User:Rklawton/Sandbox

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 * Missouri NRHP applications
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=Brian Germain= Brian Stuart Germain (b. 1967) is a world champion skydiver, author, keynote speaker, inventor, psychologist, and president of Big Air Sportz, a parachute manufacturer.

Books

 * Vertical Journey
 * The Parachute and its Pilot
 * Transcending Fear
 * Green Light Your Life

DVDs

 * Vertical Journey 2

Inventions

 * Airlock, patentholder: #5,573, 207 - Valve Apparatus for Ram-Air Wings,
 * Slider Drawstring Kill-Line
 * SLOCKS slider locking mechanism

Skydiving

 * World Champion: Freefly Skydiving 1997 ESPN X-Games,

My Now or Never Diary
ISBN 978-0552553346

My Desperate Love Diary
ISBN 978-0552553322 This book, a sequel to My Now or Never Diary, is about a 15 year old girl who is desperately in love with a boy called G (she refuses to identify his real name). She is madly in love with him but she also has to cope with exams and her pregnant older sister Angela. In the end, Kelly Ann gets to go out with G but finds out that he is not Mr.Perfect after all.

Talk page
This article has been speedied once before. If you think it should be deleted again, please nominate it for AfD. A novice editor created this article (possibly autobiographically), and an admin deleted it within 10 minutes. While the article itself may have met CSD A7, the fact that a novice user created it should have prompted further investigation as to notability (as per WP:BITE. Indeed, it was during just such an investigation (during this article's short life) that I realized the author was notable and the article could be improved.  I've undertaken these improvements and have reposted this article accordingly.  Rklawton 17:35, 26 January 2007 (UTC)

=Parachuting Project Outline= I'm considering writing a few parachuting related articles reorganizing all existing articles for easier navigation and reading. I've placed the hierarchy below. I'll probably roll up the lowest level in each thread to make a section in an article immediately above it. Existing articles are linked. Proposed articles are bolded. Non-bolded topics under a proposed article will comprise sections within the proposed article. sub-topics may later become articles when warranted.

See below for new article drafts. Comments and suggestions appreciated.

Parachuting
 * History
 * Emergency parachuting
 * Bailout Systems
 * Ejection Systems


 * Military parachuting
 * Methods
 * Static line
 * HALO/HAHO
 * Equipment
 * History
 * Training
 * United States Airborne School
 * Ground Week
 * Parachute Landing Fall
 * Tower Week
 * Swing lander trainer
 * Jump Week
 * German Training
 * British Training
 * Russian Training
 * Israeli Training
 * Civilian parachuting
 * Teams
 * Arizona Airspeed
 * Golden Knights
 * Pieces of Eight
 * Biographies
 * Bill Booth
 * Brian Germain
 * Roger Nelson
 * Guy Manos
 * Movies
 * Cut-away
 * Gypsy Moths
 * Point Break
 * Skydiving
 * History
 * Training
 * Static line
 * IAD
 * Accelerated Freefall
 * Tandem skydiving
 * Wind tunnels
 * Equipment
 * Parachute
 * Round
 * Malfunctions
 * Mae West
 * Streamer
 * Inversion
 * Broken lines
 * Blow-out
 * Jumper in tow
 * Ram-Air
 * Malfunctions
 * Low speed
 * Line twist
 * Line-over
 * Trapped toggle
 * Released toggle
 * Broken line(s)
 * Blow-out
 * High speed
 * Total
 * Bag lock
 * Pilot chute in tow
 * Horseshoe
 * Main/Reserve entanglement
 * Wrap
 * Hung-up slider
 * Spinning line twist
 * Container
 * Reserve parachute
 * D-Bag
 * Free Bag
 * 3-ring release system
 * Harness
 * Pilot chute
 * Ripcord
 * Bottom of container
 * Pullout
 * Throw-out
 * Leg mounted
 * Bridle
 * Closing pin
 * Closing loop
 * Automatic Activation Device
 * Argus
 * Astra
 * CYPRES / CYPRES 2
 * FXC 12000
 * KAP-3
 * MPAAD
 * Sentinel
 * Vigil
 * Jumpsuit
 * Helmet
 * Altimeter
 * Eye Protection
 * Styles
 * Belly Flying (with formation list & illustrations?)
 * Freeflying
 * Sit flying
 * Tracking (freeflying)
 * Head down
 * Stand up (freeflying)
 * Canopy Relative Work (CReW) (with formation list & illustrations?)
 * Style & Accuracy
 * Competitions
 * World records
 * Risk
 * By category
 * Per jump
 * Occupations
 * Parachute rigger
 * Jumpmaster (copy from parachuting)
 * Tandem master (copy from parachuting)
 * Smoke jumper
 * Instructor
 * Videographer (add article)
 * See Also
 * Free-fall
 * Disciplines
 * Relative work
 * History
 * Equipment
 * Training
 * Public locations
 * Public events
 * Competitions
 * World Records
 * Style and Accuracy
 * History
 * Equipment
 * Training
 * Public locations
 * Public events
 * Competitions
 * World Records
 * FreeFly
 * History
 * Equipment
 * Training
 * Public locations
 * Public events
 * Competitions
 * World Records
 * CReW
 * History
 * Equipment
 * Training
 * Public locations
 * Public events
 * Competitions
 * World Records
 * BASE jumping
 * History
 * Equipment
 * Training
 * Public locations
 * Public events
 * Competitions
 * World Records
 * Governing bodies (section within Civilian parachuting with summaries & links to separate articles)
 * FAI
 * USPA
 * CAA?
 * Australia?
 * UK?
 * Japan?
 * FAA


