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"Skydiving
is not just a sport, it's a lifestyle (not to be confused
with bungee jumping which is just a sport".)
How does one learn to skydive?
One looks in the telephone directory (Yellow Pages) under
"Parachuting" or "Skydiving and Parachute
Jumping Instructions" to find a local parachuting operation
- normally referred to as a "drop zone" (DZ).
A phone call will generally provide you with enough information
to make arrangements to attend the First Jump Course and/or
how to reach the DZ. You can also call the United
States Parachute Association (USPA, 1440 Duke St.,
Alexandria, VA 22314) at (703)-836-3495 to get the name
of an affiliated drop zone in your area. A friend or acquaintance
who has jumped previously may also be able to give you a
recommendation.
Most DZs will offer the First Jump Course (FJC) at least
once each weekend. Some will offer it during the week or
several times during the weekend. You will need to contact
your local DZ to determine their scheduling. The FJC consists
of about 4-6 hours of ground school followed by your jump
- weather permitting.
There are several different types of training you can take:
Static Line, Accelerated Freefall, or Tandem . They are
described below in greater detail. However, not all drop
zones offer all these options, so you should ask the DZ
which type(s) of training they provide.
Some drop zones have promotional videos they will sell you
(~$10) that describe the training and show you what it is
all about. Almost every DZ these days uses videos for training
aids and will be glad to let you view them (for free!) if
you stop by. They will mail you a brochure and other detailed
information upon request as well.
It is your safety at stake and your responsibility to look
after it. If you have reservations about making your first
jump, make the effort to visit the DZ, check it out, meet
the people and staff. They will be glad to see you, and
you will be much more confident and comfortable having done
so, and consequently have a much better time!
What are the age requirements?
Most Dropzones will require you to be 18 years of age to
make a skydive. Some dropzones in some states will allow
16 year olds to jump with parental consent. So, if you are
under 16, you will just have to wait; take up some odd jobs,
and start saving your money.
On the other side, there is no maximum age. See the following
question to determine if skydiving is appropriate for you.
Back to the table of contents
What are the physical requirements?
In general, the prospective student should be in reasonably
good physical shape, this is a sport after all. You will
be required wear around 35 lbs of equipment, endure opening
shock, maneuver the canopy, land, and possibly trudge great
distances on foot. You will experience 30 degree swings
in temperature, atmospheric pressure changes, 4 hours of
lecture, and lots of beer. It's grueling (:-).
But seriously, problems may arise where a prospect is too
heavy (over ~250lbs/ 110kg, see below) or if they have medical
conditions which may impair them during the activity. Someone
who experiences fainting spells, blackouts, or has a weak
heart should not be jumping. Someone with respiratory illness
may have a problem due to atmospheric changes at altitude.
The better your physical condition, the more you will enjoy
the experience. This being said, very few people have medical
or physical conditions which actually preclude jumping.
Most dropzones will try to work with you. If you have a
question, ask them, and as always, ask your doctor. You
may be surprised at the relatively few physical constraints
involved.
Concerning weight restrictions, there are two primay concerns.
First, does the drop zone have a parachute system which
you can both legally use and safely land? Second, if you
are going to be at the top-end of the safe weight range
for a particular parachute, are you in relatively good shape?
An imperfect landing will be much less liekely to injure
an athletic person. If this is unclear, consider the difference
between a 5'10" linebacker who weighs 240lbs, and a
5'10" channel surfer of the same weight. If the former
has a bad landing, he'll probably brush himself off and
get up. The latter may very well injure himself substantially,
lacking both the strength to withstand landing and coordination
to do a good Parachute Landing Fall(PLF). With this in mind,
use the following table as a guide.
< 200lbs
Almost every DZ should be willing to let you jump.
200-230lbs
The majority of DZ's should be willing to let you jump.
Being being in relatively good shape is a plus. Beyond about
230lbs, most reserves canopies are no longer strictly legal
for you to use.
