I flunked AFF Level 2 jump... Has this happened to others?

[BRYANGOESBOOM 0]

Well whats the latest news????

I dont think ive met you yet ill be around this coming weekend if ya see this tall, really hung over guy thats me come say hi


As far as waiting around goes i know it sucks it took me a month after my aff class to actually jump. Get there early in the morning 8:am its cooler, less ppl, and you get on the board first. I know it sucks to get up that early on a weekend, but you can go get a few jumps in and then go on about your day


Dont get discouraged it happend to me. Pull yourself out of it. Your skydiving to have fun and your only a few jumps away from not having to wait on anyone but the pilot it just gets better from there

keep us posted

Not only will you look better, feel better, and fuck better; you'll have significantly increased your life expectancy. --Douva

[Mockingbird 0]

Hey, Boom! I was sick on Sat. & Sun. so I had to wait until yesterday to go. But hey! At least I got to jump right away. I ATTEMPTED to do my Level 4 jump. Here's the re-cap:

OK, so I flunked. No big deal [she tells herself]... just re-do it. It was still a total blast, especially after being grounded by a h.a. for two days. And it was really fun doing it on a work-day, 'cos all the time I was at work this afternoon, I day-dreamed about my jump, and the adrenaline was still flowing.

Here are I.'s remarks from my logbook:
Repeat Level 4. Good exit (but need to have a wider stance). Good self-scan of body position. Started drifting to the right-- need to correct and counter and keep upper body loose. Lost altitude awareness-- got an altitude prompt and responded. Stopped "working" after 8000' until pull time. Good pull at 5500' and canopy control. Don't flare too high!!!


Although I was rarin' to go, I wasn't really in sync with what we were going to do on this jump. As happens more often than not, when we rehearsed the dive flow, my instructor made some changes to the procedure I had been practicing for the past two weeks. I don't mean he changed the dive flow intentionally; but the written directions for the dive flow from which I had been working did not include every single thing that was supposed to happen, so when we rehearsed it I realized that I was going to have to remember some things that I hadn't counted on. Minor things, actually, but for someone like ME, it was enough to throw off my rhythm and confidence.

Our exit was pretty decent, although it felt different having only one instructor hanging on. It took us a little longer to reach that point where we were belly-to-earth. I made my initial altimeter check. When he let go of me and flew around to the front (head-on), I was supposed to check my altimeter again, look at him, nod to tell him I was ready to start my 90º turn, wait for his nod in return, and then start a controlled turn. Well, it didn't work out that way at all. I forgot to check my altimeter, and I immediately began turning-- unintentionally-- to the right. Darn. I tried countering the turn, but he told me later that I hardly countered at all. He must be right, of course, because I didn't stop turning until he reached out and stopped me. Did I check my altimeter at that point? Nope. I don't know why, but I always feel like we've got all the time in the world when we're up there. Hello??? "The porch light is on, but no one's home." He let go of me again, and I started uncontrollably turning again. I tried countering again to no avail. Dang. I think it was at this point that I said to myself, "Oh what the he!!, it's not going to work anyway; I may as well forget the turns; we don't have enough time left to make this dive successful" and basically gave up. See? Now that was so dumb--- I still had about 10 seconds (yes, I had actually checked my altimeter--- at his signal) that I could've at least tried. But I couldn't get stable enough. Every time he let go, I turned.

Besides trying to counter the turn, I also tried to relax, as that should've also stopped the turning. I took a deep breath, exhaled, and let my wrists go limp, but it didn't work. He said I continued to look pretty stiff. How could I be stiff if I was trying to relax? This is turning out to be more difficult than I thought it would be. The last jump was so great, 'cos when they let go of me, I remained stable and didn't start turning or anything. But this one was totally different. HOW DO I PRACTICE THIS????!!

The canopy ride was awesome. I wanted it to go on forever. I didn't gauge my ride back very well, and for a few seconds, was afraid I was going to land in the pond about a thousand feet south of the target. As it was, I did land well south of the target, but I missed the pond. Had the bright idea of deciding on my own when to flare and ended up flaring too high, but it wasn't a total disaster-- just not a nice stand-up landing. I PLF'd it and was fine.

I feel like I need to do my jumps closer together--- not let so much time elapse between jumps. 'Course, I couldn't really help that, as last weekend was a total wash out with no instructors there that could jump with me. And this weekend I had the headache.

