napoleonpp 0 #1 February 29, 2012 Hope it's ok I post in here since I'm new I didn't know where to post this. I'm about to re-enlist in the military and other then go on our honeymoon the next thing I want to spend the money on is to get certified to skydive. My wife and I have gone on a tandem jump before and we LOVED it. I found a DZ acouple hours away that charges $1,300 unless you have to take more jumps of course. What are the different classes of license though? Also I see the cool videos of ppl jumping off wings of planes and holding onto parts of the plane and then letting go. Do most DZ's let you do this? I'm afraid not lol. Any tips for us would be awesome too. Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theonlyski 8 #2 March 1, 2012 Quote Hope it's ok I post in here since I'm new I didn't know where to post this. I'm about to re-enlist in the military and other then go on our honeymoon the next thing I want to spend the money on is to get certified to skydive. My wife and I have gone on a tandem jump before and we LOVED it. I found a DZ a couple hours away that charges $1,300 unless you have to take more jumps of course. What are the different classes of license though? Also I see the cool videos of ppl jumping off wings of planes and holding onto parts of the plane and then letting go. Do most DZ's let you do this? I'm afraid not lol. Any tips for us would be awesome too. Thanks AFF is a bunch of categories, if they're quoting $1300, that will probably be for all of the costs of the categories (with no repeats), after that you will do some coached jumps and solo jumps. Once you get everything on your A license proficiency card signed off, have 25 jumps and pass the test/check dive, you will receive your A-license. As an A-license holder, you're allowed to self jumpmaster yourself, jump with non instructor rated people and pack your own main parachute. Don't expect to get to do all the specialty types of jumps just yet, because you're still new, inexperienced and don't know what you don't know. Hey, you're skydiving, how cool is THAT?! As you progress thru your B license, you get a little more options on things you want to do, and less restrictions for safety, that doesn't mean you should do all of it just cause you can, know your limits and remember, walking away from the jump is the most important part. Once you get your C license, you're pretty much free from being monitored closely and hopefully you've demonstrated you should be. Don't be in such a rush to do the specialty stuff, its the basics that will keep you alive. "I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890 I'm an asshole, and I approve this message Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
napoleonpp 0 #3 March 1, 2012 Thanks for the help again. I posted a link below on what the price includes. They says it includes a ground class and 8 jumps. So once you complete that course you still have to complete another 25 to get you A license? Then just the more just the more jumps you do the different license you get? I'm in no hurry to do all the specialty jumps I was just wondering how realistic it is. Didn't know if DZs would let you or if you had to know someone with a plane or what. I'm so excited!!! How hard would you say the certification is? I can't wait for my wife and me to do it!!! http://www.skydivepalatka.com/prices/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfriverjoe 1,523 #4 March 1, 2012 If you click on the "Learn to Skydive" tab on the home page, it answers some of your questions. The USPA SIM will have more info. As far as doing unusual stuff off of the plane, it depends on the owner of the DZ. A lot of them don't want to risk damaging the plane (that gets really expensive). And it isn't all that hard to do. There's this Duck that has a pretty good depiction of what it's like. "There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stayhigh 2 #5 March 1, 2012 1300 is super cheap. where is this place?? does it involve static line with this course???Bernie Sanders for President 2016 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
napoleonpp 0 #6 March 1, 2012 Its located in GA I believe. Its in a buddies of mine hometown and he said it's like 2 hours from Savannah, GA. Also skydive Jacksonville is the same price. I'm not sure if it involves static line. I'm guessing no but I'm not sure. Static line isn't required for AFF though is it? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Feeblemind 1 #7 March 1, 2012 Hmmmm, if your married kids are in the near future, this means life insurance. get your life insurance now so you don't have to claim your a skydiver. Figure 200k for the wife and 200k for each kid you plan on having. your young it will be cheap. You become a skydiver and then go to get it.... Bend Over! Fire Safety Tip: Don't fry bacon while naked Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
napoleonpp 0 #8 March 1, 2012 Thnks I'm in the Army so I don't have a choice on LIfe Insurance so I assume I'm good there. We don't ever want kids, we wanna travel and live life to the fullest. If so though that won't be for another 10 years or so, hopefully lol. When should I look into buying our own gear? I'm assuming after we get our A license. Also should a newbie buy used or new? Is there a general rule? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
weatherm 0 #9 March 1, 2012 be prepared for 5 minutes of coaching before they put you in a plane. select your instructors well. I went through 5 different instructors in 30 minutes who all wanted me to learn something different. I had a bad experience there but don't let that deter you. I recommend Skydive Tallahassee... you jump out of a Cessna which is lower exit speed so its not as difficult getting into a arch and you actually get instruction.. people are super helpful and everything. it costs more but, sometimes you get what you pay for. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deisel 38 #10 March 1, 2012 Quote you jump out of a Cessna which is lower exit speed so its not as difficult getting into a arch Exit altitude has absolutely nothing to do with arching The brave may not live forever, but the timid never live at all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theonlyski 8 #11 March 1, 2012 Quote Quote you jump out of a Cessna which is lower exit speed so its not as difficult getting into a arch Exit altitude has absolutely nothing to do with arching He said speed, not altitude. Not that it matters either."I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890 I'm an asshole, and I approve this message Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
napoleonpp 0 #12 March 1, 2012 I read on a website that I should buy used gear as a new guy. So would you recommend buying it after my A license or during the 25 jumps? Is there a certain number of jumps that I wouldn't want to by a main or reserve chute? Of course I would get someone to inspect it for me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theonlyski 8 #13 March 1, 2012 All of this should be discussed in person with one of YOUR instructors. I wouldn't advise you jumping the gun on buying gear until you're sure you're in the sport (students do stop jumping sometimes) Also, you're going to be going thru some downsizes to something that is reasonable for a low time jumper, not the big ass boat canopy we will put you on to begin with."I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890 I'm an asshole, and I approve this message Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
napoleonpp 0 #14 March 1, 2012 Ok hopefully I'll be starting the course in mid April. I'm so excited!!!! Thanks for all the help Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites