| Hi Dave,
It's been many moons since I've had the pleasure of skydiving, but
most of the info will be about the same, so I'll try and answer some of
your questions.
As far as the log book is concerned, the different entries are
"mostly" to record your own specifics about a particular jump. However,
the entries could also be used as proof of completing certain
requirements for advancment because eash jump needs to be signed off.
Let's say, for example, that you go to a drop zone you havn't jumped
before. The people there will want to know your capabilities before
they let you jump. They will determine that through your log book. If
you say your cleared for 60 second delays but don't have 60 second
delay's recorded and signed off in your book, don't be surprised if
they don't believe you. So, you record the specifics of each jump.
Type of exit might be "flat stable". Things done during free fall might
be just flat stable, or 360 right and left turns, realitive work, 2 or
3 man hook up, etc.
Yes, there is a progression through the ranks. That's why you should
keep good records, and make sure each jump is signed off. I believe
they still have different "license" levels in the sport. They used to
run A thru D. Not sure if the lower levels (A & B) are still used. Each
level requires a higher level of proficiency with the ability to do
more in the air. There are also a set number of jumps required for each
level.
Assuming the "old" static line method of learning is still used the
same way, the progression is something like this.....
5 successful static line jumps, the last 2 of which have to be
successful dummy rip cord pulls. Once this is completed, you get signed
off for free fall and progress like this....
3 successful 5 second delays
3 successful 10 second delays
3 successful 15 second delays
3 successful 30 second delays
3 successful 60 second delays (cant remember if there was a 45 sec.
delay between 30 and 60)
Successful in the above progression means that you are watched on each
of those jumps and the person signing off in your log book is stating
that you performed each jump correctly and maintained control and
completed whatever other requirements correctly during the jump.
Once you complete the 60 second delays, then your no longer considered
a student and are signed off to jump to your hearts content. There is
an accelerated free fall program that get's you off of student status
quicker, but I'm not sure what the progression is.
Hope this helps.
Steve
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Hi Dave
Here's some more input for your skydiving. Yes they still have license
progression A thru D. As mentioned in the previous reply, keep
control of you log book since it is how you substantiate what level of
skydiver you are. Unlike the last reply, I don't recommend messing
with the static line method. There is a much better method out now
that is called AFF (Accelerated Free Fall). You will freefall from 10
to 12 thousand feet on your first jump. I'd stay as far away from
static line as possible. Now before you conclude that I am an
anti-static line snob, remember that I jumped static line for about 14
years before learning to free fall. I am also a Special Forces static
line jumpmaster.
The problem with learning to do a static line is that you are learning
skills that you will quickly move off of so they are wasted. Also,
since you are falling predominantly on your own you can develop bad
habits before they can be corrected. With the AFF program, you always
have at least 1 AFF jumpmaster in the air with you. You will learn
some hand signals so that he can make on the spot corrections as you
learn. On your first couple of jumps, you will have 2 jumpmasters
holding on to you. STarting (I believe) with your level 3, you will go
to only one. You learn fast this way and it's way safer. Most schools
actively try to discourage students from doing static line. You can
theoritically get off student status in 7 jumps. I took 8, average is
about 10. USPA recomends this method.
Whichever way you go, I hope you have a blast
P.S.
jumped a C-130 tailgate about a week ago from 10,000 feet. It's
still a rush.
Ernie
B14644
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