 * I'd combine the sit flying with the stand. I also wouldn't include tracking with freeflying.  It's an essential and basic manuver.  I'd also combine Static Line and IAD.   The progressions are the same.  AFF instuctor needs to be included in occupations maybe coach too.  Swooping needs to be included in the discipline section.


 * I like the three catagories (military, sport, emergency)and the general layout. There's alot of work to be done on these articles I think this is a good start.RWgirl 00:59, 24 February 2007 (UTC)

=Skydiving, sport gear= This is an article proposal and draft

Skydiving gear differs significantly between applications. Military gear, BASE gear, and Skydiving gear have both similarities and differences. For example, sport skydivers rarely use round parachutes. BASE jumping gear often does not include a reserve parachute. This article focuses on gear for the sport of skydiving.

Civil parachute operations (Sport Skydiving) gear required by the FAA

FAR Sec. 105.43 Use of single-harness, dual-parachute systems
 * No person may conduct a parachute operation using a single-harness, dual-parachute system, and no pilot in command of an aircraft may allow any person to conduct a parachute operation from that aircraft using a single-harness, dual-parachute system, unless that system has at least one main parachute, one approved reserve parachute, and one approved single person harness and container that are packed as follows:


 * (a) The main parachute must have been packed within 120 days before the date of its use by a certificated parachute rigger, the person making the next jump with that parachute, or a non-certificated person under the direct supervision of a certificated parachute rigger.


 * (b) The reserve parachute must have been packed by a certificated parachute rigger-


 * (1) Within 120 days before the date of its use, if its canopy, shroud, and harness are composed exclusively of nylon, rayon, or similar synthetic fiber or material that is substantially resistant to damage from mold, mildew, and other fungi, and other rotting agents propagated in a moist environment; or


 * (2) Within 60 days before the date of its use, if it is composed of any amount of silk, pongee, or other natural fiber, or material not specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.


 * (c) If installed, the automatic activation device must be maintained in accordance with manufacturer instructions for that automatic activation device.

FAR Sec. 105.19 require that when performing night jumps, each skydiver must display a light that is visible for at least three statute miles from the time the jumper is under an open parachute until landing.

The USPA has additional rules for students and for jumps made within one mile of an open body of water.

Pieces of Eight

 * 

Movies
Category?

Parachute
The reserve parachute is usually deployed via ripcord. However, a reserve parachute may also be deployed by a Reserve static line or an Automatic Activation Device.

