Offsite landings in Xenia - a regular occurrence for people in the back of the plane
Jeffrey Greer
Today I made two freefall jumps in Xenia, Ohio. It was the first time I
had been to this drop zone. I was very disappointed with the dropzone. On the
first jump, I was put out at least one mile away from the dropzone. It was so
far way that I could not find it, even though I had studied the aerial photo
twice - it only covers 3/4mi * 3/4mi. The guy after me, who was an instructor,
landed over two miles away - he told me.
On my second jump we got a better spot. I pulled at 5000 and headed
straight towards the dz and landed at least 1/2 mile away (I was flying a 181sq
ft Raven and I weigh 140lbs.). Both planes had gps, however both times I ended
up getting out downwind. I didn't know the area well and there was not time to
spot the dz with 30 people packed in the plane. I expected someone competent to
be handling the loads and insuring we got a good exit. On my second jump a lady
looking for skydivers on the roads around the dz picked me up. She said she
picks people up all the time.
I talked to someone about the spotting problem, and he said it was a
regular occurrence this year, sometimes pilot error and lots of times it was the
big-time jumpers not giving a damn about the low-timers in back.
I plan on making 100 jumps this summer (currently I have 30 free-fall
jumps and an A license) I was going to make them in Xenia, but now I don't
think I will go back.
With that many people landing offsite it is only a matter of time until
someone gets hurt and no one will be there to help them. On my first jump in
Xenia I had to walk at least 3/4 of a mile and no one came looking for me. Now
I understand why some farmers hate skydivers. They have a damn good reason.
I love skydiving and will never stop, but I will not tolerate this shit.
If you are a low-timer and are thinking about jumping in Xenia, OH, I would
think twice. If you do decide to jump anyway, bring a compass and a bottle of
water so you don't get dehydrated on your walk back.
I would like to hear about these problems at other dz's. I would be
suprised if this only the only one with these kinds of problems. I didn't write
this to make Xenia look bad. I wanted to make people aware of what is happening
at some of our dropzones and try to correct the problem before it moves outside
of us and into the hands of the FAA or someone else.
David S. Clarkson
Jeffrey Greer wrote:
>
> Today I made two freefall jumps in Xenia, Ohio. It was the first time I
> had been to this drop zone. I was very disappointed with the dropzone.
Sorry, you didn't enjoy yourself. I was at Skydive Greene County all day
Sunday and I saw 200 skydivers of all experience levels having a hell of
a good time.
> I talked to someone about the spotting problem, and he said it was a
> regular occurrence this year, sometimes pilot error and lots of times it was the
> big-time jumpers not giving a damn about the low-timers in back.
(snip)
I regularly jump at Xenia and can assure you that off airport landings
occur no more and no less than at other DZ's. Which means that it
sometimes happens but it is an exception rather than the norm.
Yesterday's winds were difficult to spot. The uppers were out of the
west and the velocity changed several times during the day. The surface
winds changed course three times between 9am and 5pm. It was difficult
for even the most experienced spotter/pilot. I spotted an otter load and
it went well but I also landed out once.
The unusual changing winds were the issue yesterday - not the DZ.
Skydive Greene County has some of the most experienced jump pilots in
the country and they are very conscientious about their spots. They
seldom miss.
Finally, the experienced jumpers do care about the "low-timers in back".
And you can always ask for a second pass. SGC's pilots will be glad to
help.
> I plan on making 100 jumps this summer (currently I have 30 free-fall
> jumps and an A license) I was going to make them in Xenia, but now I don't
> think I will go back.
(snip)
Sorry to hear that. I think you will miss some good times and great
jumps.
> I love skydiving and will never stop, but I will not tolerate this shit.
> If you are a low-timer and are thinking about jumping in Xenia, OH, I would
> think twice. If you do decide to jump anyway, bring a compass and a bottle of
> water so you don't get dehydrated on your walk back.
On the other hand, if you decide to visit Skydive Greene County see Jim
West, Gary Gross, or any other staff member and they will be glad to
introduce you to others at the DZ and discuss spotting with you.
