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112 way prep dives
Today we knew the King's aircraft would have some missions, so we used only one of the C-130s to continue working out the many and complex systems required for the 400-way. There were three jumps from around 21,000 feet or 6,000 meters. The Alpha team formed a 12-way base for one of the loads, with whackers (the jumpers on the outside) from specific sectors setting up around them. The 70-way base jumped twice with one sector practicing each time. Much smoother.
The RTAF is getting the run-in and spot dialed in, and we are growing accustomed to our designated landing areas. Considering we will have another 1,000 meters of altitude for the 400-way, this seems all very doable.
In 2004, one big problem was collisions on exit, and one injured a jumper from the South African delegation today--a broken arm. It is very important for each of us to follow one of the four imaginary straight lines off the ramp and into the air, hopping over an imaginary pole to present torso to the relative wind, and to keep both elbows in and the face protected. These techniques are best known to our European team members who have the most experience training newbies to the C-130s used each year there at various boogies. Sven Mortberg briefed us all on Sunday, and it will soon become second nature to us as a result of these important preparation jumps.
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We're also still sorting out exactly how to handle "oxygen off." It was thought that the design of the Sky Systems helmets, with the hoses attached to a tube set into the mouthpiece, would allow us to ignore the oxygen hoses as they self-detached on exit. This method is causing several unacceptable problems that will be addressed with a new plan on Wednesday. But the good news is that we are supplied with plenty of oxygen to keep us alert and performing at our best, and our face shields are staying clear.
The RTAF has doubled the number of shade tents on the field. We didn't even have to ask. Field Marshall Bunchauy simply noticed they were needed and brought them. We have wonderful Thai food, plenty of water and other drinks--even espresso--massage, and the good company of many of our Thai friends from Udon Thani and the surrounds to visit with us and enjoy the skydiving. It is a worldwide culture on the drop zone with the Africans, Asians, Europeans, North and South Americans sharing equally in this endeavor. It is popular to talk about how we are working together and what a good job the others are doing at learning their parts and handling the many challenges.
Tomorrow, we begin the 200-ways, and the busses will leave the hotels at 8:30, allowing a little extra rest.
click here for today's video (13.7 MB) |
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© Photos by World Team Camera Team:
Hans Berggren, Willy Boeykens, Bruno Brokken, Gustavo Cabana, JC Colclasure, Dave Major, Gaby Meis, Craig O’Brien,
Will Pesek, Jason Peters, Daniel Ramsbott, Wendy Smith, Andrey Veselov, Gary Wainwright, Henny Wiggers, Saskia Zegwaard.
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