iwasyourpilot

If you go on Facebook and look up The Ranch, they aren't far from NYC and I know a lot commute from there.

Best of luck and happy travels!

So cute! Congrats!

Southern_Man

I believe all of the Virginia dropzones are open in the winter. Which doesn't necessarily mean every weekend (some weekends aren't jumpable), but they don't close down for extended periods.

I don't know any of the details of winter operations anywhere north of that, though.

I was unable to complete AFF in NJ this season due to flight restrictions at the DZ but I'll be going to Blue Ridge Skydiving Adventures in New Market, VA to jump over the winter. They operate year round with a short break around Christmas. I did my first tandem there and let me tell you, amazing people! I highly recommend you check them out for some winter jumps!

I've sneezed and pulled a muscle in my neck to the point I couldn't turn it the next day.

I've also pulled something in my arm trying to reach the stupid bank's drive-through tube thingy! But that's because I'm short.

shibu

Hopefully it will happen May 2015 if there is enough interest in it.

I'll hopefully be licensed by then and will see you there (it's basically a stones throw away from me)!

JohnnyMarko

25 here, grew up calling friend's houses to see if they could play. Didn't have a cell phone til I had a car (17), one of the greatest things my parents did for me.

A couple of years older but same here.

Bonus: If you lose your cell phone in the house, use the land line to call it!

No recommendations since I'm a few hours away but welcome!

I recently picked where I was going to complete my AFF... Use the Dropzone locator then call to be sure they do AFF. If you can, take the day and hang out at the DZ, meet some people, and go from there!

Best of luck

Exactly what I needed to brighten my day... Thanks!

TEB6363

PS, save the next tandem money and go fly in a tunnel if you can

I hope to get some tunnel time one day. When in a students progression do you recommend tunnel? Or should I wait until after I get my A license? Fingers crossed that the rumors of getting on at King of Prussia, PA are true; that's only 1.5 hours from me!

theonlyski

3 words for you: Solo cross country.

I'm not sure the flight school would agree with that but sounds like a great idea to me! Two birds, one stone - right?

TEB6363

First, I hope your tandem was fun and you had a great time..

For training, there are several methods out there; AFF, IAD, Static Line, and the Tandem progression. However, most DZ's only offer 1 or 2 training opportunities - Some are Tandem only DZ's..

Therefore, depending on how far you want to travel, take a look at USPA's DZ listing and then go visit. Some DZ's have limitations, but you should always be comfortable..

Plus, since you are a pilot, you may have a little more 'range' in your search. We have a student that flys in an hour for his AFF at our little C-182 DZ.. This is where he started and he enjoys our group.. We have had others that felt it better to drive a bit to DZ's with a larger plane so they can get more jumps..

I would suggest NOT to buy some Large Package deal for training.. Enjoy your first jumps and be sure to check with any other DZ if they will accept your previous training before you make changes later on..

For example, we will accept a signed log book, but usually have you repeat the last student jump with one of our instructors - just so we feel comfortable with you too...
Have Fun...

Tom

Thanks for the info, Tom.

My tandem was fun (of course) although I was expecting a training tandem - which is what I did in Virginia last week. However, they wanted to me to do a fun tandem since that's "the course plan they have set up for me".

There is another DZ about 75 minutes drive time from my house. I'm tempted to give them a try, although continuing tandems at random locations is going to drain my bank account before AFF even starts!

Unfortunately, flying isn't an option yet since I am still a student pilot. Plus a plane rental and fuel once I have my license adds up quickly - especially on top of AFF.

I'm hoping one of the closer locations works out! I also plan on doing some of my AFF jumps in Virginia where I did my first tandem since everyone there was amazing, so I'm glad I didn't buy any package.

Thanks again

I'm wondering if I made a mistake in the school I picked... The first impression hasn't been great.

The hangar is across the active so when you park, you call and they come to get you. According to their website, they also check for jumpers approximately every five minutes.

I - as well as another person here for a tandem - have been waiting in the parking lot for 55 minutes. I understand patience is needed but this is getting a little ridiculous. I'm going to be paying them $2,600.00+, is this how it will be every time?

Today is tandem one of the three they require... It's not too late to switch if I have to.

Thoughts?

Phillbo

I'm not surprised that Mississippi and West Virginia were last on the list of cheating states. Those guys are typically pretty loyal to their sisters.

Cousins too. Family first!

kallend

Seems that evangelist sensation Sam Rader was exposed for his hypocritical infidelity too.

Did you see the vlog of his confession?

http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/sam-rader-admits-he-had-ashley-madison-subscription-2015228

Is it just me or is his wife on something? I'm also pretty sure she has a gun to his back.

FlyingRhenquest

Although there's a lot to be said for getting so comfortable with operating a vehicle that you can become one with it and have it feel like an extension of your own body, getting out of the machine and having nothing between you and the sky still beats it hands down. It is the most pure way to experience flight imaginable.

Exactly!

FlyingRhenquest

It's the same with my wingsuit. You'd think all that fabric would feel artificial, but when I get out of the plane with it, I'm at one with the wind in an almost incomprehensible way. If you've ever imagined or had a dream about flying, it's like that. Only... more.

I bet it's unbelievable!

Nicknero1405

Good luck on your AFF mate!
Just be careful that you don't accidentally jump out of your own airplane the next time you are the pilot again. Because that must be some great temptation. Haha

Thanks! I'll try to stay inside while PIC!

skymama

Welcome to the forums!

I hope so! The toughest part so far is explaining to people why I'd rather jump than be in the plane... I keep telling them they have to experience it to understand

Aaron27

When you signed up for AFF did you do a package deal, or just pay for each jump individually? I'm not really sure if it makes a big difference, but just curious how other people pay for their AFF jumps.

I'm paying per jump. The price difference was minimal and if I'm not happy with the school for some reason, it'll be easier to switch.

Any update on this?

I've been interested in aviation my whole life. Growing up, my father flew hot air balloons and my summers would be spent at airports for festivals.

Fast forward twenty years later and I find myself taking flight lessons. I found airplanes to be much more thrilling than the balloon but as fun as the plane is, I had always wanted to skydive and this just fueled my want.

After meeting a skydiver a year ago who promised to take me on my first tandem, I waited and waited. Insert side eye here. Last weekend I decided to stop waiting on others and found a DZ with a gorgeous view (is there such a thing as a non-gorgeous view when that high up? I didn't think so). To say it was life changing would be an understatement.

I thought I would be nervous but it felt so natural. I had a feeling beforehand this was something I'd want to continue and I couldn't have been more correct.

I start the AFF program through my local DZ this upcoming Tuesday!