> I would like to hear about these problems at other dz's. I would be
> suprised if this only the only one with these kinds of problems. I didn't write
> this to make Xenia look bad. I wanted to make people aware of what is happening
> at some of our dropzones and try to correct the problem before it moves outside
> of us and into the hands of the FAA or someone else.
Thanks for informing everyone but you did unfairly make Xenia "look
bad." You overacted to a not unusual inconvience at any DZ.
David Clarkson
skydive2Day
> Yesterday's winds were difficult to spot. The uppers were out of the
> west and the velocity changed several times during the day. The surface
> winds changed course three times between 9am and 5pm. It was difficult
> for even the most experienced spotter/pilot. I spotted an otter load and
> it went well but I also landed out once.
>
> The unusual changing winds were the issue yesterday - not the DZ.
I watched the jump plane at my local DZ take off and before the jumper
were out the ground winds changed 180 degrees. It was amazing. Winds out
of the north, then no wind, then winds out of the south. Just about that
fast too.
Later
Charles Thomas
Jeffrey Greer wrote:
>
> Today I made two freefall jumps in Xenia, Ohio. It was the first
> time I had been to this drop zone. I was very disappointed with the
> dropzone.
<Snip as Jeff goes on to bitch about bad spots and goes so far as to say
the following:>
>I will not tolerate this shit. If you are a low-timer and are thinking >about jumping in Xenia, OH, I would think twice.
Jeff. I know you're new to the sport, but if I were you I'd seriously
consider spending some more time skydiving and learning about the sport
(and the environment) before I got on the internet and shot off my mouth
trashing a well-established DZ.
Spring winds in the Midwest are notoriously high, and notoriously
unpredictable. Last week-end we all watched winds shift all over the
map on the ground. There was unbelievable turbulence which had even
multi-thousand jump skydivers landing very far from the packing area,
not because they couldn't get closer, but because it was safer far out
in the fields where there were less burbles from the buildings and
trees, etc.
This week-end, we had 40-50 mph gusts which grounded everyone all day on
Sunday.
I guess my point is that Spring winds are a bitch. Things usually calm
down and get more predictable in the summer. Just because you landed
off the airport a few times is no reason to spread your ill-researched
opinions all over the world, OK?
Blue ones,
Charles Thomas
D-18226
Bill Von Novak
In article <33a48b97....@news.iglou.com>,
jgr...@umr.edu wrote:
> I was very disappointed with the dropzone. On the
> first jump, I was put out at least one mile away from the dropzone. It was so
> far way that I could not find it, even though I had studied the aerial photo
> twice - it only covers 3/4mi * 3/4mi.
you got out of the plane even though you couldn't see the DZ? why did
you do that? every group that gets out of a plane (yes, even low timers)
has to be able to look beneath them to verify that a) there is not
another aircraft under them, b) you are in the right state, and c) you're
not over an ocean or something. knowing if you will punch a cloud would
be nice also.
> I didn't know the area well and there was not time to
> spot the dz with 30 people packed in the plane.
i think that's the time you have to spend the extra time to spot the
DZ. if you can see that you're way out, you will save yourself (and the
other 30 people) from a long walk. if someone you trust is spotting, and
he says the spot is good, sometimes it pays to just take the risk. but
if someone who can't seem to spot is telling you to go (as seems to be
the case here) it makes a lot of sense to take a few extra seconds to
find the DZ. no one can make you jump.
> I expected someone competent to be handling the loads and insuring we got a
>good exit.
in the end, the _only_ person responsible for your safety is you. if
the spot is unsafe, don't go. if you want to trust a (proven bad)
spotter, that's fine - but don't blame the spotter for your lack of
positional awareness.
> I love skydiving and will never stop, but I will not tolerate this shit.
> If you are a low-timer and are thinking about jumping in Xenia, OH, I would
> think twice.
if i was a low-time jumper and couldn't spot, i think i would try to
learn. it's an important survival skill. if i didn't want to learn, it
would not be the end of the world, but i would plan on landing out quite
often.
i guess "not tolerating this shit" is part of the
"DZ-as-service-industry" view of things. "i paid good money for this
jump ticket! i want the load spotted correctly!" i guess i see things
like load organizing, spotting, group separation, AAD use, main sizing
etc. as the sole responsibility of the jumper(s), and not of the DZ.
they basically provide an aircraft and let you skydive pretty much
however you want. with that freedom comes responsibility, a
responsibility we shouldn't take lightly.
