catalin

I downsized from a F111 Manta 290 to a ZP Sabre1 150 when I had like 50 jumps! My exit weight is about 198-200 lbs. All I had done to that point were accuracy jumps from 1000m and that was my first jump from 4000m. The DZ was new and they didn't have gear rental yet. I wanted to jump really badly and there was a choice between a bigger canopy and the Sabre 150. The instructor gave me the Sabre because it had a Cypres. It all went well, there was no problem landing it. I did 3 jumps on it that day. Later on when they offered gear rental I jumped a Spectre 190 for like 10 jumps and now I'm jumping a Sabre2 170 - I think I'll stay on it for a while. I think I'm safer jumping the Sabre2 170 than the Spectre 190 because it's more responsive hence more predictable. The general opinion around here is that in perfect conditions you can jump very small parachutes and be safe, but the problems arise when you have to deal with the unexpected. Find a canopy you're comfortable with. Give the Sabre 150 a try when the weather is good and if you like it have fun with it! catalin

I downsized from a F111 Manta 290 to a ZP Sabre1 150 when I had like 50 jumps! My exit weight is about 198-200 lbs. All I had done to that point were accuracy jumps from 1000m and that was my first jump from 4000m. The DZ was new and they didn't have gear rental yet. I wanted to jump really badly and there was a choice between a bigger canopy and the Sabre 150. The instructor gave me the Sabre because it had a Cypres. It all went well, there was no problem landing it. I did 3 jumps on it that day. Later on when they offered gear rental I jumped a Spectre 190 for like 10 jumps and now I'm jumping a Sabre2 170 - I think I'll stay on it for a while. I think I'm safer jumping the Sabre2 170 than the Spectre 190 because it's more responsive hence more predictable. The general opinion around here is that in perfect conditions you can jump very small parachutes and be safe, but the problems arise when you have to deal with the unexpected. Find a canopy you're comfortable with. Give the Sabre 150 a try when the weather is good and if you like it have fun with it!

I am 21, I'll be 22 until summer.I weight about 75 kilos (165 pounds)

Hi, my name is Catalin, I am 21 and I live in Romania, in the Central-Eastern Europe.This summer I'll be coming in the US for working in a summer camp in Pennsylvania (Towanda Camp, near the Pocono Mountains.I am a skydiver in Romania and I am confused because we have different rules and I don't no how my status will translate to the USPA requirements.So...I'll need your help! In my country I am a member of the official skydiving sports club of our capital, Bucharest.The DZ-s belong to the Government and the funds for all the sky-diving events come from the City Hall.For sportsmans the skydiving activities are free.We are preparing year-round for style and accuracy, using Manta 290 main canopies for training and Para-Foil (both the old and the 2000 models) for accuracy.There is only one skydiving event for each city with a DZ ,7-10 days long each summer.When these flight periodes end, The National Team and Individual Accuracy Championships follow. I started my training in February 2001, after a complete medical check-out and after proving my physical abilities thru several procedures.Then, ground training until April 14, 4 times a week (2 times for theory:history of skydiving, square canopies, properties of Manta 290 main, Sharpshooter 245 reserve, meteo, aerodynamics, regulations, safety procedures etc and 2 times for physical trainig outdoors and indoors).In April we sustained an exam, both physicall and theory. 40 of us qualyfied.Then we went to the DZ, outside Bucharest and we learned the packing procedures and did some more training until September.In september, the plane (we use an Antonov 2 russian airplane-11 passengers) landed and the fuel was ready.The minimum age for skydiving in Romania is 16.To ensure the maximum safety, 10 S/L jumps with Manta canopies and Cypres safety devices are required before the freefall.The standard hight is 1000-1200 m.On the 10th jump, an inspector from the central authority must be on board for supervising.Then you do another 1-5 jumps and you receive permission to do freefall.At the end of the flight period there was not enough fuel left and the wind was powerfull so nono of last year's students received permission for freefall! However, we were cleared of the student status after the 10th jump according to the Romanian regulations and we received our skydiving licence.I have a total of 11 jumps with a Manta 290 canopy, all with very good exits, no incidents and even precision landings (in a sand circle with 10 m in diameter) for the last 6 jumps. I'd like very much to be able to jump in the USA so, please, tell me what you think about my story and experience.Do you think that DZ owners will allow me jump and in what conditions?