230-250lbs
Some DZ's may take you, but will likely insist that you
be in good shape, i.e. not a couch-potato. You must recognize
that there is a greater chance of injury, particularly if
you are not somewhat athletic.
> 250lbs
Very few DZ's will be able to let you skydive. They are
likely to use converted Tandem gear. Without this type of
equipment, you will need to be in excellent physical condition,
and be willing to accept a greatly increased chance of injury
in case of a bad landing. Please note that this table is
only a guideline. Call your local Drop Zone and discuss
the matter with them. Also, there are experienced skydivers
who are quite heavy -- however, they likely learned when
they were lighter and had mastered landing before they gaining
the additional weight.
What does the training consist of?
The FJC teaches the student every thing they need to know
to safely make their first jump. There are several different
programs available for first jumpers; the one you choose
will depend on your personal preferences and circumstances.
The differences of each are summarized below:
Static Line (S/L)
This method has evolved over the last ~30 years from
its military origins into a successful method for training
sport parachutists. The student gets 4-5 hours of ground
training and is then taken to an altitude of about 3000
feet for the jump. The jump itself consists of a simple
"poised" exit from the strut of a small single
engine Cessna aircraft. As the student falls away from the
plane, the main canopy is deployed by a "static line"
attached to the aircraft. The student will experience about
two to three seconds of falling as the parachute opens.
Subsequent S/L jumps require about 15 minutes of preparation.
After 2 good static line jumps, the student will be trained
to pull their ripcord for themselves. The student then does
3 more static line jumps where they demonstrate this ability
by pulling a dummy ripcord as they leave the plane (the
static line is still initiating the deployment). The student
is then cleared to do their first actual freefall.
The first freefall is a "clear & pull", where
the student initiates the pull sequence immediately upon
leaving the aircraft. Next is a 10 second delay jump. Subsequent
jumps go to progressively higher altitudes with longer delays.
After 20 freefalls, and meeting certain other basic requirements,
the student receives their A license and is cleared off
student status.
Accelerated Free Fall (AFF)
The AFF program was instituted in 1982 as an "accelerated"
learning process as compared to the traditional static line
progression. The AFF program will give you a true taste
of modern sport skydiving.
The ground training is a bit more extensive than S/L (~5
hours) because the student will be doing a 50 second freefall
(that's right!) on his/her very first jump. The student
will exit the aircraft at 10,000-12,000 feet along with
two AFF Jumpmasters (JM) who will assist the student during
freefall. The jumpmasters maintain grips on the student
from the moment they leave the aircraft until opening, assisting
the student as necessary to fall stable, perform practice
ripcord pulls, monitor altitude, etc. The student then pulls
his/her own ripcord at about 4000 ft.
The AFF program is a 7 level program. Levels 1, 2, &
3 require two freefall Jumpmasters to accompany the student.
These dives concentrate on teaching basic safety skills
such as altitude awareness, body position, stability during
freefall and during the pull sequence, and most importantly-
successful ripcord pull. On level 3, the JMs will release
the student in freefall for the first time, to fly completely
on their own.
Levels 4, 5, 6, & 7 require only one freefall JM (less
$$) and teach the student air skills such as turns, forward
movement and docking on other people, frontloops, backloops,
"superman" exits from the plane, etc.
Each AFF level is designed to take one jump, and requires
about 45 minutes of training. After successfully performing
the objectives of each level, the student moves on to the
next level.
After graduating Level 7, the student enters a more free
format stage called "Level 8" where they practice
and hone their skills by themselves and in small groups
until they obtain 20 freefalls and qualify for their A license.
Tandem jumps.
Tandem jumps are meant to offer an introduction to
the sport. They allow the neophyte to "take a ride"
with an experienced jumper. A tandem jump requires from
15 to 45 minutes of ground preparation (it is not a First
Jump Course). It consists of an experienced jumper called
a "tandemmaster" and the passenger. The passenger
and tandem master each wear a harness, however only the
master wears the parachutes. The passengers's harness attaches
to the front of the master's harness and the two of them
freefall together for 30 seconds, open together, and land
together under one Really_BIG_Parachute.
