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 7:
When Should Beginners Buy
Their Own Gear?
How Do I Become a Skydiving
Instructor?
How Does a Military Rigger
Earn an FAA Certificate?
Do Skydivers Need Special
Training for Slope Soaring?
I Have 30 Jumps. What
Equipment is Right for Me?
Best Rig for Freeflying;
Catapult Pilot Chute; Why is the Javelin Popular?
How Do I Get Current Again?
Cross-Country Jumps
Best Equipment for Students
Looking for Quality Instruction
Who Holds the High-Altitude
Records?
Wants to Make High-Altitude
Millennium Jump
Comments on Collapsible
Pilot Chutes, Tandem Jumps & AFF
Exercise to Improve One's
Body Position
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.
When Should Beginners Buy Their Own Gear?
Q. When should a beginner buy his own gear? Would it be better to wait at least until I have a license, so I wouldn't be "confined" to the gear used for the training? Can a student rig be modified for hand deployment? Do gear stores sell student rigs?
A. Generally, it's better if a student uses the DZ's gear until he or she has transitioned from the larger "student" canopies to a smaller one. Since rigs are sized to fit the main and reserve canopies, it's not a good idea to buy a rig with the plan of putting smaller canopies in it later. If you ski, you know it makes sense to rent smaller skis until you have the skill to handle larger ones. It also makes sense to learn with rental gear rather than new stuff because students tend to put more wear and tear on gear than more experienced jumpers. Don't buy gear until you've graduated from the basic course. Also, when computing a training budget, it's better to spend money on jumps than on gear so you can accumulate experience as quickly as possible.
Nonetheless, you can buy a student rig from any dealer, and it can be modified later from ripcord deployment to hand deploy. But you'll get an adjustable harness that you don't need and probably shouldn't have, and the containers will be too big after you've accumulated a couple hundred jumps.
How Do I Become a Skydiving Instructor?
Q. I've jumped a few times and would like to get into the sport more seriously. What would it take to become certified to teach and possibly work at a jump school? How much would I have to invest?
A. Parachute centers in the U.S. usually hire only instructors who have been certified by the U.S. Parachute Association. USPA issues instructor ratings of various levels and for various training methods. An applicant must have a certain amount of general parachuting experience (licenses, number of jumps, time in the sport, etc.) as well has some supervised instructing experience. Qualified applicants attend "certification courses" where they receive additional training, take several written and practical exams, and demonstrate their training and supervisory skills. The certification courses themselves are reasonably priced--the most expensive one takes about a week and costs about $400.
But applicants will have invested substantial amounts of time, effort and money by the time they're ready to attend such a course. Much of that investment is simply the money and time spent to accumulate the required minimum number of jumps. But that's not really an investment, since making those jumps is fun.
Specific preparation for a USPA rating doesn't take much study; on the average it can probably be measured in the tens of hours. For detailed information on USPA's instructor rating procedures, check the Skydivers Information Manual it publishes. The document is available online at: http://www.uspa.org/publications/default.htm . Or purchase a copy from USPA at 1440 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
How Does a Military Rigger Earn an FAA Certificate?
Q. I'm a military parachute rigger who would like to work on civilian parachutes. What do I need to do that?
A. Riggers who work on parachutes that will be carried aboard U.S. aircraft must hold an FAA rigger's certificate. Part 65 of the Federal Aviation Regulations describes the application procedures and requirements.
Briefly, an applicant must have certain practical experience, and he or she must pass both a written and a practical exam. The application procedures are much easier for military riggers who are still in the service or who have been discharged within the preceding 12 months. After presenting a letter from their commanding officer that attests to their qualifications, military riggers take a 20-question test on the regulations. That's it; see FAR 65.117.
The military rigger who receives an FAA Senior Riggers certificate this way is legally entitled to inspect, pack and maintain civilian parachutes.
But he or she still has a lot to learn about modern skydiving gear. Thirty years ago there wasn't much difference between sport parachutes and military troop and bail-out parachutes. But sport gear has become increasingly specialized and complex since then, so much so that a military rigger should receive some hands-on training on rigging sport parachutes. It's not legally required, but you'll do a better job for your customers.
Several lofts and Master Riggers offer such training. The fees and cost are quite reasonable.
Do Skydivers Need Special Training for Slope Soaring?
Q. One of the jumpers at my home DZ is getting ready to move to New Mexico, and he keeps talking about these huge cliffs that he wants some of us to come canopy soar with him. How do you get your canopy to inflate while on the cliff? How much running room and altitude do you need to do it? Is it preferable to have a certain type of canopy, such as ZP? Are there any modifications you need to make to your rig before doing this? And--most importantly--any hidden dangers that one should watch out for? Is this something we should get some expert training for before attempting, or is skydiving experience probably all you need?
A. Get the training! Years ago--about 25--people (mostly jumpers) started using ram-air main canopies for slope soaring. Actually, they didn't do much soaring; they simply glided down steep slopes. About the same time, other people began towing ram-airs like they had been round canopies. Called "para-ascending," the sport has been popular in England for decades.