D-Bag
D-Bag is the common term for the deployment bag, usually a canvas bag which contains the folded main parachute and is secured inside of the lower part of the skydiving container. Most D-bags are specifically designed to go with a particular container type and although there are varied designs they typically contain four grommets and 6 to 8 rubber bands which are used in conjunction with the lines of the parachute to hold the bag closed until deployment.

Bottom of container
Commonly abbreviated B.O.C. this is the most common method for modern hand deployed pilot chutes. The pilot chute and bridal are folded and stored in a spandex or elastic pocket which is sewn onto the bottom part of the container with a handle typically sticking out from the right hand side for deployment. B.O.C. pilot chutes are an upgrade from the Leg mounted system because it reduces the amount of bridal exposed the wind stream by allowing the bridal to be fed directly into the closing flaps. This reduces the chance of premature deployment especially with the higher speeds reached in modern free fly techniques.

Altimeter
In the U.S., the FAA does not require skydivers to wear altimeters. The USPA recommends altimeters for all skydivers and requires members to ensure students wear them for all jumps. In spite of technology advances, altitude awareness remains a key safety issue. Skydivers who lose altitude awareness may find themselves with little or no time to initiate parachute deployment or emergency procedures.

Sport parachuting altimeters are barometric and take on many different forms.


 * Wrist mounted altimeters use a large dial or digital display to indicate altitude. These altimeters may include a back-lighting feature to aid in night jumps.


 * Chest mounted altimeters mount on the harness' chest strap and use a large dial display.


 * Audible altimeters mount inside a helmet next to the ear. They emit loud, coded beeps at predetermined altitudes.  In a typical squence, the first beep alerts the skydiver to separate horizontally from nearby skydivers so as to minimize the risk of collision upon parachute deployment.  A second beep notifies the skydiver that he or she has reached the pre-planned parachute deployment altitude.  The last signal, a steady "flat-line" beep, sounds if the skydiver has reached a critical altitude without having successfully deployed a parachute.  Advanced models also digitally record altitude and vertical speed for post-jump analysis.


 * An Automatic Activation Device, by design, includes an altitude and verticle speed measuring mechanism. However, this data is not available to the skydiver.  The only notification provided by an AAD is the activation of the reserve parachute.

Helmet
In the U.S., the FAA does not require skydivers to wear helmets. The USPA recommends helmets for all skydivers and requires members drop zones to use them for students. Skydiving videographers typically use purpose-built helmets, known as "camera helmets" to mount video both video and still cameras. Formation skydivers often wear full face helmets in case of unplanned contact, while most skydiving helmets have no protective rating they do offer minimal protection in case of free fall collision and minor impact with the aircraft on exit, skydiving helmets are typically designed for use with and audible altimeter and for easy removal in case of entanglement during a malfunction.


 * Helmets are strongly discouraged for tandem students by the USPA because the student could knock out his instructor.RWgirl 01:04, 24 February 2007 (UTC)

Eye protection
Air speeds ranging from 200 kph to 280 kph (120 mph to 170 mph) make clear vision difficult without eye protection. At these speeds, eyelids begin to flap and uncontrolled tearing blurs vision. Impact with rain or ice crystals will cause significant pain. Skydivers protect their vision in a variety of ways: goggles, well-secured glasses, and helmet visors. Skydivers will rarely jump without goggles.

Line twist
Line twists occur when a parachute’s suspension lines have twisted one or more revolutions. The lines appear much like those of a child’s swing that has been twisted or spun up. Given sufficient revolutions, line twist can impair the parachutist’s ability to steer the canopy or flair the canopy for landing. Line twist might also devolve into Spinning line twists, a high-speed malfunction.

Given enough time, a parachutist typically “kicks out” of line twist by pedaling rapidly in hopes of spinning out of the twists. In severe cases, a parachutist will release the main parachute and deploy his or her reserve parachute.

