PlaneFun

Thanks everybody for the great suggenstions! I didn't even consider checking the grommet or pin for burs. I'll do that, maybe shorten the loop, and show it to the rigger if it continues.

(Newer jumper here) - Is it normal to wear through closing loops every 15-20 jumps? I'm running the recommended Pulse 190 on an almost-new Mirage G4 M5-1/2. I've been having it packed by a very experienced packer and she's had to change the loop twice in about 30 jumps-The last one broke in her hands as she was closing it. It doesn't seem overly tight but the pin does stick up from the container somewhat. Thanks for any advice.

I'd recommend Skydive Elsinore (straight up the 15 freeway-about 55 minutes). I used to go to Skydive San Diego (which is closer) but they now mostly cater to tandems. Also, Elsinore has great load organizing, tons of fun jumpers in all disciplines, and plenty of planes running everyday.

I was there jumping for two weeks while visiting relatives in Boise. I really liked this place and got to jump 5-6 days. They have a twin Cessna 206 but I only jumped out of the supercharged Cessna 182 (which is very fast). Everybody was super friendly and helped me out with my packing skills. They were also offering the canopy course I needed while I was there so got that done. You might have to wait around a little to fill up the 182 but I did get up to 5 jumps a day. A great little place in the Boise area-Highly Recommend!

This is now my home DZ since it appears that San Diego has decided to cater to tandems at the expense of sport jumpers. As a newer jumper, I appreciate the monthly Excel Skills Camps (free) and the LO's making sure newbies get in groups on weekends. Everybody has been friendly and there are plenty of spaces for fun jumpers with 2-3 planes running. The only negative is that there are crosswinds and sometimes, dust devils on hot afternoons after 1pm but you can start jumping at 7:30 am on weekends and the winds usually calm down in the late afternoons. Highly recommend!

You could switch from the Phantom to the Kiss helmet-It has a lower mouthpiece...

Here's what I wrote a few months ago to someone who wanted to do something similar to you... "I had experience with both AFF & STP and I would recommend the STP program over AFF. I passed my first 7 levels with AFF, then they pretty much left me alone to do solo jumps where I didn't learn much. I went to Spaceland Florida to finish and they had a coach jump with me every time. I had three excellent coaches for seven jumps and they told me they would do all they could to get me my A license in the five days I had there. They also filmed me (no video at my AFF program) which helped me see my mistakes in freefall. I liked the attitude of all the employees there and that they gave STP students priority on loads and with rental gear & packing. They also included skills my AFF program didn't (barrel rolls, leg turns, side slides, etc.) The Super Caravan plane was awesome-fast and wide doors, and they took us up to 14K feet most jumps. I did get my license while I was there and plan on going back there, and to the Dallas location." Overall, I would recommend any Skydive Spaceland location (Florida, 3 in Texas, Georgia) since they all use the STP program and if the weather is good, you can get your A license in a week.

During your solo jumps, try to work on the skills you'll need for the last 5 AFF jumps (That't what I wish I had done, rather than just doing fun jumps to get up to #20). Probably best to work on stable exits, slowfall/fastfall, front/back flips, barrel rolls, turns, tracking, etc. Also work on flying a predictable final landing pattern and accurate landings (you'll need several landings w/in 10 meters of your target). I needed to improve my diving exits and getting stable quickly. Good luck on finishing (I did in December). Oh yeah, take a packing class too.

I had experience with both and I would recommend the STP program over AFF. I passed my first 7 levels with AFF, then they pretty much left me alone to do solo jumps where I didn't learn much. I went to Spaceland Florida to finish and they had a coach jump with me every time. I had three excellent coaches for seven jumps and they told me they would do all they could to get me my A license in the five days I had there. They also filmed me (no video at my AFF program) which helped me see my mistakes in freefall. I liked the attitude of all the employees there and that they gave STP students priority on loads and with rental gear & packing. They also included skills my AFF program didn't (barrel rolls, leg turns, side slides, etc.) The Super Caravan plane was awesome-fast and wide doors, and they took us up to 14K feet most jumps. I did get my license while I was there and plan on going back there, and to the Dallas location.

Thanks-Couldn't find it

Where did the "Incidents" page go?

I bought skydiving items twice from their EBay store. The items arrive quickly and were legit. My last order was a VISO digital altimiter with a SOLO II+ audible. They beat everyone else's price and both items are working fine.

I can definitely recommend Skydive Spaceland Clewiston! I was there for 5 days in December and they helped me to finish my A license. I got it and had a great time! They have a Super Caravan, a large packing area with lots of couches, huge landing zone with several outs, and it's about a 1 hour & 20 minute drive from Ft. Lauderdale airport.