But as ram-air technology matured and improved, a separate aerial sport developed with its own specialized equipment and infrastructure. It's called paragliding, and it's especially popular in Europe. The big canopies and lightweight harnesses aren't jumpable, but they have much slower rates of descent and better glide angles than skydiving canopies. At some sites, one will see paragliders in the same thermals as hang gliders and sailplanes.
Paragliding has its own national and international organizations, its own competitions, training procedures, manufacturers, schools, etc.--just like skydiving.
The best way to get into the sport would be to locate a club or school and take formal lessons. Again, like skydiving, you don't legally need any training before throwing yourself out of an aircraft for fun, but you'll enjoy it more and you'll more likely stay healthy if you receive instruction from experts.
You could use a skydiving canopy, but a real paraglider will give you a much better ride and landing. But a real paraglider is harder to handle than a skydiving canopy.
I Have 30 Jumps. What Equipment is Right for Me?
Q. I have only 30 jumps. I want to buy equipment, but since it'll be my first rig, I'm not sure what route to go. Money is an issue!
A. At this point in your career, get used gear. Get a "conservative" canopy, one sized so it will be loaded at 0.8 or, preferably, less. Make a bunch of jumps on it, getting familiar with handling your canopy in a variety of situations. Give yourself some time to let your skills mature--spotting, freefall, landing, packing.
At some point, you'll be ready to buy gear that you know you'll want to keep for a couple of years, at least. Most likely your new gear will include a somewhat smaller (more heavily loaded) main canopy, and perhaps one that provides zippier handling.
Many experienced jumpers forget what it was like to learn to handle a small ram-air. Because they've lost touch, they're convinced any jumper can quickly and safely learn to handle a canopy loaded at 1.0 or more.
They're wrong, wrong, wrong. Don't get talked into buying something so small that you load it at 0.8 or more. It's like putting new drivers in powerful sports cars: Although they can drive them well enough in easy conditions, they're likely to lose control if something unexpected happens.
Be sure to get real transition training with your new gear. A jumper who's used to a 260 sq.ft. canopy will likely be somewhat terrified on his first jump under a 170 square footer. Transition training that covers the canopy as well as the rig is very important.
There's plenty of good used gear on the market, available in pieces or as complete, ready-to-jump rigs. Get some help in the prepurchase inspection, from an independent rigger or knowledgeable experienced jumper. Buy mainstream components, ones that enjoy wide popularity--there are reasons they're popular, and they tend to keep their resale value better.
If you don't like the rig or canopy because it doesn't "seem right," then don't buy it, because you'll probably never be happy with it.
Some dealers sell used gear, and there's nothing wrong with buying gear from them rather than a private party. But if you go that route, buy from a local dealer, one you see regularly at your home DZ. You'll be able to strangle him if you find out later he sold you junk.
If you're patient and buy intelligently, you'll be able to recover much of what you paid for your first set of gear when you sell it. And if you beat it up a bit with a little runway rash, so what? At least you didn't scuff up your new stuff.
Best Rig for Freeflying; Catapult Pilot Chute; Why is the Javelin Popular?
Q. Which is the best rig for freeflying? Does a Catapult really make any difference in reserve deployment? Why is Javelin the most popular brand of rig?
A. Your questions don't have "hard" answers. Here is one skydiver's opinionated response:
1. Any of the modern rigs are suitable for freeflying. A BOC (bottom of the container) pilot chute is an essential feature, because a legstrap-mounted pilot chute has exposed bridle that can be snagged during some maneuvers. It's also important that any Velcro be fresh (so it's still good and sticky). Packed containers should be tight, as loose ones open easier. (A freeflying friend had a nasty malfunction recently when his pull-out pilot chute worked its way out of his closed container.)
2. If I got a Reflex, I'd order one without the Catapult secondary pilot chute. I don't like the idea of the secondary pilot chute pulling the reserve off my back if the main pilot chute is burbling below it. Drop tests with a prototype Relative Workshop Vector (not a Reflex, but with a very similar reserve setup) proved that this scenario can result in a serious (i.e. fatal) reserve malfunction.
The Reflex is a good rig, and the factory offers it with or without the Catapult. Again, I'd do without it, but other jumpers feel differently.
3. The Javelin is popular because (1) it's a good rig, and (2) the company does an excellent job of marketing it. That's how to be successful no matter what you're selling--rigs, rugs or rags.
Q. I started jumping three years ago and earned an A license, but I haven't skydived in more than two years. How do I get current again?
A. According to USPA, an A-licensed skydiver who hasn't made a freefall within the preceding 90 days should, if trained by the static-line method, make a short freefall of not more than five seconds. If she was trained by the AFF method, then she should make an AFF Level 4. Both jumps should be made under the supervision of a jumpmaster.
Jumpers who've returned to the sport after long layoffs say stable freefall is like riding the proverbial bicycle--you never forget.