Things I need to change or work on: My stance at the doorway. Right foot was too far behind left foot. Relaxing my upper body (especially) during freefall to avoid unintentional turning. Countering any unintentional turning with OBVIOUS motions (dropping the shoulder, etc.). Checking the altimeter EVERY 5 SECONDS. Checking my heading-- looking at horizon. Using every second of freefall to work instead of resigning. Learning what 15' from eye-level to ground looks like. And keep strengthening upper body--- I'm making a lot of progress with that, but need to get even stronger--- for flaring and canopy control. (When I flex my biceps, there's actually a lump now--- wooHOO! Look out, Jane Fonda.)

OK, now, when can I go back and re-do this one? My preferred instructor is leaving the country for three weeks, so I'll be jumping with someone I never jumped with before. Eek.

Hope to meet you there soon, Bryan!

Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird
"Why is there something rather than nothing?"

[BRYANGOESBOOM 0]

Well glad to hear you made it out there

im not going to give you any advice as far as position or countering your turns cuz i have no idea what the hell im doing either

Relaxing

dont know if this will help you but i try to get rid of that oh shit this is crazy look off my face and SMILEIllia was the one that taught me this and it helped alot


He was my jm on one of my aff jumps i did the exact same thing you did

i finished the dive flow and QUIT @ 8,000' i was done wouldnt take my eyes off my altimeter until pull time. this was also the jump that i figured out hey i have more time than i thought

Jumping with someone new is going to be a blast. They are all great instuctors and have different methods of teaching us newbies. This new instructor might have some advice that will work for you

Ohh yeah and flairing .............you should see my jumpsuit one leg is green and torn to shit.......im gona get it some day

Get out there next weekend and kick level fours ass!!!

Not only will you look better, feel better, and fuck better; you'll have significantly increased your life expectancy. --Douva

[Mockingbird 0]

Quote

Relaxing- dont know if this will help you but i try to get rid of that oh shit this is crazy look off my face and SMILE.................
Jumping with someone new is going to be a blast. They are all great instuctors and have different methods of teaching us newbies. This new instructor might have some advice that will work for you

Get out there next weekend and kick level fours ass!!!

I'm planning on it!! As for the change in instructors, I just hope the one I have on the next jump doesn't change the dive flow, or I'll get confused. I wish I could learn to be more flexible (mentally)!

Your idea on relaxing is a good one. I hadn't thought of changing my facial expression from "I'm concentrating" to "I'm having fun", but it just might work. I'm going to try it next time. I'll let you know how it works. Thanks!

Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird
"Why is there something rather than nothing?"

[lisamariewillbe 1]

Okay so I graduated my AFP 1 jump early... Last Sat I went to Skydive Spacecenter (nopt yesterday, the one before) and was only planning on making one jump... anyways it was to be a release and hold heading...got in the plane and 15500 ft and 8 mins later I had a no holds bar freak out session, we had to land with the plane. I walked off that plane crying and feeling like the biggest piece of shit skydiver since Lutz. Anyways my friends were still jumping and I decided that the King Air wasnt going to get the better of me (ive not been afraid of skydiving nearly as much as getting to altitude) well the pilot took me on a ob ride and explain general aviation and showed me I had little to fear. About 6 that night I loaded with my Jump Master and a camera man, less nervous about the jump and more nervous because at this point there were about 15 other skydivers waiting to see if I would actually do it this time... I did, held my heading except with a slight 5 to 10 degree varience, was released, came down and face planted it and knocked two teeth loose but was fine and enjoying life. I knew I beat the King Air, next morning wasnt planning on jumping, I did anyways, thought I had three jumps left to complete the program, when I got to the ground I was informed that due to my awareness and so on that I could skip a level , so my first solo exit was also my graduation, jumped from 15000 back loop, left 360 , right 360 track....was still high enough I went into another track and dumped the chute at 5500... I had to wait about 20 mins to find out I actually passed it and it was announced on the loud speaker...It was a great feeling to finish, and even better that I finished one jump early. I now know how to survive, I cant wait to learn how to fly

Sudsy Fist: i don't think i'd ever say this
Sudsy Fist: but you're looking damn sudsydoable in this

[Mockingbird 0]

Lisa---- fantastic news! CONGRATULATIONS!!! You are so far ahead of me it isn't even funny! You were so smart to get right back up there in that King Air and not let it get the best of you.

Now, if I can just pass LEVEL 4 some day, I'll join you in the winners' circle--- I have now done my LEVEL 4 jump three times--- once on Memorial Day, and twice today, but I still failed it. I'm just not getting the hang of freefalling without turning left constantly. The first two attempts, I was told that I was dropping one knee. I corrected that on the last jump and arched well throughout the freefall, but I still turned left inadvertently and did not counter it successfully.

