peedeepalmer

No, I actually look at this as an opportunity. Guys like Devin/Ben Roane, Matt Hill or Mikey are great examples of those we want. I also think that the "tunnel rats" moving into the skydiving arena is great for the sport. My point is that as iFly is currently expanding at an exponential rate, we need to be proactive as a community on how we are going to embrace those that have exceptional flying skills but limited skills not learned in the tunnel (efficient climb out/spotting/separation and canopy skills, ect). We need to be proactive in thinking through this instead of complaining on a forum.

For starters, start looking into a canopy course. The B license canopy course requirement was designed to mitigate the most common canopy accidents. Get your water training requirement done. Seek out a mentor at the dropzone. Start jumping (within your comfort zone and skill level) with other jumpers. Start small...3 way then 4 way. Also don't just jump with out freshly minted A license jumpers. Remember, I said find a mentor...jump with skydivers that have more experience. Lastly, remember your proficiency card, you had an objective for freefall AND canopy. Plan a dive flow and canopy skills on each jump. I know this is simi vague, but without knowing your goals in the sport it is limiting. At the heart of you moving forward is for you to mature in the sport. Learn your canopy, learn to fly your body, surround yourself with individuals that will help you in both of these areas.

Now here is the real question, what are we doing as a community to mitigate the potential consequences of those with high number of hours in the tunnel and a low experience in skydiving from making the mistakes outlined by the OP? Are we mentoring them from the beginning of AFF/STP? Is someone at the DZ with both a lot of tunnel and skydiving experience stepping up to be a mentor? The reality is that as iFly and soon the European tunnel market continues to expand, this will continue to present itself as a problem unless we are proactive.

That all make sense, well I guess back to the stock slider for me

96 VE...and yes terminal

Recently had a RDS hooked up and had nothing but slammers for openings...anyone have similar? Anything work to fix it?

I hear a lot of good points in this forum regarding the snag hazard aspect of this picture. The problem is that many of the post are immature and ill informed. This is my home dz. The girl in the picture Just graduated AFF. In regards to the jumpsuit, it is an ugly jumpsuit but thats all it is, no weightbelt, no shirt over, just a jumpsuit. In regards to the radio, all mature suggestion are encouraged. I disagree with the idea that a student should not need a radio as a backup. The placement of the radio is another issue and I understand why some have issues with where it is located. I can say that it will be brought up this weekend. Please remember that we were all newbies at one point and that there is a professional way to address issues.

This would be a great start to Carolina Fest for anyone interested in skydiving in Northern Virginia...come out and jump at Northern Virginia's most scenic dropzone, Skydive New Market Memorial Day Weekend we'll be hosting our first big event - The Caravan Over New Market Memorial Day Weekend Boogie - 2013. We have Nelson Perez organizing freeflying/ATMO/Tracking/Angle Tracking; Dean Schlemmer organizing RW; a classic Memorial Day weekend picnic dinner with wine tasting by North Mountain Winery; DJ on Saturday night; Skydive Chicago's fast Caravan and our unbeatable scenic views in freefall and under canopy. Register now to guarantee your T-shirt size - 540-450-6070.

Recently I have started talking to video guys at my dropzone and one point really was an eye opener…What are your thoughts on having a skyhook or RSL flying camera? Anyother considerations along this topic that would be helpful for someone considering flying camera?

Grant, thanks for the input. I have moved away from wanting any type of a teaching aid, vice mockup, harness, creepers. You are 100% correct, knowing the information, only referencing the SIM and keeping the students attention by stimulating them by change of environment, hands on, good teaching and practical application is way more effective than anything flashy, Thanks for your mentoring

Thanks to everyone that posted suggestions. I especially like the idea of adding more canopy skills to the mix. I will take a close look at the AFP table. At my dropzone, if a student prepays for the entire program, they get all coach jumps until jump 25. I don't want to waste their money, want to teach them additional foundation skills but still want them to have the added bonus of having lots of fun. Thanks again to everyone that responded

I have a coach rating and have been coaching since May just about every weekend. My question is what creative dive flows do other coaches/AFF's do with a student that has finished his student progression and now has a few extra jumps before the required 25. I have played tag with students (working on level changes and flying relative) but am looking for other dive flows that still allow the student to learn but is fun. Any and all suggestions will be appreciated

The fear is likely from a lack of understanding of what you can possibly do. I say this because at jump 5 you are probably only falling straight down with the aid of an AFF. As you skills develop through your AFF progression you will see that your confidence will increase. For me, I was nervous in the plane all the way to the door, but once I checked in and launched all fear disappeared. I owe this to my AFF instructors. For the first few jumps, I remember coming down the hill looking at my main side smiling at me. Later, when I earned my coach rating, the fear came back. Again it was the plane ride up and the walk to the door. The difference was now I was responsible for a student. After the first couple of coach jumps, the fear went away. If you are taking everything seriously, as you continue to progress you will likely get nervous at each benchmark in your career. I my opinion this is a good thing. Now for what I assume you want, how to calm yourself down…I completely agree, learn how to pack. This will help your confidence significantly. Understanding of how the canopy goes through the deployment process is important. Don’t start there. Get a rigger to help you understanding everything from the pin getting extracted after you throw your PC to how your 3 rings work. Another great thing that worked for me during student progression was staying around the DZ after hours and hanging out with those that are more experience. Remember to filter the bullshit. When it comes to anything related to student progression, listen to your AFF-I’s and coaches. The last thing is stop thinking so much. What scared me was over analyzing my jump. Once I stop focusing on all the things that could go wrong and thinking about how to make everything go right, my confidence increased. Think through your dive flow, visualize every objective of your freefall, deployment, canopy skills, landing pattern and landing…visualize it being done correctly.

I am looking for teaching aids, powerpoints, videos, ect. I have noticed that many students either cannot pay attention or have a hard time visualizing some of the information while teaching from the SIM. I thought that maybe it was my teaching but have been watching other instructor (good instructors) teach and they seem to have similar problems. I am interested in seeing if anyone has other creative or already made videos/powerpoints for the categories. I have seen the videos from USPA and am looking to see what else is out there.

Hey, I have mounted my gopro to my G3 visor and love it during freefall...great for coaching for good POV and for freeflying. It also good to mitigate snag hazards. Of note, if you flip your visor up under canopy, all you get is the bottom skin of your canopy. Instruction are here: http://deltagearinc.com/Kit&Tools/CameraMounts/go_pro_low_pro_mount.htm Attached is a photo for you

My visist to Chambersburg was great. JR and his crew really made the time spent there worth it. Although the weather was bad and there was only one load, the staff made it worth sticking around. I showed up early and they immediately welcomed me in. Even though it was apparent that JR was busy, he made time to look over my gear, check my logbook and after a quick orientation I was ready to go. Having both a King Air and C-182, they were flexible and put me and three other experienced jumpers on a load. Those that called Chambersburg home really brought me in and made me feel welcomed. The hanger was extremely organized and gave an awesome first impression. The mats were extremely clean and all the gear was stowed. Overall the facilities were great. The attitude was amazing. JR, Rocky, Paul, Grant and everyone else were extremely friendly. From an outsider point of view, Grant (AFF instructor) was extremely detailed with the first jump course going and really showed a high level of professionalism. Bottom Line: I will go back!!! This small DZ was ran well and had their arms wide open. I highly recommend this place. If you are planning to jump in PA, this is the place to go. Phil Palmer