Q. Is cross-country jumping supported by any organization or gear manufacturers yet? I recall reading in SKYDIVING about a company that was working on canopies for that purpose. It would also be good if someone was making harnesses that remain comfortable during long flights.
A. Performance Designs, the Florida company that makes skydiving canopies, is also active in other markets, including paragliding and powered parachutes. It has built jumpable canopies with significantly better gliding performance than those skydivers use. But it hasn't announced any plans to put such canopies into production. Cross-country parachuting is fun. Since it often involves exiting 15 miles or more from the target, it requires knowing the upper winds and how to compensate for them.
It also requires knowing the "rules of the road" for aircraft, since long flights will sometimes take the jumper through special types of airspace.
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.
Looking for Quality 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.
Who Holds the High-Altitude Records?
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.
(In 1962, Air Force major Joe Kittinger jumped from a helium balloon flying at 102,000 feet above the New Mexico desert. But his wasn't true freefall jump; a small drogue parachute deployed soon after exit. It helped him stay stable until his parachute deployed at 10,000 feet.)
Wants to Make High-Altitude Millennium Jump
Q. I am organizing an attempt to break the world altitude record for freefall jumping. The jump will take place on the first day of the new millennium by up to 25 novice jumpers. So far I have significant interest from three major global media companies. This is a charity fund-raising project.
I have never jumped before, but I'm a partner in a U.K.-based business that specializes in helping global media companies develop their corporate cultures by experiencing extreme sports. Any ideas?
A. Yes. Contact Bob Christ. The Pennsylvania skydiver is organizing a millennium jump on the South Pole. Perhaps he has some ideas. Email: forum@chesco.com .
Comments on Collapsible Pilot Chutes, Tandem Jumps & AFF
The following are reader responses to queries published in previous issues of Skydiving:
Q. I was taken aback by your answer to a query that was published in SKYDIVING #207. I object that you included collapsible pilot chutes in those gear components that new jumpers should stay away from.
Right after the introduction of cockable pilot chutes, skydivers were not used to cocking them. But today, most consider it as normal as stowing lines.
As a packer, I was also upset with your advice to avoid them. I do admit that there are unreliable packers out there. However, from my experience most packers are more consistent and more reliable with their packing than many weekend skydivers. If a packer does a poor job (i.e. hard openings, hard pulls, off-heading openings) his customers can leave and pack for themselves. I've also found that packers will talk about packing with other packers. This helps spread lessons learned and generally raises the skill of the packer and the quality of hired pack jobs.
I have never thought tandem jumps were too overwhelming for first time jumpers as you said. I think AFF first jumps have the most potential for being overwhelming. How else can we introduce people to skydiving that is less involved than tandem jumps? Maybe those that are overwhelmed by tandems really shouldn't be jumping. At least the tandem allows those people to discover that with an experienced instructor taking responsibility for deploying the parachute and landing safely.
On the plus side I did appreciate your recommendation for first time gear buyers to look into used gear. This is an often overlooked way for a jumper to get into a quality rig without the new gear expense.--Jack Rumple
A. Collapsible pilot chutes complicate the safety of a rig. One can forget to cock them. They can malfunction in several ways. They require extra maintenance. Our advice to new jumpers is to stay away from them until they get canopies that really need them.
We think newer jumpers should pack their own mains. They should become proficient in doing so, and the only real way to get proficient is to pack a lot.
Packing their rigs themselves puts the jumpers in control. They'll know exactly how the rig was packed, and this knowledge buildsconfidence.
Packing also teaches jumpers more about their gear as they "lay their hands" on it.
We don't object if new jumpers later choose to hire packers (either occasionally or constantly). One doesn't have to tie his own flies to be a good fly fisherman.
The answer wasn't a slam against packers. Sure, they mistakes, but then so do end-users. We think some tandem jumps can be too overwhelming for some first-timers if the instructor is too hurried or too uncommunicative, or if the jump includes post-exit loops and wild canopy maneuvers. We're convinced a first-timer is more apt to make another jump if he lands after a tandem saying "I can do this" to himself.
Again, our answer wasn't a slam on tandem per se. It was a comment on how some (bored) tandem instructors at some DZs present the sport to first-timers.
We agree with your suggestion that perhaps AFF is too overwhelming for some jumpers. The list of tasks on USPA's AFF jumps is too long.
Exercise to Improve One's Body Position
Q. A student who was having problems with his body position wrote you and asked if there were any exercises that would help him (Skydiving #211).
Here's an exercise a fellow skydiver taught me when I had the same problem. It's a modified push-up. At the 20-minute call, lie flat on the ground. With your pelvis on the ground and your legs straight out and spread at a skydiving angle, put your palms on the ground on either side of your chest and push your chest up as far as you can. Hold that position for 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times, trying to push your chest higher each time. Put on your rig and repeat.
This exercise seems to stretch your muscles, add more flex to your back and allow for an easier arch. If it worked for me, it may work for anyone.--Walter Halen
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