cbuffalino 0 #1 June 4, 2012 I'm approaching my A license and am excited about the prospect of doing all sorts of different types of jumps as I find my way in the sport. One of my local DZs is doing helicopter jumps this summer and I was wondering if there are any special requirements needed to perform that kind of jump? Similarly, are there any restrictions for balloon jumps?Never give up on something you can't go a day without thinking about. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
michaelmullins 77 #2 June 4, 2012 QuoteI'm approaching my A license and am excited about the prospect of doing all sorts of different types of jumps as I find my way in the sport. One of my local DZs is doing helicopter jumps this summer and I was wondering if there are any special requirements needed to perform that kind of jump? Similarly, are there any restrictions for balloon jumps? You need a helicopter. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Glitch 0 #3 June 4, 2012 ...and apparently, a case of beer.Randomly f'n thingies up since before I was born... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #4 June 4, 2012 Some dropzones will put a B license requirement on specialty jumps like helicopter or balloon, though typically I've seen the requirement more for balloon jumps than for helicopter jumps. The primary reason is that a balloon jump carries with it a reasonable probability of an off-field landing, and balloon jump organizers may want to ensure that people are a little more experienced to ensure they'll be comfortable in that situation. (Not that you shouldn't be able to handle an off landing with an A license, but more experience improves that understanding). For any new aircraft, but particularly for a totally new type like a balloon or helicopter, be certain to get a thorough briefing on the aircraft, including loading, safety on board, climb out, exit, etc. And have fun. And bring . "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMitchell 14 #5 June 4, 2012 I've seen a video of a woman getting her chest strap caught on a part of the helo skid. Jumping from a helo can require a bit more caution than your usual jumpship. Get a briefing from an instructor. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CSpenceFLY 1 #6 June 4, 2012 What she said. I don't worry much about people doing chopper jumps. I worry more about balloon jumps because peoples canopy skills suck now a days. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #7 June 5, 2012 Quote I've seen a video of a woman getting her chest strap caught on a part of the helo skid. Jumping from a helo can require a bit more caution than your usual jumpship. Get a briefing from an instructor. I've seen the wraparound scar on the upper arm of someone who sliced herself open on a skid. So yeah, proper briefings are key."There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Creep0321 0 #8 June 5, 2012 Join the military Jack of all trades. Military Free Fall Jumpmaster. USA Static-line Jumpmaster. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
councilman24 36 #9 June 5, 2012 I've seen lots of folks get in trouble because of the low airspeed exit. While not hovering they're not going very fast. This causes lots of flailing, inability to get separation, etc. Be sure these are planned well for separation and opening. I would suggest a student, which is what you are without an A license, and even a novice with an A license should probably pass. This is not just another skydive. Not hard, but different.I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 558 #10 June 5, 2012 Quote Join the military ......................................................................... My first few jumps with the Canadian Armed Forces were from a Heckybird (large, four-propeller transport airplane with large side doors and a ramp under the tail). While my first few jumps with the West German Army were from a Huey helicopter (with huge sliding doors on both sides). The bottom line is that some schools train hundreds (or thousands) of first jump students to make their first jumps from helicopters. The key is finding an instructor (who has a few jumps from that type of helicopter) to explain exit procedures. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tdog 0 #11 June 5, 2012 Quote I've seen a video of a woman getting her chest strap caught on a part of the helo skid. Jumping from a helo can require a bit more caution than your usual jumpship. Get a briefing from an instructor. And I saw with my own two eyes a guy hanging from the skid by his chest strap all the way back to landing... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldwomanc6 38 #12 June 5, 2012 Quote Join the military Or marry an active duty type. lisa WSCR 594 FB 1023 CBDB 9 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMitchell 14 #13 June 5, 2012 Quote And I saw with my own two eyes a guy hanging from the skid by his chest strap all the way back to landing... That would Suck! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cbuffalino 0 #14 June 5, 2012 Thanks for all the useful info. I'll let you know how it all turns out after I recover from the beer!Never give up on something you can't go a day without thinking about. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davelepka 4 #15 June 5, 2012 QuoteThanks for all the useful info Here's the info you didn't get - all of the chest strap stories, and the one about the girl tearing her awm open involved the jumper attempting to hang from the skid. In trying to lower themselves down, they ended up laying on their chest or wrapping an arm around the skid, and then got hung up on a bolt, or hook, or weld, or whatever. You can solve all of those 'problems' by standing on the skid and just jumping off it. Of course, make sure you're briefed on where to stand, what to hold on to, and don't jump 'up' for obvious reasons. The other valid point was about leaving at the same time as other jumpers, the still air you're exiting into will limit the amount of control you have for the first 10 seconds. If your exit altitude was low enough that you would need to start tracking sooner than 10 seconds, just ask to do a solo. As mentioned the helo will have some forward speed on 'jump run' and while it's not a ton, it will build in some seperation if jumpers leave some time between exits. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldwomanc6 38 #16 June 5, 2012 Don't forget that these jumps from a slow moving aircraft will most likely result in that "droppy" feeling. Fun! Fun! Fun! lisa WSCR 594 FB 1023 CBDB 9 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crotalus01 0 #17 June 5, 2012 Be sure and get a briefing from the pilot as well. All the helicopter jumps I have done (all 5 of them) we were told to approach from the front, and not to push off when leaving. I have never done a "big" chopper so be sure and get that pilot briefing! As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 558 #18 June 5, 2012 Most helicpter pilots prefer to fly at 40 knots (nautical miles) or better. Faster than 40 knots, they get into translational lift where the main rotor starts to fly like a big disc that is far more efficient than a bunch of blades trying to beat the air into submission. That means that they can climb much quicker or do the same flying with 40 percent less fuel. Translational lift also adds three or four thousand feet to their ceiling. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
obelixtim 100 #19 June 5, 2012 Also make sure your equipment and any bits you might be carrying are properly secured (as they should always be anyway). The pilots tend to get a little tetchy if something flies off and gets caught in the tail rotor....My computer beat me at chess, It was no match for me at kickboxing.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
piisfish 135 #20 June 5, 2012 Quote You need a helicopter. and a parachute, unless you have a biiig wingsuit and LOTS of cardboard boxes scissors beat paper, paper beat rock, rock beat wingsuit - KarlM Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
