Tony Big Way Camp If you feel like giving up jum ping because you haven't been to the DZ for along Dec 17-21 4-Way - Tunnel Camp Feb 18-22 4-Way-Tunnel Camp time, prom ise yourself just one last jump. If that doesn't put a smile on your face Apr 21-25 4-Way - Tunnel Camp and you don't get a buzz any more, THEN quit. But only quit when you're sure May 13-16 Kate & Tony Big Way Camp you're ready to, not because it's the line of least resistance. Free Fly Camps Chris Mizzi with Alchemy and the FlyBoyz [email protected] Dec 19-21 Big-Way Camp Jan 2-3 Tunnel Camp Jan 16-18 Tunnel-Sky Camp Feb 14-15 Tunnel Camp Great in Cap Mar 5-7 Big-Way Camp To be part of the Brit contingent at the M ondial was so rewarding. Vocal Apr 10-14 Big-Way Camp support was huge as the participants were led to the em planing point. The flag- Apr 15-18 Free Fly World Record waving was surely a great encouragement. W e cheered the WhAax g o ld a n d May 7-9 Tunnel-Sky Camp shed tears for XL. The behind-the-scenes back up for the British team is first class but a special w ord of thanks must go to John Smyth, Head of Delegation, for his support and enthusiasm. If you've never been to a W orld Meet, be at the next Pro Swooping Tour one to see for yourself w hat the best in our sport can do. Swoop Park Events Apr 22-25 PST Freestyle Open Apr 26-May 2 The Quest Michael Allum. [email protected] Other Excitinq Events Nov 30-Dec 4 AFF Certificationtitles Course i a m b i c Dec 19-21 World Team Warm Up 64-Way Sequential Dec 20-Jan 4 HOLIDAY BOOGIE Looking Cool Free Tunnel Time With Jump Purchases. I read Alastair M aCartney's article in the last M ag, got as far as '1 2 0 - m a d e a Jan 9-19 6th Annual Jack, late turn' and nodded in total agreement. W ell, I made my first 'proper ZP low off to Perris Boogie turn' at jump 106. Broken back, dam aged spinal cord and a complete life Jan 10 James Martin Memorial 10-Way change. How do you put it in words? W ell, Al just did it in the M ag; the coolest Rumble Seat Meet Febl Super Bowl Watching Party person on the DZ is the one who lands safely and walks away quietly. W asn't in the Bombshelter me but probably is now. Feb 14-15 Valentine's Day Glynn Buxton Battle of the sexes [email protected] Feb 14-16 Jim Wallace Demo School Apr 7-11 Easter Boogie Two Canopies out I had an experience with two chutes open and it was very helpful indeed to have read your article, August issue, about control of such situations. O n the eve of my 18* jump (RAPS), I was reading the article and wondered if that could ever happen to me. Next day, I was on my first 15 sec alti pull. I had a good exit but soon lost control and was spinning. I was trying to correct this PERRIS VALLEY SKYDIVING and lost all sense of height awareness; I thought I pulled at 3,500ft but it must 2091 Goetz Road have been a lot lower than I thought. The main deployed and everything was Perris, CA 92570 USA fine until I heard something and looked up to see the reserve open behind me TEL: 909*657-3904 | FAX: 909-657-61 78 as well. Immediately I remembered the advice given and brought it down with SKYDIVING SCHOOL: 888-4-SKYDIVE very slow gentle turns. Had I not read about it the night before, who knows PERRIS SKYVENTURE: 909-940-4290 what the outcome m ight have been. Thank you very muchl www.skydlveperris.com Scott Emsley [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Please note all letters may be edited for space skydive 57 December 2003 2kcomposites The best.. 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On Stock Items 3839 West Oakton Street - Skokie, Illinois 60076 USA All Major Credit Cards Accepted. PHONE: 847-679-5905 vuw w .P araG ear.com Check out our print catalog or order items online! FAX: 847-679-8644 I * m g p p S p !I ■ ony confusion about the / \ last issue, some we I 4 accidentally removed, for which I apologise. These have all been put back into Club News this time. W e have also made the decision to revert to the status quo of what has traditionally been included, as a result of feedback from First Freefall clubs. Lyndsey Hair Just to clarify then, the following milestones Lara Davidson are welcomed and will be included, Suzy Duffy provided you write them on the Club News G ary Sargeant notice so your rep knows who has done Sarah Lever w h a t. * Simon Shaw First freefall Cat Phillips AFF Graduate S t A m d r w s Ian Q uickfall Cat 8 Graduated AFF, Cat 8 Gradings Anna Phillips Graham M cK ay leads a tracking dive (IC1, FS1, CF1, IS1, FF1, FF2, SSI, SS2) Lisa Trainer Jump numbers G rant Torbet Finally our new 206 has arrived, turbo charged, fitted for oxygen and with an (50,100, 200, multiples of 100) Cat 8 up and over door, it looks like the dz w ill be buzzing for months... Hours in freefall Stuart Cameron (1, 12, 24, multiples of 12) C a t A d a m Cunningly Lisa Trainer and Anna Phillips managed to sneak off to Tom Fletcher W e don't list instructor / rigger ratings as Em puriabrava over the summer for AFF, it was quite a surprise to the manifestor Alan McGill these are included on the BPA matters when they returned! Cat 8, 1C 1, 50 Jumps page rather than in Club News. W e don't Tom Fletcher include FAI licences as these are Once again fancy dress was m andatory at our Halloween bash and the usual IC1, FS1, 50 Jumps duplicated by the above qualifications. selection of party games were on hand. Freddy wore the same dress he wore to Alan McKay Hannah and Cat's flat-warm ing party; we think he likes it! The usual selection of I'm sure you will agree the quality of FS1, 50 Jumps witches and vampires appeared along with other w ild concoctions. As is the photographs in Club News is getting better Rebecca W ardall norm the party continued till the late hours, but unfortunately no-one could be each issue, so good that many are being FS1 convinced to jump in their costume the next day. used in the features section. Keep them T o m G o ld coming, the more we have to choose from O ur very own instructor Karen Brennan has been off to Langar at the weekends Jump Numbers the better. to pursue CRW, and was very happy to tell us she was involved in the 7-way 100 A happy Christmas and a good new year female CF record. If Ian Cessford and Freddy can ever manage to get away Ally Milne to you all and congratulations from me to from tandems they promise there w ill be a CrewFest at St Andrews. 2 0 0 all who have been mentioned in the Billy Ham ilton achievements here (if some belatedly!). Gordon Morison 400 Graeme MacKay Temperatures are dropping but jump numbers certainly aren't, Border has been busy. O ur first night jumps were B O R D £ R held at the end of October. Thanks to the guys who came up from Peterlee and to miss you, hurry back. O ur very own regulars who all did their bit to ensure Louise C liff got her rigger's rating in everyone had fun and stayed safe. November - well done, you deserve it! Also to Bryn from Peterlee Laura Johnson ■*, (pictured) who acted as CCI I ) for the weekend (as the Achievements . McGuinesses flew off to IC1 sunnier climes!). E o in M u ir FS1 1 A huge get well Laura Johnson to J o h n Hillam from 8 Hours Freefall a ll a t E d M u r d o c h Brunton, we Calum Bisset by Geraldine McGuinness Achievements FF1 S tr a tm a lla m Ashley Deacon First Freefall Dave Broadley Stephen Kynaston Silya Ronningsen W ell by now we should have welcomed the Ken W alker arrival of our new Cessna in time for yet Oskar Chakon Jum p Nos another big year ahead. The club's annual David Agnew 2 0 0 AG M will also have taken place so check out IC1 James Robertson the next M ag for the club awards. James Robertson Alan Parker The Strathclyde University Club is continuing to Lisa Saunders Chris Reeves fill up our RAPS courses each weekend and FS1 300 going down a storm when it comes to the apres- Jonathan Reed Ron Rodgers jumping. O ur bonfire and fireworks night saw Alex Eastwood 500 the club jam-packed with over 100 members James Robertson Russell Hollingworth partying. A record £500 was raised for fireworks. O ur regular pyrotechnics Kieran and Rob put on another outstanding show followed by Big Jim with his fire-eating display and lighting of the bonfire, then Dangerous Dave juggling with his fire clubs. Ctjeers to Dibbo for his karaoke and disco services which saw us all having to listen yet again to dismal performances - although there were a few who surprisectus and could actually sing. * It wasn't the earliest of starts on the Sunday morning! But when we did get going it was.non stop for the students who had a fantastic day with lots of progression. O ur members have organised winter trips to Portugal to see in the New Year and then to Florida in February. After that the big event's the Scottish Nationals and FS Regionals during the Sam Bailey last weekend in May. Andy Frew First and foremost, a desperate plea - Brid members, For Halloween we organised night jumps. Ground please give me your photos for Club News. control was fantastic - the runway looked like \B r /d u m g t o m Manchester Airport! Thanks to everyone who helped Despite the fact that Andy had his hair died bright with this. M ore night jumps are planned for the new red the day before our wedding, I agreed to spend Achievements Jump Numbers y e a r. the rest of my life with him anyway! Both Phil and First Freefall 50 Aine Harris behaved impeccably, well done. W e had Congratulations to Jon & Kay on the birth of their L iz H a le y James Birchall a fabulous time. Cat and Clive Bailey also got baby boy Jay. Also Dave and Nicki on their new Clive Pullen Rob Nelson m arried, I am told it was another excellent day. posh house, soon to be wrecked at the housewarming Cat 8 Richard Theaker party. Melon & G ill have a new pad but have been Rob Nelson 100 Adding to the Bridlington posse of the unemployed sensible and not had a housewarming... yet! James Birchall Helen Moon are Rob Nelson and James Birchall; they were Simon Temlett 1 , 0 0 0 W e are hoping to get a helicopter in next year and immediately hooked on skydiving, have achieved a Pete Hardaker Dave Saville would like some idea of numbers of interested lot in a short time and have now become fully Sam M urray jumpers and also those w ho'd like a pleasure flight. fledged members by quitting their jobs to become full Joanne Ellis Hours Freefall Contact the centre ASAP. time DZ bums. Ady Tipper Jim Bellew (1) Tracy Pollitt Sarah Thomas Tracy Pollitt (3) FS1 & IC1 Simon Cathrine (3) Dave W alker (4) Tracy Pollitt James Birchall Rob Nelson Mick Dawn (5) IC1 Phil Lyall (10) Nick Salmon FF1 Tracy & Andy Pollitt Lara W alker by Ken Woodhead PeT£R U £ . Achievements First Freefall Cat 8 G ary Butler Rachael Duncan Sam Del-Greco Stu Ferguson John Graham Eleanor Cawston Graduated AFF W ayne W ilson Chris Austin Paul Dowthwaife W e've just said farewell to the Let, M aurico Santos G ary Lorrison departing for an engine change in Siobhan Gillespie Hungary before returning for our St Jum p Nos Jane Oakley Patrick's Day Boogie (17-21 March 50 Karl Hearfield 04). Thanks Jan DeHoog for flying. Allan Adams Nick Brown W e've also benefited from Hib’s SMG. 100 George Impey The turbines have doubled our jump Lindsay W iddall Dave Leonard numbers for the year and freed up our 2 0 0 T im B e s t Cessna for our RAPS students to Paul McCormick Keith Greenhalgh progress in ever increasing numbers. 1,300 Matt W oods W ith the freehold purchase of our Bryn Chaffe Glyn Atkinson airfield site completed and the bar, 1800 Andy Cleaver bunkhouse & ablution blocks all up M ark W illcox Graham W ilkins and running, Peterlee has taken a Allan Adams quantum leap forw ard this past year. Alan Thompson by Craig O ’Brien Ian Rosenvinge TARGET Achievements FSl AFF Graduate Laura Hillas Nina Barker Mike McAuley Liz Russell IC1 Cat 8 Niki Banks Nathan Litzner 500Jumps Andy Myers Derek Kent M ik e N u n n Calvin Blacker Claire Murphy 1,300 jumps Aillie Hardman Tony Keithley FF1 Hours Freefall Mark Chapman John Fletcher (2) Ken W harton (4) The 4-w ay scrambles was very well celebrated at the party, in true Hib attended by eight teams and was a Halloween style, everyone in good fun competition with some costume and the elaborately excellent skydiving, not to mention decorated bar jam-packed. the team names thought up just to Thanks to DJ's Gregster, Richie annoy the manifester.../ a m a and friends for brilliant music all Donkey; Eeyore Eeyore etc. Very night long. fu n n y ! Eeyore Eeyore won, nice one Karen, Nikki, Henry & Steve. W e have further Hib improvements going on over the winter months... The Halloween 10-way speed had • Brand new toilet facilities record number of teams. All joined onto the bar eight got through two rounds • A new games room and some even their third to extend the bar area before Saturday night. A • A social patio/beer garden decision was made to call it on area leading from the bar for two rounds as not many thought those warm summer nights! they'd be well enough to jump the next day! The Langar Lost Hannah Swallow So u ls took the trophy and Party pics by Darren Birkin Simon Ward t mosphere and a l ght n t The e h T ! r a b e th in t h ig n e g r la a d n a e r e h p s o tm a t a e r g a ith w O c t) w ith a n 1 1 - s tr o n g c a m e r a te a m . It w a s a n e x c e p tio n a l e v e n t t n e v e l a n 4 - tio 3 ( p e c s x le e b m n ra a c s s a e w th It in . m t r a a te p a r k e o m to a s c m g a n te o tr 4 s 1 1 - 1 f g o n in n a l e v ta e ith to y t w a n t) e id c r O F ific n n g o a m re tu A c le e tiv a , s m s r e c fo c u s in t is a h e r r g o f a d d y e lo v F o r l p u a o P ls a to t) s p k e n S a h T 8 2 - 7 2 ( d n e k e e w p r a W e h T some of t enced j s rather t . e m a h d s n a to e r iv e s h s t a re r p im rs e s p a m w ju s k d ic e r c ld n a ie B r e e p x th e t s e g r n o o m m a e th g f in o iv e d y m k o s s t f u p o d r a d n ta s it g in k a m r o f rd o F y d n A to d n a ly g illin w o s e tim ir e th e v a g l yi he experi cul natng wih an i essi e iv s s re p im n n a o s a ith w w s g u c tin fo re a o e in m th lm y u a ith c d w n , u d p S e u c . n d ills ie e r k s m e a p ir 1 x 3 te e e h s t g e te th e in ia n d d r o lu e o h f c rm in d to g te n , s a in in d r e ly e e r f fe a th fly te s k c is d d g l, flo e n e fu r c s a s n e , ie rs c r c e ts e u h s p fly x s e it flig a u w s d e g t) h p in c e a w S o c 8 3 1 2 - h 0 it 2 ( w l a le b tiv s a y fe jo it n u e s g in w e h T re s t o f th e te a m - J o h n P a rk e r, M o o s e , C r a ig , C h ris , S h a n e , , e n a h e S th . , e to n ris ia h d D C n a , d n n ig a a io r s s h C u s c A , is e , d s h s o e . o o ) J m o ia M r , s e r, r ite ir e r o f c rk la a A P C ly P r B ill , a n w in h e e o lv th o J r e h e K d w - th ( e , e v g ie s ie m z e h a to z h c o c te a F e a o e e rs c v th u a l o f h c a o c t y e lo s e th re r th u g e o f in c n g d o in n r a h b c s a e o h c c o a FS h o c w to s FS r s e r s fly u re g o f d ro e p c g n in ie c r u e d p o x r e p e th , its u s g in w ir e . h n t e f p p o a h n a lo e th r o f n to in H newbi . ngsuier di east wo o tw t s a le t a id d r ite u s g in w w e n y r e v e y a d r u t a S n O '. s ie b w e 'n he l lf. g t o Crai ve e iv d y k S d n a n o x o P ig a r C to s k n a th ig B lift. t s la e th n o y a w - 5 1 o l hose who go t ra mie t on run, g ig b a , n u r n to s e W e k a m to ile . m M a G tr A x e A P B e th e th o g o h w e s o th ll a To th a n k y o u f o r 2 0 0 3 a n d w e lo o k f o r w a r d to s e e in g e v e ry o n e a t t a e n o ry e v e g in e e s to d r a w r o f k o lo e w d n a 3 0 0 2 r o f n . o u s t o p y m ils u k h b n w a ir y n e th a th d tio s h t e n u o ir q b n e o e s th th p m d n o e e h p T re p o G k r p e e a s e th u h M o c in , S d n tic e a n g a a r s m in e e t o v r ic r o a rv c e y s M r d e x re v . ra u a c e 0 t; e M 0 n m s e a 0 , c to m h 2 . e ic s g e £ g h n a lin tin p w g io t a n to , e n e la e g o g d to tu f d a o le ta r r d p o g y te t fo n fo e c o ie e th y r s C p d a u x r r v e o o io f r F is a s ila p s d w e h r n a h m e T s a p ju g t m C in a y !). ju c it e th y u m d n lic d y tu te n b o a s r u o A d e p c p th , y d lf n in d y n n A n b u a s a s a to d s w e d n s s r n is k e a n a tio te g r a c a h ) a id y T r h m r e r t a t is n h ( fo o A f C m o t m r g t a a !). e in w h id e d M s T a u a lu c e c s x in u m e in u s s e y s , s v a n n re a d a fu g e y d w r c e e n d h ll, t a e e f e a w n e ( in w y e s ie ie th p k s ip e h e lik ( th a d to e k e o N to in ts e n m e m r lu P ild h n C to s e W e h T p m Ju ul ons t to s n io t la tu a r g n o C f syst managed t ve not-so-wai-lke e lik , if- o a h w w - o w s - e t r o c n g e n o iv r t g s - to 0 3 d e e g th a n to a o m ls , a m s te s n y s io t ift la h s tu a r a g f n o o C s n . a a e y m n ! e y C K B b B in e th i r fa n a o s d n a , io d a r l a n io g e r , s s re p l a c lo rom Bat Spi cops and robber o devis and d n a ils v e d to rs e b b o r d n a s p o c , n a m r e id p S , n a tm a B m o fr d e g n a r . k ic r ld a B t s e B r o f k c o L l d n a r e ilv s n o em I D W Team cys s y o B ecky's B for taki he gol , ld o g e th g in k a t r o f hei al o Tony y n o T to o ls a ; e z n o r b ir e th n o West on Plummets in fancy dress, photo by Andy Ford by Andy photo dress, fancy in Plummets West on Too C o ld to ld o C Too ( Bev Ford M O T S e W ai s e n o J e ir la C civments Achievem i x o C ris h C 400 bers Num p Jum e h s A n a th a n o J een ( ) (5 n e re G e s u o c S Freefall Hours g in r u D ie d d e r F tt o c S e v te S FS2 r ia to r c F u a y z d z n a A M o t r e lb A 8 Cat P h il H o u s e m a n (1 ) ) (1 n a m e s u o H il h P n a m e s u o H il h P FS1 na Rowell e w o R a in N s llin o C k tric a P 0 0 0 , 1 100 Achievements First Freefall Stephen Thomas TfLSTOCK David Foreman-Doody Keith Giles Cat 8 Don Timmons Helen Lightfoot Andy Starr M ike Allsopp N ic k W o o d FS1 Brian Teeson T y e G r u n d y Jump Numbers Martin Wilshaw with 74 year old 50 K en Taylor, by Cwyn Anthony-Ackery Robert McCulloch 100 The Shropshire air must be full of the right stuff because we've had congratulations to them, and also to our very own club operator N e il L o n g a record numbers of RAPS students coming through the system this Colin Fitzmaurice who has become a G randad! Colin was last 2 0 0 year. The dedication, enthusiasm and commitment shown is most heard muttering about the war and the youth of today before going Claire W ilkinson impressive and there are certainly some future skydiving stars in the for a lie down. 600 making. Long time club member Steve Cooper has taken up the E w a n B e n t Ben and W ilko did a great job of organising the Halloween party challenge of becoming an instructor, and is giving the training his 900 with a good turnout, plenty of food & beer, a big fire and monster usual 110% . W e all wish him luck. O ily Dreghorn and Tony Ben Skellern fireworks. It was a good warm -up for our legendary Christmas Houlton have been taking to wingsuits. Ray Parker party to be held at Hawkstone Park on 13 December, come and 5,000 74 year old 'M ad' Ken Taylor did his sixth tandem jump at Tilstock join the m uppetry. Terry Hall is under strict instruction to keep his M artin W ilshaw this year (see picture). Ken has raised more than £ 11,000 for trousers on and the staff have been asked to get the m orning coffee charity and we are all wondering when he will stop. Don Timmons ready for Daz. 12 Hours Freefall and Caroline W illiam s announced their engagement - Ewan Bent R a y P a rk e r Terry Kilm artin has returned to get it done the day before he left for six months in Canada. deliver CF coaching whilst Happy travels G raham ! Chris w ill no doubt become the latest B l a c k K n /g h t s Roger M orris is going to be WARP student to be coached by Ian Pringle - once Chris dries back soon with his cameras. out his clothes from the water trough! Achievements The runway improvement The Halloween fancy dress evening was the biggest DZ party of First Freefall project is ahead of schedule. Thanks to all who have helped, the year. Thanks to all who contributed masses of food, drink, Gordon Rhodes w e'll be reaping the benefits