Obtaining Your Skydive Class A License

Jump count: 32

What is a Class A skydiving license ? And how do I get one?

-  This skydiving license can be obtained in as little as 25 jumps, given the student completes the necessary AFF or *Accelerated Free Fall class.  It permits a skydiver to legally skydive at any drop zone, it permits a skydiver to fly with groups or formations and registers you as a graduate of the AFF class with the USPA (United States Parachute Association) which then identifies and certifies you wherever you jump.

Class was an 8 hour, hands on run through of all the basic, but very critical, knowledge a person must know and understand before making their first jump.                

                         *(it's not required to make a tandem jump before you take the AFF class)

AFF Class Topics

*Parachute functions including application and location of all 3 pull handles and their purposes

*How to safely load into the aircraft and the steps for proper exiting technique at jump altitude-13,500'

*Proper belly flying positioning for stable flight during free fall 

*Free fall objectives including awareness steps and hand signals 

*Proper pulling sequence for safe canopy deployment

*How to control and accurately fly your canopy including landing methods 

         -and of course-

*Parachute malfunction and emergency procedures 

After completing and passing the necessary 7 instructed jumps, you must then obtain at least 25 jumps in a decently short time period.  It took me 8 weekends of skydiving to obtain my class A license.  Its a good idea to jump consistently to keep the knowledge and experience fresh in body and mind, remember, a free fall is about 60 seconds you are given to learn from during each jump.  That may seem like a quick ride but believe me, time slows down as your riding gravity's saddle and racing to the earth at a minimum of 110 miles per hour.  

Once all jumps have been completed and your experience card has been fulfilled and signed off on all required jump objectives/maneuver/topics, you must take and legally pass a 3 page written test, required by the USPA, which initials air traffic edict, laws and emergency procedures in all aspects.  

I have completed all my necessary jumps, been signed off on all the necessary knowledge reviews, passed the required tests and finally been certified a licensed skydiver :)  Time to spread my wings!

To enroll in an AFF class, contact your local Drop Zone!

My First Solo Skydive

9/30/12

I just finished my level 7 jump which is the last jump in which an instructor will be accompanying me.  I have officially graduated kindergarden in Sky School and about to head up for my first ever solo skydive!  I can't stop smiling.  Is this really happening?  I put on my parachute as instructors throughout the hanger are checking my gear and "bidding me fair well" as they too know the status of my next jump.  I am so excited to hear the plane approach the hanger to pick up the next load.  The smell of jet fuel excites me we load into the aircraft.  As we make our way up to 13,500 ft, I'm still finding it hard to believe that in my 3rd weekend jumping, I am allowed to jump alone with no one there to turn toward or to take instruction from as in my previous jumps.  I receive a thumbs up or high 5 from everyone in the plane as the green light turns on indicating that its time to open the door and exit.  As I watch the group before me shrink and disappear into the distant air,  I turn toward the inside of the plane to see everyone smiling at me as they wave me off.  Time to go.  Time to make this leap on my own.  Relative to life in that the power of progression starts with a single step and as you continue to take those steps, you will reach a time and place that demands you to take a leap without anyone there to push you.  Without anyone there to push us throughout our pursuits, we can only push ourselves. This is my time, in this plane and in life.   Who I once was, I no longer am.  What I once was, I can no longer be.  Where I once was, no longer exists.  So how do I change?  Accept reality and take the leap.

I am confident and humbled as I jump through a wall of fear, right out of an airplane door over 10,000 ft.  Though the wind rushes by my ears, there is a silence that surrounds me.  I can feel my smile reaching both of my ears and as I become aware that I can hear nothing, I feel myself laughing hysterically.  "Look mom.. no hands" I say out loud as if i'm performing stand up comedy to a listening audience.  The sun catches my eye and with what maneuvers I'v learned throughout my previous jumps, its easy for me to turn and position my body in any direction as I absorb the entire 360 degree, panoramic view of my surroundings.  Frosted mountain tops, beautiful fall colored forests, crisp clean air with a full sky of sunshine.  Its absolutely beautiful.  What an amazing experience made available for us to witness.  I am so glad I'm here and can't wait to return, BUT FIRST.... I'v got to pull my chute now and land this thing.  And as I approach the ground safely, I have already convinced myself to make one more for the day!  Simply amazing day :)

Skydive AFF Jump #7

9/30/12
In only 3 weeks time, I have passed my first 6 jumps and today will be making my final AFF Instructed jump #7 followed by my first ever completely solo exit and flight.  In Sky School, this is like graduating kindergarden.  I have learned the very basics of this sport which are:

*How to properly put on a parachute
*How to safely board and exit an aircraft in proper jump order
*How to maintain a stable belly position during free fall
*How and when to use my altimeter
*How and why to be aware of the jump run during flight
*How and when to deploy my parachute
*How, why and when to cut away and use reserve canopy if necessary
*How to properly execute a safe landing according to the wind

It may not seem like much to learn but the majority of what you can learn in this sport you can only learn a minute at a time for that is the average free fall time while belly flying from 13,000 ft.  Of course you can always visit your local wind tunnel for some indoor air time.  Vertical wind tunnels are great practice for body position wether your just learning to belly fly or your more advanced working on your free fly maneuvers.  I spent 4 minutes in a tunnel the weekend prior to my first jump.  It was such a big help with my skydive in that it introduced me to the air flow in a safe environment allowing me to focus more on how to compose and hold a stable belly fly position, opposed to learning in the midst of your adrenaline rush as you casually jump out of a plane for the first time!

Today's jump involves Tracking which is a horizontal flying position used to direct yourself toward or away from a group or area.  This is a necessary maneuver to learn and prefect if you ever plan to fly a wing suit.

Jump Objectives:

-Observe and identify jump run
-Solo exit
-Find stability and check altimeter
-Make eye contact with instructor, they nod
-Observe and identify jump run
-Turn and begin track for 10 seconds
-Return to regular belly position and check altitude
-Make eye contact with instructor, they nod
-Turn 180 degrees, observe and identify jump run
-Begin tracking for 10 seconds

Depending on your altitude, your instructor may have you continue to track in either direction.

As I get on the plane, I catch a whiff of jet fuel.  This smell triggers certain feelings for me now.  I'v been working on Boeing Airfield in Everett WA.  I see the biggest passenger planes come and go all day long and I often find myself taking a big whiff, closing my eyes and finding myself on a jump plane as the smell accompanies my imagination.  Such a tease throughout my work week but the weekends here and I'm finally on my way up!  Its different to me now.  Its not as nerve racking as it was in the very beginning, though I am still nervous, I am calm and collective.  We exit the plane, I first, followed by my instructor.  Upon finding stability, I turn to my instructor as she nods indicating its okay to begin my track.  I Observe and identify the jump run and slowly bring my hands from in front of my vision, toward my hips/waist with palms down.  I straiten my legs and point my toes and as I do so I feel myself take off like a bullet.  My first track probably looked like a small car driving on ice with bald tires.  (in every direction just to go strait)  I end my track, turn around to check in with my instructor once again and as she nods, I begin my track in the opposite direction.  This time with a lot better traction and direction.  I am so thrilled as I come to the realization that I'm traveling at great speeds horizontally as I descend and can no longer classify what I am doing as "Falling"... I am flying!
This is absolutely amazing.  I can't believe that I didn't start doing this earlier on in my life.

Now for my first ever SOLO jump

Skydive AFF Jump #6

9/23/12
Once again... I'm so FLIPPING excited at this point.  Still riding the adrenaline rush from my previous jump, I can't wait to jump out of the plane unassisted and execute this jumps objectives.

Jump Objectives:

-Solo exit
-Find stable belly postion
-Check altimeter
-Initiate back flip
-Find stability and Check altimeter
-Initiate front flip
-Find stability and Check altimeter
-Initiate left hand barrel roll
-Find stability and Check altimeter
-Initiate right hand barrel roll
-Find stability and Check altimeter
-At 6,000 ft, no more maneuvers
-Wave off at 4,500 and pull

I had to get this one on video!
Check it out-------Click Here for AFF Level 6 video
Its in real time, no editing, no music.  So fun :)

I'm having such a good time in my introduction to the sky.  I'm starting to feel that this sport will become a big part of my life!  My next jump will involve tracking which is a horizontal flying technique.  But after that.... I'm on my own.  I can't wait to have the air all to my self :)

Skydive AFF jump #5

I'v returned for my second day in a row with some time in the sky.  I'm excited for today I will be making my first solo, unassisted exit but first... I must complete this level 5 jump

#5 Jump objectives:

-Make a stable exit while instructor holds my right side
-Find stability and check in with instructor, he gives a thumbs up
-Instructor moves in front, face to face, and nods indicating its okay to begin spins
-Check altimeter
-Initiate left 360 degree spin and stop facing instructor
-Check altimeter
-Instructor nods indicating its okay to begin opposite spin
-Check altimeter
-Initiate right 360 degree spin and stop facing instructor
-Check altimeter

Depending on your altitude, your instructor may have you continue your spins.

After a much better exit than my last, I find stability almost instantly allowing us to begin.  I was extremely aggressive with my spins using heavy pitched arm movements creating very fast turns.  And even in the speed of the spin I was able to stop on target (facing the instructor) each time.  I find that I have a better understanding on how your body affects the air and how the air affects the body.  My belly position is almost natural now and I feel a lot more in control although I'm well aware that I have a lot left to learn.  Like anything, there is endless knowledge available to absorb in pursuit of perfection.

I never even hear a voice speak to me over the radio as I follow the landing pattern down and reunite safely with the earth.  I get a high 5 and am informed that I no longer need a radio on me for my landing technique is fine.  I just have to remember to always be aware of people around me before making any sudden movements, follow the designated landing pattern and land in the designated area according to the winds direction.  The responsibility of properly executing these tasks is not to be ignored for the safety of others around you can be compromised with poor or lazy judgment.

As I return to the hanger, I turn in my radio and am overcome with a lonely feeling.  Even though my last couple jumps have required little or no communication, there is a sense of security knowing someone is there.  But I guess thats growing up in the sky people community :)

Time for some flips and my first solo exit!!!

Skydive AFF Jump #4

9/22/12
The weekend finally came and I am excited to make a few jumps in the lasting summer weather, but I can only make 1 jump today.

Todays jump's objectives are:
-Exit aircraft with only one instructor
-Practice one pull sequence
-if i'm to remain stable, the instructor will let go and move in front of me face to face.
-He nods and i'm to make a 90 degree turn to my left
-Check altimeter
-Turn back 90 degrees to face instructor and make eye contact
-Check altimeter
-Instructor nods and I make a 90 degree turn in the opposite direction
-Check altimeter
-Turn back 90 degrees and face instructor again

If enough time is still available before pulling altitude, your instructor will have you repeat the process.

As we make our way up through the clouds, discussing arm position for responsive turning maneuvers, I'm nervous for its been a week since my last jump and the absence of an instructor on the outside of the plane is leaving me to approach the door first, while the instructor holds on your right side which in jump position is inside the plane.

Prop
Up
Down
Out

And as we exit the plane, I feel my instructor dive  down pulling me out of my belly position.  For several seconds we are falling with no control and what your taught to do is ARCH your body the best you can and as I did so, the instructor was able to find us a stable position.  I look at my instructor with eyes of fear and say "woooo."  My instructor laughs, nods, lets go and moves in front as we execute the jump objectives listed above.

I'm nervous as we approach pull altitude because I want to have a successful pull.  Without disrupting my body's position and maintaing a solid heading from wave off to full deployment.  As altitude came (4,500 ft), I was focused as I waved off and pulled.  It was flawlessly executed and as my canopy opened, I yelled with my success! "WOOO HOOOO"

I hear my instructors voice on the radio say "Its all you bud.  I'll correct you if I need to but lets see if you can get down on your own.  Just follow the landing pattern according to the wind's direction," as learned in class and practiced throughout your previous landings.

As I approach 1000 feet, I leave the "holding area" a designated area, depending on the wind, where you want to remain under canopy until you begin your landing pattern.  At 1000 ft, you are to head downwind passing your landing target one either side.  At 600ft, you are to cut across the wind with a 90 degree turn, until your target is directly to your landing side.  At 300 ft, you are to turn another 90 degrees upwind heading you directly toward your landing target.  By pulling both toggles down to your chest, you will feel the canopy slow down and descend with less horizontal travel.  By leaving both toggles all the way up above your head, you feel the canopy speed up with more horizontal travel.

I'm learning and improving and as I make my final approach to the ground, I'm satisfied to know that my landing required no radio assistance.  My exit was bit sketchy but knowing how to improve it leaves me anxious for tomorrow where I will have more time for a couple jumps!  The objectives of the next jump are the same at exit but during free fall I will be executing full 360 degree belly spins in both directions.  And the jump that follows that includes flips and I can't begin to describe in words how FLIPPING excited I am to come back!  Pun definitely intended :)

AFF Level 4 - success :)

Skydive AFF Jump #3

Still exhilarated from my skydive, that took place 5 minutes ago, I strap on another parachute!  And to up the energy a little, I know that as long as I keep good body position and maintain stability, my instructors will actually let me go and I'm to fall without direct assistance unless needed.  I am so jazzed at this point, I  can't stop smiling.  As I wait for the plane to return to the hanger for our next ride, I find myself intrigued for the environment here is so amazing.  There are professional jumpers everywhere that are a bread of their own.  Everyone seems to value life more deeply as everyone is extremely active.  Rock climbers, skiers/snowboarders, hikers, travelers, wake boarders, pilots, base jumpers...  Its as if related or not, they are one big family of extreme people that create a humbling atmosphere I can't help but be drawn to.  The plane arrives and we load up.

As we ascend to 13,500 ft, I talk with people on the plane, have some laughs and before I know it, we are already at 8,000 ft.  My nerves are extremely calm allowing my focus not to be disrupted by my excitement.  The more aware I can remain the more I'm able to see, feel and learn.  The plane slows to jumping speed as the green light comes on and the door opens.

Check in
Check out
Up
Down
Out

Sweet exit right into a stable position.  I practice my pull sequence 3 times and check altitude.  I am trying so hard to keep stable as I feel one instructor let me go.  I begin to smile beyond my control as the other instructor releases.  I am free falling, unassisted.  As an instructor flys in front of me, it becomes even more real.  While in free fall, you are to keep your head up and look forward at the horizon for proper air flow around the head and neck area.  Looking down or to the sides improperly can cause your body to spin or dive.  You never really pay mind to your instructors unless they are giving you hand signals for they are just out of your peripheral vision during free fall.  But to witness the fall, while observing another skydiver in air, brings me an entire new perspective of this sports potential.

As I approach pulling altitude, I focus as I'm to pull my chute while my body position is unassisted by my instructors.  As I wave of I begin to spin slightly.  As I reach back I begin to spin more... I hesitate...  In a split second my thoughts are... "don't pull while your spinning.  Correct your body position... WAIT... no... your at pull altitude... Pull it."  The most important task for a skydiver during free fall is
* PULL.  Though I was rotating slightly, my parachute deployed as its suppose to as I watch my instructors fly away from me.  THAT was awesome.

If your spinning while you pull your parachute.  It may twist the lines and cause your parachute to malfunction temporarily or permanently.  Its important to practice your pull sequences until you learn to maintain a heading while pulling to ensure best potential for a successful canopy deployment.

A great jump and another soft landing in designated landing area!  I wish I could do another jump today but I haven't the time... I haven't even left yet and already I can't wait to return next weekend!  My next few jumps will be with the company of only one instructor as I begin to learn flying maneuvers.  First maneuver is left and right belly spins.  My next jump will be number 4 and its exciting to know that i'm half way to my solo jump (#8)

Skydive AFF Jump #2

After experiencing the first jump, I am now aware of whats about to happen from ground up and back again.  Its been said that a lot of people don't remember their first few jumps due to the intensity but I absorbed every bit of my first free fall and remember it well.  I must say that the plane ride up was a little more intense but still very exciting and fun.  Again the calm nature of the other jumpers some how eases the tension and allows you to feel safe knowing that a lot of these people make 5-6 jumps a day all summer long without problems.

 This jumps objective is the same as the first.  Observe and execute proper exit technique, check altimeter, 3 practice pulls as 2 instructors are holding on to you.

 A green light turns on, after feeling the aircraft decrease in speed, indicating that its time to open the door and exit.  Adrenaline increase silences my surroundings allowing allowing me to hear and feel my heartbeat.  I am calm as I approach the door with an instructor on each side of me.  I grab the door jam, one hand inside the plane one hand outside, and find solid foot position.  At this point in time, I'm half way in the door and half way out.  The wind coming from ahead is 100 mph or greater and wants to pull you right out of the plane.

 I start exit sequence...

1.  -I turn to my right side instructor "CHECK IN"- he gives me a thumbs up
     -I turn to my left side instructor "CHECK OUT"- she gives me a thumbs up
2.  -I turn to the front of the plane, looking forward and start my count.
     -"PROP" -
     -"UP" (while standing up a little)
     -"DOWN" (while bring the body back down)
     -"OUT" (slowly stepping out of the door facing the wind)
The purpose of the *up *down *out technique is due to the high winds and required helmets worn during flight, its hard to hear anyone speak to you so the up, down, out acts as a 1, 2, 3 that you can see with your body rather than hearing it out loud.  This way, the instructor outside of the plane that may or may not be able to see the instructor on the inside of the plane know exactly when to jump for a proper exit and fall with stability.

We exit nicely and are falling with stability.  I am smiling from ear to ear as I turn to my right instructor, he gives me thumbs up.  Then to my left instructor, she give me a thumbs up.  I check my altimeter and we are 11,000 ft.  I practice pulling my chute 3 times and am comfortable knowing where the ball is located behind me. I check my altimeter now at 9,000 ft.  I am now to check my altimeter ever 3-5 seconds until 6,000 ft where I am to watch my altitude fall to 5,500 ft, wave off and pull my chute.  The purpose of waving off is to warn anyone who may be falling above you that your about to pull.  As you pull, your speed decreases rapidly and if someone falling above you doesn't know your about to pull, it could cause a major collision in air and have serious consequences.  Always wave off!

I can see so many mountains from up here.  The sky is blue and the air is warm and for a moment, mine to enjoy as I forget to even notice that i'm falling at over 120 mph.  Its simply amazing.  Once under my properly deployed canopy, I am alone.  Just me and view.  I reach up and grab my right and left toggles (meant for steering and speed control) and begin to turn slowly to the left to get the full panoramic view of the world.  What an amazing experience and to think that someone once decided to create a parachute and hurl themselves out of a plane!  Thanx dude :)

A voice on the other end of the radio attached to my chest brings me back to reality as i'm talked down in my decent.  I've softly landed on my feet both jumps so far and as i'm congratulated by my instructors, I can literally NOT wait to jump again.  So what do I do?... Jump again :)

#3 here we go :)                                                                                                   jumps made on 9/16/12

My new found love for SKYDIVING

                  My new found love for SKYDIVING                                             

My first jump video click -----> here

On September 22, 2012, a friend and I decided to take an AFF (Accelerated Free Fall) class that would prepare us for a non tandem jump.  The class was long, informative and filled with anticipation knowing the moment would come and I'd be exiting an aircraft at 13,500 ft while 2 instructions simply hold on to my harness straps.  The class can't prepare you for the adrenaline rush you'll experience the moment you strap on your parachute and enter the plane for your assent.  GOING UP.  I was instructed to check my altimeter at 5,500 ft and explain the relevance of that altitude to my instructors as taught in class.  I looked out the window to see a beautiful view, but then... I looked down.  WOW!  We weren't even half way to drop altitude and already the ground appeared to be nothing more than a painting in motion.  Absolutely terrifying and amazing all at the same time. 15 minutes of flight feels like forever when your completely aware that your about to jump out of the aircraft.  Every minute passes with more anticipation and when the plane's door finally opens, the crucial and vital information you just learned for the past 6 hours in class that your life literally depends on, flies right out the door.  
Its literally the *Highest* I've ever been!--Pun intended.

As you approach exiting position, the calm and collective energy of your instructions relaxes you as you properly go through your exiting steps.

Step 1:  -grab door jam with both hands while facing the propeller of the plane.
Step 2: - find your foot position in the door
Step 3:  -turn to your right side instructor yelling "check in" (they nod)
             -then your left side instructor yelling "check out"     (they nod)
Step 4:  -locate and face prop and with your body in motion with what your about to rhythmically
                 count out loud, you shout   "prop" - "up" - "down" -"out"
                                                                1.          2.          3.       jump
Step 5:  -enjoy your flight
With an instructor on my left and right, they help me find stability in free fall, for any small movements at 120+ mph can have a quick effect on your body position.  After exiting and finding a solid fly/fall position, you are to turn to your right side instructor to make eye contact and as he gives you a thumbs up, you turn to your left instructor to do the same.  This is called the "Circle Of Awareness"  You then reach back to feel where the ball that will deploy your parachute upon being pulled is located.  After 3 practice pulls, you are to check your altimeter (altitude reader) every 3-5 seconds and simply enjoy the view of the mountains at eye level as you plummet toward the earth's floor at tremendous speeds.  Once you deploy your parachute at 5,500 ft, you are on your own.  Its just you, the sky and beautiful views of frosted mountain tops and acres of vibrant autumn colored forests.  The lasting rush of excitement leaves you feeling nothing less than more alive than you've ever been.  The sound of a voice speaking to you on the radio attached to your chest brings you back to reality as they talk you down from your decent.

My intentions were to make ONE jump.  Simply for the experience.  But I have made 28 jumps as of today,  and only need one more jump to become a certified and licensed skydiver.  I would love to some day become a jump instructor and/or videographer for a drop zone.  Over the past couple of years I have done a lot of audio recording along with video construction at home and would be thrilled to further utilize these skills.  Though, I am self taught on the programs I have, I'd see it to be beneficial to enroll in an online video editing course for even greater reference.

Throughout this blog, I will expose you to the "step by step" or "jump by jump" process in which a skydiver is born and raised through my experiences.  Your first jump (AFF Level 1) has a certain objective which is simply finding a solid body position.  There are 7 levels or jumps you must pass in order to advance and a minimum of 25 jumps before a license can be awarded.   Each jump having a different objective than the last.  Falling is easy and requires no skill.  Controlling the fall is the fun part.  Moving forward, backwards, from side to side, up and down, spinning around, flipping, rolling, sitting, standing, diving, etc.   After learning and practicing several basic maneuvers, you'll find that falling becomes flying and that flying can easily become a part of your life.