Tandem jumping provides an obvious advantage for the adventurous
spirit who cannot adequately meet the physical or proficiency
requirements for the S/L or AFF jumps. By relying on Tandem
Master's skills, they will still be able to experience the
thrill of skydiving.
Because the tandem training is not a First Jump Course,
if you decide to pursue the sport, you will still have to
attend a FJC in either the AFF or Static Line curriculum.
It should be noted that, in the United States, tandem jumping
is still classed by the Federal Aviation Administration
as an "experimental" form of Parachuting, and
us such operates under waiver to certain Federal Aviation
Regulations regarding required equipment. Currently the
USPA (see below) is not involved in the certification or
training of tandem Masters or in the setting of minimum
tandem safety standards. These functions are performed solely
by, and at the discretion of, the manufacturers of the tandem
equipment. Among many experienced jumpers, tandem jumping
remains a very controversial subject as to its safety and
utility for novice training.
In all of these training methods, students are taught normal
and emergency procedures for all aspects of the jump - climb
to altitude, exit, opening, canopy control, and landing.
They are also shown the equipment and go over it so that
they understand how it works.
Nearly all student training centers now utilize sport skydiving
gear. No more military surplus stuff. Students have light-weight
harness/container systems in aesthetic colors, high performance
canopies designed for students. No more paraboots -- students
use their own tennis shoes. No more heavy motorcycle helmets
-- students use lightweight sporting helmets. Ground-to-air
radio for canopy control assistance, air-to-air video, on
and on...
How do I tell a good Drop Zone from poor
one?
Most dropzones that provide regular student
training are "USPA Affiliated". The United States
Parachute Association (USPA) is the representative body
for sport parachuting within the US, and a member of the
FAI (the international equivalent). The USPA defends the
sport's interests before the FAA and other regulating/lawmaking
bodies at all levels of government. It also develops and
monitors safety and training doctrine for the sport. Other
benefits include liability insurance for students and DZs
in the case of damage to property, the monthly magazine
Parachutist, etc.
The USPA has had tremendous success instituting rating programs
for Jumpmasters, Instructors, and Instructor-Examiners to
ensure that only properly trained and qualified personnel
work with students. You should insist on USPA Instructors
and Jumpmasters.
Some USPA-affiliated DZ's have not been diligent in using
only Currently-rated Instructors and Jumpmasters. Do not
be afraid to ask to see your Instructor or Jumpmaster's
rating card. It should show the appropriate rating and expiration
date. Also note that currently, Tandem Jumpmasters are certified
by the equipment manufacturer, not USPA.
USPA affiliation is not required, and does not guarantee
a DZ to be a "good" DZ, and non-affiliation does
not mean the DZ is "bad". However, the USPA, through
their diligence and caution, has compiled an excellent safety
record over the years.
These are just guidelines. You should always check it out
before you jump.
What if your parachute doesn't open?
Clearly, this is the most Frequently-Asked-Question
posed by all prospective jumpers.
By law (FAA regulations), all intentional parachute jumps
must be made with a single harness, dual parachute system
with both a main canopy AND a reserve canopy. In other words,
you have a second (or spare) canopy in case the first one
fails to open properly.
However, it must be noted that the technology utilized in
today's sport parachuting equipment is light years ahead
of the old military surplus gear used in the '60s and '70s.
The canopies are drastically different from the classic
G.I. Joe round parachutes. The materials are stronger, lighter
and last longer, the packing procedures are simpler, the
deployment sequence is much more refined, etc.
The reserve canopies are even more carefully designed and
packed. The reserve parachute must be inspected and repacked
every 120 days by an FAA rated parachute Rigger - even if
it has not been used during that time.
The student's main canopy is always packed either by a rigger
or under a rigger's direct supervision by experienced packers.
There are also additional safety features employed to ensure
canopy deployment such as Automatic Activation Devices (AAD)
and Reserve Static Lines (RSL) which add still more layers
of safety.
Back to the table of contents
How fast do you fall?
