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From: alcmist@ssc-vax.UUCP (Frederick Wamsley)
Newsgroups: net.rec.skydive
Subject: Re: First jump questions
Message-ID: <165@ssc-vax.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 20-Oct-84 17:13:42 EDT
Article-I.D.: ssc-vax.165
Posted: Sat Oct 20 17:13:42 1984
Date-Received: Mon, 22-Oct-84 02:36:01 EDT
References: <217@rhino.UUCP>
Distribution: net
Organization: Boeing Aerospace Co., Seattle, WA
Lines: 55

> From what I've heard, one's first few jumps are usually static-
> line.  For some wierd reason (ego, thrills, who-knows), I'd like
> to make my first jump a free jump.  I've heard of "accelerated"
> courses, costing more, that teach this.

Yes.  What you're looking for is called Accelerated Freefall training.
It costs more *per jump* than traditional methods, but gives you more
air time and more instructor attention.  You will develop skills 
faster and make fewer training jumps, so the total cost (if you 
decide to make jumping a hobby) will not be much higher.

I'm a graduate of an AFF program.  I though it was the best thing 
since parachutes.
> Any advice from experienced jumpers?  How might I know, besides a
> general feel and examining the planes, when I've found a jump
> school with which I can trust my life?  Any pros or cons about
> the first jump being free-fall?  How much time might I expect to
> commit to that first set of instructions and jump?

Good questions, Alan, and they are all related.

First, make sure the drop zone you go to is affiliated with the 
US Parachute Association, and make sure that the people who will
be teaching you have ratings from the USPA to teach Accelerated 
Freefall students.  

Ask about the student equipment.  It  really should be custom-built for
student use if you make an AFF jump.  It absolutely must be equipped
with an AAD (automatic activating device), a safety gadget which is
designed to open a reserve parachute if you reach a dangerously low
altitude at dangerously high speed.  NEVER EVER TRUST ONE, never depend
on one (they're called "idiot detectors" in the trade), but you should
have one for your student jumps.  It may keep a silly mistake from
becoming a fatal one.

All the above are minimum requirements, but you can probably trust
any place that meets all of them.  Very few student accidents are the
fault of the drop zone where they happen anyway.

Commit at least a full day for your first jump.  Anyone who offers
to train you in less than half a day is leaving out something important.

One final tip -- save up enough money ahead of time to pay for a bunch
of jumps.  You'll probably be addicted once you start.

Have fun!

Fred Wamsley    D8844
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