I'm seriously considering getting myself further into debt and flying out to Orlando for a day to do some tunnel time. The cost to fly out there and have about 30 minutes in the wind tunnel is approximately equivalent to four AFF jumps here at home. Seeing as how I'm repeating Level 4 for the fourth time next weekend, I'm just wondering if in the long run I'd be saving myself money by going to Orlando. If I can just get a really great deal on airfare, I may do it.

I am putting so much AFF money on my credit card; it's gonna' take forever to pay it off! But seeing as how I'm so much older than most people starting out in skydiving, I don't feel like I have time to save up the actual moola. I bet there are others in the same fix.

ONE BIT OF GOOD NEWS: My radio was turned down too low (or something) during my canopy rides today, so I had to set up the landing patterns all by myself... WELL, I was able to judge the altitude/distance thing correctly both times and ended up just a few yards from the peas. My flare is still a little weak (I'm doing some upper body strength training and have not quite "arrived" yet!)... only got the toggles down to waist level. But it was good enough that I didn't hurt myself landing.

I love the people at my dz. They're all extremely supportive. I appreciate them a lot. Yea Skydive San Marcos!

Congratulations, LisaMarie!

Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird
"Why is there something rather than nothing?"

[lisamariewillbe 1]

Yes the people at Titusville are incredibley awesome, all very supportive when I landed with the plane, I was nervous that people would think less of me. They didnt, and when a few hours later I got on that plane again about 15 to 20 other skydivers stopped what they were doing to make sure I jumped...there was a delay because most of the plane was doing a tracking jump so we werent using the same spot and our next spot had to many clouds so there was about a 4 min delay between the other jumpers and myself. And now, I freakin love that King Air, even did another op ride just to help fill a sunset load. I have determined I am now a Turbine Slut.

I did the tunnel, I went inbetween my 3rd tandem and my first solo, I split 30 mins with 2 other AFP students. It is very helpful, I am not sure if that contributed to my passing one level less but they do teach you quite a bit. I had Omar and he was a awesome coach.

My last 3 levels I asked to not have radio assistence unless he saw me messing things up. My first instructor beat it into my head that "the landing pattern is the landing pattern is the landing pattern" However once he had to tell me to go out a little further on my heading cause of winds and he helped with my flare twice. Ive got tons of battle wounds , its great, my knees are bruised, both ankles hurt, two loose teeth , and for my last jump I made my harness to tight and I have bruises on my arms and thighs. My flare is less to be desired, Ive only stood one landing up. I realized to early that you can land safely in half brakes so I was putting less oomph in my landing. Not good, but hey thus far my slip and slide landing was the most fun.

You will get there, just keep at it and listen to your coaches, I hear of lots of people re repeating a level alot.

Sudsy Fist: i don't think i'd ever say this
Sudsy Fist: but you're looking damn sudsydoable in this

[Belgian_Skygirl 0]

Well, repeating a level... it makes the course more expensive but makes the achievement even bigger... because it is easier to find courage to do something when it goes well from the first time, than when it doesn't go well from the start.

I had to redo my first level. I knew the theory very well, by heart... and when I jumped out of the plane, I couldn't breath, I knew what exercises I had to do... but it seemed as if my body didn't want to listen to the instructions of my mind. So I did nothing at all... mind and body were disconnected. I knew what to do... and I knew perfectly what was going wrong on the moment, but ... I couldn't move. I seemed to be froozen... I never experienced something like that before. My second jump went well. My level 3 was a problem level... my body position itself wa well, but my muscles were too tensed so I spinned around. My instructors told me I had to relax so that I could better 'float' on the wind... the harder I tried, the worse it got. At a certain point I didn't care any more so, when I did my level 3 for the fourth time..; I was that relaxed, that things went well and I never experienced problems any more. I found it very bizarre... in my case I was so eager to wanting it to do perfectly, that it caused stress on my body. No more problems occured and I did my level 7 without any problem... it was something in my mind. Even if you have to redo a level, it is ok... you are a student and some people are more relaxed in the learning curve than others... be proud on yourself and don't bother having to redo a level... the majoroty of men won't even dare to jump out of a plane!!!!

So good luck to all the AFF-students!!!!

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No dive, like skydive... wanna bet on it?

