FIRST JUMP STUDENTS

So, you're deciding you might just want to jump out of a plane? Maybe it's your first time. Maybe you've done it before but it's been awhile. Maybe you've done a tandem and decided it's time to go solo. Well...we're here to help. You may have heard of various training methods. Well...we just offer two. Static-line and Tandems. Tandems...you're strapped on to an instructor and they take you for the roller coaster ride of your life! There isn't as much training cause you don't do as much. Static Line is the same basic concept as used by our great military. I'll take you through a first jump course for static line students at this drop zone.

     You'll drive maybe five minutes, maybe 45 like me, or more. But you'll eventually make it to the drop zone. Hopefully on time. 8 o'clock in the morning. You'll meet Bob. He's the DZO (Drop Zone Owner). He's also the pilot, chief instructor, tandem master (when he has another pilot), and main parachute packer. He's definitely qualified for the job. Once you meet and make sure everyone's there, you'll fill out a little paperwork. Don't worry...it's not much. But, it's very important. It lets us know that you know that skydiving IS dangerous, but you want to do it anyway. And some other stuff like how much you weigh so we know what size canopy (parachute) to put on you when it's time for your to jump.

     Once that's done, he'll happily collect your money, unless you got the discount because you thought ahead to pre-pay and save a little dough.

     Now, it's time for school. You'll go through a day's worth of instruction. You'll learn the parts of a dual container system (that's two parachutes), parts of a canopy, how to steer it, what to do if you have a malfunction, how to land in an emergency (PLFs or Parachute Landing Falls), and what ever else we think you ought to know like how to properly exit the airplane and when not to.

     Some where in there you'll have a few breaks including an hour long lunch break. We have a few fast food restaurants close by. Or you can bring your own. We have a fridge if you need to use it. It's no problem, but you might want to write your name on it before you put it in there. We also have a can drink machine for 50 cents each and plenty of fresh well water. We should have cups, but if you want you can bring your own.

     You can plan on jumping around 3 or 4 in the afternoon. Yes...it takes that long to teach you all you need to know. It really has a lot to do with how many people are in your class though too. The more, the longer.

     We have a Cessna 182 airplane. For those of you not familiar with aircraft, that's a little plane used normally for fun flying and small jump loads. For us...it's enough to hold a pilot and four jumpers. In your case, a pilot, three jumpers, and a jumpmaster. We're not just going to let you do it without supervision.

     You'll have a fairly short flight up to altitude. That's where you'll jump out. Somewhere close to 3500 feet. Then your jumpmaster will tell you when to go. Then it's up to you to remember all you learned and jump!

     If you decide after the whole day of class that you just can't do it...tell us before you get on the plane and maybe you can get at least some of your money back. But once you get on the plane your money's gone whether you jump or not.

     We will be taping your jump in case you want proof for your friends and family, but they are always welcome to come out and watch. We just ask that everyone listens to the staff and obeys posted signs. These are for your safety as well as others. If you happen to be on the runaway and a plane's landing or taking off, who knows what could happen. So, pay attention. Other than that...just have fun!