13/10/2024
BLUE SKIES FUN DAYS
Sometimes if you know why something was created you have more understanding and respect for that piece of your equipment. A while back I had a good chat to the Cypres AAD developer, Helmet Cloth about the development and evolution of the CYPRES. This is a video that is worth watching all the way through.
Also, thankyou to all the people who support me on Patreon.
Ep100 The CYPRES Story - Helmut Cloth
We talk to the developer of the world's leading AAD about its evolution and the ongoing refinements that continue to be made. A great background chat to deep...
05/10/2024
BLUE SKIES FUN DAYS
Ever had a look inside your canopy? Or is it just black magic that your rigger worries about?
This episode is about looking inside your canopy and checking for wear, especially around crossports, before the wear becomes a serious problem....
Ep 99 Inside your canopy
A quick tour of the inside of your canopy exploring the different types of ribs and the importance of tracking the wear on your crossports.
21/09/2024
BLUE SKIES FUN DAYS
Sadly, if you want to get some viewers for an episode, insert the words Scary and Skydiving, and it will rate.
In Scary Pics 6 I take you through a number of scary pics I have found on the web in various places and want to pass on lesson that they represent. Look at them closely. There may be even more lessons than the ones I mention.
And be sure to check out the H***y Chicken at the end of the video...
Ep 98 Scary Skydiving Pics #6
Searching the web we have stumbled across more scary skydiving pictures that should run a chill up any skydiver's spine. See what you think, and please shar...
26/08/2024
BLUE SKIES FUN DAYS
I often get asked about AADs and just how good are those cutters? How reliable are they? Well, instead of reinventing the wheel, here is a series of tests the Axis Flight School team did with a fist full of Cypres cutters.
I was impressed and fascinated with the results :-)
Ep 97 How safe and durable are Cypres AAD cutters?
Just how good are the cutters is Cypres AADs? This episode, with the help of AXIS Flight School, will convince you that they are better than good.
16/08/2024
BLUE SKIES FUN DAYS
I have a thing about Pilot Chutes. Many people do not show them the respect they deserve! Here is a look at a key component of the Pilot Chute, the Kill Line and why its condition needs to be monitored and replaced when needed.
Ep 96 Kill lines when they get dangerous
Something often overlooked is the kill line inside the bridle cord on your main parachute. Not looking after it can hurt you, physically and financially.
29/07/2024
BLUE SKIES FUN DAYS
Skydiving accidents happens for a reason, or is it a series of reasons? In this episode we explore the concept of the Swiss Cheese approach to accident causation, or more to the point, avoiding accidents.
None of us want to get hurt skydiving, but from time to time it happens. Looking back at the incidents we have seen or experienced, we can generally see what decisions lead to the painful or possibly terminal event. Hopefully this reflection can help us change procedures so as to reduce the probabilities of another accident.
It is often said that the the rules and regulations are based on avoiding repeating past accidents. And if you are old enough you may even know the person and the incident that lead to the creation of the regulation. Fly safe and have fun, in that order. :-)
95 Swiss Cheese Risk Management
Skydiving is said to be dangerous. Is it? Can we make it safer? Do we want it safer? Here is a way of looking at risk and how to reduce the areas of risk in ...
07/07/2024
Want better skydives? Do more docks? Turn more points?
The answer is brought to you by BLUE SKIES FUN DAYS. While elite coaching will also help, here is what many people see as the most important foundational approach.
Watch it! Practice it! And see how much you improve... :-)
Ep 94 Slow is smooth, Smooth is Fast
One of the biggest keys to skydiving well is understanding the philosophy of Slow is Smooth and Smooth is Fast. This episode looks at what is meant by this c...
05/06/2024
BLUE SKIES FUN DAYS
Ever considered getting into competitive skydiving? Even if you haven't I am sure you will find this short interview with the USPA's Director of Competition interesting an inspiring. Enjoy.... :-)
92 Skydiving Competitions with Amanda
If you skydive regularly, then chances are, you may be thinking about competing. Here is a look at the competition world with the USPA's Amanda Owens Smalley...
23/05/2024
Hello fans of BLUE SKIES FUN DAYS
This episode is to remind people that moving in the aircraft should be kept to a minimum and that when you climb out the door you must protect you main and reserve pin flaps from rubbing against the airframe.
92 Safety in the Door
Danger is always present. We need to be careful in the aircraft to protect our handles and reduce our container pin flaps rubbing against the airframe. This ...
06/05/2024
BLUE SKIES FUN DAYS
Whether your skydiving season is starting or wrapping up, it is always worthwhile to look at and review your canopy skills. Chances are they could do with a little polishing. 🤔
Therefore considering doing a canopy course. This episode talks to a leading Australian canopy pilot / coach about the value of doing a canopy course every year.
Ep1 Canopy Coaching and Reviewing
Jules McConnel talks about the need to regulary review your canopy flying skills
10/04/2024
BLUE SKIES FUN DAYS
While holidaying at Skydive Arizona I came across a couple of situations that I want to share in the goal of keeping us all safe. Stay alert, have fun, and remember, the jump isn't over until you are back in the hangar.
Ep 91 Two Scary Moments in the sky
While having some time off at Eloy, I came across some moments that I want to share with people to help you with your jumping and staying as safe as you can....
29/03/2024
BLUE SKIES FUN DAYS
Fear is a common question in skydiving. Aren't you cared when you jump? How do you deal with fear? How can I overcome my fear?
In this episode we look at the subject of fear and discuss how to both mange it and use it to our advantage.
Ep 90 Managing Fear as a Skydiver
Fear something that affects all skydivers. Sometimes it can be paralysing. In this episode we look at types of fear and explore various ways of managing fear...