Starting this spring near Calgary.

[yannikan 0]

Starting my PFF at Skydive Big Sky this spring! Would love any advice, especially from anyone around the Calgary region that has done this course.

Thanks!

[IanHarrop 42]

yannikan

Starting my PFF at Skydive Big Sky this spring! Would love any advice, especially from anyone around the Calgary region that has done this course.

Thanks!

I am one of the people that teach ground school for the PFF program at Skydive Big Sky.

What do you want to know?

Cheers, Ian

"Where troubles melt like lemon drops, away above the chimney tops, that's where you'll find me" Dorothy

[yannikan 0]

How long does it take on average to finish your PFF if your only jumping on weekends, assuming weather is good? I was also wondering if there's a good group of regular jumpers at the DZ and what the vibe is like.

Thanks for the help!

[IanHarrop 42]

yannikan

How long does it take on average to finish your PFF if your only jumping on weekends, assuming weather is good? I was also wondering if there's a good group of regular jumpers at the DZ and what the vibe is like.

Thanks for the help!

My suggestion is to do to the jumps as quickly as you can. Of course, that depends on weather, money and other factors including how busy they are when you are there and how much patience you bring.

Can you do it in one weekend? Yes, all things being perfect.
Is it likely that it takes more than one weekend? Perfect doesn't always happen.
I've been jumping at Innisfail for over 10 years. I like the people, I like the DZO. I like the vibe. To me, it feels like home. Will you have the same experience? I don't know but part of that depends on you and the attitude you bring with you.

"Where troubles melt like lemon drops, away above the chimney tops, that's where you'll find me" Dorothy

[thetreehugger 0]

I'm on Vancouver island. It took me 15 jumps to get my solo because I had to repeat a few jumps to get all the requirements in. (freefall time, etc.) http://www.cspa.ca/en/learn-skydive/get-certified/solo-certificate

I'm still relatively new myself but what REALLY helped me was reading the PIMs. You'll need it for your emergency procedures review, plus there is SO much valuable information you will use as you progress. I've done jumps where my coaches want me to try something new and I'm like, "I read about it in the PIM!" so it gives you the technical knowledge to be able to work with your coaches to apply it to your jumps.

It really surprised me how many of my fellow newbie jumpers were going for their SOLO checkouts and hadn't even read, or even heard of, the PIMs. I don't know about you, but if i'm going terminal velocity towards the ground with a parachute on my back I'd like to know how EVERYTHING works. ;) Plus, it gives you info on how to develop your skills in freefall and under canopy.

http://www.cspa.ca/en/PIMs

PIM 1 and 2A are the ones I started with. Yes, they are big, but seriously. Take the time to read it through. You'll be glad you did later.

Cheers! Have fun!