Releasing brake lines for steering or flaring while experiencing line twists is not recommended. Line friction at the point of contact in the twist may trap one of the brake lines and not the other. This configuration will result in a dangerous spin and may quickly devolve into spinning line twists. However, if one brake line has already been released, then the parachutist should also follow procedures appropriate for a released toggle.

Line twists may be caused by parachute packing, body position upon deployment, brake release upon deployment, temporary bag-locks, or temporary horseshoe malfunctions.=


 * It might be good to mention that line twists can range from an inconvenience to a very scary mal. A fellow jumper was in line twists for 5,000 ft (12k h&p), his body was parallel with the horizon.  Wonderful video.  Another fellow skydiver was unable to cutaway because he didn't have hard housing in his risers.


 * I don't think there needs to be a separate section for spinning line twists, any canopy at any wing loading has the potential to spin agressively.RWgirl 01:11, 24 February 2007 (UTC)

Line-over
A line-over malfunction occurs when one or more suspension lines or a steering line lies across the top of a parachute canopy following deployment. This configuration significantly alters the shape of a parachute and reduces its ability to fly properly. On a round canopy, this malfunction is called a Mae West.

Depending on the number of lines involved and the canopy’s ability to fly, and altitude, a parachutist may attempt to correct this malfunction by releasing both brake lines and pumping them several times. Should this fail to work immediately, and given sufficient altitude, a parachutist will release the main canopy and deploy his or her reserve canopy.

In the rare occasion that a reserve canopy should malfunction in this way, the parachutist may attempt to sever the offending line with a hook-knife.

Trapped toggle
A trapped toggle occurs when a steering toggle fails to release properly. This configuration leaves the canopy in “half brakes” on the side of the trapped toggle. Typically, the parachutist discovers this malfunction when attempting to release the both brakes, an action that will cause the canopy to spin in the direction of the trapped brake if left unchecked. The parachutist may elect to pull the free toggle to correct the spin, but this leaves only one hand available to attempt to free the trapped toggle. Given the tension placed on the brake line by the parachute in flight, parachutists are often unable to free the trapped toggle.

If altitude permits, the parachutist should release the main parachute and deploy the reserve. Otherwise, the parachutist should correct the spin, prepare to execute a parachute landing fall, and land into the wind without flaring.

Broken line(s)
A broken line malfunction consists of one or more broken suspension lines or steering lines. Broken lines may result from poor maintenance or a hard opening causing significant g-forces. Broken suspension lines may or may not significantly affect the parachute’s performance. If altitude permits, the parachutist should determine if the parachute can be safely turned and flared. If altitude permits, a parachutist may release a parachute that fails the controllability check and deploy his or her reserve. If altitude permits, a parachutist may elect to release the main canopy and deploy his or her reserve as a precaution against continued in-flight equipment degradation even if a parachute passes the controllability check.

Blow-out
A blow-out occurs when the parachute’s material rips or tears out along one or more seams. Blow-outs may result from poor maintenance or a hard opening causing significant g-forces. a blow-out may also result from parachute deployment at speeds above design tolerances.

Blow-outs are likely to affect a parachute’s performance. Given sufficient altitude, a parachutist will likely release the damaged parachute and deploy his or her reserve regardless of canopy performance. This action guards against the possibility of continued in-flight parachute degradation.

Hard opening
A parachute that deploys and fully opens at an unusually quick speed will result in a hard opening. A hard opening decelerates a skydiver from terminal velocity, 200 kph (120 mph) to about 3 meters per second (10 feet per second) rapidly thus producing unusually high g-forces. Hard openings can damage the parachute, suspension lines, parachute harness, and/or the skydiver. As a result, a hard opening may serve as the cause for one or more additional malfunctions. Hard openings typically result in significant bruising on chest and thighs. Hard openings may also result in a strained neck. On rare occasions, hard openings have been known to break ribs or necks, cause unconsciousness or internal bleeding, and even death. Skydivers rendered unconscious under canopy by hard openings or some other event are also significantly more likely to experience injury or death upon landing.

Skydivers who experience a hard opening should take extra care to ensure the resulting g-forces did not also cause other malfunctions.

