P A R A C H U T I N G ' S N E W S M A G A Z I N E
Ask the Editor
Contents of Batch 6:
Having Trouble with
Freefall Body Position
Getting Good Prices on New Gear
I Weigh 350 lbs. Can I
Jump?
Parachuting Safety
Downunder
A Pilot Who Wants to Learn
to Use a Parachute
Equipment for Students
Getting Personalized Instruction
High-Altitude Jumps
High-Alitude Jump Records
Jumping with a Bad Knee
Criteria for Endorsing USPA
Director Candidates
The following questions were submitted by visitors to our Web site and answered by the editor of Skydiving magazine. .
To ask a question of your own, click here.
Having Trouble with Freefall Body Position
Q. I'm enrolled in an AFF course and am having problems with my body position. Everyone tells me to "relax." This is more difficult than anticipated. Are there any exercises I can do on the ground to insure a better arch in the air?
A. You're getting good advice; relaxing in freefall makes it easier to fall "flat and stable." A rigid arch with stiff arms and legs often leads to rocking and "buffeting." Practicing your arch on the ground without any support isn't very realistic because there's no airstream. In freefall, the force of the airstream pushes your arms, legs and torso up; most of the muscles you used on the ground aren't needed. You've probably heard other skydivers tell non-jumpers that freefall feels like lying on a waterbed. That comparison is useful, because that's what you want to do in freefall--be relaxed and lie in the airstream as if you were lying facedown on a bed, with the mattress pushing against you. But relaxing in freefall can be difficult. Try this: Tell your instructor you'd like to spend an entire freefall just working on your basic body position. Strip from the dive as many other tasks as possible (heel clicks, repetitious circles of awareness, turns, etc.). Define points when you're intentionally going to relax, such as after exit and after your first circle of awareness, and so forth. Drill the dive enough times on the ground so both of you know it well. Practice relaxing--really. Then go up and jump. On exit arch moderately, just enough so you know your stomach is pushed down and your head is back a bit. Then make those conscious efforts to relax your arms and legs. Let the airstream blow them back. Wiggle them a little. Feel the air--literally. Shrug your shoulders. Move both arms symmetrically about--you'll discover that moderate arm movement will have little effect on your body's attitude, providing you have a medium arch and you're relaxed. Most likely the jump will be beneficial. Feel free to repeat it. (Yes, it costs money, but until you have a good, relaxed basic body position, there's no reason to try more complex dives.) Another option is to spend some time in a good wind tunnel, where you can accumulate more freefall time in a day than most of us log in months.
Getting Good Prices on New Gear
Q. What's the best way to get the best prices on new equipment?
A.The
best way to get the best prices on new gear is to shop
far and wide for it--there's no secret to that. Dealers
give the best prices to those customers who know exactly
what they want, are easy to work with, and are ready to
buy something they have in stock.
Tell the sales rep that price is important. Be sure to
get the bottom-line price, one that includes any sales
tax, shipping charges and credit-card fees. Many jumpers
are willing to pay a little more to deal face-to-face
with a nearby dealer. Service after the sale is easier,
and establishing a relationship with a local dealer can
earn better prices in the future.Other jumpers, on the
other hand, are quite happy with ordering from an outlet
on the other side of the country. We hear very few
complaints from skydivers who've gotten poor service from
a dealer (or manufacturer, for that matter), although it
may be that we're out of that loop.
Q. I weigh 350 pounds, some muscle, some fat--just big as hell! I'm very active, play football, lift weights, etc., on a continuous basis. Can I safely skydive? Do I need special equipment?
A. You could jump; there are special parachute systems that can accommodate your weight. (The Relative Workshop allows its tandem rigs--those built to carry two people--to be used by solo jumpers.) Someone who weighs 140 pounds is going to have a tough time making itin the NFL, and someone weighing 350 pounds is going to have a tough time in sport parachuting. But we're not suggesting you don't try, nor are we saying it's unsafe if you do. Contact several drop zones in your area and discuss your plans with them.
Q. How safe is parachuting in Australia?
A. No one really knows how safe parachuting is anywhere. Truly accurate figures aren't compiled. Having said that, the sport is moderately and intelligently regulated in Australia, and it's as safe there as in the U.S. (which might not be saying much, but we think it is). The Australian Parachute Federation seems to do more to promote safety than the U.S. Parachute Association does in its country, but until recently the APF received a generous government subsidy to do so.
A Pilot Who Wants to Learn to Use a Parachute
Q. I would like to try skydiving. I'm a pilot and have been doing aerobatics for a couple of years. Because I'm building an aerobatic plane, it's time to make sure that if I had to use a chute I would! What type of system would you suggest, and how do you go about sizing the canopy? Is it by weight? Are their some systems that perform differently than others? Hopefully, if all goes well with the first jump I could get into this sport rather than just wearing a chute in case of emergency when flying aerobatics.
