tandem dreams...?

[kelly.fischer 0]

i pose my thoughts and questions,

young, free, skydiving ready, CSPA solo license holder, and with the vague goal of being a tandem master. thats me.

the more im looking into the idea, the more im excited about it. even better, the more i think its plausible!

i'm thinking i want to obtain my tandem license, and with any luck, be able to work in various locations and DZ's.

ok, ok. barring depressing lack of funds, and saying, *I* could one day obtain my tandem license (whatever that implies to actually EARN it ...?)

is finding that type of work likely? maybe, y'know not as a long term house with the picket fence career goal; but being able to travel and gain experience and good times...

is finding tandem work likely?

legal? (not that skydivers as a general statement worry about legalities) as in, work visa's? traveling around working in different countries; is it likely for a tandem master to find work, legally? (i dont really feel like being barred from any country lol)

canadian wise at least, what is the requirements needed to obtain one's tandem license? i try not to really focus on what im pretty sure is a long grueling haul ahead in regards to funding, and training.... but fill me in on the layout anyways ;)

uuum, yes. yes indeed, thats my vauge idea.
thoughts, help, info; anything thing really other then brutal discouraging reality blasting commentary would be appreciated =)


~Kelly

[AggieDave 6]

The best advice I can give you if you want to be successful and be able to travel and work is to be able to do every job on the DZ (except fly). Get your AFF and your TI as a minimum. Be able to and own the gear to fly video (outside video). Be a good packer and having a rigger's ticket is even better. Also be willing to push the planes in and out of the hanger and sweep up the hanger, etc.

If you just want to have fun and get enough cash going that you don't have to spend much on your personal sport jumps, then only being a TI is great.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[Andrewwhyte 1]

Kelly all the DZs in Alberta are constantly looking for more TMs. If you really want a career in the sport you can have one. Most Dzs are short of packers as well. Your current trade is one that you can apply in the camps over the winter to keep your income up while you gain experience.
Obviously your first step is to get your A CoP. You have the jump numbers now. If you can make it down to Perris next month for the Winter Sucks Boogie our instructors can help you make that happen before the start of the season. You need to get your B CoP and then get into a Coach 1 course. Spots are hard to come by these days so let Hutch know you want one and keep an eye on the ASPA website.
Your next step is to get your jumpmaster rating; now you can start making money while you learn the skills you will need. Hutch has been teaching people to jump longer than I have been around the sport, you will do well to learn from him.
Others may disagree, but if you are serious about being a professional jumper you should concentrate on your belly skills. There are some great freeflyers out there earning a living in the sport, but you mostly earn your living on your belly.
Once you have your tandem rating (hopefully you will have already earned some other ratings such as coach 2, rigger, maybe SSI) you will need some experience before you can get winter (international) work. A reasonable goal would be one season part time followed by one season full time followed by leaving the country.
As far as the legality of working internationally goes, the US is out. There are several places that will hire you, but you will be an illegal alien. New Zealand is the mecca for those wishing to go somewhere for year-round work. Work visas are available and there is lots of work. Australia is tricky but it can be done. If you are under 26 (i think) you can apply for a one time working holiday visa in UK, New Zealand, or Australia. If you can work a summer in Canada, followed by a summer in Astalia, followed by a summer in UK (I think that's what they call the less rainy season), followed by a summer in New Zealand, you would either have had your fill or know that this is what you want. Make sure all your trade papers are in order before you start so you have a safety net.
You ain't gonna get rich, so make sure you keep having fun.

[riggerrob 643]

Yeah!
Whatever AndrewWhyte said!

Seriously, you need an aircrew medical, 500 jumps, three years in the sport, have survived at least one reserve ride and hold some other skydiving instructor rating.

[hcsvader 1]

The one year working holiday visa for australia is for anyone ages 18-30 and you can apply for a second year if you meet certain conditions.

http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1150.pdf

Have you seen my pants?
it"s a rough life, Livin' the dream
>:)