-bill von
-------------------==== Posted via Deja News ====-----------------------
http://www.dejanews.com/ Search, Read, Post to Usenet
Randy Sigulinsky
Jeffrey Greer wrote:
>
> Today I made two freefall jumps in Xenia, Ohio. It was the first time I
> first jump, I was put out at least one mile away from the drop zone. It was so
> far way that I could not find it, even though I had studied the aerial photo
> landed over two miles away - he told me.
Jeff (and any other new jumper), how could anyone possibly have been
disappointed with the beautiful weekend we had in Xenia? A tremendous
turnout, sun shining (a few unusual, usual winds), a Casa, Super Otter,
Super Beech, and not to forget the little Cesna most Dz.'s use a their
primary aircraft of choice. 48 RW Skydivers managed to hold it together
for a new state record!
Maybe by sharing my first experience in Xenia, you might change your
perspective. I started jumping in Xenia Memorial Day of 1996. I had 20
jumps on a static line course which were made several years prior. A
shoulder kept me from getting stable during deployment, so I never
progressed past hop-n'-pops. I can remember the great instructors I had
in Bardstown, KY. The used to ask me if I wanted to take up golf, after
I barrel rolled and back flipped through the risers three times. When
the planes were tied down at night, I'd listen to the stories the Jump
Masters told of the other great Dz.'s. I remember listening to all
those jump masters that tried to help me and it paid off. The Bardstown
DZ is named Greene County Sport Parachute Center (another great place to
jump). The owner in Bardstown told me he bought it some years back as
part of a franchise. Well, I really did not want to go back on the
static program, and they did not offer AFF, so a few phone calls put me
in touch with Skydive Greene County. I can remember calling and a nice
lady named Courtney listened to my story and said let me let you talk to
my Dad. So Jim West gets on the phone, and listens to this long story,
tells me to bring my log book, and he can help. Two hours later
(Memorial Day 1996), I'm really amazed. The DZ is packed.....really,
really packed. I almost left without going down the drive way because I
figure they won't have time for a new jumper. Was I ever wrong! As
busy as they were, Jim personally takes time with me, checks my log
book, places me Kevin O'Brian, OB. OB sets me up to do a Level V.
Tandem, out of the CASA no less. Two days later I camped out there,
waited through two more days of rain, and then finished Levels 5-9 AFF
in two days. I failed Level 6, 4 times, so let me tell you personally,
the don't take short cuts on safety. This past weekend I completed my
428th jump. What is my point is telling you this? Well, when I came to
Xenia on Memorial Day of 1996, I not only found a great place to learn,
and jump, but I found a new home. Everyone there is a big family, and
always looking for orphans to make it bigger and stronger. I feel bad
that you have a bad experience this past weekend and hope this may make
you change you mind about what a great time it really was. Look at the
positives. Landing of the DZ is gonna happen, I landed off once
myself. It's a learning process, and if you don't make the negatives
positive, what have you got? Bad memories! Did you not notice the
Helen Keller Award next to the rig racks. When you spot an aircraft, if
all the jumpers land off, you get you name up there! It happens. What
is very unusual is that you did not make a bunch of new friends over the
weekend? The Skydivers in Xenia are the greatest for being down to
earth with everyone. Just open you mouth and ask some questions. I've
visited other Dz.'s in the past year and had a great time at most of
them also. Just this past April, the weather was still cold in Xenia,
and here in Kentucky, but a warm front was going though Tennessee. I
had to jump real bad. A brand new jump suit, zero jumps. Well, I slide
in on an asphalt runway, very gently. It took out the right leg
gripped, the seat, and my right leg strap pad on my Javelin. If I had a
negative out look I'd be slamming that DZ for there stupid runway. But
I laughed, chalked it up to experience, and went and made several more
great jumps. Do you know how beautiful the Smokey Mountains are in
Spring. I was not going to let my mistake ruin that great time.
On my first jump in Xenia I had to walk at least 3/4 of a mile and no
one came looking for me. Now I understand why some farmers hate
skydivers. They have a damn good reason.
