chutem 0 #1 July 29, 2004 I am finishing my asp at skydive AZ (eloy) and am wondering about the cost of the coach jumps to get my A license. They are $110 each and there are 12 of them. At Coolidge they are $89 each. Is Skydive Az worth the extra $20 a jump? This adds up to quite a bit of cash as my wife is in asp also. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmcd308 0 #2 July 29, 2004 What a bummer. Come to Memphis, where they are free. ---------------------------------- www.jumpelvis.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chutem 0 #3 July 29, 2004 That sounds much better. I know this is an expensive sport, but I still like to eat. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelpdiver 2 #4 July 29, 2004 QuoteI am finishing my asp at skydive AZ (eloy) and am wondering about the cost of the coach jumps to get my A license. They are $110 each and there are 12 of them. At Coolidge they are $89 each. Is Skydive Az worth the extra $20 a jump? This adds up to quite a bit of cash as my wife is in asp also. And why are there 12 of them?? That's well beyond the requirements. Does that cover a lot more ground? Sometimes the extra price is worth something - Some places charge $15 plus the slot for a coach. Where I've been doing it the price is slot + 41 and I'm getting an AFF instructor. (Both have my slot plus gear at $44-45). While for purposes of the RW requirements there isn't as big a difference, the instructor can comment better on the rest of what I'm doing right/wrong, and where I can improve. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chutem 0 #5 July 29, 2004 I guess I'll have to ask more questions when I go back on monday. I have been concentating on the asp stuff so far. They give the idea that that is the way you have to do it. Are you saying that you can cover the A lic. requirments on less coach jumps and solo the rest to 25? BTW these prices include gear rental my slot/coach slot + coach. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brains 2 #6 July 29, 2004 Many dz's adopt different requirements for their student program/A license requirements. You have to remember too that skydive AZ has some of the best skydivers in the world right there all the time. I say take ADVANTAGE of that and have fun on those 12 coach jumps. Never look down on someone, unless they are going down on you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chutem 0 #7 July 29, 2004 Thanks for your input. Fun does not even begin to describe it. I guess I just have to quit thinking in $$ and realize that "Quality makes the difference" it's a get what you pay for world. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #8 July 29, 2004 QuoteI guess I just have to quit thinking in $$ and realize that "Quality makes the difference" it's a get what you pay for world. Exactly! Look, just because other DZs can't implement their coaching program to make a difference and really teach the students, using coaches that are well beyond the minimum it took to get the rating, doesn't mean that EVERY DZ has crappy coaches. I'm willing to bet you're gonna get a lot of ground training and a lot of really good in air training that will turn you into a very profiencent skydiver.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chutem 0 #9 July 29, 2004 Dave (if that is your name) I have read your posts on a variety of subjects and your advice always seems to make sense, but what do I know? I'm only an asp student. We (wife and I) have been very happy at Eloy so far, instructors and everyone have been great. Sounds like I might get more bang for my buck even with the higher prices. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #10 July 29, 2004 Well you got me, my name isn't Dave, its David. Most everyone calls me Dave (or AggieDave), though. Quote. We (wife and I) have been very happy at Eloy so far, instructors and everyone have been great. Yup, that's what I was sort of getting at with my post. The couple of times I've been to Eloy I watched the students and the instructors (when I could), seems to be top notch. QuoteSounds like I might get more bang for my buck even with the higher prices. Yeah and what that means is it'll take you less jumps to become as good as someone else paying less for their coach jumps (possibly, probably). Enjoy the jumps! Stay safe, listen to your instructors, and I hate you! (why? well, you have the windtunnel being built out there on your home DZ...must be nice).--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bbarnhouse 0 #11 July 29, 2004 One other thing to consider is that at Coolidge you may not get an airplane. Coolidge for the most part runs on the weekends and uses Skydive Arizona aircraft to support their operations. You don't have to be a champion to jump here....but you just may become one if you do Enjoy the journey and get out there and just jump! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tattoojeff 0 #12 July 30, 2004 theres good and bad coaches at all dz's. im sure coolidge is just as good as sdaz. once you have you a lisc. you should get coaching from aztc for more advanced stuff. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelpdiver 2 #13 July 30, 2004 QuoteI guess I'll have to ask more questions when I go back on monday. I have been concentating on the asp stuff so far. They give the idea that that is the way you have to do it. Are you saying that you can cover the A lic. requirments on less coach jumps and solo the rest to 25? BTW these prices include gear rental my slot/coach slot + coach. I thought the requirement was 5 group jumps, which means coached jumps, but on the checklist I only see: 2 docks after exiting 100ft after, good track/separation before pull, pull clear of everyone else. If it's only to meet the A requirements, 5 seems like more than enough. But with 12 I imagine they're going much further than just the minimum. If you find them helpful and it doesn't break the bank, why not? As soon as I got to solo status, I did take a couple weekends to do 4 jumps on my own where I could just have a little fun - do some tracks, some loops and turns, and to break that instructor ambilical cord. Then back to finishing it off - maybe on Wednesday I can be done. