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I see that towersare usually painted red and white in stripes as it goes to the top? Does each colored section represent a height, like 50 or 100 feet for every colored section? ie a tower with 5 red stripes and 5 white =500 ft?

No.

My experience has been that the height of the colored segments varies (sometimes dramatically) from tower to tower. Relying on coloring or lights to determine height is a good way to end up with a very bad estimate, and potentially some hospital time (or worse).

The best way to determine tower height (without actually getting to the top of the thing) is usually to check the sectional.

I don't jump base but I was just wondering what would be a good guesstimate on the length of the stripe? What is a sectional? A marker on the thing that shows the height? I knew a guy once that climbed one and in the middle of his climb to the top the cops showed up and brought him home. The next morning on the way to school I pass by that tower and i almost drove off the road b/c there was underwear on the top of the tower. When I finally caught up with him at school without even saying a word he had the biggest focking grin on his face! He snuck out later that night and completed his mission!

 
There really isn't a good way to guesstimate the length of the stripes.
I've heard that the distance between the flanges is somewhat standard though. So that could be a way to get a close idea of the height. Not sure though.


In a nut shell, it's a map of a particular "section" of earth that shows heights of certain tall objects in that section.

Pilots use them.

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It's generally a bad idea to leave underwear on the tower. Please don't do this.

 This should give you answers to all of your questions regarding lighting and paint requirements http://wireless.fcc.gov/antenna/documentation/faadocs/7460-1K.pdf
Even though these guidlines can be used to ESTIMATE height, I would not ever trust my life to it. Ex: some lighting guidlines state that if the tower is over 500ft but less than 700ft it should have _____type of lighting. That's a 200ft difference that could definitely fuck up your year.

The best way that i've found to get tower height(other than using a laser range finder, which is best by far) is to get the 7 digit ASRN (Antenna Structure Registration Number) and search for it using www.berkana.com/tower. This number is usually placarded conspicuously on the fence around the object. This gives you the STRUCTURE height not including appertunances (radiation source) on the top. Then you have to make udjustments for where the safest exit point is.

Thanks you guys that should keep me busy learning about this sport long enough to want to do it later on. P.s. I don't know if I should really be thanking you lol I know my wife is pleased. How many jumps do you think is safe to start trying base. I only have 2 but it is nice to have a goal.

Lots of people will give you different numbers. My opinion is that skydiving is the path to BASE and on that path there are many skills that need to be learned in order to survive.. Focus on the skills and not the number. Realistically and honestly analyze your ability. Progress at your own speed. You may be able to perform skills at 50 jumps that most people can't do with 150. Or, vice versa.

When you feel you are ready to make your first BASE jump. Read all the BASE manufacturers literature. Read the BASE fatalities list. Read through the archives on BLiNC. Go and analyze sites on your own. Be responsible for yourself and act as if you are going to do it alone. Once you feel like you can do it alone. GO FIND A MENTOR and bounce the info you have learned over, lets say the last year, off of him/her. If you were deligent in your learning you will be surprised at how much you know. Your appropriately experienced mentor will put the finishing touches on to help you stay alive.

Thanks