help finding instruction in VA

[mac266 0]

I started static line training in Colorado, but the military moved me to Virginia. Of the schools in VA who offer static line OR AFF, which do you recommend and why? I am perfectly willing to convert over to the AFF program.

Btw, I'm currently sitting on 6 jumps, four static line and two freefall.

[DJL 235]

Wherever you go right now is what you'll come to like. It will be more about what's closest to you. I don't think you'll find many people saying that their DZ is better than their neighboring DZ, it's just not like that or at least shouldn't be like that. The DZ's in VA have a lot of military jumpers and I'm sure you'll be in good hands wherever you go. Where do you live?

"I encourage all awesome dangerous behavior." - Jeffro Fincher

[BIGUN 1,314]

Just take your logbook to a couple of DZs and let them share with you where they will insert you in any instructional method.

Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

[3331 137]

Where are you in Virginia ?

I Jumped with the guys who invented Skydiving.

[wildcard451 0]

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Where are you in Virginia ?

That's gonna be a deciding factor. TBH, you aren't gonna go wrong at Orange, West Point, or Suffolk. All three are great DZs, and each have their own vibe. Visit each one and see how you feel about them.

I jump at Orange, but would happily show up at WP or Suffolk any day.

[abyzet 0]

Skydive Orange!

[AdamUSN 0]

I am under Instruction at Suffolk. If you are in the Military and you enjoy Military Instruction this might be where you want to go. The DZ Manager is great, lots of information and friendly. The DZ Owner is Retired Navy. The AFF/TI staff is made up of many Retired and Active Duty Military Free Fall instructors. These guys are not doped up, not getting high after work and safety is the number 1 priority to them. The Pilot is a Navy Pilot too! We also have many military jumpers on the weekends, and if your command has Half-day Fridays we jump them too : )

Pros:

Good Airplane PAC 750XL, Professional Instruction, Safety Orientated, Friendly DZ, Good Landing areas.

Cons:

42 miles from Virginia Beach, Last year instruction was slow - Instructor vs. Student ratio was low (new instructors on the DZ now, this weekend instructors went home because there was too many)

No matter where your choice to jump is I am sure that everyone is top notch in the area. Enjoy jumping, the Summer time in Virginia is good.

If you do things that don't make you appreciate life than why do them

[DJL 235]

Quote

I am under Instruction at Suffolk. If you are in the Military and you enjoy Military Instruction this might be where you want to go. The DZ Manager is great, lots of information and friendly. The DZ Owner is Retired Navy. The AFF/TI staff is made up of many Retired and Active Duty Military Free Fall instructors. These guys are not doped up, not getting high after work and safety is the number 1 priority to them. The Pilot is a Navy Pilot too! We also have many military jumpers on the weekends, and if your command has Half-day Fridays we jump them too : )

Pros:

Good Airplane PAC 750XL, Professional Instruction, Safety Orientated, Friendly DZ, Good Landing areas.

Cons:

42 miles from Virginia Beach, Last year instruction was slow - Instructor vs. Student ratio was low (new instructors on the DZ now, this weekend instructors went home because there was too many)

No matter where your choice to jump is I am sure that everyone is top notch in the area. Enjoy jumping, the Summer time in Virginia is good.

So by comparison what are the Virginia DZs where the instructors are doped up, getting high after work and safety is not the number 1 priority to them?

"I encourage all awesome dangerous behavior." - Jeffro Fincher

[mac266 0]

I'm living in Alexandria, working at the Pentagon.

The closest to me seems to be Skydive Virginia, according to the list of DZs on this site. What do you guys think of them?

[DJL 235]

Quote

I'm living in Alexandria, working at the Pentagon.

The closest to me seems to be Skydive Virginia, according to the list of DZs on this site. What do you guys think of them?

That's my old DZ but it doesn't exist anymore. The closest is Orange. They have a good program. West Point also has a good program but it's a bit further away.

"I encourage all awesome dangerous behavior." - Jeffro Fincher

[3331 137]

Visit all the DZ's especially this one, cheap motel real close.

http://www.skydivethepoint.com/

I Jumped with the guys who invented Skydiving.

[kunosoura 0]

The pack mat is comfy too, if you don't make it to a hotel. Got my A license here. Great place, can't recommend it enough

[fencebuster 7]

I am an AFF Instructor at Skydive Orange. We are a student-oriented DZ. I received my A license there and worked hard to get my Coach, AFFI and TI ratings there with the help of the entire staff. Everyone on staff is safety oriented and concerned that our students have a fun, safe and professional experience. We have military guys on staff, staff with thousands of jumps and a great after-hours vibe. Come visit, spend a day and make a jump or several jumps. By now, you should be doing all free fall, and if you are not, we'll get you there, safely. You will be convinced. We also have a Super Twin Otter, which is probably the best jump plane out there. You will feel welcome and get first class training at Orange.

Charlie Gittins, 540-327-2208
AFF-I, Sigma TI, IAD-I
MEI, CFI-I, Senior Rigger
Former DZO, Blue Ridge Skydiving Adventures

[lost_n_confuzd 0]

Go to Skydive Orange. I went to their Boogie last year and had an awesome time. Recently settled down (again) in the DC area and will be going all the time, in fact, I went this weekend for a currency jump and filled out the membership application.

If you need a ride this coming weekend let me know.

[AdamUSN 0]

Quote

Quote

I am under Instruction at Suffolk. If you are in the Military and you enjoy Military Instruction this might be where you want to go. The DZ Manager is great, lots of information and friendly. The DZ Owner is Retired Navy. The AFF/TI staff is made up of many Retired and Active Duty Military Free Fall instructors. These guys are not doped up, not getting high after work and safety is the number 1 priority to them. The Pilot is a Navy Pilot too! We also have many military jumpers on the weekends, and if your command has Half-day Fridays we jump them too : )

Pros:

Good Airplane PAC 750XL, Professional Instruction, Safety Orientated, Friendly DZ, Good Landing areas.

Cons:

42 miles from Virginia Beach, Last year instruction was slow - Instructor vs. Student ratio was low (new instructors on the DZ now, this weekend instructors went home because there was too many)

No matter where your choice to jump is I am sure that everyone is top notch in the area. Enjoy jumping, the Summer time in Virginia is good.

So by comparison what are the Virginia DZs where the instructors are doped up, getting high after work and safety is not the number 1 priority to them?

You are right D.. Safety is a number 1 Priority to all Dropzones.

If you do things that don't make you appreciate life than why do them

[DJL 235]

Quote

You are right D.. Safety is a number 1 Priority to all Dropzones.

Hmmm...I wouldn't go that far...

"I encourage all awesome dangerous behavior." - Jeffro Fincher

[wildcard451 0]

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Quote

You are right D.. Safety is a number 1 Priority to all Dropzones.

Hmmm...I wouldn't go that far...

Yes yes, come now. Look cool first, camera awareness second, safety third.

[Will_Evo 0]

It is a bit of a drive, but I live near Alexandria as well and I am in the military, and I jump at Skydive Delmarva in Delaware. it's not the closest, but I went there once, and decided it was my kind of place. West Point is cool too, awesome people at both. Delmarva's safety day is Saturday March 27th if you wanna come out. Got a big crew of free flyers out there puttin in work if that's your thing.

-Evo

EDIT: In hindsight, I forgot you only have 6 jumps, so if free flying is your thing...something is probably wrong lol :-P

Zoo Crew

[CDRINF 1]

I am in the Army, live in Arlington and just started going to Skydive the Point a few weeks ago. Other military friends who have jumped in the area steered me there, even though it is a bit farther away than Orange. It's got a great vibe, good people and appears to have very solid instruction. Club dues are $5 a month and get you a dollar off your jumps. The view of the Chesepeake Bay from 13,500 is unmatched! It takes me just over 2 hours to get there, but I think is worth the drive.

CDR