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #14 July 30, 2004 You get what you pay for when it comes to coach dives. Coach dives may be free at hillbilly DZs, but debriefs will be brief - if they debrief you at all. On the other hand, Skydive Arizona may charge more for coach dives, but you get coached by world champions. Caveat, just because you have a chest full of medals from world meets does not automatically make you a good coach. Winning and coaching are two separate skills. Certification from an organization like Skydive University helps refine coaching skills. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chutem 0 #15 July 30, 2004 Thanks for the advise---everyone. Sounds like I should consider myself lucky to be close enough to use a facility like Eloy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #16 July 30, 2004 QuoteSounds like I should consider myself lucky to be close enough to use a facility like Eloy. Check the home DZ in my profile. In case you're too lazy to click a button, here's what it reads: "Wishing it was Eloy, but it's not". Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chutem 0 #17 July 30, 2004 I'm getting the picture. I knew I moved to AZ for a reason, I just mistakenly thought it was for year round watersports. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zenister 0 #18 July 30, 2004 neener neener neener!! coach jumps absolutely rock....however it is good to go play on your own for one or two of those dives...i'd imagine your coach will suggest that at some point, or will at least put together a 'fun dive' or two to help consolidate all the 'skill based' dives your doing... you do get what you pay for, and with the talent and professionalism at Eloy you really cant go wrong...____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mattjw916 2 #19 August 2, 2004 I drive for 5 hours just to get to Eloy... there are closer dropzones but I rather jump out of Otters and SkyVans with top-notch people around than out of Cessnas at the tiny dropzones near my home. I just did all of ASP w/no rejumps in 2½ days there and it was great (except for the crop dusters flying all night long keeping me awake )NSCR-2376, SCR-15080 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
supafly 0 #20 August 3, 2004 I know what you mean. I was in the same boat a year ago at Eloy. When your first getting started the money thing definitely blind sides you. This would be true at just about any dropzone though. You might be able to save a few bucks by doing your coach jumps somewhere else (I thought about that too), but I liked the idea of staying with the same group of people while I was learning the basics. I trusted them, they're world-class, and I got along with them really easily. I definitely don't regret my decision to finish up at Eloy and make it my home DZ. And yes, I'm totally and completely biased If you want to do some fun jumps when you get off student status just come and find me (yellow canopy w/silver stripe or ask Margy in Square2). Good luck on finishin' up your A! --KeithArizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chileanXaos 0 #21 August 3, 2004 If I had 6 jumps I would go and play alone and experience the air by myself . then when you get more experienced get coaching , you will have a lot of fun doing it . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jlmiracle 7 #22 August 3, 2004 QuoteCoach dives may be free at hillbilly DZs, but debriefs will be brief - if they debrief you at all. How many of these "hillbilly" dz's have you been to RR? Do you have any experience at these so called "hillbilly" dz's? Some people believe in giving back to the sport what was given to them (free coaching), some dont. Chutem - Eloy is a fine place to learn to skydive. JBe kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmcd308 0 #23 August 3, 2004 >>Coach dives may be free at hillbilly DZs, but debriefs will be brief - if they debrief you at all. << I'm not sure it is fair to characterize how instructors treat their students without seeing the instruction given. I don't know if you consider my dz to be a hilbilly dz, but I think our students get trained pretty well. I may not be a world champion, but I can teach you forward motion and docking. The huge benefit of Airspeed coaching, in my opinion, comes to more advanced students, who have nothing to learn from me but plenty to learn from Airspeed. Brent ---------------------------------- www.jumpelvis.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drakeshelby 0 #24 August 3, 2004 OUCH!!!!! drakeshelbydrakeshelby Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
supafly 0 #25 August 3, 2004 I completely agree that solos are invaluable, especially for someone with only 6 jumps. You can learn a great deal on your own, but coaching is a great catalyst. For example, I did a day of coached jumps a couple months ago and things are still sinking in as I do my solos and 2-ways. A little basic coaching at this point in Chutem's progression (especially regarding basic body movement and safety) would probably help a lot. Regardless, it's required for him to get his A license. Not the cheapest process, but required and worthwhile IMO (not to mention jumping with the AZTC guys is always a blast). --KeithArizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
