From: Mary Michniak
Raleigh, NC

November 21, 1996

Dear George,

This story about one of my recent reserve rides is so crazy I want to share it with you. This summer was my first time going to the World Freefall Convention in Quincy. There I stood in line, my Super Connie jump ticket in hand. I geared up with my rig, altimeter, and cypress turned on. After weeks of encouragement and motivational talks from my boyfriend, I felt ready to jump the historic Super Connie airliner -- naked!

We got on the plane and the ride to altitude was not too bad, just a little nippy. I dove out of the door and turned back to watch all of the other skydivers shoot out of the huge airplane --incredible!! The freefall was great! Being nude in freefall has to be one of the most exciting experiences I have ever had. We formed our two-way and held on a while until we noticed the spot was long. We broke off high and as I began to track away I watched my partner begin to wave off. No problem, I thought, I decided to track a little longer than normal. My lack of surface area (lack of clothes) gave me a horizontally slow track. After pulling I looked up to watch my parachute inflate, surprised to see a nude body under a heavily loaded main go through the right side of my canopy! My parachute had many line twists, flailing fabric, and lines everywhere! I kicked out the line twists only to see half of my parachute cells shredded and steering lines broken. There was no way this parachute would land me safely. Time to chop it. I cutaway the shredded up main and pulled my reserve handle. Immediately I felt the beautiful white Raven II reserve open. I flew the Raven all the way across the convention grounds to make one of my softest landings ever right next to our campsite! Several concerned and caring skydivers landed next to me to make sure that I was O.K. (then take pictures). A little stunned, but fortunately unhurt, I just had the ride of my life! Thank you for making such an excellent canopy!

Naked or not, I will never jump without being Raven equipped! Don't even bother asking me how many cases of beer I owed for this one!

Blue Skies,

Mary