[lisamariewillbe 1]

I agree, even though I got to skip a level, the fear and plane issues were good for me to experience, I was able to achieve something I never thought possible. It is odd now to think that I was more tense from the plane then the jump, but getting back on that plane after I landed with it was my greatest feat, besides birthing children. The jump I did when I got back up there was so much more satisfying... u will get there, I have faith that not only will you graduate but one day be a very safe and meticulious skydiver. Its not the destination, but the journey

Sudsy Fist: i don't think i'd ever say this
Sudsy Fist: but you're looking damn sudsydoable in this

[Jeth 0]

LisaMarie, congrats on graduating!!!
Mockingbird, don't worry about repeating, you'll get it!! I did the EXACT same thing on my level 4 -- I was unintentionally turning and couldn't get back around until he grabbed me. For me I just had to relax and then I was stable and not turning. I agree that having a huge smile on your face helps! When I feel tense I just take a big breath, let out a big exhale, and plant a big smile on my face.
Like someone else said, repeats just mean that when you do get it, it will be that much sweeter! I know it was for me!! I think I did level 4 3 times. (As well as repeats on level 8)

Keep at it, you'll get it!! Have fun!!
p.s. try not to put too much pressure on yourself, that makes it worse. Also, only visualize the jump going well.

"At 13,000 feet nothing else matters."
PFRX!!!!!
Team Funnel #174, Sunshine kisspass #109
My Jump Site

[Paige 0]

Tunnel Pink Mafia Delegate
www.TunnelPinkMafia.com

[Mockingbird 0]

Gosh, I suddenly feel this compulsion to go to a tunnel... where'd that come from???

Paige, I'm just not sure WHAT I should do!!!!! Several factors are bouncing around inside my head... and they keep colliding with each other, which makes it really hard to make a decision. The major factor is money: whether I fly to Orlando for tunnel time OR repeat Level 4 several more times (how many times will it take before I "get it"?), it's going to cost a lot of money. Also, one of the videographers at the dz is going to tape my next jump--- maybe seeing what I'm doing wrong with my own two eyes will be all it takes for me to "get it." I just feel like the more times I repeat the jump but keep spinning, the more my spinning is becoming ingrained.

SO, on one hand, I know the tunnel time would help, if not solve, the problem. On the other hand, just having my next jump videotaped may do the trick.

Oh BOTHER! Maybe I should start a thread on this conundrum...

Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird
"Why is there something rather than nothing?"

[Salsa_John 0]

You did great. You just did not pass. My instructors told me that on my level 1 when they had to pull for me and on my three attempts at level 2. It took me 13 jumps to pass AFF. I would just relax and have a good time. You are doing much better than a friend who took 14 jumps to pass level 2.

"You did what?!?!"

MUFF #3722, TDSM #72, Orfun #26, Nachos Rodriguez

[lisamariewillbe 1]

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/lisa_marie_abdrep/album?.dir=616c&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/lisa_marie_abdrep/my_photos

Sudsy Fist: i don't think i'd ever say this
Sudsy Fist: but you're looking damn sudsydoable in this

[Mockingbird 0]

Thanks, John. I have to remember the things I did RIGHT!! (Yes, there were some!) Did you see Lisa's photos that she gave the link to above? Wow.

Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird
"Why is there something rather than nothing?"

[Mockingbird 0]

Lisa, you look absolutely fantastic up there. You are so stable! These pictures show me what *I* can do if I just stick with it til graduation (and beYOND, of course). What are you doing in the last three pictures?

Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird
"Why is there something rather than nothing?"

[lisamariewillbe 1]

ahhh attempting to track, I did get get a bit rocky, it was hard for me, dont think i pointed toes enough but i moved forward and a little down so i guess I was decent enough, that was the worst part for me over the whole aff course. Im tall so I think I can get stable easy. Its been my only strong part during the course is I can get back to belly to earth. Then again I dirt dive all the freakin time, in the pool, on my floor watching tv, even standing up in the shower, then again I was always taught that if you have the arch you can at least pull in a safe position, and since aff is the standard survival skills Glenn Bangs and Mike beat the arch and landing pattern into my head, I have no knowledge that there is another way to fly, errr fall

Sudsy Fist: i don't think i'd ever say this
Sudsy Fist: but you're looking damn sudsydoable in this

[lisamariewillbe 1]

btw that first pic, where my hands are together , THAT WAS WRONG. I was lucky I didnt flip over and when I started the spin I stopped it but that wasnt right either , yet it ended fine. I got and stayed stable... Im telling you Mockingbird, wait till the back flip , they are so flippen fun, I mean I wanted to cry it was so great

Sudsy Fist: i don't think i'd ever say this
Sudsy Fist: but you're looking damn sudsydoable in this

[Mockingbird 0]

I had just the SLIGHTEST taste of that on my last jump. Something happened on our exit that made us do a somersault or two on the way to getting stable. I loved it.... course I knew in the back of my mind that my instructor was holding on. My response was to arch arch arch and sure 'nuf, we were belly down in a flash.

