SkydiverDZO

I am a new DZO, but have some experience as an AFFI and TI. If they say "no", I am cool with it. They paid, TI gets paid and I don't have to pay for a pack job. Life is about making decisions. If you pay and change your mind at my DZ, we're jiggy with the decision. Charlie Gittins MEI-I, CFI-I Sigma TI; AFF-I FAA Senior Rigger

All I can say is wow. What part of the harness fitting did this guy miss out on in training? The student should be fitted with the harness adjusted properly so that she is ready to jump before boarding the plane. WTF? Charlie Gittins MEI-I, CFI-I Sigma TI; AFF-I FAA Senior Rigger

NO. Period. Charlie Gittins MEI-I, CFI-I Sigma TI; AFF-I FAA Senior Rigger

I chose a centrist path . . . Swoops allowed but only on a low pass and they are limited to the high performance landing area. While I cannot eliminate the pilot errors, I can make it less likely that the pilot error will kill an innocent who just happens to be in the wrong place at the right time and gets taken out. Charlie Gittins MEI-I, CFI-I Sigma TI; AFF-I FAA Senior Rigger

- At my DZ, there's alot of AFF1 students, about a class of 6 - 8 each week. Most of them said they will be continuing the course. But, on average (or a good guesstimate), what percentage of people doing the AFF course actually keep skydiving? (if there is one) After the first AFF, my experience is that about 9/10 finish. - How many jumps did it take for you to get comfortable in the air (crappy question, I know, just curious)? Are you ever completely relaxed? My E-2 was the epiphany. No instructor there to stress me out-- I just enjoyed the jump and I remember feeling like "arch harder" and it just came together. Yes, you will get to the point that you are relaxed at exit. From 13.5K, it takes a while before bad stuff can happen. - When experiencing a horseshoe malfunction, is the emergency procedure still the best solution? Wont the reserve just twist up into the main canopy? - I realise it's something for the far future, but when would you make your first equipment purchase? 50 jumps? 100? 200? Would you save up for a rig, or start off with buying helmet, altimeter, overall, ... I bought a Kevlar helmet after jump 5 and put my first scratches on it from a hard landing on jump 6. Buy the helmet, goggles, altimeter, etc, when you are sure you will get your license. The big ticket items can wait. - Any tips for improving my freefall posture at home? Practice arching on the floor with your feet on the couch, putting positive pressure on your legs. Charlie Gittins MEI-I, CFI-I Sigma TI; AFF-I FAA Senior Rigger

Currently, we are flying a Cessna 182 wide body, but we are going to flying a King Air starting in mid-May. The airport is a private airport and we are working through some stereotypes the owner has about skydivers (some may be accurate at some DZs) but we are working to get greater access. Anyone can pitch a tent in the hangar right now, but we have not managed to get the owner to allow outdoor "camping" or bonfires . . . yet. There are a bunch of hotels nearby if you don't want to pitch a tent in the hangar and if you have a travel trailer, the owner seems to be cool with campers and RVs. You'll love the area -- very scenic in free fall and under canopy. We are small and friendly. No skygods! If you have any other specific questions let me know. Charlie Gittins MEI-I, CFI-I Sigma TI; AFF-I FAA Senior Rigger

Blue Ridge Skydiving Adventures just opened for business in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Located at New Market airport (8W2) just off I-81 between Winchester and Harrisonburg. Many nearby hotels, restaurants and local attractions for after-jump activities. Fun jumpers are welcome. Flying a C-182 currently, but expecting a King Air to join the fleet in mid-May. Come on out and jump! Charlie Gittins MEI-I, CFI-I Sigma TI; AFF-I FAA Senior Rigger

Get some tunnel training. It will help. Charlie Gittins MEI-I, CFI-I Sigma TI; AFF-I FAA Senior Rigger

The authorative voice of reason. Thank God! Charlie Gittins MEI-I, CFI-I Sigma TI; AFF-I FAA Senior Rigger

New Market, VA. We'll be running a C-182 until May when we'll have a King Air. Charlie Gittins MEI-I, CFI-I Sigma TI; AFF-I FAA Senior Rigger

I am starting a single Cessna DZ right now. $100K is not quite enough. But I agree with what you said about how to go about starting up and then growing the business. Charlie Gittins MEI-I, CFI-I Sigma TI; AFF-I FAA Senior Rigger