Skydivers injured by a hard opening (or any other means in-flight) should make every effort to continue steering their canopy and give primary consideration to landing safely and then to landing near another person who can render aid.

=Ram air high speed malfunctions= See: Malfunction (parachuting) which includes low and high speed malfunctions

This is an article proposal and draft

High-speed malfunctions are equipment malfunctions that fail to significantly reduce a parachutist’s velocity. These malfunctions are almost always fatal upon impact with the ground. Due to the unchecked velocity, the skydiver has very little time to identify the malfunction and perform the appropriate corrective action. A skydiver who experiences a high speed malfunction at 900 meters (2000 feet), the minimum altitude permitted by the United States Parachute Association’s Basic Safety Requirements for experienced skydivers, has a life expectancy of approximately ten seconds with only five or six seconds of time remaining to take any useful action.

Total malfunction
A total malfunction of a parachute occurs when the parachutist tries and fails to extract a parachute’s closing pin from its closing loop, thereby keeping the parachute locked in its container. This may occur when a skydiver is unable to reach or extract the deployment handle or pilot chute or when some malfunction prevents the closing pin from extracting.

Parachutists experiencing a total malfunction should deploy their reserve parachute.

Double-total malfunction
A double-total malfunction occurs when a parachutist experiences a total malfunction of both the main and the reserve parachute. Legitimate double-total malfunctions occur less than once per decade in the U.S.

Investigators may confuse an accident caused by incapacitated, altitude unaware, or suicidal skydiver with a double-total malfunction since the results appear the same. Incidents are labeled a double-total malfunction only when the parachutist tries and fails to activate both the main and the reserve parachute.

Note that impact with the ground at terminal velocity often breaks the closing loops and frees the parachute’s deployment bag from the container. Since this happens at impact with the ground, this does not affect the malfunction’s status as a total malfunction.

Pilot-chute-in-tow
A pilot-chute-in-tow occurs when a parachutist deploys the pilot chute into the air stream and the pilot chute fails to extract the parachute’s closing pin. This may occur when a pilot chute fails to inflate properly or when the parachute bridle has been trapped an unable to put sufficient tension on the closing pin.

A pilot-chute-in-tow poses an especially tricky scenario. If the skydiver elects to immediately deploy the reserve parachute, the release of pressure on the parachute container and/or the g-forces from deployment may cause the main parachute’s closing pin to extract. This will result in the main parachute’s deployment and possible entanglement with the reserve parachute. If the skydiver elects to release the main parachute and then deploy the reserve parachute, he or she consumes valuable time, and the main parachute’s closing pin may still extract and possibly result in a main/reserve entanglement. Skydivers have lived and have died under both scenarios.

Parachute packing errors primarily cause a pilot-chute-in-tow.

Bag lock
A bag lock occurs when the closing pin extracts properly and the deployment bag leaves the container, but the parachute fails to deploy from the deployment bag.

A parachutist should release the main parachute and immediately deploy the reserve parachute. Releasing the main parachute eliminates the possibility of a main/reserve entanglement.

Parachute packing errors primarily cause bag lock. Bag locks may also occur if one or more suspension lines get caught on the skydiver or piece of equipment.

Bag lock (primarily) happens when the parachute starts to inflate while still in the bag. Brian Germain discusses that at his canopy course.

Primary cause is type of stow.


 * It's not type of stow, it's a common misunderstanding. I gave PD a call on Friday (1 386 738 2224)just to triple check.   It's been a recent (two years) revision in thinking, Big Air Sports, Fight Tech, and PD all agree it's not line stows.  PD was the first to revise how one should handle two out don't forget.  Actually taught the USPA a thing or two over time.


 * You can test it yourself also. I'm sure someone at your DZ has a cutaway harness.  Attach a main, d-bag and pilot chute.  Triple stow the lines with small rubber bands.  They'll all come unstowed.  You'll have some line twists.  Actually alot of line twists, but you will not experience bag lock unless you are using an extremely old pilot chute.