Can't wait to do it on purpose!!!!!!

Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird
"Why is there something rather than nothing?"

[Jeth 0]

Quote

btw that first pic, where my hands are together , THAT WAS WRONG. I was lucky I didnt flip over and when I started the spin I stopped it but that wasnt right either , yet it ended fine. I got and stayed stable... Im telling you Mockingbird, wait till the back flip , they are so flippen fun, I mean I wanted to cry it was so great

I'll second that!! On my back flip dive I also got to do sitflying -- what a ball that was!! And then on the challenge dive -- flips, rolls, and an awesome track, what fun that was!!

But there is still so much to learn and practice... sheez. Even tho I graduated I still can't dock on anyone without flying backwards, and even tho my tracks are much better, I still sometimes end up turning at the end of it. But I guess its like anything else -- gotta practice to get good at it!
But you will feel awesome when you figure out how to get stable and start doing the different exits and other fun stuff. Thats what its all about!!

"At 13,000 feet nothing else matters."
PFRX!!!!!
Team Funnel #174, Sunshine kisspass #109
My Jump Site

[Jeth 0]

Lisa, nice pics! ). On the video it looks like at least a couple hundred feet away. It seems wierd in your pics that you're still facing off with your instructor. (In one of mine, she tracked alongside me, that was cool to watch!)

Just curious.

Quote

ahhh attempting to track, I did get get a bit rocky, it was hard for me, dont think i pointed toes enough but i moved forward and a little down so i guess I was decent enough, that was the worst part for me over the whole aff course. Im tall so I think I can get stable easy. Its been my only strong part during the course is I can get back to belly to earth. Then again I dirt dive all the freakin time, in the pool, on my floor watching tv, even standing up in the shower, then again I was always taught that if you have the arch you can at least pull in a safe position, and since aff is the standard survival skills Glenn Bangs and Mike beat the arch and landing pattern into my head, I have no knowledge that there is another way to fly, errr fall

"At 13,000 feet nothing else matters."
PFRX!!!!!
Team Funnel #174, Sunshine kisspass #109
My Jump Site

[Salsa_John 0]

Quote

Thanks, John. I have to remember the things I did RIGHT!! (Yes, there were some!) Did you see Lisa's photos that she gave the link to above? Wow.

Yes, she looked great. I was there to see some of her great work in titusville.

"You did what?!?!"

MUFF #3722, TDSM #72, Orfun #26, Nachos Rodriguez

[lisamariewillbe 1]

That was just the start of my track, although I wasnt great at it, I didnt have major forward movement, but just enough, I didnt put the pic of the full track because my face has a look of odd determination that is well quite dorky , My hands werent how it was taught me, but he said that is fine, and that is what he advised me to concentrate on , as well as practiceing my ep while actually in freefall

Sudsy Fist: i don't think i'd ever say this
Sudsy Fist: but you're looking damn sudsydoable in this

[firstime 0]

I flunked AFF Level 2 jump... Has this happened to others?

" does a bear poop in the woods" ??

[Belgian_Skygirl 0]

I know the feeling... I can't stand the moment the door opens... and when I see my fellow skydivers jump, I have to turn my head. But when it is my turn at the door... I love it!!!! The greatest part for me is know the moment I jump... I love it... but when I see other people doing that... I don't feel comfortable. At the door I feel relaxed and excited at the same time. I never hesitated to jump out, though I experienced problems during my AFF durng the freefall part as I had to redo level 3 several times. Even now I am still afraid... when I go to the dz I feel nervous... I have to vonvince myself stepping in the plane... I don't like to see the door opened as there is nothing behind it... just the air... but when it is my turn... the moment I stand at the door and it is my turn, I feel very very happy... calm... I am so lucky... and that takes away all my anxiety I had up to that moment. Funny, isn't it?

Now I like the freefall part, but since a few landings.. I experienced a fear to land... nd I never had serious problems while landing. Bizarre... I think it will pass, just like the anxiety I had in the very very beginning when I stood at the door ready to jump out. It is a process

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No dive, like skydive... wanna bet on it?