Hmm, not surprised having just reviewed that parachute dropping thread. With respect to UK flying and jumping, during my time ('81-'92) doing both at a DZ "somewhere just off the A1", we really enjoyed life to the full but I am certain none of the practices outlined by Mr Guppy as "normal" were ever even considered. Having also spent more than a few seasons in Z Hills Fla, I don't ever recall any such games there either. The highest altitude we ever did was a couple of 13,500ft (ish) on O2 in the Turbine DC3.