We should address that point in the article. I had bag lock (briefly) because my bridle had tied itself around my spring-loaded pilot chute (I was a student then). I saw video of a reserve baglock caused when some of the lines got hung up on the jumper's altimeter. Neither of these count as reliable sources, though. Has Brian published an article about this in Parachutist (I just look at the pictures). Rklawton 18:34, 25 February 2007 (UTC)
 * I believe it's in his book. PD can send you their research if it's not online.  Flight Tech hasn't published their research, but it's freely available if you request it.  RWgirl 18:46, 25 February 2007 (UTC)

I don't suppose you have any images or video of a bag lock, do you? Here's one, but it doesn't illustrate your point:

That's not really bag lock. That's the beginning of a horseshoe. Older videos will say that stows cause bag lock too. You have to look for research done within the last two years. Bag lock is pretty specific. That video you mentioned (I think I'm thinking of the same one) the reserve pilot chute didn't catch air and the reserve came back and landed on his chest, that's not bag lock either.RWgirl 18:53, 25 February 2007 (UTC) Bag lock is next to impossible with a reserve.

Horseshoe malfunction
A horseshoe malfunction occurs when a parachute has been deployed and yet remains connected with the parachutist at some point in addition to the parachute’s risers. The malfunction name stems from the shape the parachute takes in the air.

This type of malfunction is the most dangerous of all malfunctions due to the high risk of a main/reserve entanglement. If the parachutist immediately deploys the reserve parachute, it may entangle with the main. If the parachutist releases the main parachute first, the parachute may remain connected at the secondary point, and the reserve parachute may entangle with it. Skydivers have lived and have died under both scenarios.

Horseshoe malfunctions may occur when a parachute’s closing pin unintentionally extracts from the closing loop while the pilot chute remains stowed. The stowed pilot chute then becomes the second point of attachment. A horseshoe malfunction may also occur when a skydiver becomes entangled with the parachute’s bridle. This may happen while the parachutist attempts to deploy the pilot chute or when the pilot chute inadvertently deploys in free fall.

Horseshoe malfunctions or improper parachute packing are the frequent causes of a horseshoe malfunction.


 * Specifically improper packing of your pilot chute. It should be packed so it's easily extractible by the bridle.RWgirl 01:19, 24 February 2007 (UTC)

Main/Reserve entanglement
A main reserve entanglement result when the main and reserve parachutes deploy and entangle. This frequently, though not always, results in a high speed malfunction. Parachutists will attempt to determine if releasing the main parachute might help. However, each parachute may be contributing toward the parachutist’s deceleration. Main/reserve entanglements frequently remain dynamic, and a parachute that provides little assistance one moment may partially inflate at another. Pulling on a carefully chosen suspension line or even pulling in a deflated parachute may help the other parachute inflate.

Wrap
A wrap occurs when a parachute wraps around the body of a parachutist. This may occur if a parachutist deploys his or her parachute while unstable. A wrap more commonly occurs when one parachutist collides with another parachutist’s canopy. The person wrapped is identified as the “top” parachutist. If altitude permits, the bottom parachutist may communicate his or her intentions and then release their parachute and deploy their reserve. It is possible to safely land two people under one parachute, though the risk of injury or death runs significantly higher than a normal landing.

Hung-up slider
To be continued

=Other accidents=

Aircraft entanglement
Causes: premature canopy deployment (main or reserve)

Parachute-aircraft entanglements are usually caused by  either a handle getting caught or pulled accidentally while moving to exit the aircraft or loose fabric from the parachute or pilot chute catching wind immediately upon exit. Either one of these is likely to cause immediate premature deployment possibly resulting in the parachute becoming wrapped around the wing or tail of the aircraft.

Aircraft strikes
=Disciplines=

CReW
=Governing bodies= (section within Civilian parachuting with summaries & links to separate articles)

Create articles

 * Olav Zipser
 * Matthew Nelson (skydiver)

Add photos to
Cannon operation

=History of Sport Skydiving= Henri Becquerel