flybybardo 0 #1 December 25, 2009 I would like to earn my Class A license sometime between 17-31 March while I am home on R&R from my deployment. I have limited time and would like to maximize time spent in Oregon with family/friends but still complete the AFF course, 15 days total. Is it realistic to complete an A license in 5 days or so? If so, does anybody have any DZ recommendations in the Sacramento, CA, Eugene, OR or Seattle, WA areas that would be able to accommodate my goal? I am considering Lake Elsinore, Skydance and Eugene Skydivers so far. Weather is probably going to be a major factor which may drive me further south than I'd prefer to go, like Elsinore. But, they come highly recommended by my military buddies and their weather may be more cooperative. Thanks for any input... "The Ignorant Newbie" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazon 7 #2 December 25, 2009 QuoteI would like to earn my Class A license sometime between 17-31 March while I am home on R&R from my deployment. I have limited time and would like to maximize time spent in Oregon with family/friends but still complete the AFF course, 15 days total. Is it realistic to complete an A license in 5 days or so? If so, does anybody have any DZ recommendations in the Sacramento, CA, Eugene, OR or Seattle, WA areas that would be able to accommodate my goal? I am considering Lake Elsinore, Skydance and Eugene Skydivers so far. Weather is probably going to be a major factor which may drive me further south than I'd prefer to go, like Elsinore. But, they come highly recommended by my military buddies and their weather may be more cooperative. Thanks for any input... "The Ignorant Newbie" Weather all along the WET Coast in March is a crap shoot. Anywhere in Oregon or WA is definitely iffy but So Cal in March can be wet as well. Just go to Eloy ... in the desert and jump. They have the staff.. they certainly have the airplanes... and there are usually plenty of people around all week long. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flybybardo 0 #3 December 25, 2009 Amazon, I was thinking about Eloy too for that very reason...thanks for the advice! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tetra316 0 #4 December 25, 2009 Eugene only does tandems. No AFF due to their landing area. That time of year can be very rainy in WA and OR. I would head to southern CA or Eloy if you only have 15 days or less to do it. Better yet you should really wait until you come home permanently. Depending on how long you are back on deployment after getting your A, you can lose a lot of what you just learned. The longer your wait to return to the sky, the more you will lose. This effect doesn't matter much after you've been jumping for a while but for a newly licensed student, it is very important and real. In effect it is like slowing wasting the money you just spent. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #5 December 25, 2009 I'd be happy to be your instructor (or one of them) at SkyDance. ---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flybybardo 0 #6 December 25, 2009 You have a very valid point. My thought is that if I compelte the Class A, when I return a few months later I can begin jumping immediately with a coach to ensure I am still squared away. This will allow me to get in more jumps before winter sets in and the opportunities to jump are fewer. The following year I can have a solid spring/summer/fall season of jumping. Does this seem rational to you? Thank you for the input, Josh Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jdobleman 0 #7 December 27, 2009 We've done this more than once in Byron, if you want to come to the San Francisco Bay Area. I'll be available (and others) if you want to come down and progress through the Aff course; If you're determined on getting your A-license, it would depend on the weather. I'd agree, Eloy's a safer choice, weather-wise. mad john Main goals in life: Be on the "Jumpers Over Eighty" (JOE) World Record and attend the Lost Prairie Boogie once after I'm gone. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladydyver 0 #8 December 28, 2009 The other option would be to enjoy the time you have here with your family and just licensed when you get home --- then there is no pressure to get it all crammed in in a short amount of time.....other wise i agree with the others....it would be between cali or eloy. i live in washington and the weather is well....... esp in march; I myself am partial to elsinore as i go there a couple times of year....but you do have an offer from Madjohn and that would be a tough thing to pass up. DPH # 2 "I am not sure what you are suppose to do with that, but I don't think it is suppose to flop around like that." ~Skootz~ I have a strong regard for the rules.......doc! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LongWayToFall 0 #9 December 28, 2009 Spending the money on tunnel time, and getting your license later might save you money and be more fun. You can always throw in a tandem as well. Either way, have a good time! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flybybardo 0 #10 December 29, 2009 Thanks mad john for the offer and I will definitely keep it in mind! You are all offering excellent advice and I appreciate the time and your opinions that you are providing. I am beginning to consider just letting the cards fall where they like and hopefully the weather permits and Urban is able to open the Eugene area back up for students by March. I am for sure going to jump a couple times while I am home either way. Thank you all again! Josh Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tetra316 0 #11 December 29, 2009 I'd say you probably have a .5% chance of Urban being able to handle other than tandem students. Too many issues going on. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