whilst operating throughout the superb fireworks and helped with the huge bonfire. Early hours Steven Redford w inter season because of this. Cat 8 saw an excellent vibe, music and increasingly risque party Graham Stephenson Hilda Henshaw has become an appreciated regular involving entertainment with Jimmy Swan even spotted wearing someone's Chris Childe herself in DZ life and supporting her husband Neil's jumping. bra. It was encouraging to see our latest set of skydivers now Hilda's done a tandem, despite her rare neurological condition developing their form ation Stella drinking skills coached under Jump Numbers that often sees her zoom ing around the DZ in her GTI motorised the experienced eyes of some of our long term jumpers. Their 50 scooter. W atching the video we could clearly see how excited training session finished around 5am we hear; well done lads! James Ackland Hilda was as she screamed the phrase "flam ing hell" to the 1 , 0 0 0 camera on exit - at least we think that's what she said... Nice Happy holidays from the BKPC team and all the best for 2004 Dave Ashton o n e H ild a ! when we'll have some m ajor announcements on DZ events and a ir c r a ft . Danny Smith Congratulations to Graham and Chris on their Cat 8s. Graham Jeff lllidge kept working tirelessly towards his qualification and managed to n o ^ m o kinc December52003 Jeff lllidge SfBSOM Lee Co/beck by Ronnie O ’Brien Achievements Cat 8 Cat Shield Freeflyers over Peterborough by Stuart M eacock Laura Mcloughlin Gavin Smith W hilst wuffos all over Cam bridgeshire W e should mention O lli Denham, who CCI. Next year's prizes w ill be presented Gavin Harris pray for rain, skydivers at Sibson have recently relocated to NZ but who oh so by a 'fam ous personality.' I believe there James W areham been thanking the weather god for nearly didn't make it to NZ or in fact even w ill be cham pagne too, so get the rules John Parker listening to us; it's been just gorgeous and out of W ansford... O lli, please avoid the from Jake and Pete as you have ten Stuart Parker it's gone on and on. Pretty perfect jum ping roofs of moving vehicles when drunk as a months to seriously impress! Lee Colbeck weather has meant bucket loads of skunk, the ground m ight be a little less FS1 Finally, a fantastic firework and Halloween skydiving, flat flyers and freeflyers forgiving down under! Alison Chaplin night party ensured a suitably partied-out cramming as m any in as possible before it David Geffin Pete and Jake at Birdland Bar hosted a DZ on Sunday morning, some didn't make gets a bit colder! Dave Lehane managed FF1 it to bed at all...well done. It was also video competition in September. The Duncan W right eight in one day. The sunset lifts ran in at Cat's leaving do, of course we partied, it standard was very high and all entrants Cheryl Marks 15,000, those w ith wingsuits getting even were rewarded with a bottle of would've been rude not too. Thankfully FF2 more mileage for their money! champagne. The winners were Sarah and Richard Luxton was on his best behaviour, Richard Luxton It's been a great summer for students, O lli, 2“* place, Cornelia, Chris and Nick, it's always the quiet ones don't you know! RAPS and AFF alike, with masses of 3d place, David Fish and Duncan W right Jump Numbers W e're looking forward to meeting up at progression. David Fish (bottom right) and 4* place, Chris Donaldson and the BPA AG M in Leicester where we continues to entertain w ith his strange Bobby. Special note should go to David intend to have as many Sibson tables at obsession for hanging out with weird Fish and Duncan W right for even dinner as possible. If you want a seat and Alison Lhaplin green monsters and we are not talking contemplating the idea of going into a fab dinner, book a ticket with the BPA David Geffin about Duncan W right & Steve Toxic Tiller. Peterborough dressed like that, you were and let the DZ know that you've booked it, 2 0 0 lucky to get back to the DZ without being W elcome back to Tony Smith, who started we w ill include you on a Sibson table. Duncan W riqht a rr e s te d ! jumping again in September after a 13 300 So, it's been a peachy perfect summer at year lay-off. The evening was such a success that Pete Richard Luxton PPC and a great skydiving year for lots of and Jake have decided to make it an 4 00 W e say our goodbyes, tem porarily to club members. The Let comes back the annual event. The Birdland Film Festival Caroline Allen Brad and Debbie Rock who are New beginning of M arch. Thank you for w ill take place every September, winners Michael W ilson Roberts Zealand bound and more permanently to jum ping and partying with us at Sibson in w ill receive a prestigious 'Ronnie' statue; 1,500 Jumps Cat Hardesty, who's off to South Africa, 2003, see you all in 2004. apparently it's much better looking than & 24 Hours Freefall have fun guys. Lizzie Harris an Oscar as it resembles our very own Nicole W atson Brad Rock and M a rk Harris with student, photo by Ronnie O ’Brien Regulars did a jump into Bewl Reservoir in September which HiADCORM went off with the ( HfMTON ) usual fun and games. Achievements Jum p Nos W e've waved M id September saw a Skyvan at Hinton Cat 8 50 goodbye to the Let for the weekend, so all those who had until next Spring, but never jumped a tailgate exit aircraft were Ash W righton Adrian Bond the Beaver is back for filling their boots (or bootees!). Julian Rayner Ethen Brentwood the winter. Bonfire 2 0 0 Richard Parkin Early October saw the fun 8-way speed Trevor Cowell night had everyone Keith Stock meet in clear blue skies. It was great to 4 00 out for a huge fire Adrian Bond see so many people come back after John Ashton and barbeque, with a D ig g e r doing their 'team thing' this year. There 600 bring-your-own- Clair W inter was lots of catching up on gossip and Andy Holland rocket firework T im J a m e s Saturday night saw a lamb roast giving 800 display that went on D a n T a m o n e desolation to the bar. Ivan won the 'worst Liz Haynes and on and on. W e landing of the weekend' with a windsock 1 , 0 0 0 did notice the boys FS1 encounter - not so super swoop! The J o h n V a le tended to go for the Andy Bishop eventual winners were Octopussy rockets which made a Philippa Pickering 1,400 (supposed to be an all girls team but Mike Dawson big bang but didn't Ethen Brentwood some boys became honorary chicks) 5.000 last long, whereas the p ip p in g Altern8 to the post. IC1 Clem Quinn girls went for the prettier ones which lasted longer! Hmmm... A n d y R in g Ethen Brentwood As it was so cold we had no option but to go to W ings to warm up W ith the mass exodus to the Kenya 10.000 afterwards, where a Blues Brothers tribute band kept us entertained. Boogie again, we thought it would be a Chris Lynch W e were surprised to see Chris Carroll on stage - he hadn't told us of bit quieter... no chance! Enter the Redlands rabble whom we introduced to Hrs Freefall his hidden singing talents! Residents of Headcorn should be on the alert since Halloween - Pete Leighton's teeth are still on the loose the tradition that is Sunday Roast here. Peter Sizer (48) somewhere in the village! Steve and Elaine's annual fireworks party Ruth Cooper went off with the biggest bang ever. The earth and many windows were shaking with some of the explosions. The The Let 410 came back for three days in October which was marvellous, we made neighbours even gave a round of the most of it. The BCPA held their Freshers M eet with us, a lot of students attended applause when the fireworks had and we also held our speed meet which I organised. W e didn't make teams of ten as finished! Either because they enjoyed the Achievements planned but teams of seven, made up of Cark and Cockerham jumpers; we all had a display or in relief that their houses were laugh. The competition was close, and I mean close, the rounds had to be re-judged still intact... W e held a fireworks party on Cat 8 in order to identify first place. The Seven Dwarfs were the winners, followed by The the DZ the next night, which saw even Maddy West Famous 5 and 2 Chix only half a second behind, with The Magnificent Seven th ir d . more explosions, very strange sound Danny Hogan effects, entertainment from Ryan and M a tt Lee Birthday celebrations all round for Jan Fallon, Craig Kelsall (both 40) and M ick Lucy, and various dangerous skateboard Peter M ilojevic Carruthers gave plenty of hangovers as well as birthday cake! Jan was quite worse a n tic s . Brenda Roche for wear and there are photos to prove it! FS1 Goodbye to Alex, who has gone to New M any of Cork's jumpers came to my Halloween party. The costumes were hilarious Steven Edge Zealand. No doubt him and Gus are and it certainly was a night to remember. W e all got very drunk to say the least, Roy Liptrott doing their 'Dude, Sweet' th in g there was plenty of fake blood to go round (Craig even brought spare with him?) everywhere there. C lair Tuckett has and my cocktails went down a treat! (Get it? Treat!) lump Numbers caught the travel bug and is going off 100 A group of experienced jumpers are taking some students for a weekend in Paris to around the world. Congratulations to Zoe Marcus Barrington the tunnel. Fifteen of us are going and we are hoping this w ill be a learning and Pete Stoneman on tying the knot in 1 , 2 0 0 experience as well as a great trip away. I can't w ait to see N ik 'Smiler' Barnett in Thailand on Halloween. Pete is actually Helen Shaw there, just exactly how much bigger w ill his smile get!? smiling in a photo! 