Chewing gum during skydiving?

[DroptheMan04 0]

Is it safetly to chewing gum in freefall? The reason I asking, because I went to tandem jump and my tandemaster chewing gum when we jumped off the aircraft.

[DSE 5]

yes, you can chew gum in freefall. At some DZ's they ask the tandem student to not chew gum in case they could choke, spit it in the tandem instructors hair, or spit it on the floor of the aircraft, but solo skydivers often chew gum (or other substances) in freefall and under canopy.
One guy I know chews tobacco and during an RW jump he got knocked enough that his mouth opened. He had really interesting brown streaks up his face and over his goggles.

[Kimblair13 0]

Yeah it's safe if you don't choke.

[Stevehend15 0]

I was chewing gum in AFF. Half way through the jump I started choking on it. I really wish I had a video of it. If your gonna chew dont open your mouth too much.

[Travman 6]

I have heard of pilots chewing gum to help equalize their ears.

[Malta_Dog 0]

I've heard that you need a D-license to be allowed to smoke during free fall

All your dropzone are belong to us!!!!111!

[matthewcline 0]

Its "C" license for a Zippo ignition source and "D" license for wood stick matches.

Didn't see that in the SIM did ya?

An Instructors first concern is student safety.
So, start being safe, first!!!

[ZigZagMarquis 9]

Yes, I think its okay, but you have to be C-Licensed, but don't EVER skydive with scissors.



Anyway, kidding aside, if the TM had started choking on his gum... where would that have left the student?

[dharma1976 0]

I know people who do it with freeflying so that they are somewhat focused on that and fly more relaxed as they are not thinking as much abotu what they are doing , just doing it

Dave

http://www.skyjunky.com

CSpenceFLY - I can't believe the number of people willing to bet their life on someone else doing the right thing.

[blackj 0]

I chew gum the whole time. Although I know I chew it in the plane and after deployment I'm aware I'm chewing again but I have no idea what I do during freefall. Guess I'm too busy trying to fly right to pay attention, but find out sometime though!!

[jimjumper 25]

I did a tandem the other day and while watching the video noticed that I was chewing gum in freefall. You can get used to anything.

[georgerussia 0]

Quote

I've heard that you need a D-license to be allowed to smoke during free fall

No, you need D license only to smoke in freefall :)

* Don't pray for me if you wanna help - just send me a check. *

[mfrese 0]

I chew gum all the time, and to keep from choking, I spit it out at the videographer in freefall.

I've never let a tandem student chew gum, though, because I couldn't figure out how I was going to give them the Heimlich in freefall.

Doctor I ain't gonna die,
Just write me an alibi! ---- Lemmy/Slash

[Hayfield 0]

I've been chewing gum since T1. Since I'm new, and still often clenched (teeth too!) the gum doesn't move. Also, as i learned in flight school, it does help with equalizing pressure on the way to altitude.

"Remember the First Commandment: Don't Fuck Up!"
-Crusty Old Pete

[Foggy 0]

I drive a stick so I have to spit it out before the trip home .
On a slightly more serious note it students are discouraged from using gum in the aircraft because they may elect to stick it on the floor before exit and it makes a real mess of a jumpsuit, rig etc. I guess doing the heimlich in freefall may be tricky also.

Foggy

[SWC 0]

As a rule for students, NO!
The one and only student fatality we have had was a first jump Static line student, she was told to spit it out,and did.After the meat wagon left and upon interview with her kids we learned from them she got a second stick gum, despite being told not to. She choked on it after letting go of the AC and died.

So our policy is and has always been, NO!
Once you have an "A" you can do as you please as long as you follow the BSR's & FAR's.

SWC
www.skydiverichmond.com

`

"If you see me pull my main, pull your reserve!" - Scotty Carbone

[Derekbox 0]

gum is dangerous... i chew on rubber bands... you can find old ones all over the packing floor. yum

[The111 1]

I tried it the other day and somehow got about 400 pictures on my camera. Can't figure out why.

www.WingsuitPhotos.com

[stillalive 0]

Not that I do it on purpose, but on the way to altitude I find my self chewing gum, so just before green light comes on I tightly stuff it to one side of my mouth.

I´ll probably keep doing it, but I in no way recomend having anything in your mouth while falling,,,,,, maybe rare, but someone can choke, and thats NO JOKE!!

------ LIFT ME UP!! ------

[2fat2fly 0]

Quote

but don't EVER skydive with scissors.

The skydive is ok, it's running out the landings that'll get you.

But yes, I chew gum in freefall without incident so far

I am not the man. But the man knows my name...and he's worried

[LongWayToFall 0]

On my last jump i was chewing gum, but didnt realise it untill most of the way through freefall. i spit it out just before i deployed, i was thinking that it would suck to have it stick to the top of my canopy after i opened haha.

[tomvailco 0]

thats nasty!

[riggerrob 643]

I have chewed gum during a couple thousand skydives, with no ill effect. Chewing gum helps equalize pressure in my ears.
My only peeve is when students stick their gum to the inside of the airplane!!!!