Ed Scott’s “Gearing Up” editorial (September Parachutist) was welcome and cogent. But I would add that many jumpers would like to see more vigilance from pilots to ensure that everyone has their seatbelts secure for takeoff. (Hopefully, the jumpers also make sure that their helmets are secure.) While I don’t have any data to back this up, most experienced skydivers feel the biggest risk on a jump takes place in the first five minutes during the takeoff.

Doug Garr | D-2791
New York, New York