1,800 Caroline White Enjoy what's left of 2003 and have a great Christmas. NW PC reopens in January, Keith Toyer 2,400 date to be confirmed. Michelle Meakins Steve Nolan Hinton Achievements Jan Fallon’s birthday IC1 & FS1 Leni Siddons D a n N e l Leni Siddons Jump Numbers 100 D a n N e l Len Tetley 4 0 0 Sandy Poole 600 Chris Lewis 1 , 0 0 0 Clare Jones 1,300 Maddy Moore K e n y a B o o g i e A group of us went to the Kenya boogie in October flying the Twin O tter from Nairobi and jumping in to Diani Beach for the last-light load on Friday. Landing on the sand in front of the hotel, dodging the palm trees then watching the Twin O tter on its first beat up was kinda cool. The boogie was at the four star Alliance Safari Beach Hotel with manifesting, packing etc under the palm trees, a short minibus trip to Ukunda airport where the Twin O tter took off and then jum ping back into the hotel. It truly was a 'Beach Boogie' - I can tell from the am ount of sand still in my gear! The skydivers were mostly Brits, with m any other assorted nationalities m aking for fun times in the sky and in the bar. Each night the hard core Brits entertained the locals. Dan Nel's fire-spinning demos got the crowd cheering - too much temptation for Ian McConnell who just had to have a go too... good effort at a human fireball! Geoff's pool party started off quite sedately, but soon escalated to pool games and three tier pyram id building, amongst other things (Geoff a n d Ia n !). Consequently there were a few absences from the first loads but then no one was taking it all too seriously. Even load organiser Patrick Passe got into the party spirit, realising that good fun jumps were being done but we weren't going to break any records for FS! The freeflyers can always use the 'free and easy ' nature of the discipline to explain away lack of co-ordination on the earlier loads. Me? I just had to use the 'I'm useless anyw ay' excuse. W ith Patrick teaching the finer points of flat beach. They then completed the first 4-w ay diam ond control except in the bar' Julie W oodrow with video flying, the quality of the jumps improved and we built in Kenya, with two local jumpers. of her in an awesome spin hanging on for dear life. were soon turning five point 12-ways with a lot O ur inflatable octopus flew in a spectacular fashion, of laughs. Chris Lewis and Alain Vejux did A varied and eclectic selection of inflatables were held all the w ay to break-off by Dan Nel, but losing intermediate load organising also sneaking onto taken for a skydive. A couple of excellent raft jumps Harro completely! a couple of Patrick's loads. Freeflying was hot saw the boats being ridden all the way to break-off - and happening with M att O'Riordan overseeing it even looked like most people were in control. Julien I left Kenya with very happy memories, a rekindled excellent head up, head down, solo and flocking 'Brussel Sprout' Degen managed to replace a pair of desire for good FS, a liver in need of serious wingsuit jumps. The CRW guys, with the forgotten goggles on a raft-riding skydiver's face as de-tox(!) and having made a lot of new friends who experienced Steve Saunders and Paul at the he flew around the raft - nice! An inflatable shark want to visit me in O z. Hakuna matata! helm, saw newbies landing 5-stacks on the proved an hilarious experience for 'the usually in Heather Little Kenya photos by Steve Saunders & Ian McConnell M e T H t R A W M I p IB U J 1 z j'j'J D D s J ' J ’u j j j f 1 ■ V August bank holiday was the second Three rounds were completed on dirt-diving and placing out markers. stop of the UK Swoop Tour. 16 Sunday. The course was then moved and Consistency was the key to medals. Chris competitors entered on canopies from for safety, another practice round was Lynch took gold on his Velocity 96, Tim sub 90 sqft cross-braced to more held followed by round 5. The final Carter silver with a VX 79 and G ary rectangular 135 sqft wings. Rounds 1 & round was M onday morning after the 'Swoop' W ainwright bronze on his 2 were distance events; 3 & 4 distance party. W hen it arrived there was a Velocity 103. Swoop had a mal and with bonus targets. 5 & 6 were carving frantic search for missing (hung over?) rejumped in unfavourable conditions. distance, new this meet, with the initial competitors. It was great to see people Much has been learned about these 30ft crosswind followed by a medium scouring the DZ looking for jumpers who meets. Safety adjustments for the future carve round into wind. The course was could well have ended up beating them. w ill include m andatory on site training Jump Numbers set up out front, enabling spectators to (W here W AS Smudge?!) jumps and stricter minimum performance 50 hear the dives, feel the squeeze of the The more serious competitors were c r ite r ia . Steve Chadwick rear risers and experience the speed as pacing the course, feeling air pressure, Nigel Kirby competitors stormed past. Saturday was S e e www.swooping.co.uk density and wind strength, watching Jason Legg mostly practice for competitors to adjust other canopies, calculating set-up points, Al Macartney Paul M organ to the layout of the DZ, plus round 1. Nell Preedy Ian Thomas Everyone made a fantastic effort at poshing up for the social event exile! Thanks to Tommy and staff for an excellent night. 100 of the year - the APA Autumn Ball. It kicked off with a Leah Parle and friends celebrated her 21" birthday and 100* W ayne Clarke champagne reception and a jazz band. An excellent three course skydive with a static-line jump. Leah, Je ff, Nigel , Paul and Ian W ayne Collier dinner followed, courtesy of Sharky and the boys from H o t Stuff. made up a Caravan load, all captured on film and shown in the Kevin O 'G ara Dave Clarke is a man of hidden talents and gave a brilliant light bar - bit of a risk guys - some of you should be back on DPs! You Leah Parle box display. Top entertainment followed with the gyroscope, know who you are... Jeff! (Only joking!) Andy Sydenham bucking bronco, bungee run and a memorable Pam vs Pam Simon W ilson encounter in the sumo suits. N o injuries other than loss of dignity! Congratulations to Andy Goodall and Sarah Smith who are tying 2 0 0 the knot. Commiserations to G eordie for failing to keep his 3,000'h 3am bacon butties proved a real lifesaver just before Sooty, Geordie Brown jump quiet. Nice choice to mark the event mate - a tandem! 400 Smudge and Billy provided more entertainment - this time without Kath Salisbury Adam Jones the sumo suits. Nice one lads, we look forw ard to your return from 500 Dave Clarke Greg Henry 600 Stephan Reynolds 700 M ike Lewis 3,000 Geordie Page Hours Freefall Steve Lam bert (1 2) Ash Hollick (24) Stu Albon (36) Jeff Chandler (48) La n g a r Achievements lump Numbers First Freefall 100 Gemma Wake Clare Wilson Louise W illiam s Ross Lambert Liz Dodson Joe Carnegie Kev Morris Andrea MacLeod Cat 8 Adrian Davies P ete B a c o n 200 J o h n C o x o n Tina W iseman B e n S e g u s s Kris Ridley Paul McBrearty Caroline Guest Steve Smith Laurence Richardson S te v e W a r d Jennie Sedgwick Carl Pickering 300 Ian Proudlove J o M e r r y Greg Fisher 400 Jason Brown Jim Bradwell Keith Jarvis 500 Hannah Betts Tash Higman Richard Thiele 600 Darren Chaney Katie W oods Rolf Baxter Fiona Birnie G e m m a W a k e 700 Scott Applegarth Paul Henderson Fraser Hamilton 800 P a u l R o w e Kate M orris Rob Peterson 1,000 Craig Poxon C o lin B ell Elliot M artin P a u l M ills IC1 1,100 Glen Burchill Clare W ilson 1,300 Ross Lambert James Edwards Chris Britton FS1 Steve Newman 1,400 Paul Rimmington B illy P a y n Paul Fletcher 1,500 A d a m B e a n Lynn Brazier M artin Hopkins Adrian Davies Hours Freefall FF1 Sylv Radcliffe (1 2) Joe Carnegie Dave Lewis (24) Linda Gorman FF2 Chris McCann (36) Dave Hickling (120) W eed Stoodley Craig Poxon A Skyvan, Let 410 and Cessna Caravan The wingsuit guys had fun with the Skyvan Tony Danbury made plenty of lift capacity for Langar using their skills to ride the slipstream to a Boogie 2, a great end of season bash. W e higher altitude than they exited at - looks had afficionados of pretty much every bizarre on video! skydiving discipline, with FS well Three 4-w ay teams entered the CF represented by the Brit Chicks, POPs Regionals at the end of September, record attempt and our home-grown including two home-grown teams. Visitors organisers too. H 2 0 took the gold medal in 4-way Bullet Freefly School recruited Rob Silver, rotations and silver in 4-way speed. M ark national freefly cham pion, to coach. W e W eaver's local team, T/ie G re at ran him off his feet. Rob did a great job H u m o n g o u s, placed first in 4-w ay speed, for everybody, with unfailing good a n d The Road Warriors took silver in humour, not to say a broad grin at all rotations and bronze in speed. Just three times. Rob, Saul Thomas, Elliot M artin and teams meant they were all jumping on one Steve Newman took advantage of the pass from the Caravan - great to see so m ulti-aircraft form ation loads that the much CF in the sky all at once. The British POPs and Chicks were taking up to make women's CF record was achieved on the a head-down 4-way formation exiting very first attempt, well done! See page 10 from two aircraft - a first in the UK? A first for full story. at Langar, at least. Tony Danbury W fiD Geese) It's been a quiet couple of A couple exited at 5,000 ft Achievem ents months with the only and the model burst into excitement being a photo tears but like; a true First Freefall shoot for a glam our professional, she still Peter .Rice magazine. Jenny and her wanted to jump. In freefall Hugh McCanphill entourage turned up early Jenny screamed the whole Rob McCrary one Sunday morning and, way down, so the pictures after posing in her various aren't quite w hat the Cat 8 ' outfits for pics, she was magazine was looking for Peter M ulligan briefed for a tandem jump. but the club got a great The instructors fought over a rt ic le . who should take this young babe to 13,000 feet. John McCourt John McCourt Photo: Bob Henderson Achievements P a r a g o n D u m k e s w e l l First Freefall Cat 8 Chris M ills Christian Lawler M ike Robbins Annabel Clark The club Christmas party looks M att Chudet Kat Rayson set to break all records this year The Plymouth University students are still dom inant W ill Beaumont Steve Howes and the karaoke session will in jum ping and also drinking but some of us here Kat Rayson probably break all windows as fear that beer fines are NOT being paid...w e will IC1 Steve Howes well but, to the freshly find you! M any of our students are progressing Dan Batchelor Gavin Clark Dan Cowley inebriated, I'm sure it w ill sound well and providing much entertainment along the F S 1 D o n a ld wonderful. Special report and First Freefall w ay with all the norm al excuses and stories as to M artin Pope Thorban-Muirhead possibly incrim inating G avin Clark (above) how their jumps went... we've heard them all 50 Jumps photographs next issue. before! Gavin Horrell deserves his own paragraph 200 Jumps Leanne M illigan c»i r .1 l l- l mintsM ike Patersonruitfibun as alone he seems to provide most of the DZ bales or thermal undies have L iz z y S w a n entertainment and stir up as much dirt as gone through the roof locally as everyone else does put together! we've experienced some of the coldest temperatures at altitude I can remember. Alice has turned a fetching Daz Clayton is now cleared as a jump pilot and is shade of blue and only the efforts of packing have doing us all proud, good job Daz and a big stopped her from freezing up completely. thank-you to all the other pilots too. Also a thumbs-up to Smithy for all his hard work in the Happy birthday to our long suffering manifester, Irene. I packing shed keeping the tandems in the air and am far too much of a gentleman to say just what birthday ^ Gavin off the ground! Red is hopefully now only a it is, m ainly due to Irene's renowned left hook. The few jumps away from Cat 8. present's in the post. Finally a big sigh of relief from all us wim ps as G avin Simpson recently celebrated the 18th anniversary our new rollover door has been fitted... and a of jump number 1 by getting our pilot, Tom Boyle to sign bigger surprise is that Andy has not even his first jump certificate. Tom, flew his 182 (G-AVID) for increased the jump prices! Gavin's first jump at Fordoun. A M erry Christmas and mega New Year from all at Thank you all for a great turnout at the Christmas P a r a g o n . party, we hope you all enjoyed it, and a special thanks to the guys who keep our friendly little dz Bob Henderson & Lynsey McLagan going Dan Batchelor skv December 2003 The tim e has come to say farewell to the assistant staff again; Spence Hogg & Daz Buckley return to their regimental ski team, Paul Harris goes back to the Royal M ilitary College at Shrivenham and Jamie M illgate returns to his regiment on promotion - well done Jamie! Steve M illington is leaving us to return to the land of blue (the RAF) after com pleting his PR course nice - one and farewell. W ell done to the others who attended the riggers course run at RAPA in Nov. W e say hello to G uy (Mac Hutch) Hutchins who has replaced Phill Collett as the resident S RAF parachute instructor at RAPA. The senior staff's well deserved Christmas leave will be g followed by staff training at Perris in January, making use of the new w ind tunnel and canopy school to hone our skills for the coming season. Thanks to some of the R ed 40,h Anniversary Championships D evils who spent a fair bit of time over in Cyprus during The biggest thing at RAPA next year w ill be the British Forces G erm any Parachute the summer helping out (I'm Championships. This w ill also mark the 40* anniversary of RAPA. W e want to make this a sure it's a hard life guys!). little special. It would be nice to make it a massive reunion event, with jumpers, teams, retired 200 Jumps Goodbye to some members; jumpers, riggers and pilots all getting together for lots of fun, skydiving and entertainment. Pelham Georghiades Chris Kelly - off to Scotland, Demetris Demetriou The meet starts on Sunday 13 June and finishes the following Saturday. Events include style & John Dean - off to Germany accuracy, pond swooping and FS. Please spread the word to all RAPA jumpers past and 4,000 Flying Hours and Helen Mills & Chris Backhouse - back to the UK. present. Bring m em orabilia! Cheap flights daily into Paderborn from Stanstead are at: Modestos Meletiou www.Airberlin.de A le x B u sb y Non BPA A ffiliated centres Held earlier than normal this year at Cark, There was no new record set at Langar in the traditional Freshers weekend was well September, but Jack & Co w ill be trying attended with nearly 60 students from five again next year. So watch this space or universities from across England - contact Jack Felstead Lancaster, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle [email protected] and UW E, plus a few other individuals. Congratulations to Caroline O 'Hagan on Most people arrived on Friday evening, achieving 700 jumps. giving plenty of opportunity to share a few beers and stories of events over the summer. If you are interested in attending the POPS world meet in Switzerland, full info is John Knight St Caroline O ’Hagen, by Paul French Saturday m orning was greeted with the available on www.swisspops.ch Please welcome POPS New Members glass-nosed Turbolet, clear blue skies, and Phil Cosgrove Brian Laithwaite friendly winds. Most people were able to Niels Hansen appreciate the stunning views of the coastal Stephen W atts Henry Thompson mudflats and Lake W indem ere from ET M cBride Elliot Borthwick altitude. In the afternoon there was an Janet W illcox R M ark Dyson attempt to set a new BCPA big-w ay record - but it wasn't meant to be. Later in the evening, after a few hiccups getting the DJ to Cark, the party erupted with vodka jelly and punch both making the rounds (happy birthday Timmy!).Thanks to Lorraine for Team Pumpkin are mostly going into organising a successful weekend. hibernation for the winter in the UK with some m igrating to Elsinore and Eloy to The annual trip abroad in April is looking continue jumping in warm er conditions. Next to be well attended. Places are filling up social w ill be the AG M in January. O ur last fast. For further details and how to register m ajor gathering was a weekend's jumping g o to [email protected] at Sibson and other assorted events It's not too late for university clubs to arranged by Dave Fish and Pete Farrow. The affiliate to the BCPA, go to weather wasn't as kind as we hoped but the www.bcpa.org.uk fancy dress party made up for it. lain Firkins Martin Williams 200 Jumps 900 Jumps Ainsley Walters Alex Waller TheParachute s k y d iv e C e n t r e at -Tilstock M empunabrava is very busy and we need another two m i } PART-TIME CSIs to complement our existing staff. We operate on Friday, Saturday and Bank Holidays so it would suit Instructors who wish to keep current and who would like to fun jump somewhere on Sundays. If you are interested in working in a fun environment call Colin Fitzmaurice on 01948 841111 g r o u n d r u s h I N G www.ground rushuk.c o AFF 9-stages NZ$2135 (FAI recognised) - Sport Jumping - RW/Freefly coaching -Tandems - Turbine a/craft - 7 Days a week - Best weather in NZ PILATUS 14000 ft- Price pr (Special price for teams) Abel Tasman NZ AFF School with coaching to Please contact us to request our brochure and price list Tel / Fax: 01509 210463 Mobile: 07733216324 AGADIR BRAND NEW ALTIMETER RANGE now available in the UK. Registration: . j S j Manufactured to the highest standards by a leading European Aerospace Company. wwiw.air-m auss.com/maroc Altimeters & accessories available in a wide variety of colours. +33 5 56 09 99 2 4 - + 3 3 6 07 49 7! Models range from basic up to professional. Prices start from £72 inc VAT Travel and accomodation: FREE ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED WITH SELECTED MODELS +33 1 45 49 32 06 • [email protected] LIFETIME GUARANTEE ON EVERY ALTIMETER Facilities video room M equipment shop Sc rigging room V canteen f! evening restaurant Y bar bunkhouse BPA Affiliated lr showers A camping welcome IB caravans welcome C o a c h in g LO Load Organisers FS Formation Skydiving Drop Zones CF Canopy Formation FF Freeflying AC Accuracy i i WP ^ . S U Devon & Somerset Parachute School 30 Tower Way, Dunkeswell, N r Honiton, Devon EX14 4XR Tel: 01404 891 690 Fax: 01404 891 690 aguestl @compuserve.com www.parachuting-uk.com Aircraft: Cessna 206 Open: 9am - sunset Wed-Sun, midweek by arrangement First Jump Courses: RAPS, tandem ft x 1| T A IB cf su Headcorn Parachute Centre Headcorn Airfield, Headcorn, Kent TN27 9HX Tel: 01622 890 862 Fax: 01622 890 641 [email protected] www.headcornparachuteclub.co.uk Aircraft: Beaver (winter), Let 410 (summer), Islander Open: 9am - dusk Tuesday to Sunday. 1 pm - dusk on Mondays in summer. First Jump Courses: RAPS, AFF, tandem Come and join in the fun here at Headcorn! f; II < J* f| Y A IB \ LO FS CF FF AC WP Black Knights Parachute Centre British Parachute Schools Hinton Skydiving Centre Patty's Farm, Hilliam Lane, Cockerham, Lancaster LA2 ODY Langar Airfield, Langar, Nottingham NG13 9HY Hinton Airfield, Steane, Brackley, Northants NN13 5NS Tel: 01524 791 820 Fax: 01772 717 624 Tel: 01949 860 878 Fax: 01949 860 012 Tel: 01295 812 300 Fax: 01295 812 400 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Aircraft: Cessna 185 Aircraft: Turbolet (summer), Cessna 206, www.skydive.co.uk Open: 8am - 8pm, weekends and bank holidays, Fridays Grand Caravan, SkyVan occasionally Aircraft: Nomad/Beaver (Mar-Oct), Cessna 206 in summer & other days by arrangement Open: 9am - 8pm (or sunset) every day, 10am start Sun. Open: 8am - 9pm at weekends. 