bunkerup

I have been watching this thread for a while and would like to add my two cents. (for what its worth) I just completed my A license this weekend at Mile Hi, now granted I have nothing to compare their system to, but I did appreciate the structured system. I realize there was a little added cost but it was fairly small (approx $240 over entire program), this number is assuming that I would be able to complete my A card "on my own" in only 25 jumps. I feel that they gave me a very strong understanding of the BASICS of skydiving, and now is the time that the mentoring phase of my learning begins. There has been a couple comments on this post that are not quite accurate. One is that you pay a coach to put you out on a hop and pop, that is not the case. Another is that none of their coaches/instructors jump for free to help out a student, when in fact on each of my group/coach jumps only one of the coaches were acutualy compensated by the dropzone. Overall I would give Mile Hi a thumbs up and my compliments to the instructors and staff. Mike

I am the OP of this thread. I was initially asking a simple question but have enjoyed watching it turn into a very informative discussion. Since the original post I have passed AFF and am nearing the end of my coaching jumps. It has been interesting to say the least. I have seen a wide range of attitiudes. These extend from "hey this is my job" to those coaches and instructors that obviously enjoy the act and art of teaching someone a new skill. I would like to add that those with the first attitude are by far in the minority. The only problem I see with this new found passion is my banker may never speak to me again.. Oh well never liked him much any way. To answerthe obvious questions yes I have bought beer and even some dinners..

I just finished my AFF on thursday and even managed to get in my first solo. Thumbs up to all of the instructors and staff at Mile Hi. I was having problem with my stability but thanks to the tunnel and Mike Bohn things have smoothed out. Regretfully I had to leave immediately after my last jump so the beer will come on my next visit, hopefully monday if the weather holds. Thanks again

By no means did I intend to imply that coaching is not work. I do a fair amount of training and precepting in my career and I understand the amount of effort that goes into each and every class or sesion. Thanks for the input and the beer will flow.

I have recently started my AFF. I know I need to make approx 12 coached jumps after my 7 AFF. My question is this, if the DZ charges 95 including rental my ride and the coaches jump does the coach recieve anything other than the free jump. This sure seems like a great thing for someone who loves to jump and helping others enjoy the sport more and by all means I appreciate the assistance. I was just wondering if tipping is expected or required. Thanks for the info

I am just starting aff and I realize that I need to make approx 12 coached jumps after my 7 aff jumps. I guess my question is this. I f my DZ charges 95 for rental, my lift and the coach does he receive anything other than a free jump. This to me seems like a great deal for someone who loves to jump and assist others. Sure you dont make any money but you dont spen any either

Thanks for the opinions, I think I have come to the same conclusion. After spending yesterday around this group it is faily obvious that I will be seeing a great deal of them over the next few years so I might as well start making these long term friends now.

I am getting ready to find an AFF program, looking for opinions which is better. THe satandard DZ school (may take up to 2 or 3 months to copmplete) or this A license in a week program outside of Houston. Are there any preferneces out there

Dude the beer was a given. Any advice on a northern colorado DZ

Not trying to say i am the picture of fitness but I am a 18 year veteran firefighter so I do alright. As far as mentally as I said I am a firefighter so you can make your own decision. Just kidding

No doubt the college was the right decision but I can see myself getting extremely addicted to this sport and looking for the advice, thanks for the reply

JUst dont argue with the fourth voice and you will be fine

I made three aff jumps 21 years ago and now am thinking about trying the sport again. I did not continue because I got my priorities all screwed up and went back to college, LOL. I am now 41 and looking for honest advice whether or not I am too old to really get into this sport. I tend to be extremely compulsive so I go all out at anything I do. Let me know your thoughts.