SKYDIVE@f15.n233.z1.FIDONET.ORG (SKYDIVE) (06/04/91)
Reply-to: David.Lyle@p2.f15.n233.z1.fidonet.org (David Lyle) Fido-To: all There has been some mention in the past (1000 articles or so) of AAD's. What are YOUR opinions regarding the use of AAD's? --- msged 1.99S ZTC --- eecp 1.45 LM2 * Origin: Terminal Velocity (1:233/15.2) -- SKYDIVE - via FidoNet node 1:233/13 (ehsnet.fidonet.org)
traurig@ncavax.decnet.lockheed.com (06/12/91)
In article <3032.2852F67A@ehsnet.fidonet.org> SKYDIVE@f15.n233.z1.FIDONET.ORG (SKYDIVE) writes: >Reply-to: David.Lyle@p2.f15.n233.z1.fidonet.org (David Lyle) >Fido-To: all > >There has been some mention in the past (1000 articles or so) of AAD's. What are YOUR opinions regarding the use of AAD's? > >--- msged 1.99S ZTC >--- eecp 1.45 LM2 AAD's are like any other piece of skydiving gear: you need to understand how they work, and use them responsibly and correctly. The most prevalent type around here (around most parts I imagine, since Sentinals are no longer made) is the FXC. Many people do not understand that FXC's are not really precision instruments, and expect them to work perfectly at their exact altitude setpoint. Most users know that the manufacturer recommends initiating container opening at least 1000' above the setpoint, but they often don't realize how large a margin that is. We all occasionally have a low, but not too low :-), opening, and that's all it takes when you are wearing an FXC to find yourself under both main and reserve. Some people worry that an AAD will go off in the middle of a dive and possibly cause injury to them or others. I am not going to say this doesn't happen, but the only thing I've seen that's come close was someone who found himself under main and reserve at 2000'. He cut away his main and landed uneventfully, where it was discovered that his FXC was set for 2000'! So if you are worried about someone else's AAD, make sure you're the one giving him the rig check, and if you don't know how to check it, ask the owner - he better know! I am eagerly awaiting the new Cypres AAD. Electronic accuracy, super-small, etc. Now if I can just afford it...we can't all afford to be maximally safe and still have money left over to actually skydive!