A. Fortunately, some companies these days are building emergency parachutes for pilots that include modern (but well-tested) technology. Many of these companies are owned and operated by longtime skydivers. This is good, because a skydiver is more apt to design a parachute that does more than simply drop the pilot to the ground like the proverbial sack of potatoes. There are emergency rigs available that contain ram-air canopies, giving the pilot a better chance of landing in an open area and of handling stronger winds. The descent vector is not perpendicular to the ground as with a round canopy, so even an unflared landing (the parachuting equivalent to smacking the deck like a Navy pilot) is less likely to result in injury. But you'll feel better if you know what the steering lines are and how to use them. Regardless of what type of canopy you choose, you should receive some landing training. (The likelihood of injury is greatly reduced if you land with your feet and knees firmly together, with the knees bent.) And the significant forward speeds and handling characteristics of a ram-air canopy make advance training a very good idea. Yes, I'd rather bail out wearing a ram-air canopy than a round one. That's true, even though I have many hundreds of jumps with round canopies, including more than 70 under a round reserve that many years ago I jumped as a main. Not only do I like the way ram-airs land, I'm convinced they're more reliable. But other jumpers (and pilots) like round canopies in an emergency, believing they're more reliable and better for landings in many types of terrain. Both are available from a variety of manufacturers, dealers and lofts. The weight of the pilot is always a factor when picking the right-sized parachute. The dealer or manufacturer will help you make the right choice. Although canopy type and size is important, there are other factors to consider. Parachute systems come in several different styles--back, seat, chest and chair. The constraints of some cockpits often make one style better than others, although once the pilot is out the aircraft, they all function the same. Some brands and designs are more comfortable than others, an important factor for a pilot who's going to spend a lot of time in intimate contact with his parachute as he throws his aircraft through the sky. Although military-surplus parachutes are strong, they don't deploy in a controlled manner like the commercial parachutes fitted with devices such as sleeves, bags and diapers. They're also relatively heavy and uncomfortable, and all the canopies are round. Considering what's available today on the commercial market, choosing a surplus parachute doesn't make much sense. You'll certainly be better off if you receive parachute training, even if you stay on the ground the whole time. Practice egressing your aircraft, pulling the ripcord, steering the parachute, landing and recovering. Learn how to care for your parachute system and how to preflight it. Although this information is in most owner's manuals, hands-on training is better. Some dealers and riggers offer such training, either at their facilities or at gatherings of pilots. Making some jumps is even better. Do it.
Q. What's the best equipment for students?
A. The best equipment for students includes a large ram-air main parachute, a large ram-air reserve, a modern piggyback rig, a modern automatic opener, a visual altimeter, a spring-launched main pilot chute, a hard helmet, good boots (with no hooks), goggles, a single-piece jumpsuit and a way to receive canopy-steering commands from the ground (a radio, unless panels are the method of choice). Even if they do smell like moldy socks (the smell of fear!), this stuff should be well maintained. All of it should fit well. Of course, over the years thousands of students have made millions of successful jumps with inadequate equipment. But more than a few have been injured, killed or scared witless by problems that are directly attributable to being given substandard gear.
Getting Personalized Instruction
Q. I am looking at trying the sport. I want to go somewhere to train in peace, away from home, family, work, problems, emergencies, etc. Can you name a couple of sites where the operation is first class, the atmosphere is friendly, and "hanging around" before and after is welcome. (A few years ago I got my glider license in Nevada at one of the premier operations in the U.S. The training was great, the facilities fantastic, but when you finished your last flight you were quickly shown the door.)
A. There are many parachute centers in the U.S. that would meet your requirements. Skydiving is different than learning other types of aviation because it is much more of a group sport--before, during and after--than activities such as soaring, aerobatics and ballooning. Larger parachute centers have certain advantages. They're usually open during the week, and they have more extensive facilities and a larger staff. But a student is likely to be just a face in yet another class of first-timers, so you might not get the personal attention you're looking for. But it will have lots of people, both jumpers and spectators. A smaller center or club is more likely to provide more personalized instruction and supervision, but it might only be open on weekends, and making a lot of training jumps in a short amount of time could be difficult. Some DZs offer personalized instruction, where the student makes a reservation for three or more days of full-time training. When he shows up, he'll receive the constant attention of a single instructor. Such training usually costs more up front, but in the long run you can save both time and money. You'll learn faster. You should visit several DZs in your area on a weekend when the weather is good. A couple of hours at a DZ and a few short conversations with some of the people there will give you a better idea which one feels right for you.
