popnbrown

A few follow up questions. I'm thinking of making a tandem jump in the next week or so, would I be able to count this for my 25 for an A license? If so, do I need to get a logbook to note it down in, or can I just use the certificate that I jumped as proof?

Just as a general update, I'm actually going to go through a physical to see if I can skydive, I'm not the most "fit" guy there is. I have asthma and am overweight. I've also spoken to a local DZ and their big concern was with overweight. They think they can still accommodate me, but I've decided to hold off. I've been hitting the gym/getting fit over the summer and should be reaching my goals in that terms in a month and a half. So when I do, I think I'll reward my self with getting an A license, and I'll most likely just jump at the location out in Illinois. I'll probably be jumping there for the rest of the year and maybe in the future as well, so I figure I might as well get immersed into that DZ. Somewhat sad and somewhat happy news, but thank you to everyone's replies.

You guys are awesome for a) replying so dam quickly and b) being really helpful with answering questions. I want to expand a bit more on my situation. I currently have transportation out in Illinois I will have limited transportation. I don't take my car out to college, but I have it on me at home. Hence another reason why I want to get as much jumping as I can. Another question, after I complete the AFF or S/L training, in general would I qualify for the cheaper regular drops or only when I get a license? Basically, would I still have to pay $185 after completing all of the proficiencies and qualifying as a solo jumper (if such a thing exists)?

Is the proficiency card filled out completely by the final dive check or can it be filled out as you go along?

I want to rush because I want to get out and jump ASAP. :D However, because I'm going to be shifting DZs in 4 weeks, it doesnt make sense to start training and then shift, unless I can get it done in 4 weeks. By completing Static Line and AFF progression does that mean I basically complete all of the A License proficiency? Would I be able to basically take my logbook to another DZ and try to get my 25 solo jumps or do I have to do all of my training and 25 jumps at 1 DZ?

This is an interesting question. I'm currently out in King of Prussia, PA, until the summer is out (about four more weeks). Then I'll be over in Champaign, IL. Does anyone think it's possible to do it within the four weeks? I'm excited but I'm trying to hold myself because it may take more than four weeks and I don't want to get all eager and sign up.

As for the affording, I'm going to try to do what I can, but I don't want to keep saving up for so long that I'll forget about it. My philosophy is that money will come and go, but I've got to chase what I want to do in the moment. Hence, if I want to skydive and get an A License, I should just go for it. I may not get enough money to continue in the sport but I'll at least have 25 jumps and a license to show for. Plus with the license i'll be able to jump at places for as little as $20 (+$30 for gear), which would be very awesome.

Depending on where the OP goes, that may actually be part of the progression. Even if it's not a formal part of the progression, if you let them know that you're interested in going into the full training program, hopefully they can turn it into more of a training tandem. Yeah, I'm already going for one. I just like to be a step ahead, and just in case I can start the program right away then I'll have all of this awesome information. I'm actually looking for a school that would let me do a tandem as a training tandem. I've heard that some instructors are very good, in that they give you a full out lesson about what is happening, if you want to listen and they let you pull the ripcord/help land.

So I've been convinced that I need to get into skydiving. It's just really awesome. I haven't been on a jump yet, but I've been saving up money for quite a bit of time (poor college kid :( ) and I want to shoot straight for training. Now I've been reading a lot through DZ.com and other places about AFF vs. Static Line and customized programs etc. To be honest, it's really overwhelming at the number of options there seem to be. So I stepped back and perused USPA licensing standards to hopefully understand what exactly is required to get a license and how these options fit that. My basic understanding to get an A License is you have to complete a few things: - Show proficiency in 8 Categories via oral quizzes and actually physically doing them and get them checked off by a USPA instructor - Make 25 jumps - Make a final check jump with a USPA instructor to show full competency in the categories So what confuses me, is that there are certain DZs that have a "training" package with only 10 jumps? Doesn't that not allow them to get an A License? Many say that S/L is cheaper but longer than AFF. Wouldn't it technically be quicker because you can do initial S/L jumps (which count toward your 25) even in not so great weather, whereas you can't with AFF. So is that just DZ attempt to get you to do AFF? If you fail any level AFF or Static Line does it still count toward your 25 jumps? Also feel free to comment on Static Line vs. AFF progression. I'm currently leaning towards Static Line because of costs. Without failing anything it's about $900 cheaper, and I figure I'll truly enjoy my solo jumps more than those with instructors. Those are all the questions I have for now! I'll post them as I think of them. Thanks and looking forward to jumping out of an airplane :D