Just curious, what is required to do tandem skydives?

[dixieboy147 0]

With you as the "instructor". Do you need a certain class license or do you have to be an actual instructor working at a drop zone for that?

Haven't even done my first AFF skydive yet, just curious how that works.

[FlyinseivLP2 0]

500 jumps min, 3 years in the sport and a rating course through the manufacturer of the gear you will be using and a USPA TI rating. This is if you are in the US. Oh yea also FAA medical certificate can't remember what class though.

[sid 1]

This is for the Jump Shack rating

http://www.jumpshack.com/default.asp?CategoryID=TANDEMCERT&PageID=TC_02&SortBy=INDEX

most manufacturers have similar requirements (and it helps if you've been lobotomized too )

Pete Draper,

Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

[dragon2 0]

You need a TM license. License requirements vary per country, generally 500-1000 jumps required, D license required, also 1 cutaway (intentional or not) and of course passing the tandem course. Some countries require a separate rating for each brand of tandemrig you're allowed to jump. Also a medical is needed.

Whether you can do a tandem jump when you ARE licensed depends on that particular DZ, if you're not a regular T/M there they may not like you doing a commercial jump there.

ciel bleu,
Saskia

[Yossarian 0]

if you had a tandem rating and you wanted to take a friend or family member up for a jump, would your average dzo let you hire a tandem rig and do the jump for a couple of tickets? (plus appropriate memberships, insurance etc)

[dragon2 0]

Don't know generally, but my DZ lets each regular T/M take some freebies each year, meaning they can go for 2 tickets (and make use of DZ rig, I think for free). For taking your mom, boss, etc.

ciel bleu,
Saskia

[diablopilot 2]

No.

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You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[teason 0]

Ah Diablo pilot, another inciteful post...

Anyway, I let my Tandem Master take friends for cheap and relatives for the cost of the 2 slots and a repack.

Many DZs will also have a visiting TM policy where if you have your own Tandem gear, they will charge 2 slots and a paperwork fee (can be as low as $10)

It's good for when you go on vacation with a non-experienced jumper spouse

I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.

[jumpdr 0]

Think the BPA requirements are 800 jumps, plus 8 hrs in freefall (so 800 H&P wouldn't count), pass tandem instructor course and have an aviation medical done by a qualified aviation medicine doctor (as you're technically flying with a 'passenger'). I think that's it.

Skydiving is more than a sport and more than a job: skydiving is pure passion and desire which will fill a lifetime.

[FlyinseivLP2 0]

Many DZ's will let you take a friend for slots plus a small fee. Many DZ's may not even let a visiting TM do a tandem at their DZ period.

[shropshire 0]

2 people and a parachute


Merry Christmas.

(.)Y(.)
Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome

[Samurai136 0]

Quote

No.

WRONG.

it depends on the DZ (instructors) and the DZO.

"Buttons aren't toys." - Trillian
Ken

[diablopilot 2]

Re-read the original question.

Quote

would your average dzo let you hire a tandem rig and do the jump for a couple of tickets? (plus appropriate memberships, insurance etc)

I believe it would be the exception rather than the rule, therefore an exceptional DZO might allow it.

A great percentage of tandem business is friends and family of jumpers anyway, so it's not as common as you might think.

If I were a DZO, I would probably allow it with a staff member, or ex-staff member if it was family and/ or a close friend and was an occasional thing. As for a visiting TI? I'd have to know them pretty well or someone I trusted would have to vouch for them.

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You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.