Path: utzoo!censor!geac!torsqnt!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!att!oucsace!bchurch
From: bchurch@oucsace.cs.OHIOU.EDU (Bob Church)
Newsgroups: rec.skydiving
Subject: Re: malfunctions
Summary: each jump is different
Message-ID: <2609@oucsace.cs.OHIOU.EDU>
Date: 26 Nov 90 03:55:18 GMT
References: <3812@mindlink.UUCP> <2524@oucsace.cs.OHIOU.EDU> <8412@adobe.UUCP>
Organization: Ohio University CS Dept., Athens
Lines: 23

In article <8412@adobe.UUCP>, jackson@adobe.COM (Curtis Jackson) writes:
> In article <209@ptcburp.ptcbu.oz.au> michi@ptcburp.ptcbu.oz.au (Michael Henning) writes:
> }I have to agree with Bob. I believe that it is safest (on average) to
> }*always* cut away on a mal.
> 
> NEVER say ALWAYS in skydiving, particularly wrt malfunctions.

That's true, each situation must be evaluated individually. The  BSR's aren't
going to mean a rats rear-end when you impact the earth. Guidelines are 
important but I think that too many people have gotten into the habit of
accepting them without question. For instance, the oft repeated bit about
always looking at your cutaway handle, reserve handle, etc. This is an
excellent way to die. I have had three instances in which I found myself
below 1200 feet in freefall. In each case I was unable to take my eyes off
of the ground. The ground rush is hypnotic. Fortunately I am aware of the
location of my equipment and let my fingers do the walking. Of course there's
always going to be the stories of someone going in while tugging on a ring
but this points out a major problem. If you can't tell the difference 
between the feel of a ripcord handle and a piece of your harness you should
probably take up another sport. 

Bob Church NFS#27
bchurch.oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu