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Since learning to skydive, many people have asked why I would want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. While the skydiver's standard response, "because the door was open," often draws a blank look, numerous individuals have encouraged me to tell them more. They are the people who have always toyed with the idea of skydiving.
As the current numbers show, thousands of individuals every year are putting actions behind their dreams and learning how to skydive. Often, though, figuring out how to get into this sport can be confusing and difficult. Fortunately, a few tips ought to help those adventurous souls yearning to tempt fate and fly.
First of all, there are three main methods of learning to skydive. For those people who want to get their feet wet and determine if they really do want to join the sport, the best method for a first jump is the tandem jump. Most drop zones (skydiving schools) offer this as an introductory jump course that covers minimal ground instruction followed by a parachute jump. During your jump, you will be safely hooked up to a certified tandem instructor for thirty to sixty seconds of freefall and a five to seven minute canopy ride.
The second method is called static line and is the mode used by the military. In a static line course, an individual can expect approximately six hours of ground school before the first jump which is executed at a lower altitude. During your jumps, you will not have an instructor jumping with you, and your parachute will be deployed by a static line attached to the plane. To complete this course, a student must successfully complete several levels including different maneuvers. The number of jumps to finish the static line course averages about fifteen to twenty.
The third, and increasingly popular, method is called the Accelerated Freefall Course (AFF). This course covers seven levels during which you learn how to fly your body in freefall and how to maneuver your canopy. For levels one to three, you will be accompanied by two jumpmasters while in freefall. For levels four to seven, you will have one jumpmaster with you. This is often viewed as the best learning method for those who are serious about pursuing the sport of skydiving. Because it can be very difficult to learn freefall flying skills, having a jumpmaster with you can be extremely beneficial.
Once you've decided which mode of learning that you'd like to try, it is time to find a reputable drop zone near you. Because drop zones are scattered rather sparsely throughout the country (unless you are in Florida or California), "near" might signify a drive of several hours. For the dedicated skydiver, however, this commute is well worth the time and mileage.
Begin by checking your local yellow pages for skydiving schools or parachute centers. For those with internet access, most drop zones now feature web pages. Call the schools that interest you. An example of some questions to ask when inquiring about their instruction programs include: how much does each cost? Where and when were your instructors certified? Do they have proof of certification? How many students have successfully completed the programs? Are they a U.S.P.A. (United States Parachute Association) drop zone? Who maintains their parachute gear and their airplanes? What kind of airplanes do they have? How many experienced jumpers are based there? When are they open?
After determining whether or not you want to skydive at a particular drop zone, you can always visit it before committing to a jump or course. And, at any time after you do commit, if you ever feel uncomfortable about something, you have the right to a refund and to go somewhere else. The bottom line is: this is a dangerous sport and it is of paramount importance that you learn in a safe and comfortable place.
While you are learning to skydive, you need not worry about buying any equipment. Your parachute and rig, jumpsuit, goggles, altimeter, and helmet ought to be provided by the skydiving school. If it isn't, switch to a different school. Once you've graduated from your skydiving program, you can either rent gear from the drop zone you jump at. Occasionally, you might run across poorly maintained gear or rent prices that are too high. In these instances, it might be more beneficial to buy your own gear. Check with a reputable parachute rigger licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration for more information on what to buy, reasonable prices, and safe gear.
With this information, you are on your way to taking the first step to learning exactly why thousands of people every year jump out of "perfectly good airplanes." As we say in the skydiving community, blue skies and safe jumping.
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