[kcvl]

He (Morrill, manager of the company) said the pilot began working for Sky Dive Lost Prairie about 10 days ago and was experienced, with more than 500 hours of flying time. He had a commercial rating, Morrill said.

The skydivers were heading off to tandem jumps in which trainees are attached to instructors, who control the parachute that carries both people to the ground, Morrill said. The parachutists were to fly for about 30 minutes, free fall for 30 seconds or so and then have a 5-minute “canopy ride” to the ground, Morrill said.

[holden]

At 2900 hours, I consider myself experienced. I might even consider myself very experienced. But to look back at the time when I had 500 hours, I'd say no, I wasn't all that experienced back then, though I probably had a couple more ratings than this guy at that time.

HF