Darktower

I kind of went the same route you did when I took my AFF course. Read alot of threads here, watched alot of AFF videos etc. I'll agree with what poster said, all the learning in the world doesn't really prepare you for that first jump. Granted you've had tandem experience (which is a big plus- wish I had done that first). Nevertheless, it is sort of like trying to learn how to swim. The real learning doesn't really begin until that first jump. I'd say one thing that would definitely pay off (besides tunnel experience) would be to drill PLFs and canopy control. The danger ratio will be the highest when you are under canopy. Even if you fail to throw your PC there will be the main affi there to save your butt. Once your canopy is open however, it is all entirely on you. Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they are stupid. Especially make sure you have a good idea of when to flare. Good luck! Edited to add: Yes, relying on Affi's to do anything is a bad idea. (in ref to PC deployment). But you know what I meant lol.

As one of those that don't know what I don't know I do not have a whole lot to say about the topic. Yet one thing to consider is the economic impact of improved safety standards and training. I am sure that a good majority of people will make the decision on whether to sky dive or not regardless of safety. Yet there will be still a few that might be dissuaded from getting involved based on (unknown to them) avoidable accidents. Are those particular people a sizeable portion? In any regard I believe that from a strictly business sense, putting forth a safe(r) image would obviously reap benefits. Are those benefits important to the industry? I suppose that is up to yall.

Being new to the freefall experience I don't know if there is alot I can offer but let me tell you wha works for me. During the entire process of getting to altitude I think about the things I want to accomplish/work on for that jump. I keep repeating a positive image of a successful jump in my mind and take deep breaths. Now, I did have quite a few static line jumps back in the military so I might have developed, as one poster said, a relaxed state because of familiarity. However, one my second or third jump in ABN school I actually fell asleep in route to 3,000. Try that and see if it helps!

Seems like the landing is one of the things that are common problem amongst new jumpers. That brings a question to my mind.... @popsjumper: The PLF, are we talking about the same type that airborne do with the round chutes? As in turn your body sideways to the direction, feet and knees together and relaxed, then do the calf, thigh, side roll? The only PLF the instructors mentioned at the DZ was feet + knees together tensed. Toggles in hands at full brakes. No mention of turning the body or of relaxing the legs...... Had me wondering about the different techniques....

Definitely will take note in the future to flare earlier. I also will always listen instructors and others that I know have been there and done that. I'm thinking that after I graduate AFF, I'm going to go straight into really learning how to fly those canopies. From my understanding, most of the injuries and deaths occur while under canopy.

First of all, thanks for the informative reply. I definitely understand that relying on communication can quickly lead to problems (which it did). I suppose I doubted my judgement perhaps when I shouldn't have. My mind was screaming, "flare flare!" probably two or three seconds before the command was given. I know now in the future to pretty much just rely on that judgement.

Lol! That wasn't quite the version I had in mind! Still hilarious though!

Hello everybody! First time poster, been lurking for a while. I've really enjoyed reading the insights, arguments (who is sanji?), and the overall banter amongst you guys. A little history about me... To start off, I've had many static line (military) jumps in the 90's. I always enjoyed the experience and craved more time in freefall. The chutes I used were of course, as you probably know, the round ones. Those things were only good for a modest bit of control and getting you to the ground fast. I have recently completed my AFF level 1 course (will not mention with whom....which will be self explanatory later) and I can definitely say I've caught the bug. That feeling of my body pushing through the air at that speed, the amount of time I had in freefall and the scenery.....all came together in a perfect mix. My only concern and something I would like to ask the instructors amongst you especially.... The person doing ground control demonstrated the exchange between them and some other students. This including following the landing pattern, altitude placement and the final flare. During the malfunction and canopy control part of class it was reiterated not to flare too soon, as this has injured more than a few. As a result, when I came in for my final approach, I was waiting for ground control to let me know when to flare, just as happened with the other students. Unfortunately, the command to flare came too late. I did manage to just get to half brake before I hit the ground but just barely. I knew from my previous experience that it seemed like I was coming in too close and too fast. Yet, understanding my lack of experience and especially the length of time since my last jump. I did not want to make my own judgement call. I walked away from the landing, which fits my definition of a good jump. Yet my PLF wasn't sufficient enough to make up for the force of the hit. The result is a very sore backside (lol). While not pleasant, the experience was wonderful and one that I will not walk away from. My question is: Given the length of time since my last jump (over ten years), was my response (waiting on the flare command) initially a correct one? Yes, I know I could say, "well you got hurt so no it wasn't ". Yet, I believe a large part of being able to take that leap o' faith, is having trust for your instructors. P.s. (two days later and my left ear STILL pops!) Like this website, love the forum banter and hope to make it a permanent relationship. Blue Skies!