One of the amazing items about Xenia is how well the DZ is accepted in
the community. Last spring in high winds I landed off the DZ about 3
miles away. The farmer who gave me a lift back had a wind sock on his
barn. The guy introduces himself, make sure were OK, calls the DZ so
they don't have to drive after us, gives us some Cold Soda, and tells us
of his 30 something years of experience with the Skydivers in Xenia.
They enjoy having us around. Before we got back to the DZ, he told us
that any of the farmers or neighbors will be glad to help any skydiver
landing around them. A few weekends ago, an older couple brought there
grand children to watch. They were telling us how there picture window
faces the DZ, about 3 miles away, and whenever the canopies are spotted
everyone runs to the window to count them and watch. They said they
have always loved to watch us.
> I love skydiving and will never stop, but I will not tolerate this shit.
> If you are a low-timer and are thinking about jumping in Xenia, OH, I would
> think twice.
Please do think twice! Your probably gonna miss out on the greatest
moments of your life!
blue...@jaycounty.com
Its obvious to everyone who reads this that this jumper is new to the
sport. The spots were pretty good for the most part at Xenia with a few
exceptions. I will admit that I landed off once but not every spot was
like that. To the person who origionally posted the article Xenia is a
great dz and you should be in the sport a while longer before you begin
judging dz spots. In article <33a48b97....@news.iglou.com>,
jgr...@umr.edu wrote:
>
> Today I made two freefall jumps in Xenia, Ohio. It was the first time I
> had been to this drop zone. I was very disappointed with the dropzone. On
the
> first jump, I was put out at least one mile away from the dropzone. It was so
> far way that I could not find it, even though I had studied the aerial photo
> twice - it only covers 3/4mi * 3/4mi. The guy after me, who was an
instructor,
> landed over two miles away - he told me.
> On my second jump we got a better spot. I pulled at 5000 and headed
> straight towards the dz and landed at least 1/2 mile away (I was flying a
181sq
> ft Raven and I weigh 140lbs.). Both planes had gps, however both times I
ended
> up getting out downwind. I didn't know the area well and there was not time
to
> spot the dz with 30 people packed in the plane. I expected someone competent
to
> be handling the loads and insuring we got a good exit. On my second jump a
lady
> looking for skydivers on the roads around the dz picked me up. She said she
> picks people up all the time.
> I talked to someone about the spotting problem, and he said it was a
> regular occurrence this year, sometimes pilot error and lots of times it was
the
> big-time jumpers not giving a damn about the low-timers in back.
> I plan on making 100 jumps this summer (currently I have 30 free-fall
> jumps and an A license) I was going to make them in Xenia, but now I don't
> think I will go back.
> With that many people landing offsite it is only a matter of time until
> someone gets hurt and no one will be there to help them. On my first jump in
> Xenia I had to walk at least 3/4 of a mile and no one came looking for me.
Now
> I understand why some farmers hate skydivers. They have a damn good reason.
> I love skydiving and will never stop, but I will not tolerate this shit.
> If you are a low-timer and are thinking about jumping in Xenia, OH, I would
> think twice. If you do decide to jump anyway, bring a compass and a bottle of
> water so you don't get dehydrated on your walk back.
> I would like to hear about these problems at other dz's. I would be
> suprised if this only the only one with these kinds of problems. I didn't
write
> this to make Xenia look bad. I wanted to make people aware of what is
happening
> at some of our dropzones and try to correct the problem before it moves
outside
> of us and into the hands of the FAA or someone else.
-------------------==== Posted via Deja News ====-----------------------
blue...@jaycounty.com
In article <33A4E2...@bright.net>,
clar...@bright.net wrote:
>
> Jeffrey Greer wrote:
> >
> > Today I made two freefall jumps in Xenia, Ohio. It was the first
time I
> > had been to this drop zone. I was very disappointed with the dropzone.
>
> Sorry, you didn't enjoy yourself. I was at Skydive Greene County all day
> Sunday and I saw 200 skydivers of all experience levels having a hell of
>
> > I talked to someone about the spotting problem, and he said it was a
> > regular occurrence this year, sometimes pilot error and lots of times it was
the
> > big-time jumpers not giving a damn about the low-timers in back.
>
> I regularly jump at Xenia and can assure you that off airport landings
> occur no more and no less than at other DZ's. Which means that it
> sometimes happens but it is an exception rather than the norm.
>
> west and the velocity changed several times during the day. The surface
> winds changed course three times between 9am and 5pm. It was difficult
> for even the most experienced spotter/pilot. I spotted an otter load and
> it went well but I also landed out once.
>
> The unusual changing winds were the issue yesterday - not the DZ.
>
> the country and they are very conscientious about their spots. They
> seldom miss.
>
> Finally, the experienced jumpers do care about the "low-timers in back".
> And you can always ask for a second pass. SGC's pilots will be glad to
> help.
>
free-fall
> > jumps and an A license) I was going to make them in Xenia, but now I don't
> > think I will go back.
>
> Sorry to hear that. I think you will miss some good times and great
> jumps.
>
shit.
> > If you are a low-timer and are thinking about jumping in Xenia, OH, I would
> > think twice. If you do decide to jump anyway, bring a compass and a bottle
of
> > water so you don't get dehydrated on your walk back.
>
> West, Gary Gross, or any other staff member and they will be glad to
> introduce you to others at the DZ and discuss spotting with you.
>
> > suprised if this only the only one with these kinds of problems. I didn't
write
> > this to make Xenia look bad. I wanted to make people aware of what is
happening
> > at some of our dropzones and try to correct the problem before it moves
outside
> > of us and into the hands of the FAA or someone else.
>
> bad." You overacted to a not unusual inconvience at any DZ.
>
> David Clarkson
I agree 100% with this analysis by David because I was there and
I have more than 30 jumps unless this newby
Larry Nuckols
Jazz
Bill Von Novak wrote:
> i guess "not tolerating this s**t" is part of the
> "DZ-as-service-industry" view of things. "i paid good money for this
> jump ticket! i want the load spotted correctly!" i guess i see >things like load organizing, spotting, group separation, AAD use, main >sizing etc. as the sole responsibility of the jumper(s), and not of the >DZ. they basically provide an aircraft and let you skydive pretty much
> however you want. with that freedom comes responsibility, a
> responsibility we shouldn't take lightly.
>
> -bill von
Way to go Bill! Skydiving, like any other sport, may see a lot of
changes, but it might as well become weekly horseshoes if it is not an
"extreme individual sport". All philosophy aside, like any other
highly individual aspect of life, the risks we take are our own. When
you step off that curb, it's your job to look both ways to make sure
there isn't a car coming. Mommy isn't here anymore.
BS & Cold Beers
Jazz
http://www.servtech.com/public/thegeorg/skydive/
GQ
i totally agree, heres a hint, look at windsock, ask Radio Man about
winds, BEFORE you jump, crack the door and SPOT, it does wonders for
your landing area. TRUST ME. Check out your AFF or static line
BEGINNERS manual, it has a section on how to spot, or just ask around,
i'm sure a jumpmaster will teach you how to do it.
GQ
blue...@jaycounty.com wrote:
>Its obvious to everyone who reads this that this jumper is new to the
>sport. The spots were pretty good for the most part at Xenia with a few
>exceptions. I will admit that I landed off once but not every spot was
>like that. To the person who origionally posted the article Xenia is a
>great dz and you should be in the sport a while longer before you begin
>judging dz spots. In article <33a48b97....@news.iglou.com>,
>jgr...@umr.edu wrote:
>>
>> Today I made two freefall jumps in Xenia, Ohio. It was the first time I
>> had been to this drop zone. I was very disappointed with the dropzone. On
>the
>> first jump, I was put out at least one mile away from the dropzone. It was so
>> far way that I could not find it, even though I had studied the aerial photo
>> twice - it only covers 3/4mi * 3/4mi. The guy after me, who was an
>instructor,
>> landed over two miles away - he told me.
>> On my second jump we got a better spot. I pulled at 5000 and headed
>> straight towards the dz and landed at least 1/2 mile away (I was flying a
>181sq
>> ft Raven and I weigh 140lbs.). Both planes had gps, however both times I
>ended
>> up getting out downwind. I didn't know the area well and there was not time
>to
>> spot the dz with 30 people packed in the plane. I expected someone competent
>to
>> be handling the loads and insuring we got a good exit. On my second jump a
>lady
>> looking for skydivers on the roads around the dz picked me up. She said she
>> picks people up all the time.