When you leave the aircraft, you are moving
horizontally at the same speed as the aircraft, typically
90-110MPH. During the first 10 seconds, a skydiver accelerates
up to about 115-130MPH straight down. (A tandem pair uses
a drouge chute to keep them from falling much faster than
this). It is possible to change your body position to vary
your rate of fall. In a standard face-to-earth position,
you can change your fall rate up or down a few (10-20) miles
per hour. However, by diving or "standing up"
in freefall, any experienced skydiver can learn to reach
speeds of over 160-180MPH. Speeds of over 200MPH require
significant practice to achieve. The record freefall speed,
done without any special equipment, is 321MPH. Obviously,
it is desirable to slow back down to 110MPH before parachute
opening.
Once under parachute, decent rates of 1000ft./min. are typical.
A lighter student with a bigger canopy may come down much
more slowly, and, obviously, a heavier person may have a
somewhat faster decent. Experienced jumper's can canopies
descend (in normal glide) at up to 1500ft./min. During radical
turns, the decent rate can go well over 2000ft./min.
How hard is the landing?
The canopies used today bear little resemblance to the classic
round canopies of years gone by. Today, nearly all jumpers
and jump schools use "square" canopies for parachuting.
These canopies are actually rectangular in shape, and when
open, act like an airplane wing (or an airfoil). They are
more like gliders than umbrellas.
The aerodynamics of the square canopy provide it with exceptional
maneuverability, allowing the jumpers to land almost anywhere
they wish. This wing shape also provides tippy-toe soft
landings for even the novice jumper. The days of landing
like a sack of flour are history. Most students land standing
up on their first jump.
Back to the table of contents
How much does it cost?
Prices vary from DZ to DZ. Typically, the S/L course runs
~$120-$150, AFF from $250-$300, and the tandem from ~$140-$200.
Some DZs can provide a freefall videoman to tape your skydive
for an additional $50-75. These prices include the ground
school and the first jump.
After completing their first jump, skydiving tradition allows
each student to express their appreciation and admiration
for their newfound skydiving friends for their assistance
in successfully achieving this milestone in their life by
purchasing (from a local establishment) and presenting to
them a case of beer. This case, customarily a fine imported
beer, is ceremoniously iced down for consumption at the
end of the day. The cost generally runs $15-20.
(It should be noted that while jumpers have a reputation
for major no-holds- barred parties, the use of drugs and/or
alcohol on the DZ premises is strictly prohibited during
jump operations for what should be obvious reasons. This
rule is observed and enforced by both jumpers and management.)
After the first jump, the cost of each successive jump decreases
in stages as less supervision is required. Once off student
status, and owning your own gear, jumps will cost about
$15-17 to 13,000' (about 65 seconds of freefall). Many drop
zones have discount programs as well that can further decrease
the cost of jumps. A file containing prices for experienced
jumpers is available via WWW at http://www-leland.stanford.edu/~eap/prices.html,
at the FTP site described below, and via E-mail from eap@phase.stanford.edu
(Subject: SEND DZ PRICE LIST). To add your DZ to the list,
see information contained therein. The list includes locations,
prices, planes, phone number, Internet contact, and web
page locations.
Equipment can run from $1000 to $3500 depending on what
you want to spend. There is a used equipment market (much
like the used car market) which can SAVE you loads of money,
or you can custom order everything brand-spankin-new with
your own personalized colors and sizes, which will COST
you loads of money (:-). You can buy it all at once or a
piece at a time as finances allow. Generally, you shouldn't
worry about buying gear until you are off student status
or close to your A license.
Of course, all prices are in US dollars (as opposed to dinars
or rubles :-).
I'm a skydiving student, and I'm having
trouble with something, can I get some help and advice?
Yes, you can ask any question on rec.skydiving
about learning to skydive, be it trouble with turns, packing,
exits, or what-have-you. However, please recognize the person
best equipped to help you with your difficulties is probably
your regular real-life instructor. Be sure to ask him the
same question you ask on rec.skydiving! Don't take or act
on any advice given on rec.skydiving without talking to
your instructor first -- not everyone here is an instructor,
and no one knows your history and experience better than
your instructor.
Advice given on rec.skydiving is offered without warranty.
It is not uncommon to see both excellent and downright dangerous
advice given. Talk with a rated instructor or jumpmaster
(or your country's local equivalent) before changing your
equipment, airplane, exit, freefall, deployment, emergency,
canopy control, landing, packing or any other skydiving-related
procedures, particularly if suggested anywhere on rec.skydiving.
Remember, skydiving is dangerous, the participant assumes
all risks.
Back to the table of contents
Where can I try Skysurfing or BASE jumping?
It a nutshell, you can't -- unless you're already a very
experienced skydiver.
"Skysurfing" or "Skyboarding" refers
to skydiving with a small board, similar to a snowboard,
attached to your feet. This allows for some radical maneauvers
in freefall. However, such jumps should only be attempted
by expert skydivers, and preferably after long discussion
with one of the many skysurfers who have experience. Some
board manufacturers and experienced skydsurfers offer instructional
classes or videotapes.
BASE jumping involves jumping off of fixed objects (like
Buildings, Antennas, Spans (bridges), or Earth (cliffs)),
and landing under a parachute. While being an expert skydiver
isn't an absolute requirement, you need a great deal of
experience in parachute packing, canopy control, quick reflexes,
and body position awareness before this can be attempted
with any real safety. Start with skydiving, and then go
from there. Furthermore, there are very few places where
one may BASE jump legally, as most locations are private
property. "Where can I find out more about Hang/Paragliding?"
rec.skydiving isn't the proper forum for the discussion
of either of these activities. However, for those who are
interested Paragliding or Hang-Gliding, there is a list
server for these topics.
To subscribe send a message to:
hang-gliding-request@lists.utah.edu
with a subject line saying:
subscribe
For a daily digest this message to:
hang-gliding-d-request@lists.utah.edu
As of 5/15/95, rec.aviation.hang-gliding exists. This is
an appropriate location to post questions concerning hang-gliding
or paragliding.
"How do you breathe in freefall?"
and other Whuffo Questions.
"How do you breath in freefall?"
Through genetically developed gills.
This falls into the realm of urban folklore. One CAN breathe
in freefall - if it were necessary. However, due to the
high speed of terminal freefall (and much higher speeds
in vertical freefall dives), the jumper's body is exposed
to O2 molecules at a much higher rate than someone walking
around on the ground. The body is able to absorb the necessary
O2 through the skin. This is why jumpers flap their cheeks
in freefall, it presents a larger surface area to the airstream
for oxygen osmosis. Once under canopy, the jumper resumes
breathing normally.
This is also why jumpers do not jump on cloudy days or when
they might risk going through clouds. The moisture in the
clouds can condense on their exposed skin surfaces preventing
the absorption of the necessary oxygen resulting in suffocation.
AADs are recommended for jumpers in climates where weather
is a factor.
Other Whuffo Questions
"Don't your ears pop on the way down?"
"Yes, we're not ignoring you, we're deaf."
"What if you have to go the bathroom in the plane?"
"Go ahead!"
"Can you steer your parachute?"
"No, one time I landed in Jamacia."
"Does it hurt?"
"Yes, that's why we jump all the time! Masochism!"
"What if your parachute doesn't open?"
"Gee, I never thought of that..."
"Why do you jump?"
"Why do _you_ breathe?"
"Where do you jump?"
"O'Hare, Midway, LAX, Dulles, where ever I happen to
be." (:-)
Movie Myths
Myth #1: Freefall conversation.
Talking in Freefall is virtually impossible. The wind is
too loud.
Myth #2: 4 minute freefalls.
Without taking Oxygen on the plane with you, freefall time
is limited to about 80 seconds on a single jump.
Myth #3: First-jump freefall acrobatics
Learning to fall stable and to fly while in freefall takes
practice -- it's not realistic to do this on your first
jump.
Myth #4: Low-pull contests
This virtually never happens. Everyone tends to deploy around
2000-2500. Skydivers fall at about 5.5 sec/thousand feet.
Myth #5: Diving out and catching someone without a parachute
Stunts similar to this have been done, however, it almost
impossible to hold onto someone during the opening shock
of the parachute when at terminal velocity.
Appendix of Skydiving Abbreviations, Terms,
and Colloquialisms
AAD
Abbrev. n, "Automatic Activation Device". A altitude
sensing device used to automatically activate the opening
sequence for a parachute. Most commonly refers to their
application to sport reserve parachutes, but also used in
other non-sport scenarios such as ejection seats, etc.
AFF
Abbrev. n, "Accelerated FreeFall".
A training program for first jump students where the skydiving
skills development rate is accelerated over that of the
older static line program.
boogie
n, A gathering of jumpers for the purposes of
jumping and socializing. Typically, boogies will have large
aircraft, unusual aircraft (balloons, helicopters), special
events (record attempts), or some sort of competition as
a focal point to attract jumpers from widely diverse regions.
bounce
Colloquialism v, term for landing, after freefall,
without the aid of a parachute. Also: hammer in, frappe,
go in.
canopy
n, parachute.
CFS
Abbrev., "Canopy Formation Skydiving".
The new "official" term for a discipline of skydinvg
in which jumpers under canopy fly their parachutes together
to form various formations. However, most skydivers still
refer to it as "CRW". (See CRW.)
CRW
Abbrev., "Canopy
Relative Work". Describes the maneuvering done by jumpers
under canopy to fly their parachutes together to form various
formations. Sometimes referred to as CReW (Crew). See CFS.
DZ
Abbrev. n, "Drop Zone". A
place where parachuting operations take place. This is may
be a designated area, or frequently, a commercial business
which supplies aircraft, instruction, gear sales and services.
flare
v, to pull down on both of the canopy's
steering toggles in order to lower decent rate and forward
speed just prior to landing. The forward speed is traded-off
for lift. A flare performed too late has no effect, a flare
performed too early can result in a stall in which the canopy
looses forward speed and drops straight down. A correctly
performed flare results in an exceptionally soft landing.
FS
Abbrev., "Formation
Skydiving". The new "official" term for a
dicipline of skydiving in which two or more jumpers fly
relative to each other in freefall in order to form various
formations. However, most skydivers refer to it as Relative
Work, or "RW." (See RW.)
hook turn
n, A high-speed turn with either the steering
toggles or the front risers performed at very low altitude
in order to build up speed before landing. See "turf
surf."
JM
Abbrev. n, "JumpMaster".
A jumper trained and certified to supervise students and/or
novices during their jump.
main
n, the primary parachute.
opening shock
n, The force experienced by the jumper due to
the sudden deceleration from terminal velocity due to the
deployment of a parachute.
RW
Abbrev., "Relative Work". Describes
the freefall maneuvering whereby two or more jumpers fly
relative to each other in freefall in order to form various
formations. See FS.
reserve
n, the secondary, or backup, parachute.
round
n, a class of
parachutes designed to simply decelerate a body in a fluid
medium. The classic parachute.
square
n, a class of parachutes designed to
inflate and take the shape of an airfoil. These are more
accurately rectangular in shape and are semi-rigid wings.
turf surf
v, (also, to "surf it") a high-speed
style of landing. The jumper builds up speed (see Hook Turn)
and then flares mere moments before touchdown, resulting
in a spectacular landing in which the jumper skims mere
inches above the ground at 30-40mph, for up to 100 yards.
Or, if the jumper flares too late, resulting in a spectacular
landing in which the jumper impacts the ground, leading
to medical bills, orthopedic surgery, and/or death. Attempt
this maneuver at your own risk!
USPA
Abbrev. n, "United States Parachute Association".
whuffo
Colloquialism, n, A person who is not
a skydiver (from the often-asked phrase "Whuffo you
jump out of them airplanes?").
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