Q. Where can I make a high altitude jump? Whom do I contact in the FAA about certification for high altitude jumps?
A. Several DZs occasionally offer high altitude jumps, usually from altitudes of about 20,000 feet. For skydives at those altitudes, jumpers need oxygen in the aircraft but not in freefall, providing they breathe oxygen until immediately before exit. (The Federal Aviation Regulations require that pilots and passengers breathe oxygen during flights above 15,000 feet). Training is required, but it's quick and easy. Instructors rated by the U.S. Parachute Association can provide basic instruction on such jumps. For jumps higher than 20,000 feet, skydivers need better training and special equipment. Two sources are:
Apple Valley Skydive
Joe Crotwell
Apple Valley Airport
21600 Corwin Road
Hangar 4
Apple Valley CA 92307
tel: (760) 961-1122
SkyDance SkyDiving
Yolo County Airport
24390 Aviation Avenue
Davis, CA 95616
tel: (530) 753-2651
As far as we know, these are the only two U.S. drop zones that routinely offer training for jumps above 20,000 feet. Your local Flight Standards District Office (check your phone book under U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration) can help you obtain "physiological flight training" from the military. The one-day course includes a ride in an altitude chamber, so you learn more about your body's reactions to higher altitudes. It's a good course, and it's essentially free.Other than that, the FAA doesn't play a role in high-altitude parachute jumps. (Flights above 18,000 feet require an instrument flight plan, but your pilot should already know that.)
Q. Are world records for high-altitude jumps still recognized?
A. Yes, the International Aeronautic Federation still recognizes high-altitude freefall jumps. E. Andreev of the USSR holds the record for the highest jump by a man: 80,360 feet, set in 1962. E. Fomitcheva, also from the USSR, holds the women's record for a jump she made in 1977 from 48,556 feet. Breaking those records will be difficult. The actual skydive isn't too hard, but successfully hauling a person to altitudes above 50,000 feet takes equipment and resources that only millionaires or governments can muster.
Q. I'm turning 50 next year. So is a colleague at work. We've decided to throw ourselves out of airplanes in recognition of the new lead digit on our age. I would like some information on conditioning for skydiving, especially how to prepare for the landing. I have one gimpy knee from a football injury (lateral and medial menisci have been removed). I've been riding an exercise bike and doing basic calisthenics for over a year now so the leg is strong, but the joint itself is crap. Any advice on specific exercises, whether to wear a knee brace or not?
A. We can't give advice on whether one should jump with an old injury or a physical limitation. That's why doctors make the big bucks. Most of the time, skydiving isn't as physically demanding as many people believe. If you visit a drop zone, you'll see that most landings aren't that rough. But probably every jumper has made a few landings that, if they didn't injure him, made him feel lucky that he was able to walk away. Often such landings are the result of poor judgment or poor technique on the part of the skydiver, but sometimes they do result from unpredictable winds and other factors that every jumper seems to encounter sooner or later. Over the years we've jumped with plenty of skydivers who physically weren't 100 percent. Some were wearing casts and braces, or jumping with pins and rods in their bones. Others were missing arms or legs and jumping with and without prosthetic devices. In the air, many of these skydivers were equal to or better than their peers. (Al Krueger became a world champion skydiver after losing an arm in Viet Nam.) We also know plenty of active skydivers who have bad knees and have endured major reconstructive surgery. Some wear braces while they jump, some don't. If you decide to jump, a brace would almost certainly be a good idea. If you pursue the sport, you might eventually decide to jump without it, but it's going to help you both mentally and physically while you're a student. (More than one jumper has broken his good leg while babying his bad one.) A brace isn't going to significantly hinder your progress. You should of course discuss your situation with an orthopedic physician, preferably one who's familiar with skydiving (if you can find one).You'll find the sport is easier and safer if you're in good shape. It helps to have the good muscle tone and cardiovascular endurance that comes from regular exercise. You don't need to build muscle mass like a body builder, but you should work off any fat and flab. Be sure to tell your instructor about your knee. It might result in you jumping a bigger canopy to increase the likelihood of a softer landing. But no amount of preparation will entirely remove the risk of injury from skydiving. Skydivers accept those risks and work to minimize them, but they accept the consequences of their participation in this wonderful sport.
Criteria for Endorsing USPA Director Candidates
Q. How did you decide whom to endorse for this month's USPA board election? Specifically, what made you rule out each of the other candidates?
A.The
editorial named five candidates who were going to get my
vote because I'm convinced they have the best interests
of the rank and file at heart. The editorial explained
that I didn't know some of the other candidates, and I'm
reluctant to vote for someone about whom I know little.
It's not that I "ruled out" other candidates as
much as I cast my votes for those I think will do the
best job. There are no bad apples on the entire ballot
incumbents and new candidates. Even if there were, and
even if they manage to dupe the membership and get
elected, there are about 20 other good directors who are
capable of taking up the slack.
The editorial slighted some incumbent directors. I regret
that, because I respect their dedication and, in some
cases, years of hard work for USPA. But, like putting a
good RW load together, you have to pick those who you're
confident will do the job you want done. That sometimes
means your friends stay on the ground.--MFT
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Copyright 1998. 04/02/99.