>> I talked to someone about the spotting problem, and he said it was a
>> regular occurrence this year, sometimes pilot error and lots of times it was
>the
>> big-time jumpers not giving a damn about the low-timers in back.
>> I plan on making 100 jumps this summer (currently I have 30 free-fall
>> jumps and an A license) I was going to make them in Xenia, but now I don't
>> think I will go back.
>> With that many people landing offsite it is only a matter of time until
>> someone gets hurt and no one will be there to help them. On my first jump in
>> Xenia I had to walk at least 3/4 of a mile and no one came looking for me.
>Now
>> I understand why some farmers hate skydivers. They have a damn good reason.
>> I love skydiving and will never stop, but I will not tolerate this shit.
>> If you are a low-timer and are thinking about jumping in Xenia, OH, I would
>> think twice. If you do decide to jump anyway, bring a compass and a bottle of
>> water so you don't get dehydrated on your walk back.
>> I would like to hear about these problems at other dz's. I would be
>> suprised if this only the only one with these kinds of problems. I didn't
>write
>> this to make Xenia look bad. I wanted to make people aware of what is
>happening
>> at some of our dropzones and try to correct the problem before it moves
>outside
>> of us and into the hands of the FAA or someone else.
>-------------------==== Posted via Deja News ====-----------------------
Thomas Kerler
David S. Clarkson wrote:
>
> Jeffrey Greer wrote:
> >
> > Today I made two freefall jumps in Xenia, Ohio. It was the first time I
> > had been to this drop zone. I was very disappointed with the dropzone.
>
> Sorry, you didn't enjoy yourself. I was at Skydive Greene County all day
> Sunday and I saw 200 skydivers of all experience levels having a hell of
> a good time.
... and what a good time !!!
was there on sunday and only my first jump was off.
It appears on that load some of the first jumpers out
(may have been some of the many boogie-visitors from
anywhere that week-end) were not quite familiar with
gps-spots ... green light does *not* mean "put on your
goggles and tighten your leg-straps". After that was
explained again to everyone all spots were perfect.
I haven't gotten around to really learning spotting myself
(shame on me) and trust the people there. Sometimes
really erratic wind conditions in that region can
throw-off even the best spotters. But the area is all
open fields and an off-landing bears only very small
additional risks, unless you really *want* to hit
something or "get somewhere". At this time of the
year also agricultural damage is negligible, if you have
a minimium pf canopy control and don't behave like an elephant
on your walk back.
--
BSBD, Thomas Kerler, A-25590
mailto:ker...@math.ohio-state.edu
Gwyn Boehringer
In article <33a48b97....@news.iglou.com>,
<jgr...@umr.edu wrote:
<
<>
<> Today I made two freefall jumps in Xenia, Ohio. It was
<the first time I
<> had been to this drop zone. I was very disappointed with the
<dropzone.
Jeff,
I am sorry you didn't find your experience at SGC a pleasant
one. Let me tell you my experiences with the spots, I have over
80 jumps now, most of them at SGC. I landed off once last year
because I was following my main down after a malfunction. I
have landed off three times this year, mostly due to the strange
spring wind conditions we have here. I didn't blame anyone for
it, I took it as a learning experience. I have been told to
treat each jump as a demo...you are responsible for knowing
where you are going to land and be prepared to land off. This
includes knowing which way the winds are coming from, and
knowing how to choose an offsite landing area (training from my
FJC at another DZ). I actually thought the off DZ landings were
kinda fun, and I learned from one of the experienced jumpers to
bring a pullup cord because you never know where and when you
are going to have to pack and walk!
