Waited way too long.

[egloskerry 0]

Just made my first jump (tandem) two days ago. I'm very mad at myself that I waited five years to do it.

Even though I've only had one jump, I think I could live in the sky. Did the tandem at Skydive Space Center in FL. It was great to see the launch pads from 15k.

Unfortunately I won't be going back there, at least not soon. It was an awesome DZ, along with everyone there, but at around 2.5 hours driving, it's kinda far, even though the view can't be beat. My tandem instructor, Nick, was great fun, along with my videographer, Ki.

Skydive Palatka will be my home DZ for a while. It's where I'm going to do my AFF once I get the nerve to plunk down the money. I'm hoping to do it within the next month.

I have a question about AFF. I see that after you finish your progression, you are cleared to jump solo. I am assuming that is only at that DZ, as you don't yet have your A? If this is correct, would the fee for further jumps be just the gear rental (if needed) and the jump ticket? I realize I'm looking at around $2000 to get my A.

I do have to put one shameless plug in here. As many people say skydiving is a "once-in-a-lifetime" thing, I have something else for you that falls in the same sort of experience: see a shuttle launch. If you're near Cape Canaveral or will be in the area, please try to make one of the launches. There's only three left, and then you will never have another chance to see one.

[skymama 35]

Welcome to the forums!
Most dz's will rent gear for the day instead of just per jump, so if you're able to bang out a bunch of jumps in one day, do it! After passing AFF, most people will slowly start purchasing some equipment like their own helmet, altimeter and jumpsuit. Check out the dz.com classifieds for some good deals.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[egloskerry 0]

Yeah I noticed that Palatka rents gear for the day. I could easily jump from open to close. I've emailed them about prices, so I guess I'll wait to hear from them.

I know an A is 25 jumps. Does the tandem I just did count?

[skymama 35]

You can count it for total freefall time, but it doesn't count towards your A. It's 25 jumps of specific tasks you have to accomplish on each jump, on the tandem you were basically a passenger. The amount of fun you had still counts though!

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[thrillstalker 0]

welcome to your new addiction. i did a tandem last may and had to wait to july for aff, it was unbearable but completely worth it. hang in there and the money will show up (if you are stingy enough).

have fun and be safe!

"Never grow a wishbone, where your backbone ought to be."

[egloskerry 0]

What are the skills after the 7 AFF jumps? Or do I learn that in the AFF classes?

@thrillstalker - The money isn't a problem. I'm fanatic about saving, so I have managed to save up a fairly large "fun fund". It's just that spending such a large amount of money goes against my Jewish blood.

[skymama 35]

You'll be given a card with a list of skills on it that need to be checked off on your coach jumps. Don't worry about it now, just take it one step at a time so it won't be overwhelming.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[Harmless 0]

Hate to step on your toes SM, but a tandem sure does count towards your license... meaning he only needs 24 more jumps, along with all the other requirements.

To the op, best source of information on what you'll be learning...

http://www.uspa.org/SIM/Read/Section4/tabid/166/Default.aspx

Your AFF should be well structured through Category A-E and then you'll receive coaching and practice for Cat F-H.

"Damn you Gravity, you win again"

[skymama 35]

Well then, I stand corrected!

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[egloskerry 0]

Well, I finished my Cat A training. I didn't get to jump because of a very low, thick deck. I should be going tomorrow.

Palatka is very friendly, and a lot more laid back than Space Center, but I guess that's because SC mainly deals with tourists.

Even better, I got the UF discount even though I go to SFC.

Looking forward to making that first jump tomorrow.

[dks13827 3]

Glad you loved your first jump, that is normal !!!
Going to a shutlle launch is a great idea !!!!

[egloskerry 0]

I ended up jumping the next day. Freaked out a bit right on exit, but I guess that's normal for any first jump. The instructor said my CoA was a bit lazy, but my practice touches were fine, and my bottom end sequence was great. I also have great pody position. I had a bit of trouble with the landing sequence, as I didn't drop as quick as I thought I would. I PLFed perfectly, as I flared a bit high.

They said all in all, it was a great first jump.

I'll be doing my second on the 15th.

I have a question about the USPA membership. Is there a bumper sticker in the welcome pack? Because I'm a bumper sticker kinda person.

[egloskerry 0]

Lol I got the bumper sticker.

L3 is half done. I'm perfectly stable alone. I was drifting a bit, but they were saying that even most of them can't hold a perfect heading. Had my first malfunction (line twists). Cleared it perfectly.

Next jumps are this Friday!

[egloskerry 0]

Only jumps to go are my E jumps! Turning is fun!

[egloskerry 0]

AFF is done!

How many jumps does the AFF program include, if there are no rejumps?

[skymama 35]

Eight.
Congrats, now get your A!

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[egloskerry 0]

Hmm, I got charged for the last jump, and I jumped eight times. How should I address it with the DZ?

[skymama 35]

Just be upfront with them and ask them to go over your account with you. If you're nice about it, I don't think you'll offend anyone by asking.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[egloskerry 0]

Lol I'm just a bit scared because the guy who runs the manifest is a bit gruff. I was kinda confused when he was charging me.

[skymama 35]

Tell Art that Skymama said she'll drink some of his blue water someone will go over your account with you.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[egloskerry 0]

I might be going out Sunday, I'll check on it.

I am gonna come down to Deland once I get my A to jump with you, and see if the rumors are true.

[egloskerry 0]

And I am just posting now because I am post 30000!

[thrillstalker 0]

mine was only 7. did you include the graduation solo jump into the aff?

"Never grow a wishbone, where your backbone ought to be."

[egloskerry 0]

Yeah. Is that not included? I asked manifest and they said it was a rejump, but I did graduate with that jump.

[skymama 35]

Quote

did you include the graduation solo jump into the aff?

Yes, so maybe that's the difference.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon