A Public Apology/setting the record straight

[DeepC 0]

This is not necessarily a safety topic, but I put it here because I don't want it buried under an old thread where nobody will read it.

A couple of weeks ago I posted a safety question with regards to spotting (and jumping) in cloudy conditions. After many questions/answers it de-evloved into a discussion about my training and instruction. I said some derogatory things about my DZ's training program.

Since then I have had a frank discussion with one of my instructors, and have received a message from TK Hayes. We are working things out and my training will continue in a better direction.

For those who do not want to read a long post...first the apology, later the explanations.

TK, and Z-Hills:

I apologize if I said anything that you may find offensive or that may sully your reputation. I was strictly speaking about my training experience and dissatisfaction thereof not the DZ as a whole. You do have a great DZ with a lot to offer. You do have some great instructors who are experts in skydiving and have a wealth of knowledge to pass along to students. I know that all of you care about the DZ, the students, and all of the skydivers that jump there. I am sorry for what I said.

Sincerely,

DeepC

I have figured out what the problems with my instruction were. I was responsible in part for some, and in full for others.

Personality differences:

Some of the instructors are a bit abbrasive by nature and seemed unnaproachable to me. I am somewhat shy and am intimidated by these personality types. I should either look to different instuctors, or simply be more assertive.

Scheduling:
I can only go there on weekends when you are busy--this means the instructors are going to be busy.

The Gold Plan: You said in your post that you do offer the Gold Plan which offers more one on one time. I bought Silver mostly due to finances, and partly because I did not realize the difference in personal attention. I should have done more research and asked more questions.

Much of the situation came down to communication.

Thank-you to everyone who had input on the original post. I really appreciated all of the advice I recieved from the experienced skydivers.

[Jumpah 0]

Glad you got it worked out. I finished my A out at Z-hills and it worked well for me.

Sit in on TK's accuracy seminar if he holds it again, and when you start getting more jump numbers, get a copy of his presentation on why pulling at 2,000 feet is a (statistically) poor idea. And ask him how he got the name "TK"

[rwieder 0]

That took some stones bro. It is my hope the rest of your training will continue to go your way. Communication, is the tool most underutilized concerning students. My dive instructors always told us the only dumb question is the one that isn't asked.

Good Luck, Take Care & Be Safe.

-Richard-
"You're Holding The Rope And I'm Taking The Fall"

[pilot-one 0]

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The Gold Plan: You said in your post that you do offer the Gold Plan which offers more one on one time.

You have to pay more for personal attention?
Hmmmm..Maybe I missed something. How can that be expained?

[Sletzer 3]

I'm pretty sure he meant it included more coached jumps and video on those jumps. Did you read the other thread?

I will be kissing hands and shaking babies all afternoon. Thanks for all your support! *bows*

SCS #8251

[airtwardo 7]

Way to man up !

And you're right, most of what upsets new to the sport jumpers, is misunderstanding due to poor communication.

Don't be a wall flower....SPEAK!

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[JohnMitchell 16]

Quote

Don't be a wall flower....SPEAK!

Most skydivers are pretty F-ing shy, though.

Hey, thanks for the apology, bro. You're welcome on my load anytime.

[MarkM 0]

One thing you also need to understand is that different DZs have different vibes and flows. ZHills is a busy dropzone with people coming from all over, doing some jumps, then leaving. It's really hard for any local to see someone new and wonder if they need their hand held a little bit.

At a smaller more family DZ you're much more likely to stand out. People are going to see you're new, ask about you, watch out for you, etc.

ZHills is an awesome DZ with top instructors and a good owner. It just sounds like your personality would've been better matched at one of those slower, not as good facility type of dropzones, where everyone knows you by name after the first day of being there.

Don't be hard on yourself or the DZ. Just get your A and look forward to checking out all the other awesome DZs in Florida. Maybe you'll find one with a vibe that just suits you better at the early stage in your progression.