As for this weekend, it was a really busy one, with the
record-breaker going on, and having a casa, super otter, and
occasion beech made for a hectic weekend. New timers like us
must be prepared to know our limitations, and to know when it is
okay to jump and when we should maybe wait until it is less busy
or hire a jumpmaster to help us out (especially when it is your
first time at a new DZ). I was on 6 loads this weekend under my
new Sabre 135 and really didn't want to land off under it. But
I knew before I went up in the plane that if it happened, I
could handle it. I watched the first couple of loads to see how
the spots were, and seeing that the winds were acting funny I
knew an off DZ landing was possible, especially since I am
usually one of the last people out of the plane. I landed on
the DZ every time, and had time to play under my canopy (I was
open between 5000 and 3500 everytime). My petite girlfriend was
on 7 loads, jumping a PD-170, opened no higher than 3500 each
time and she made it back every time as well.
As many of my other friends have posted, it is really too bad
that you didn't have a good time. That place changed my life
when I showed up there, they took me in and made me part of the
family and I love each and everyone of them (even though we have
our differences at times ;-) Didn't my boyfriend loan you his
altimeter? Didn't someone repack your reserve on the spot, even
though we were having one of our busiest weekends and every
rigger was swamped? The minute it was obvious that not everyone
on a load was going to make it back, manifest was on the PA
system looking for people to go pick up the jumpers. I wish you
had come out on a slower weekend or during the week. All you
have to do is ask someone on the plane to show you the DZ and
the landmarks on the way to altitude and you will be getting
more than enough people showing you the grand tour! They
probably would have even let you stick your head out the door so
they could show you the spot.
Good luck in your skydiving endeavors, and I hope you find a DZ
to your liking. Who knows, after you have more experience and
have jumped at other DZs, you may decide to come back and jump
again at SGC.
Blue Skies,
Gwyn A-25246
Gregory j. Peck
I'll attest to the GREAT atmosphere surrounding SGC. No other place like
it on the earth.....Tell me how many DZ operators say this about getting a
Twin Otter "Well Guys, have fun with it, it is for you". This might not be
a direct quote of Jim West, but it was his attitude last year when he got
us a Twin Otter....now that otter is gone....He has replaced it with a
SUPER Otter.....
For the staff, planes, and ownership of Skydive Greene County I have
nothing but respect. I hope that you decide that the winds were just nuts
that day and come back for more GREAT times.
In case you come back.......follow the railroad tracks (ubandoned...now
trees)...they curve at the DZ otherwise they are straight.
Come back, and enjoy the Great times.....See you in the skies above Greene
County
Greg Peck
Jeffrey Greer wrote in article <33a48b97....@news.iglou.com>...
> Today I made two freefall jumps in Xenia, Ohio. It was the first time I
>had been to this drop zone. I was very disappointed with the dropzone.
Cannonball
> It appears on that load some of the first jumpers out
> (may have been some of the many boogie-visitors from
> anywhere that week-end) were not quite familiar with
> gps-spots ... green light does *not* mean "put on your
> goggles and tighten your leg-straps". After that was
Just so long as everybody realizes that does not apply to every plane that
does GPS spots. 1) Some use the green light to tell you "You have the
door to spot. Go when you're ready." 2) Some have a red light that means
standby, and a green light that means go, unconditionally. My home DZ uses
#1. Yours obviously uses #2. It's all a matter of DZ policy.
The official standing on my part is that it should be clearly posted in the
DZ, preferably at manifest, and in the plane, preferably close to the door.
Oh, yeah. We're skydivers. We can't read. I keep forgetting this...
See ya.. Cannonball
Jeffrey Greer
Ok, I admit I was too harsh. If the winds changed within a minute I guess it
would be impossible to spot. The guy who told me that some spotters were not
paying attention and that skygods didn't give a shit about low-times has been
jumping there for over 5 years.
On my first jump that day there, I was at least a mile away when I exited.
Unless no one was watching the gps I would like to know why no one told us to
wait because we were over a mile away. When I jumped from the king air, in
Sullivan, MO at Quantum Leap, when they were way off they would make another
pass.
Also, while you are up there, you should be able to calculate the windspeed and
its direction every couple of seconds given the plane's airspeed, heading, and
velocity relative to the ground. All this data is available; we need to make
use of it.
I still think I'll bring my compass and a bottle of water, and maybe a cell
phone.
BTW: I do know how to spot. I've done it a couple of times from a Cessna. I
never knew I would have to from a plane with gps; guess I was wrong. Also, when
we took off the windsock was pretty limp. The uppers must have been crazy.
