skylord

That sounds like a pretty thorough course to me. So the "students" actually do a bunch of destabilizing stuff? What if I start to cry on the ground? Thanks for the reply. I'm glad to see the training is so rigorous! Are these requirements set by the FAA (like Certified Flight Instructor ratings), or is it like a professional standards committee that works this through USPA? Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Shark, Yikes! Great photo. The instructor on the video went full head down following his wayward student. Thanks, that gives me a lot more confidence in the AFF program. I still think someone may have to push my ass out of the airplane the first couple times. Bob (only until I get a cool nickname) Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

While surfing the internet, I found a video of a guy who was on his seventh jump, with one instructor. Something happened during the jump and the student went over on his back, and then folded in half. I was REALLY impressed with the instructor who had a death grip on the student and did not let go until he recovered stability and pulled. The cameraman did a good job too. That really is a different line of work. Do you have to pass a physical test, like firefighters, to be instructor qualified? The AFF instructors I've seen could all kick my ass without even thinking about it. The women included, but no need to go into my little fantasy world on this forum. Someone should do a documentary about you. Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Chuck, Thanks for the reply. Just out of curiosity, what were the "N" numbers of the aircraft you jump from that we overpaid controllers work? All kidding aside, I appreciate the feedback here. I spent Saturday up at Elsinore watching the weekend loads. I watched the professionalism of each and every jumper, including the group jumps. They looked like they were choreographing dances. I didn't jump myself, but remembered a promise made to my recently 18 year old son. If he wanted to jump, I'd cover it. He said yes, and I've got the tandem master picked out. It is becoming a family affair!! Bob Marks Unless you just have money to burn (I know how overpaid you controllers are) use the DZ's rigs until you're ready to buy your first "experienced jumper" rig. Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Hi everyone, I think I committed a bit of a faux pas by combining my intro with questions in the General Skydiving Discussion section. Sorry about that. Anyway, for those who didn't read it there, I took my first tandem jump at Skydive Elsinore on May 28th. Doug Forth was my tandem master, and he did a great job of educating me on the ground, putting my mind at ease, and pushing my ass out the door at T minus zero. He ignored my plaintive screams, and let me fly the parachute on the way down. I have dreamed of skydiving since I was a kid, and have had a lifelong interest in aviation. I'm an air traffic controller in San Diego, and spend some of my time on the job yelling at pilots to get out of drop zones. I'm also a commercial pilot with multi engine and instrument ratings, and I own an airplane I fly regularly. (No, you may not jump out of it!) I want to get into AFF , and will probably do so in late August or early September when my travel schedule opens up some. I've asked all the questions I've got in the general section, so I just want to say that I look forward to learning from all of you as I move through what will be a very challenging training program. If you have any questions about Air Traffic Control and skydiving, send them to me. I can track that stuff down fast. Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Luna, Thanks for the information. Next question, how easy is it to fly a parachute? With the AFF program you are solo on your first jump after deployment. What difficulties did you have judging height, speed, drift, etc.....? Can I count on a few "taildragger" landings at first? I've got a pretty heavy travel schedule the first part of August, but I'm looking at picking it up late next month or early September. Wooo-hooo! Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Yes. It probably won't help with the pressure change, but the ride to altitude, now... That was funny! Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Hi Deborah, I visit Atlanta about once a year or so on business. Keep me posted on your progress! Bob

Hi All, This is my first post, so I apologize in advance for dumb questions asked that are already answered. About five weeks ago, I took my first skydive at Lake Elsinore. It was a tandem jump, and I have to admit it took me almost the whole free fall to finally relax and enjoy it. It was an experience of a lifetime, and they were excellent! Now I want to do it on my own. A little bit about me, I'm an air traffic controller, as well as a commercial pilot with instrument and multi engine ratings. I'm the guy yelling at the VFR airplanes to get out of the way of the drops when I'm behind the radar scope. When I fly my airplane in the area, I always ask Approach control to let me know when the drops happen because I like to watch. Anyway, enough of that. Here are the questions I have for all of you out in skydive.com world: 1. My only complaint after the jump was a nose or sinus "injury". I felt like I had to sneeze for the next three days, and had to take allergenic nose drops to make the feeling go away. I'm sure this was normal, but how do I keep that from happening again? Should I jump with a clothespin on my nose? Should I train by going to a gas station, driving up to the air compressor, drop a quarter in the slot, and stick the hose in my left nostril? 2. Should I get my own training chute, and if so, does the cost include the reserve and an AAD? What is the best? Lake Elsinore offers their own complete rental package which I am sure is excellent. Should I train and certify first, and then get my own chute? 3. I watched Joan Lunden this weekend on A & E and her training with the Golden Knights. She was incredibly unstable in the wind tunnel, and I'm worried about my ability to be stable on my own with the AFF program. Should I opt for a program with a wind tunnel, or do these things work themselves out with the standard AFF program? I learn fast, I just would like to know your collective thoughts. I hope you pick up on my sense of humor with this first post. I look forward to hearing from all of you!! Thanks for all replies, Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman