darrenm 0 #1 February 27, 2004 Just a few questions from a complete beginner. I had my first tandem just last weekend and am really looking forward to getting into this. I was wondering what steps to take, I know my next step is my second tandem and after that the four hour course. I have seen people posting about a canopy course. Should I also take this before my first AFF? Is four hours enough? Seeing in the incident room alot of posts on improper landing that is a concern. I saw a show on military HALO last night and they had a one week course including wind tunnels and they were still wobbling like maniacs on their first jump. I don't think I will be a difficult student but just want to go into this with the best possible training. Thanks in advance y'all Darren Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jlmiracle 7 #2 February 27, 2004 First off welcome to the world of skydiving. Some DZ's will let you go right to AFF at this point if they offer it. Some DZ's only have tandem progression. The military trains differently than the civilian world. It would great if every dz had a wind tunnel but only a few have one close by. You need to decide what dz you want to start your training at and what they require, call them and ask, they should be more than happy to answer your questions. The canopy course is for later. Class time depends on how well the student are "getting it". Some classes may take 4 hours some may take 6 or 7. Good luck! JudyBe kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
darrenm 0 #3 February 27, 2004 I would be training at Spaceland in Houston. They say *two tandem , one four hour course and 18 AFF with instructer* Im presuming your mic'd for instruction but those first few landings or gusts could be painful Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jlmiracle 7 #4 February 27, 2004 Just give Spaceland a call and get signed up. The will give you all the information you need. Dropzones around the country have different training methods and pre-req's. So, if you hear that John Doe didn't have to do 2 tandems, its probably because he was trained elsewhere. It doesn't make it better at one place or another (although many here will debate that), but depending on their staff, airplanes, and/or student gear situation can depend on how you are trained. Good luck have fun and relax! JudyBe kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KrisFlyZ 0 #5 February 27, 2004 QuoteI would be training at Spaceland in Houston. They say *two tandem , one four hour course and 18 AFF with instructer* Im presuming your mic'd for instruction but those first few landings or gusts could be painful QuoteShould I also take this before my first AFF? Is four hours enough? Seeing in the incident room alot of posts on improper landing that is a concern. I graduated the AFP program at Spaceland. Yes you wear a radio on all your student jumps. You will be given a big enough canopy and the instructor will help you with the flare so don't worry about that. Just talk to your instructor about your concerns. Skydive Spaceland has great instructors IMO. Kris. P.S : do you recognize the blue student jumpsuit from my profile pic? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yoink 321 #6 February 27, 2004 you'll get all the info you need about piloting your canopy on your jump course. Don't worry too much about canopy courses just yet - it's kinda like taking an advanced driving test - learn to drive first, then learn to do it better. glad you had fun. Welcome to skydiving! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pccoder 0 #7 February 27, 2004 welcome to the club PcCoder.net Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
darrenm 0 #8 February 27, 2004 Thanks I can't wait to get into it Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pccoder 0 #9 February 27, 2004 did anyone tell you this is more expensive than drugs? PcCoder.net Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
darrenm 0 #10 February 27, 2004 Man I know this is crazy, I'm selling a camper and a motorcycle already. I shouldnt need to buy anything on my own just yet, but the first 18 jumps are 130 each. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TimDave 0 #11 February 27, 2004 First 18 jumps are $130 each? That sounds high. I would expect jump 8 - 10 to drop to $50 or so since you should only need a coach at that point. Maybe I am missing something like video but I still can't see that price for that many jumps. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KrisFlyZ 0 #12 February 27, 2004 QuoteFirst 18 jumps are $130 each? That sounds high. I would expect jump 8 - 10 to drop to $50 or so since you should only need a coach at that point. Maybe I am missing something like video but I still can't see that price for that many jumps. They are 130 each. My bad. Check here The AFP is different from the AFF. Comparision here The pricing for AFP is different from AFF. See here Kris. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pccoder 0 #13 February 27, 2004 QuoteMan I know this is crazy, I'm selling a camper and a motorcycle already. I shouldnt need to buy anything on my own just yet, but the first 18 jumps are 130 each. Yep, I just sold my motorcycle too and plan to purchase my first rig with the money. I've been using rental gear for the whole first year I have been jumping PcCoder.net Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
darrenm 0 #14 February 27, 2004 QuoteYou are right, they are not 130 each. What does STP Jump 3-18 mean? Am I interpreting this wrong? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KrisFlyZ 0 #15 February 27, 2004 I am sorry, I made corrections to my post see above. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pccoder 0 #16 February 27, 2004 not a bad deal, now I am wishing I had done this, then I would have videos from all my first 18 jumps, shit!!!!!!! PcCoder.net Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TimDave 0 #17 February 28, 2004 It looks like STP means Student Training Program. I guess when you do the math it all adds up to about $2000 no matter which way you slice it up. $249 for AFF FJC, 2 jumps at $169, 3 jumps at $139, 12 jumps at $50 = ~$1800 at our DZ, their course ~$2000. You would think being an engineer that math would be my strong area Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lopullterri 0 #18 February 28, 2004 What's in the middle of the Pentagram? Sorry, can't make it out.~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyinghuntster 0 #19 February 29, 2004 QuoteWhat's in the middle of the Pentagram? Sorry, can't make it out. RUSH album cover!! Kickin' band! I am about to make my jump into the sport too. I have been through the Army Airborne school and then I went to Orlando to try Skyventure and then I went to Deland and Palatka to check out the action and I am HOOKED!!!!!! As soon as I get back inport and off this BIG gray floating Airport (Aircraft Carrier) I'll be heading out to the DZ and taking my plunge. Still trying to decide on AFF or Static though. Either course Costs right about $1,000. Your Tandem progression sounds like a good way to go too. Let us know how you do! It is great not being a "LEG". Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