Blue Skies.
mike ashley
So you missed the DZ on a couple of loads this weekend. OH GEEZ!
Since you're a newbie, I'll cut you some slack, but you need to know a
few things.
First, if you stay in the sport, and if you jump at lots of dz's, you
will, at some time or other, miss every one of them. Have you heard of
the Quincy boogie? It's a great time, great aircraft, fabulous parties,
great people and an all round wonderful way to waste a week.
However, if you want to jump the jet, you can just forget about hitting
the airport. This is considered normal.
As other people have pointed out, the winds in the midwest are really
unpredictable at this time of year. On Sunday morning I landed facing
east (1st load). By the third load, I was facing south. And by late in
the day, I was facing north. When this happens, sometimes spotting is
next to impossible for an entire Casa load, unless they are all getting
out at once.
So you found yourself in the boonies. So what? Pack your gear and start
walking. When you get to the dz, check in with manifest and get on
another load. In this part of the country, we have LOTS of fields to
safely land in. This is a good thing. Have you been to Deland yet? Great
DZ, unless you find yourself off the airport. The electric grid around
that place is amazing, and everywhere. It is downright dangerous and
scary as all hell. And off dz landings don't occur there any more or
less than they do at Xenia. I've been to both, landed on and off at
both, and brother, you most definitely had the easy one. Take your
experience and put a 100' by 100' clearing surrounded by 35' live high
tension wires and squirrely winds. Now you really have a reason to
complain, presuming you don't screw up and toast yourself.
Now, if you really think that the spotting was all that bad, feel free
to talk to Jim or Gary or Mike Grace and they will do what they can to
address your concerns. If that does not make you feel any better, then
the next best way to ensure that the spot is good for you (and the rest
of the load), is to spot the aircraft yourself. You will be able to get
a better view of the area, get to know it faster, and know where you are
over the ground when you open. If, on the other hand, you are not
qualified to spot yet (and it's possible since you have 30 jumps, I
don't really know your abilities), then you should not have posted the
complaint at all.
One last thing: you may have noticed that we have a "Hellen Keller
Spotting Award" list in the main loft. To earn this award, you must
place EVERYONE on the aircraft somewhere other than on the airport. One
of the names on that list is Jim West. He lives here, he is a pilot
here, and he jumps here. Over 10,000 jumps worth. He's better at all of
those things than you are, and he still misses once in a while. His
reaction? "Oh Well".
We all get a turn in the barrel. Including me. Give the place another
try, and look at more than just the spotting. Gwyn's post says a lot
more about the positive things Xenia has. I've been to lots of DZ's in
North America in over 23 years of skydiving, and for all those positive
things, and for the people, (and the aircraft), I've chosen Xenia as my
home dz. It does not get better than this place.
Two skydives are not enough to judge ANY DZ. And 30 jumps is not enough
to know everything there is to know about skydiving.
Keep your mind open, your gear packed, and your beer cold. You are still
welcome to join us Saturday morning on the next Otter load.
I'll even make sure you get to choose the spot, personally.
Mike
Gregg Ariss
> BTW: I do know how to spot. I've done it a couple of times from a Cessna. I
> never knew I would have to from a plane with gps; guess I was wrong.
You are wrong. Even if GPS works perfectly and never fails, you need to
look out of that door for hazards. GPS does not tell you if you are
clear to drop. The pilot can't see directly below the aircraft. Just
check out the recent UK incidents with dumb bloody glider pilots flying
over the spot. One formation missed a glider by only 30 metres.
Jeffrey Greer
Yesterday I went back to Xenia and had a good time. Xenia is a really good
dropzone. I've been to four in this area and Xenia is my favorite. I apologize
for my first post.
Maclean
Jeffrey Greer <jgr...@umr.edu> wrote in article
<33af440...@news.iglou.com>...
ago before they had the road behind the airport (east-southeast). Back then
there was nothing that way but miles of tree, fields and cows and we saw
them all on the 'Death March'. 1 1/2 HOURS to walk back to the airport,
navigating by the sun. Now that was a BAAADDD spot (not mine). Glad you
tried that place again.
Crusty SCSA 69