gman 0 #1 June 26, 2001 I haven't been posting for awhile, but I'm the "dimwit" that's been repeating AFF levels 4 & 5 so often that the school had to put me in the Frequent Flyer program, it seems that my Brain can't handle the adrenaline during freefall. Well a few weeks ago a miracle occurred and I managed to pass level 5. It was a lot of work, but time to move on.Last week I made my first attempt at #6 and I had to learn a new exit, this is what I was told to do "stand up straight, cross your right foot over your left foot, bend over and grab you ankles, then you'll be pushed out the plane". I said "Why....what for?", the JM responded "you need to freefall in an unstable manner and then stabilize yourself". At this point I wanted to go home but it was too late, I already gave them my money. "So how long do I fall unstable?" I asked. He said "Do you remember the tune Pop Goes the Weasel?, when you get to the word "Pop", you should pop into the arch". These instructors at Perris have a weird sense of humor, but I didn't care, what's the worst that can happen? So the dive is to fall out unstable, sing to myself and arch and then do a delta track. No problem...this should be worth a few laughs.I geared up and got into the plane, as we climbed up to altitude my JM asked me if I'm thinking of "Pop goes the weasel?", well yeah, I was so nervous that the tune was "stuck" in my head all the way up, I couldn't get rid of it. It was time to jump. I got to the door, bent over and grabbed my ankles like I was told. As I looked out the door I said to myself "damn it, not only do I look stupid but this is SCARY". I wanted to kiss my balls goodbye since I was in the appropriate position, but I changed my mind because I didn't want to explain what I was doing during the debriefing session that would follow.As expected, I got pushed out the door. Was I tumbling? You betcha!!! I saw alternating scenes of blue sky and brown earth while I hummed that silly tune to myself. When I got to "Pop" I really popped into a nice arch. I found my JM about 15 feet away from me. We stared at each other for a few seconds and I decided to try the delta track. WOW...this delta is a great manuever, I felt like an airplane gliding across the sky. I got back into my arch and still had plenty of altitude, so we had nothing to do except stare at each other. I deployed and landed without much trouble. When I got back to the school I asked "did I pass?". He said "what do you think?" I said "I passed", he said "I think so too". I had a few minor problems, but overall I did what I needed to do.Things are starting to fall into place, I find it a little bit easier to relax, it's becoming more fun and less frightening. I'm planning to make a jump at Perris this Friday and see what I can do with level 7. If any of you that's reading this plan to be there that day, maybe we can get some beers later.-G.M.L.- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lazerq3 0 #2 June 26, 2001 That actually sounds like a pretty fun exit!! Glad to here you moving along with your jumps. Good luck on L7.jason Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DZBone 0 #3 June 26, 2001 Rock on!Hey, we're going to have a load of new dz.com jumpers out there at Perris, aren't we?Better get planning that dz.com 10-way!Carl Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pammi 0 #4 June 26, 2001 What a great post!! Hilarious!! So glad to hear that it went so well for you! You got it now...7 will be a breeze! Woohoo! I'm so happy for you :)PammiSome new pics. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #5 June 26, 2001 WHAT??????????????????????????????????????????I have to do what?Do you know what they say on the handout about level 6?"AFF LEVEL VI HALF SERIES AND TRACKINGOne jumpmaster...More spotting...Delta Tracking...Turns and center pointing....Freefall procedures...and more."Where does it say they're gonna toss you outta the plane????????? Generic "freefall procedures"? There's NOTHING about ass over teakettle exits, not a word....ahgeez. BTW, I'll be there later in the afternoon on Friday, doing level 4. I'd love to meet up with you!bleux cieux, Michele Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aviatrr 0 #6 June 26, 2001 Quote I geared up and got into the plane, as we climbed up to altitude my JM asked me if I'm thinking of "Pop goes the weasel?", well yeah, I was so nervous that the tune was "stuck" in my head all the way up, I couldn't get rid of it. It was time to jump. I got to the door, bent over and grabbed my ankles like I was told. "So, did you jump?""A little....at first"Sorry, just reminded me of that joke.. Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DiverDown 0 #7 June 26, 2001 ROFL! Too funny. Congrats on your jump. That actually sounded like a fun way to do level 6. Should have taken my AFF at Perris. Best of luck to you on lvl 7!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zennie 0 #8 June 26, 2001 Quote "So, did you jump?""A little....at first"LOL @ Aviatr! I about blew Diet Coke out of my nose reading that!------------Blue Skies!Zennie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simo 0 #9 June 26, 2001 Ben Dover & Phill Mcrack hehepeace Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freaksister 0 #10 June 26, 2001 Yeah, it sounds like the JM's over there are getting pretty creative! Never heard of an exit like that! Sounds like it would be fun to do *on your own* without anyone else touching your ass! Of course, that is different for girls...LOLSisThe road to hell is paved with good intentions-but sometimes,good intentions are all we humans have. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gman 0 #11 June 26, 2001 Yep...my #7 jump is set for this Friday. I usually get there between 10:30 and 11:00...I'll do the jump, have lunch at the Bombshelter and usually hang around until 2:00 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DZBone 0 #12 June 26, 2001 Quote I'll do the jump, have lunch at the Bombshelter and usually hang around until 2:00Mmmmmm, lunch at the Bomb Shelter. drooool Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aviatrr 0 #13 June 27, 2001 Quote Sounds like it would be fun to do *on your own* without anyone else touching your ass! Of course, that is different for girls...LOL Damn.. I gotta come down and jump with you! Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkymonkeyONE 4 #14 June 27, 2001 "we're going to have a load of new dz.com jumpers out there at Perris"I cannot believe not a one of you said anything to me when I was there for the swoop meet. Bad monkeys! No banana! LOL!Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DZBone 0 #15 June 27, 2001 Quote I cannot believe not a one of you said anything to me when I was there for the swoop meet.Yeah, we suck! Sorry about that, Chuck. It would have been great to meet you. I guess we figured you were hanging with the big dogs, and spending your downtime in deep meditation, preparing for the events. Any plans to be out again?Carl Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
