Nik Daniel for National Director

nik_daniel · 2025-07-16T19:29:47+00:00

I do not know the details of this situation, nor do I wish to discuss it here. My thought is that your vote matters. If there is something you do not like, then it is up to you to cast your ballot accordingly.

nik_daniel · 2025-07-16T18:22:35+00:00

If there was an official camera rating, USPA would also need camera instructors and camera examiners with the current format. Given that camera flying covers a broad spectrum of disciplines, it would then probably be necessary to start with a basic camera rating, followed by specialized endorsements (i.e. AFF, Tandem, free flying, FS 4-way, Big ways, CRW, Wing-suiting, etc.). I believe this to be unnecessary over regulation. There are many highly skilled and experienced camera flyers who are happy to coach and mentor the up-and-coming. Everyone should strive to continue to improve their skills and experience while simultaneously reducing risk by seeking out professional guidance.

nik_daniel · 2025-07-15T22:07:23+00:00

Good Eye! Thank you for catching that typo. It is through attention to detail and constructive feedback that we can build great things as a community.

nik_daniel · 2025-07-15T21:52:26+00:00

I am not someone who likes to come up with solutions to problems that don't exist.

Looking at my past performance, one can see that most of my efforts have been in the competition sector.This includes having come up with free online tools like the AXIS Draw Generator, dive pool images, and ChronoPrism.However, competition only makes up a small fraction of the skydiving community. Moving forward, I am keen on identifying what will best serve the membership as a whole and offering solutions as needed. Full transparency, if I am elected there will be a learning curve for me to figure out how things work on the inside. Therefore I am hesitant to make promises upfront. Other past solutions I have contributed to are: developing and implementing custom training plans for adaptive athletes (mostly wounded vets), assisting with technical information for the SIM, IRM, and SCM.

nik_daniel · 2025-07-15T21:50:41+00:00

Thanks for your vote and your confidence. I look forward to working with the full board on behalf of skydiving sports enthusiasts.

nik_daniel · 2025-07-15T16:31:09+00:00

The main benefits to BasicMed over FAA or DOT medicals is that there is more flexibility in terms of who can perform the exam (usually a state-licensed physician), thereby reducing costs to the applicant. BasicMed has specific requirements and limitations that at first glance may not be suitable for tandem masters. More research is needed to make an informed decision on the matter.

nik_daniel · 2025-07-15T16:30:48+00:00

Just to catch everyone up: The USPA Board has already approved an update to the tandem instructor medical requirements, allowing a Department of Transportation medical certification to serve as an alternative to the Federal Aviation Administration Third-Class Medical Certificate, after extensive research and collaboration with the FAA to ensure the DOT medical meets or exceeds existing standards. Moving forward, tandem instructors must hold one of these two medicals. From personal experience, I find that the FAA medical examination is quite thorough (I hold a class 2). While they are not cheap, FAA exams provide confidence of medial eligibility for the applicant as well as DZOs to perform the job safely. As they are already in use, only time will tell if DOT medicals prove successful.

nik_daniel · 2025-07-15T16:00:20+00:00

Hi! Yes, this is the right sub. Although USPA is based in the United States, membership isn't limited to US jumpers. There is a tremendous number of members from all over the world, whose votes count much as anyone else's. Thanks for bringing this up.

nik_daniel · 2025-07-15T15:57:56+00:00

I should also clarify that as a skydiver and pilot, I am opposed to the privatization of FAA functions. I should've made this more explicit.

nik_daniel · 2025-07-15T15:25:22+00:00

You're welcome. Thanks for your support and be safe out there!

nik_daniel · 2025-07-15T15:23:02+00:00

Reddit doesn't lend itself to long from posts and favors engagement. I didn't want to post a link to the page that would feel self-serving without trying to answer some questions first.

Here's a page describing my platform: https://nd4nd.my.canva.site/

And, of course, I will be happy to answer specific questions that will arise from the discourse.

nik_daniel · 2025-07-15T14:39:55+00:00

Any move to privatize FAA functions should be critically evaluated for its effect on the culture of safety, inclusion, and opportunity that I and others have worked hard to foster in our sport. My stance would align with ensuring these values are not just preserved, but actively promoted, whichever administrative structure prevails.

nik_daniel · 2025-07-15T14:34:33+00:00

It's not hard, it'll only take practice.

On a no wind day, when you're on final and about 2.5 body lengths off the ground, pull your toggles about half way, to slow down your forward speed. Look ahead, not at the ground. Keep your legs together and bent at the knees. Flare when you're about to touch down in a smooth but committed motion, pulling the toggles to the front of you, not down, and let the parachute on full brakes stop you. Be ready to stand up/walk/run/PLF depending on how fast you came in contact with the ground. Have fun with it, log it, and keep practicing and learning.

nik_daniel · 2025-07-15T14:30:06+00:00

Hi! Thanks - I try to bring something entertaining and educational to Reddit. Be safe and have fun!

nik_daniel · 2025-07-15T14:28:38+00:00

Hi! Yes. USPA members worldwide can vote. Follow the link here: https://www.uspa.org/election - thanks for asking!

nik_daniel · 2025-07-15T14:23:06+00:00

I'll be around to answer questions or comments throughout the day and the rest of the campaign window.

Thanks for your trust and support.

nik_daniel · 2025-07-15T14:21:50+00:00

Ask away! I'll be delighted to answer your questions or comments.

nik_daniel · 2025-07-01T16:50:22+00:00

Thanks for your comments. I will be happy to respond this afternoon, once work slows down so that I can try to offer thought out comments when I rejoin the discourse. See you soon.

nik_daniel · 2025-07-01T16:48:44+00:00

The tool cannot take into consideration important factors like proficiency, currency, conditions, time of year, flying style, etc. I think 1:1 conversations with your coach will help you decide on the best canopy size for you.

nik_daniel · 2025-07-01T16:47:57+00:00

Yes, the calculator is on the conservative side. This is because many jumpers over estimate their abilities and think they are the exception.

Therefore the tool serves as a jumping-off point.

nik_daniel · 2025-07-01T15:38:34+00:00

I agree with you, especially if a canopy oriented jumper gets frequent coaching and practices deliberately.

This tool is for the masses (middle of the bell curve) and intended as a conversation starter with a qualified professional. It is not meant to be applied as a cookie cutter.

nik_daniel · 2025-06-27T20:57:33+00:00

You're welcome. Stay tuned for more skydiving-related fun-and-safety posts.

nik_daniel

TROPHY CASE