9am - 7pm, Tue-Fri First Jump Courses: RAPS, AFF, tandem Office open every day 8.30am - 6pm First Jump Courses: RAPS, AFF, tandem Always a warm welcome at the North West's most First Jump Courses: RAPS, AFF, tandem Small and friendly accessible drop zone. Come visit us. Lots o f aircraft, always lots o f jumping, busy every day - midweek too! e. M * * Y AW % FS CF FF AC WP II X » fa A (9 % LO FS CF FF WP 1 T & A © \ LO FS CF FF WP Border Parachute Centre British Skysports, Bridlington London Parachute School Brunton Airfield, Chathill, Northumberland NE67 5ER East Leys Farm, Grindale Rd, 31 Green Street, Hazlemere, Bucks HP15 7RA Tel: 01665 589 000 Fax: 01494 444 326 Bridlington, E Yorks Y 016 4YB Drop Zone located off Junction 6 of M40 [email protected] [email protected] Tel: 01262 677 367 or 07836 276 188 Tel: 01494 459 500 Fax: 01494 444 326 www.borderparachute.co.uk Fax: 01262 401 871 [email protected] Aircraft: Cessna 206, Islander [email protected] www.londonparachuteschool.com Open: 9am - dark, Fri-Sun. Tue-Thu by arrangement Aircraft: Cessna 206 Aircraft: Islander, Cessna 206 First Jump Courses: RAPS, AFF, tandem Open: 8am - 8pm every day Open: 9am - dusk at weekends First Jump Courses: RAPS, AFF, tandem First Jump Courses: RAPS, tandem, AFF gp m s* x T A IB lo fs c f ac wp fc II x T| Y A © % FS CF AC WP X A LO FS CF AC WP North London Parachute Centre Skydive Redlands The Parachute Centre Chatteris Airfield, N r Stonea, March, Cambs PE 15 OEA Redlands Farm, Wanborough, Swindon, Wiltshire Tilstock Airfield, Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 2HA Tel: 01354 740 810 Fax: 01354 740 406 Tel: 01902 653 220 Fax: 01902 653 220 Tel: 01948 841 111 Fax: 01948 840 638 [email protected] Weekends: 01793 791 211 [email protected] www.ukskydiving.com [email protected] www.theparachutecentre.com Aircraft: Nomad www.skydiveredlands.com Aircraft: 2 x Cessna 206 Open: 8am - 8pm Tue-Sun in summer. Aircraft: Cessna 206, Finist Turbine (until Jul & from 9 Aug) Open: 1 Oam - dark Fri. 8am - dark Sat. 9am - dark on 9am - dark Wed-Sun in winter Open: 9am - 8pm at weekends. Please call bank holidays First Jump Courses: rounds, RAPS, AFF, tandem 07855 908 083 prior to coming First Jump Courses: RAPS, AFF, tandem A friendly, progressive drop zone with excellent facilities First Jump Courses: RAPS lap A Sx JE % LO FS W P that are constantly being updated. Indoor packing, hot and cold food. 6 A % LO FS CF FF WP SU II < ® j| Y W A © LO FS UK Parachuting 01953 861 030 North West Parachute Centre Skydive Southwest UK Parachuting Cark Airfield, Flookburgh, Nr Grange-over-Sands, Duke of Gloucester Barracks, South Cerney, Cirencester, Old Buckenham Airfield, Attleborough, Norfolk NR17 1PU Cumbria LAI 1 7LS Gloucester GL7 5RD Tel: 01953 861 030 or 08456 585 544 Tel: 01229 889 516 Weekends: 01539 558 672 Tel: 07779 019 655 [email protected] Fax: 01953 861 031 Fax: 01772 787 106 [email protected] www.skydivesouthwest.co.uk [email protected] www.skydive-northwest.com Aircraft: Cessna 182, Islander www.ukparachuting.co.uk Aircraft: Turbolet 410 (by arrangement), Islander Open: Fri-Sun (weekdays by arrangement) Aircraft: PA-32 (available for displays) Open: 9am - 9pm, w/ends & bank hols, weekdays by arrangement First Jump Courses: tandem, RAPS AFF Open: Weekends & weekdays by arrangement First Jump Courses: RAPS, tandem, AFF First Jump Courses: RAPS, tandem Y A 18 a c w p Set in beautiful surroundings o f the Lake District. We aim to fij x jsY A FS make everyone feel welcome. I m X X fe A W % LO FS CF FF WP Paragon Skydiving Skydive St Andrews Wild Geese Skydive Centre Errol Airfield, Grange, Errol, Perthshire PH2 7TB Kingsmuir Airfield, Saint Andrews, Fife KYI 6 8Q Q Movenis Airfield, 116 Carrowreagh Road, Garvagh, Tel: 01821 642 454 Fax: 01821 642 656 skyd i vesta nd rews@ma i I. com Coleraine, Co Londonderry, N Ireland BT51 5LQ www.paragonskydiving.20m.com Tel: 01334 880 678 Tel: 028 2955 8609 Fax: 028 2955 7050 [email protected] www.skydivestandrews.co.uk [email protected] Aircraft: Cessna 182 Aircraft: Cessna 185, Turbo 206, Turbine for special events www.wildgeese.demon.co.uk Open: 9am - 6pm Sat, 1 Oam - 6pm Sun all year. 9am - Open: Weekends & bank holidays, midweek by arrangement Aircraft: Cessna 206, Cessna Caravan 7pm Wed-Fri in summer for courses & tandems only First Jump Courses: RAPS, AFF, tandem Open: Dawn - dusk at weekends. 9.30am - 5pm First Jump Courses: RAPS, tandem A warm welcome, comfortable surroundings and professional weekdays (or later by arrangement) Nice friendly DZ, beautiful scenery, barbecue every Sat service await you at Scotland's newest parachute centre. First Jump Courses: RAPS, tandem night so come along and chill out. M i f II Y & A 18 % LO FS CF FF WP SU Friendly atmosphere, fantastic views o f north coast, excellent facilities, no restrictions, plenty of local entertainment. i J i f e A % FS CF W P ;T; M » j| Y A (8 LO FS CF WP Strathallan UK Military DZs Peterborough Parachute Centre Skydive Strathallan Army Parachute © Services Sibson Airfield, Wansford, Peterborough PE8 6NE Strathallan Airfield, N r Auchterarder, Perthshire PH3 1 LA Association Parachute Centre Tel: 01832 280 490 Fax: 01832 280 409 Weekends: 01764 662 572 APA Airfield Camp, Netfieravon, Shackleton Barracks, BFP0 802 [email protected] Tel: 07774 686 161 Fax: 01236 732 461 Salisbury, Wilts SP4 9SF Tel: 02877 721 472 Aircraft: Turbolet (summer), Cessna 206 kbrady@fsbd ia I .co.uk Tel: 01980 678 250 Fax: 02877 721 342 Open: 8am - 8pm. Tue-Sun in summer (Mar-Nov). Wed-Sun www.skydivestrathallan.co.uk Fax: 01980 671 026 in winter (Dec-Feb). Closed January Aircraft: Turbine (for various events), 2 x Cessna 206 [email protected] ® Silver Stars First Jump Courses: RAPS, AFF, tandem Open: 9am - 9pm weekends & bank holidays. www.netheravon.com Parachute Team "Unrestricted altitude at competetive prices", "Great facilities", 5pm - 9pm Fridays in summer Duke of Gloucester Barracks, ( b ) RAFSPA & RAFSPA "W orld class coaching" - Quotes from our customers. First Jump Courses: rounds, RAPS, tandem South Cerney, Cirencester, Hawks Parachute Team Gloucester GL7 5RD i T| Y <*;: A W % LO FS FF AC WP SU II » A 18 % LO FS CF FF AC WP JSPC (W) RAF Weston-on-the- Tel: 01285 868259 Green, Bicester, Oxon 0X25 3TQ Fax: 01285 861344 Tel: 01869 343 343 / 343 201 [email protected] Fax: 01869 343 676 www.sitverstars.org.uk [email protected] www.rafspa.com Peterlee Parachute Centre Target Skysports The Airfield, Shotton Colliery, Co Durham DH6 2NH Hibaldstow Airfield, Hibaldstow, Overseas Military DZs Tel: 0191 517 1234 Fax: 0191 517 1234 Brigg, N Lines DN20 9NN [email protected] Tel/Fax: 0113 250 5600 DZ: 01652 648 837 Cyprus Combined Services Rhine Army Parachute http://members.aol.com/skydiveamy [email protected] Parachute Centre (CCSPC) Association JSPC (L) (RAPA) Aircraft: Cessna 182, Let 410 (Apr-early Nov) Aircraft: Dornier G92 twin turbine, SMG-92 single Dhekelia Garrison, BFPO 58, PTCHQATG(G), BFPO 16 Open: 8.30am - 8.30pm weekends & bank holidays, turbine, Cherokee 6 Cyprus Tel: 0049 5254 982 2378 lpm - 8.30pm Wed-Fri. Flexible hours, phone to confirm Open: 9am - dusk every day Tel: 00 357 2474 4337 Fax: 0049 5254 982 2740 First Jump Courses: RAPS, AFF, tandem First Jump Courses: RAPS, AFF, tandem Fax: 00 357 2474 4180 [email protected] http://jspc.de 7 5 minutes drive from Duraham city, 25 minutes from 15,000ft on most lifts, new canopy flight school, host to [email protected] (unofficial website] Newcastle, centrally located for NE England. 2003 BPA FS and Artistic Nationals. www.skydivecyprus.com ttlllx»llYfeiA© % FS C F W P w T| Y A <8 \ LO FS FF WP SU I 75 December 2003 ICARUS GUARANTEES * Superior Openings. A Greater Flight flange and a Mare Powerful Flare than the Sabre S or any other mid-range 3 cell - OR YDUR MONEY BACH! refer www.icaruscanapies.com/guarantee.htm for details Icarus Canopies U.K Distributor G IS T ran ICRRIJS - CRIER TIE 1=1 PR SSIO I1 Overseas BPA Associated Organisations Associated DZs The following organisations are run under the BPA Operations Afanual when operating at The BPA takes no responsibility BPA Affiliated Centres. The BPA takes no responsibility for training or advice when these for training or advice given by organisations operate at other centres. these drop zones as they do not necessarily operate under the BPA Operations Manual. j The Freefall SPAIN L Company company. . . CPCB (Centro de Active Skydiving FreeFall Company Red Devils Paracuigisme Costa Brava) Glengoynan, St Fillans, Perthshire PH6 2ND The Coach House, West St, Epsom, Airfield Camp, Netheravon, Wiltshire SP4 9SF PO Box 194, 17487 Tel/Fax:01764 685316 Surrey KT18 7RL Tel: 01980 678211 or 300/212 Empuriabrava, Spain Mobile: 07803 041348 Tel: (Spain) 00 34 972 45 45 63 Fax: 01980 678349 Tel: 0034 972 450 111 scott/@acti veskyd i vi ng .com [email protected] [email protected] Fax: 0034 972 450 749 www.activeskydiving.com www.freefallco.com www.reddevilsonline.com [email protected] Contact: Kevin McCarthy Contact: Scotty Milne Displays, tandem www.skyrats.com Courses: AFF Courses: AFF Contact: Edward Paxton Location: Spain Location: Spain, USA Courses: Tandem Skydive Spain Location: UK (Netheravon) La Juliana A erodrom e, Bullolus DLM, Seville, Spain Tel: 0034 678 949 554 Fax: 0034 954 153 287 j Skydive 1 [email protected] www.skydivespain.com L Academy Airwaves International Parachute Training Services Skydive Academy Skydiving School 11 Godwyn Close, Abingdon, Oxon 0X14 1BU Peterlee Parachute Centre, Shotton Colliery, USA 78 High Street, Bexley, Kent DA5 1 LB Tel/Fax: 01235 529570 Co Durham DH6 2NH Florida Skydiving Centre Tel: 01322 557375 [email protected] Tel/Fax: 0191 386 5261 440 South Airport Road, Mobile: 07802 472 566 www.paratrg.demon.co.uk [email protected] Lake Wales, FL 33859, USA France: 00 33 (0 )61 9 605 997 Contact: Doug Peacock http://members.aol.com/skydiveamy Tel: 001 863 6781003 [email protected] Courses: RAPS, progression courses Contact: Ian Rosenvinge Fax: 001 863 678 1409 www.air-waves.co.uk Location: UK (Hinton Skydiving Centre) Courses: AFF [email protected] Contact: Rod Bartholomew Location: UK (Peterlee) & abroad Courses: AFF, RAPS, progression, tandem Location: France, USA Freefall Adventures, Florida 400 West Airport Drive, Sebastian, FL 32958, USA Tel: 001 772 388 0550 Fax: 001 772 581 4468 T Dave Morris P h P PhD Skydiving [email protected] L Action Sports J www.ffadventures.com David Morris Action Sports PhD Skydiving Skydive Limited 2 Daleside, Cotgrave, Ramsdean House, Ramsdean, Sibson Airfield, Wansford, Perris Valley Skydiving Nottingham NG12 3QA Petersfield GU32 1RS Peterborough PE8 6NE 2091 Goetz Road, Perris, Tel/Fax: 0115 989 2050 Tel: 01980 621363 Tel: 01832 280066 CA 92570, USA Mobile: 0777 498 6600 Fax: 01980 620609 Fax: 01832 280067 Tel: 001 909 657 3904 [email protected] Mobile: 07971 665815 Mobile: 0785 000 7178 Fax: 001 909 657 6178 www.daleside2.demon.co.uk [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Contact: Dave Morris www.phdskydiving.co.uk www.skydiveltd.com www.skydiveperris.com Courses: AFF, tandem Contact: Martin Williams Contact: Chris Allen Location: UK (Langar), Spain, France Courses: AFF, Skydive U Courses: AFF, Skydive U, tandem Location: UK, Spain, USA