First solo exit

[virulindex 0]

I see the more experienced jumpers climb out of the Otter, stand on the little ledge while holding a handle bolted to the top of the plane and I want to do that.

Is there any reason I shouldn't on my first solo exit?

I just graduated AFF on Easter and I want to do a backflip off the plane. Unless it's a bad idea and I'm getting ahead of myself...

[crashtested 0]

i did it on my first solo exit.... a gainer i think it was which is the same thing...

As long as you feal comfortable getting stable in all senarios, then crack on, but if you had any difficultys with getting stable than maybe chill out. you have a million jumps in which to do Other exits!!

My sensible side says...
From a AFF point of veiw i think you our meant to be practicing other things on your consoles and have to tick box's on these 10 jumps before getting your a licence.
Gainer or backflip aint one of them, unstable exit i think is though so maybe you could use that as an excuse.

HAve fun.. and maybe talk to your instructor.. maybe

Any exit improves skills you could put to use one day
blue ones

[DougH 270]

I think what you are referring to is experienced jumpers climbing out onto the camera step.

I thought I would clarify for others who are reading the post, but I will hold off giving my own opinion on this until some more experienced jumpers chime in.

"The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall"
=P

[virulindex 0]

You may be right. When I think back, most (if not all) the people I've seen do it have had cameras on at the time. It's a small step behind the door on the outside so they're standing outside the plane just behind the door looking forward while others prepare to exit at the same time.

[Sletzer 3]

Just don't ever jump UP on an exit...... at least not out of a King Air.

Nobody wants to squeegee your residue off the back wing- But I guess that's not an issue out of an Otter, so have fun

Oh, and definately ask an instructor- if he's cool with you doing it he'll probably even give you some pointers on how to do it the cool way.

I will be kissing hands and shaking babies all afternoon. Thanks for all your support! *bows*

SCS #8251

[billvon 2,990]

>Is there any reason I shouldn't on my first solo exit?

Yes. Leaning out, finding the handle with your hand, finding the step with your foot, and then swinging out without causing any other problems is not that hard, but not something you should do on your first solo. Make a few solo jumps with the exit you are most comfortable with (most likely the same exit as your last AFF) before you up the difficulty level.

[MagicGuy 0]

Just to add to what billvon said, as a solo person trying to hang onto that step it's not that easy! Whenever I take camera step I can't wait for someone else to climb outside of the door because it's not easy to hang on, especially when the step and/or handle is pretty low profile.

As for doing flips out of the plane, that's a different story. As someone else said, as long as you are comfortable with getting stable after a disorienting maneuver (which you should be if your instructors graduated you) than I say go for it! Step out of the door with your back to the prop and let it blow you over = gainer. They are my favorite exits, by far.

Have fun!

[LongWayToFall 0]

Exits are allot of fun, but if I was you I would practice on the normal poised exit, and getting stable as quickly as possible. Pretty soon you will be doing your A license check dive, and you will want to get the maneuvers out of the way to give you more time to dock. After that, go nuts!

[virulindex 0]

I was passing by the DZ yesterday while working so I stopped in and chatted with the DZO for a bit. I asked him about a climb out on my solo this weekend and he said he had no problem with me doing it. He was also my level seven instructor so he got a chance to see me fly.

If it's not hard I don't really think there will be a problem. I climbed out of the 182 on my level two. I know it's different but oh well. I'm in this to have fun and since I know I can get stable quickly I don't think this is too risky.

I guess this weekend we'll see if I actually do it...

[byates 0]

I asked my instructor a similar question before my first solo. He said to do whatever I felt most comfortable with. At the time I'd already done a diving exit (most common, used for A license dive) and climbed out on the outside (otter) and did a foating exit. He also said if i wanted to just grab my ankle and roll out of that sucker. ultimately i choose to dive out, and have done so for the 4 jumps since my solo. I figure I want to get good on this one for my a license jump.

Blue skies!!