> -----Original Message-----
> From: Erik Vistica [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> 
>  He's in danger because the chute is still in the package.
> 
> I suppose one could argue that if the chute is packed correctly, then
> there is no danger since all the man has to do is pull the handle.

Yup, and I will...
 
> I see it as he is in danger until he opens the package because if he
> just sits there, he dies.

This is not guaranteed -- I believe there are documented cases of people surviving a fall sans chute, but admittedly this is the exception rather than the rule...

> Once the chute opens, the immediate danger (of
> dying from a sudden stop) is over. I'm ignoring the endless
> possibilities of things like landing in alligator infested swamps and
> such :-)

Oh, so you've SEEN "Faces of Death III", have you? (*)

> >>From: Erik Vistica [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> >> One of those is close.
> >>>>From: Erik Vistica [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> >>>>A man has a 'package'. The man is in danger. What is in the package?
> >>
> >>Emerson, Tom wrote:
> >>
> >>>  -- an INCORRECTLY packed parachute... [think about it...]

I guess the pivotal "question to ask" is "can the man avoid the danger?"  If yes, then I'll accept (to a degree) your answer of "a parachute" [because as you inferred above, skydiving is an inherently dangerous sport <<well, most sports are anyway...>>, and it is not until he is "safely on the ground" that you can say he "avoided" the danger]  For a "no" answer (meaning he is doomed...) I like my answer better -- it's that natural "self preservation" thing that most people have that will ensure the guy will likely "pull the cord", (and I wouldn't be surprised if some of the latest gear includes accelerometer/barometer devices that can detect your altitude and "pull the cord" for you)

Actually, a better/alternate question would be "does he KNOW he is in danger?"  Again, a "yes" answer would be in line with the fact he KNOWS skydiving is dangerous (and that pulling the cord will generally avoid the danger), while a "no" answer would be that while he knows skydiving is dangerous, he believes that he is safe because "all he has to do is pull..."

Tom

(*) Faces of Death: a series of rather graphic movies, around the mid 80's I believe, where incidents of people dying that were "caught on tape" where compiled and documented.  (nowadays we call these "reality shows" and/or "you gotta see this!")  In FoD-3, I believe, there is exactly what you describe: a skydiving demonstration where the wind gusted just before he landed, and he was "blown over" a pond full of aligators -- REALLY!

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