Location: UK (Peterborough) & abroad Skydive Elsinore 20701 Cereal Street, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530, USA Tel: 001 909 245 9939 Fax: 001 909 245 3661 East Coast [email protected] www.skydiveelsinore.com Pops UK East Coast Parachute Centre British Collegiate Parachute 21 Victoria Square, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4ES Association 8 Burns Crescent, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 OTS Tel: 0117 973 8341 5 Laxey Road, Horfield, Bristol BS7 OJA Skydive Sebastian Tel: 01245 268772 400 West Airport Drive, [email protected] www.thepops.org www.bcpa.org.uk Contact: Niels Hansen, Top POP [email protected] Sebastian, FL 32958, USA Contact: Val Slattery A society o f skydivers over forty. We hold Contact: lain Firkins, BCPA Chairman Tel: 001 772 388 5672 Courses: RAPS, progression, AFF, tandem regular national and international meets at The BCPA aims to promote skydiving at Fax: 001 772 388 2105 Location: UK (London Parachute School) host parachute centres. collegiate level. We run regional and [email protected] national events for over 40 affiliated www.skydivesebastian.com university clubs. The BCPA provides a community where university skydivers can COMMERCIAL find like-minded people to jump and socialise with. NON COMMERCIAL skydive December 2003 KIT FOR SALE ACCOMMODATION ALL KINDS OF NEW & USED gear COMPLETE RIG COMPLETE RIG FLORIDA VACATION. to fit your budget. Complete set of Spectre 150 main, Tempo 150 Sabre 135, Micro Raven in Javelin II Luxury 5/6 bed villa. Large, open plan used gear with Cypres from $1,399. reserve, Teardrop container RG lined. Tropical boogie colours living room, dining area, den, fully Contact: Sunshine Factory including recently serviced Cypres. 500 jumps, reserve unused, equipped kitchen. 3 master bedrooms Excellent condition. £1,000 (no offers) 001 813 788 9831 excellent condition, must see. Cost with en-suite, big walk-in closets. Contact: Andy Hesketh [email protected] £1,000 (no offers). Location: Midlands. 2 double bedrooms with twin beds. Tel: 01652 659807 Hibaldstow Large south facing heated pool with www.sunshine-factory.com Contact: Anita Myatt. Email: phoenixskysports@btintemetcom jacuzzi and large sunbathing area. Very CD Tel: 01902 765646 good rate for skydivers. COMPLETE RIG Email: [email protected] SONY PC 101 Contact: Craig 07813 953999 / Atom black, Techno 155 reserve, Oxford area. One year old. £550 01223 336281. not used. Cypres 2000. Main Jedi COMPLETE RIG (no offers) Email:[email protected] 136, multi coloured, few jumps all Contact: Steve Scott. Teardrop container, blue. Springo Tel: 0 7712 869935 very good condition. Cost: £1,600. 140, blue/orange, only 11 jumps. MISC Email: [email protected] Location: Farnborough. Techno 128 reserve, unused. SKYVAN - TWOTTERS - PORTERS - Contact: Paul. Tel: 01252 664042. Cypres. Reluctant sale. Cost £2,500 Caravan & Lets. Jump planes for COMPLETE RIG Email: [email protected] ONO. Location: West Midlands. lease, long or short term. Javelin NJ brand new (5 jumps), all Contact: Mark Tel: 07980 728975 Contact: Nick the extras, navy blue, royal blue COMPLETE RIG mob: +44 (o) 7980 690 681 and silver trim. Stiletto 135, 350 Spectre 170, 55 Jumps, Techno 155 No responsibility is accepted for any negotiations which may result from these advertisements. The publishers Email: [email protected] jumps. Tempo 120, unused. reserve, no jumps, Cypres, one pin Teardrop, black/purple medium reserve the right to withdraw any advertisement without Cypres serviced August 2003. giving a reason. No liability can be accepted by the SHOULDER DISLOCATION? size. All two years old. Immaculate £3,200 (offers accepted) publisher for any error or omission. Rates, terms and Can You Help? Have you ever condition. Cost: £1,800. conditions for classified advertisements may be changed dislocated your shoulder and Contact: Steve Taylor Location: London. without notice. Any wording making a judgement on the skydive or used to skydive? If so, Tel: 001 619 425 2339 Contact: Richard Watson. suitability of kit for a skill level will be removed. Readers please contact me to help with my Email: steveai [email protected] Tel: 07710 556400 should take care before making payments or parting with goods to advertisers or persons replying to advertisements research project. Thanks! as no liability can be accepted by the publishers for any Contact: Sarah Fletcher SABRE 120 AND BONEHEAD HELMET COMPLETE RIG resulting loss or dissatisfaction. Tel: 07762 911408 Sabre 120 in turquoise, purple and Teardrop Superfly, grey with purple white (Christmas pressie?), 20 Email: [email protected] webbing, Spectre 150, 500 jumps, jumps by previous owner. I haven’t Tempo 120, unused. Cypres. WANTED used it yet. £700 onno. Also for NB: We recommend anyone buying parachute Excellent condition. Cost: £1,500 equipment takes advice from an instructor Red-Button at space AADE one or sale, a Bonehead lid in carbon fibre and/or rigger and does not part with their (no offers) Location: Hibaldstow/Cark. two pin, no older than 1996. (comes with cam bracket), £50 ono. cash until the kit has been inspected and Email: [email protected] or Contact: Anna Burgess Contact: Karen Bain deemed serviceable and suitable for your [email protected] or Tel: 07971 294292 HERTS Tel: 07810 8 216 71 weight, experience & skill level. Mobile: 07970 220858 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] C lassified A dvertising Classified adverts also available on the BPA website: www.bpa.orq.uk If am *w// PAYMENT ,le m be in bold £15.00 per issue (private) □ £20.00 (trade) incl of VAT O Description For an extra £10.00 I would like to appear on the BPA Website □ Please indicate the numbers of issues required □ Cheques should be made payable to Warners Group Publications Pie, or fill in your credit/s witch card number below. Issue No I □ □ □ □ Visa Mastercard/ Cheque Switch Expiry Date Access □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ TYPE OF ENTRY REQUIRED Please tick □ Kit for Sale □ Miscellaneous Maximum 36 Words Signed:______. Date: _ ON COMPLETION SEND ENTRY TO: Jo Cooke, Classified Advertisement Department, Skvdive Mag Cost Warners Group Publications, The Makings, West Street, Bourne, Lincs. PE 10 9PH Location Name/Address (not for publication) BLOCK CAPITALS NAME______Contact ADDRESS Tel DAYTIME TEL. NO._ Email Closing Date for the February issue - 20 January 78 skvdive '■'December 2003 Escape your winter with a holiday to sunny Southern California. • Freefly Training by Elsinore Eclipse • DZ Van Rentals, Team rooms & Bunkhouses • RW Coaching (Skyll) by Matrix of Flight Are Available • Canopy flight training by Elsinore’s • Gear Store featuring equipment and accessories Canopy Connection at competitive prices • Team Coaching with John Hamilton • Free 2-Way Skills Camp skydive (USA) 909-245-9939 or [email protected] ELSI .com 20-22 Feb Canopy Piloting Course DECEMBER 03 10-12 Apr Easter Bash JANUARY 04 CPCB, Empuriabrava, 0034 972 450 111 Hibaldstow 0113 250 5600 17-22 XL Challenge 9-19 Boogie Spain www.skydiveempuriabrava.com www.skydiving.co.uk [email protected] [email protected] Florida [email protected] Perris Valley, California 001 909 657 3904 www.skydiveperris.com 27-29 Big Way Camp 20+ 19-Jan 4 z Hills Christmas Boogie 14-18 Freefly & Tunnel Camp CPCB, Empuriabrava, 0034 972 450 111 Florida Skydiving Center 001 863 678 1003 Skydive City, 001 813 783 9399 17-24 Cessna 100-ways Spain www.skydiveempuriabrava.com Lake Wales [email protected] Zephyrhills, Florida www.skydivecity.com Skydive City, 001 813 783 9399 [email protected] Zephyrhills, Florida www.skydivecity.com 20-Jan 4 Empuriabrava Christmas Boogie 14-18 140-way Sequential 28-Mar 28 Algarve Winter Boogie Skydive City, 001 813 783 9399 CPCB, Empuriabrava, 0034 972 450 111 22- Feb 7 world Record Attempt Algarve Call Hibaldstow 0113 250 5600 Zephyrhills, Florida www.skydivecity.com Spain [email protected] Bankkok, Thailand [email protected] 20-Jan 4 Christmas Boogie 24 BPA ACM www.skydive-algarve.com 15-18 Freefly world Record Attempt Perris Valley, California 001 909 657 3904 Skydive Spain 0034 678 949554 Hanover Hotel, Hinckley 08457 444 123 www.skydiveperris.com Seville www.skydivespain.com MARCH 04 [email protected] 30-Feb 1 Canopy Piloting Course 5-20 ESA Thai Sky Festival 17-18 4-way Scrambles Meet 20-Jan 4 Algarve Winter Boogie CPCB, Empuriabrava, 0034 972 450 111 Prachuap Khirikhan, Thailand Hibaldstow 0113 250 5600 Spain www.skydiveempuriabrava.com www.skydiving.co.uk Algarve [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.skydive-algarve.com 8-10 Canopy Piloting Course 20-Jan 4 Eloy Christmas Boogie FEBRUARY 04 CPCB, Empuriabrava, 0034 972 450 111 24-25 FS Grand Prix 8-way Langar 01949 860 878 Skydive Arizona 001 520 466 3753 Spain www.skydiveempuriabrava.com 9-13 Instructor Course [email protected] Eloy, USA www.skydiveaz.com [email protected] Netheravon 0116 278 5271 26-28 Canopy Piloting Course 20-Jan 4 Holiday Boogie Package CSBI/TBI/Advanced [email protected] 10-19 Desert Boogie Perris Valley, California 001 909 657 3904 Umm Al Quwain Dubai CPCB, Empuriabrava, 0034 972 450 111 www.skydiveperris.com 15-21 The Search (Freefly) Pete Marsden, 01932 701321 Spain www.skydiveempuriabrava.com [email protected] Skydive DeLand, [email protected] The Boogie Club [email protected] 27-Jan 4 Adria Boogie www.theboogieclub.co.uk Florida www.skydiveu.com 26-30 instructor Course Istria Croatia 00420 608 824144 [email protected] www.falconair.cz 16-20 instructor Course 10-14 Freefly March Madness Camp Hibaldstow 0116 278 5271 Tandem/AFF [email protected] Netheravon 0116 278 5271 Florida Skydiving Center 001 863 678 1003 28-Jan 7 South African 727 Boogie Lake Wales [email protected] CSI/Pre-Advanced [email protected] 26-May 2 The Search Swoop Meet www.africanboogie.co.za 1 M 4 Skills Camp Perris Valley, California 001 909 657 3904 CPCB, Empuriabrava, 0034 972 450 111 www.skydiveperris.com Spain www.skydiveempuriabrava.com [email protected] MAY 04 13-19 The Search 1-3 Buy One Get One Free Weekend Congratulations II J\ Skydive DeLand, [email protected] Netheravon [email protected] Florida www.skydiveu.com www.netheravon.com 01980 678 245 to VMax, 17-21 st Patrick's Day Boogie 1-9 Langar Boogie 1 Peterlee 0191 517 1234 Langar 01949 860 878 World Champions “ [email protected] www.bpslangar.co.uk [email protected] http://members.aol.com/skydiveamy 3-5 Brit Chicks Big-way Weekend 22-28 POPS Spring Feast Symbiosis are proud to support you Langar 01949 860 878 Florida Skydiving Center 001 863 678 1003 [email protected] Lake Wales [email protected] 8-9 Brit Chicks Big-way Weekend 26-28 Canopy Piloting Course Langar [email protected] CPCB, Empuriabrava, 0034 972 450 111 Spain www.skydiveempuriabrava.com 7-16 Progression week [email protected] Black Knights 01524 791 820 29-Apr 2 instructor Course www.bkpc.co.uk [email protected] Langar 0116 278 5271 8-9 FS Grand Prix 4-way Tandem/AFF [email protected] Headcorn 01622 890 862 [email protected] APRIL 04 www.headcornparachuteclub.co.uk 3-12 Easter Boogie 8-9 Skills Camp Florida Skydiving Center 001 863 678 1003 CPCB, Empuriabrava, 0034 972 450 111 Lake Wales [email protected] Spain www.skydiveempuriabrava.com [email protected] 3-11 Easter Boogie Skydive City, 001 813 783 9399 10-14 Instructor Course Zephyrhills, Florida www.skydivecity.com Strathallan 0116 278 5271 CSBI/TBI/Advanced [email protected] 3-18 Easter Boogie CPCB, Empuriabrava, 0034 972 450 111 12-16 Freefly Spring Camp Spain www.skydiveempuriabrava.com Florida Skydiving Center 001 863 678 1003 [email protected] Lake Wales [email protected] The Airfield, Headcorn, Kent TN27 9HX 8-11 Big Way Camp 20+ 15-16 CF & Classics Grand Prix CPCB, Empuriabrava, 0034 972 450 111 St Andrews 01334 880 678 Tel: 01622 890 967 Fax: 01622 891 236 Spain www.skydiveempuriabrava.com www.skydivestandrews.co.uk [email protected] [email protected] 15-16 8-Way Meet 9-12 Easter Boogie Netheravon [email protected] www.symbiosissuits.co.uk Netheravon [email protected] www.netheravon.com 01980 678 245 ROB COLPUS www.netheravon.com 01980 678 245 80 skydive ^D ecem ber 2003 ADVERTISERS 2K Composites 58 0 0 4 4 (0)1296 688 5 3 6 [email protected] Aerodyne Technologies 17 & 19 www.aerodyne-int.com Airsports Insurance Bureau 58 15-23 May Spring Boogie 24-31 July Swedish Here Boogie 11-12 Sep FS Grand Prix 4-Way 0044 (0)1983 298 480 [email protected] Lidkoping, Sweden Lapalisse, France [email protected] Langar 01949 860 878 Airtec 52 www.lapalisse-aero.com [email protected] [email protected] 0049 295 398 990 [email protected] www.herculesboogie.com A irw aves 16 17-21 instructor Course 13-20 Artistics World Meet 0044 (0)1802 472 566 [email protected] 25 water Jumps Albatros Skyworld 26 Strathallan 0116 278 5271 Brazil 0055 (21) 431 61 82 Headcorn 01622 890 862 0049 419 599 770 [email protected] CSI/Pre- Advanced [email protected] [email protected] Birdm an Inc 32 [email protected] 001 386 785 0800 [email protected] 29-31 Bank Holiday Meet www.headcornparachuteclub.co.uk 16-24 FS/CF & Classics World Meet Boogie Club 34 & 38 0044 (0)1932 701 321 [email protected] Netheravon [email protected] Rijeka, Croatia 00385 4848 754 British Parachute Schools, Langar 2 www.netheravon.com 01980 678 245 3i-Aug 2 FS Nationals 4-Way www.caf.hr [email protected] 0044 (0)1949 860 878 [email protected] Hibaldstow 0113 250 5600 David Ferguson 26 29-31 Grand Prix 4/8-way www.skydiving.co.uk 17-26 Progression Week 0034 649 153 239 [email protected] [email protected] Dodington's Sports Instruments 58 c f , classics, f s & Scottish Nationals Black Knights 01524 791 820 0044 (0)1948 662 179 Strathallan 07774 686 161 www.bkpc.co.uk [email protected] O Z Sports 12 & 13 0044 (0)1295 812 101 www.dzsports.com www.skydivestrathallan.co.uk AUGUST 04 18-19 4-Way Scrambles Meet Empuriabrava 72 0033 (0)972 450 111 [email protected] 7-9 FS Nationals 8-way 0113 250 5600 JUNE 04 Hibaldstow Freeology 35 Hibaldstow 0113 250 5600 www.skydiving.co.uk extremesilence.com 5-6 PS Grand Prix 4-way www.skydiving.co.uk [email protected] Florida Villas 54 [email protected] 0044 (0)1233 336 281 crocks@ntlworld .com Cork 01539 558 672 20 water Jumps Glenn Connelly 54 www.skydive-northwest.com 0061 738 512 400 [email protected] 7-9 Artistic Nationals Headcorn 01622 890 862 G o W ear 58 [email protected] Hibaldstow 0113 250 5600 [email protected] www.go-wear.com www.skydiving.co.uk www.headcornparachuteclub.co.uk Groundrush Clothing 72 5-6 Speed 7-way www.groundrushuk.com [email protected] Headcorn 01622 890 862 Hercules Boogie 39 25-26 FS Grand Prix 4-Way [email protected] www.herculesboogie.com [email protected] 7-15 Espace Boogie Peterlee 0191 517 1234 Canopies 76Icarus www.headcornparachuteclub.co.uk 001 34 938 496 432 [email protected] Lapalisse, France [email protected] [email protected] The Kit Store 34 www.lapalisse-aero.com 12-13 Rodders 4-Way Meet http://members.aol.com/skydiveamy 0044 (0)1622 890 967 www.thekitstoreltd.co.uk Larsen & Brusgaard 54 RAFSPA, Weston 01869 343 343 9-13 instructor Course OCTOBER 04 004 546 757 722 www.l-and-b.dk Bridlington 0116 278 5271 Dr Margaret Clamp 35 12-19 RAPA 40”’ Anniversary Meet 0044 (0)115 966 3633 [email protected] CSBI/TBI/Advanced [email protected] RAPA, Bad Lippspringe, 0049 5254 933 862 9-12 Big way Camp 20+ Original Lizard 58 0044 (0)1482 635 483 Germany [email protected] CPCB, Empuriabrava, 0034 972 450 111 14-20 Karlovy Vary Boogie [email protected] Spain www.skydiveempuriabrava.com Czech Republic 01932 701321 Parachutes de France 51 15-20 Classics Nationals [email protected] 0033 (0)134 327 777 The Boogie Club [email protected] Bridlington 01262 677 367 [email protected] www.theboogieclub.co.uk Paragear Equipment 59 www.britishskysports.co.uk 23-31 Equinox Boogie 001 847 679 5905 [email protected] Ramblers PC, 00617 5423 1159 14-15 CF Nationals Paratec 50 18-20 Big Way Camp 20+ Toogoolawah, [email protected] 004 968 377 375 [email protected] Langar 01949 860 878 CPCB, Empuriabrava, 0034 972 450 111 SQ, Australia www.ramblers.com.au P ea k Aero 72 www.bpslangar.co.uk [email protected] 0044(0)1509 210 463 07733 216 324 Spain www.skydiveempuriabrava.com 30-31 Halloween Speed 10 Performance Designs 2 2 & 27 [email protected] 14-15 FS & Artistic Nats Reserve w/e 001 386 738 2224 Hibaldstow 0113 250 5600 www.performancedesigns.com Hibaldstow 0113 250 5600 25-27 Speed world Cup Round www.skydiving.co.uk Perris Valley Skydiving 55 & 57 www.skydiving.co.uk 001 909 657 3904 [email protected] Hibaldstow 0113 250 5600 [email protected] [email protected] Point Zero 35 www.skydiving.co.uk 0044 (0)1980 844 130 [email protected] [email protected] 16-20 instructor Course NOVEMBER 04 Pure Adrenalin 50 www.pureadrenlin.co.nz Bridlington 0116 278 5271 26-27 Grand Prix 8-Way Ramblers Parachute Centre 6 CSI/Pre-Advanced [email protected] 15-19 instructor Course 0061 754 231 159 [email protected] Hibaldstow 0113 250 5600 Sibson 0116 278 5271 Skydive Abel Tasman 72 www.skydiving.co.uk 21-27 Army Champs FS & Classics CSBI/TBI/Advanced [email protected] 0064 352 84091 www.skydive.co.nz [email protected] Skydive City IFC Netheravon [email protected] 20-21 Skills Camp [email protected] www.skydivecity.com 26-27 POPS Meet www.netheravon.com 01980 678 245 Skydive Elsinore 79 CPCB, Empuriabrava, 0034 972 450 111 001 909 245 9939 [email protected] Hibaldstow 0113 250 5600 28-30 8-way Speed & Swoop Meet Spain www.skydiveempuriabrava.com Skydive Lake Taupo 32 www.skydiving.co.uk www.skydive.net.nz Netheravon [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Skydive Lake Wales 38 www.netheravon.com 01980 678 245 001 863 678 1003 [email protected] 22-26 instructor Course Skydive Lillo 58 JULY 04 28-sept 5 Langar Boogie 2 Sibson 0116 278 5271 0034 630 050 504 www.skydivelillo.com Skydive Marche 6 Langar 01949 860 878 CSI/Pre-Advanced [email protected] 3-4 FS Grand Prix 8-Way 0039 0734 964 488 [email protected] www.bpslangar.co.uk [email protected] Skydive Maroco 72 Black Knights 01524 791 820 0033 145 493 206 [email protected] [email protected] 28-30 Brit Chicks Base/Build-Up Did you know?... Skydiving New Zealand 32 0064 3 343 5542 [email protected] Langar 01949 860 878 5-9 FS Coaching Week AADs are mandatory at Skydive Space Center 26 [email protected] 001 321 267 0016 www.skydivespacecenter.com Headcorn 01622 890 862 Netheravon from Sunpath 73 [email protected] 001 813 782 9242 [email protected] SEPTEMBER 04 1 April 2004 The Sunshine Factory 1 www.headcornparachuteclub.co.uk 001 813 788 9831 www.sunshine-fadory.com 3-5 Brit Chicks 60-Way Attempt Symbiosis Suits 80 10-11 FS Grand Prix 4-Way 0044 (0)1622 890 967 Langar 01949 860 878 Hibaldstow 0113 250 5600 [email protected] [email protected] KEY www.skydiving.co.uk Target Skysports 23 0044 (0)1132 505 600 [email protected] 4-5 CF Grand Prix [email protected] BPA Thomas Sports Equipment OBC Langar 01949 860 878 10-11 Scrambles Meet 0044 (0)1262 678 299 www.bpslangar.co.uk [email protected] Formation Skydiving Headcorn 01622 890 862 [email protected] Canopy Formation Tilstock Parachute Centre 72 [email protected] 4-5 LAC Meet 0044 (0)1948 841 111 www.headcornparachuteclub.co.uk Style & Accuracy Time-Out Technologies 35 Headcorn 01622 890 862 0044 (0)1992 715 244 [email protected] 17-18 CF & Classics Grand Prix [email protected] B oogies Total Control 50 www.headcornparachuteclub.co.uk Freefly & Skysurf 0061 893 256 001 [email protected] Black Knights 01524 791 820 Tropical Skydiving 50 www . b k p c . c o . u k [email protected] 10-11 Skills Camp POPS www.tropicalskydiving.com TunnelCamp.com 34 19-23 Instructor Course CPCB, Empuriabrava, 0034 972 450 111 Speed Skydiving 001 480 283 2603 www.tunnelcamp.com Spain www.skydiveempuriabrava.com XLaviation 6 Black Knights 0116 278 5271 Unclassified [email protected] 0044 (0)1494 762 056 www.xlaviation.com Tandem/AFF [email protected] THOMAS fiPORTS www.thomafi-fiDortfi .com Large stock of all skydiving equipment from containers to goggles, gloves, altis and much more. The all new Cvpres 2 now available Pro-Track £197.00 Z1 Helmet full face £180.00 Sapphire Alti £80.00 Altimeter 11 Galaxy £117.50 Log book hard back £8.00 Blaze goggles £15.00 Sorz goggles £17.00 Tackified gloves £17.00 All the above prices include VAT ion Ward, [email protected]