Book Learning and Safety

[BrianSGermain 1]

I think that one of the problems with the sport today is that we have not utilized the classroom enough, as well as the books that are already available. I have written two so far, for example, and I know there are countless more that can have a very positive impact on the number of impacts.
(Sorry, I couldn't resist)

The way of the future, I believe, will involve deeper learning more similar to general aviation. Ground school is essential, and must play an increased role in the future of our sport if we are to avoid continued escalation of injuries and fatalities.

I know you all know this. I just wanted to begin a thread regarding the books and other resources that are already available. What have you read that you believe can make a difference for our beloved sport?

Instructional Videos:www.AdventureWisdom.com
Keynote Speaking:www.TranscendingFEAR.com
Canopies and Courses:www.BIGAIRSPORTZ.com

[tombuch 0]

I'll offer a few quick thoughts. There are several great web sites that I check often. They are listed below. Take a quick moment and visit each, bookmark them, then when you have nothing to do on a rainy day make a return visit.

I've also listed a few of the print products available along with purchasing detail. This stuff makes great reading, and each book offers lots of discussion possibilities for those evening bonfire sessions.


http://www.performancedesigns.com/education.asp This is the Performance Designs site. It's one of the best.

http://www.noexcusesrigging.com/EssaysArticles.htm[url] This site has a bunch of interesting articles. I especially like the PowerPoint programs about risk and accident analysis.

[url]http://www.chutingstar.com/rantandrave.html. This is the Shooting Star Rant and Rave, a good site for general information from a major rigging loft. Click on the "previous" feature at the bottom of the current feature for more information.

http://indra.net/~bdaniels/ftw/index.html. This is a general collection of articles by Skratch Garrison, an old pioneer in the sport who is still going strong and offering his latest ideas.

http://ranchskydive.com/safety/index.htm. This is a collection of my essays on The Ranch site. I'm the S&TA and am expected to write something every month or so, and this is where my ideas live in print.

Parachuting: The Skydivers Handbook, by Turoff and Poynter. This is the ninth edition of a book that has been the bible of skydiving for many years. This book is available directly from the publisher (Para-Publishing), or at places like Amazon.com.

The Skydivers Survival Guide, By Emerson and Antebi. This is a relatively new publication targeted at folks just off student status, to those with a few hundred jumps. It offers some awareness of issues that most of us don't consider very often. The Guide is available from many skydiving retail shops as well as Amazon.

JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy, by Tom Buchanan---that's me! I wrote this book for whuffos who are interested in learning about skydiving. The idea was to educate consumers so they would make better choices. The book is also a good read for instructors, and makes a nice gift for worried family members of active skydivers. It is published by McGraw-Hill and is available at many bookstores, as well as Amazon.

The Parachute and it's Pilot/Vertical Journey. These two books are by Brian Germain who was too sensitive about the "no advertising" rule here to list his own products. They are available from, among other places, his web site at: http://www.bigairsportz.com/publishing.php

Tom Buchanan
Instructor Emeritus
Comm Pilot MSEL,G
Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

[mjosparky 4]

Quote

The way of the future, I believe, will involve deeper learning more similar to general aviation. Ground school is essential, and must play an increased role in the future of our sport if we are to avoid continued escalation of injuries and fatalities.

This could also be looked at in the training of riggers. A more formalized extended program so we do not just produce "parachute packers". jmo
Sparky

My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals

[BrianSGermain 1]

I agree completely. Way too many riggers don't know the first thing about how to check trim on mains, for example. The idea is for the rigger to provide a Complete Equipment Recertification. This involves more than just cutting the main away to make sure the 3-rings work. I means looking over the entire main and checking it in every way.

A course on this is definitely something that I am open to holding, and I know there are others that would love to run one as well.

If you invite me, I will come...

Instructional Videos:www.AdventureWisdom.com
Keynote Speaking:www.TranscendingFEAR.com
Canopies and Courses:www.BIGAIRSPORTZ.com

[PhreeZone 20]

Brian, if we have weather at WFFC like we did last year would you be availble to discuss things like this with intersted people?

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[BrianSGermain 1]

Sounds like a plan!

Instructional Videos:www.AdventureWisdom.com
Keynote Speaking:www.TranscendingFEAR.com
Canopies and Courses:www.BIGAIRSPORTZ.com

[sducoach 0]

Brian,

You, Sparky, and Tom have put up some great ideas. Doing "I" and "Coach" courses the most common error I see is lack of efforts with the book-work.

That being the problem, too many wanting "instant gratification" without the work. I am criticized "experts" telling people, "go to the book and look it up". They prefer to be told, it is so much easier.

I'm with you guys all the way.

Blues,

J.E.

James 4:8

[freakydiver 0]

I would absolutely agree - I know from a personal standpoint, I've learned some of my most important lessons regarding skydiving from sitting and talking with people rather than in the air.

This also lends itself to canopy control (heck, all disciplines). One can learn a great deal in a classroom. Just think about the amount of time you have in a classroom compared to just one jump.

-- (N.DG) "If all else fails – at least try and look under control." --

[peek 21]

Brian:
"I think that one of the problems with the sport today is that we have not utilized the classroom enough, as well as the books that are already available."

Gary:
I basically agree, however I must admit that when I am at the dropzone, the last place I want to be is a classroom. I think we must encourage people to do the reading earlier, and then ask questions at the drop zone. (After all, look at how many posts to the forums are made. A lot of people have plenty of time to do this.)

Another issue here is books specifically. I think even the best books include too much information. Everyone that writes a book looks for information to add chapters so that the book is bigger.

Me, you, everyone. It's something that happens. Even Dan Poynter, when told that me and Dr. Jean Potvin (www.pcprg.com) were writing a book on parachute data acquisition, spoke of things to "make the book bigger".

I think the WWW is one of the best places to get information, because usually the author or web designer has structured the writing to the web, that is, short, easy to read paragraphs, and short articles.

The references Tom mentioned after you post are quite good, but many jumpers will not have a chance to know about them.

Our own dropzone.com has many articles in the Safety Area, but people that do not utilize dropzone.com will never see them.

In fact, I know of a lot of jumpers, and even a DZO, that badmouth dropzone.com because all they hear about is the forums. They actually say that dropzone.com is worthless and that they don't like it. (In reality, these are people who are afraid, and who can't cut it communicating with the big boys and big girls here.)

Inexperienced jumpers hear this and miss out.

[BrianSGermain 1]

I agree that people would rather be in the air than in the classroom. Kids would rather have dessert than eat their vegetables. It is the way of things.

The issue is not what they want but what they need. People are dying out there. I know we all have to go sometime, but I would rather it be some other way than in my sport. I am willing to lock them in the classroom and tie them to the chair if it will make a difference. I have seen the classroom time make a difference. I have seen knowledge save lives.

The trouble with forums and other web formats is that the information can often lack documentation. Humans are very good at remembering ideas, but terrible at attributing those ideas to sources. It may have come from the "Inquirer"...

I think that if we present the material in a classroom setting, the opportunity to answer questions on the spot gives the educational experience significantly more depth than reading alone. Traditional collegiate settings uilize this format because it is the most effective manner in which to pass on information.

In skydiving, we are trying to do even more than most educational systems. We are efforting to get the information into the "Working Memory" and actually change behavior. Ideas don't keep us from hitting the ground, making the right choices at the right time is what saves our butts. The right books, combined with consciencious mentorship is the way to do that.

Instructional Videos:www.AdventureWisdom.com
Keynote Speaking:www.TranscendingFEAR.com
Canopies and Courses:www.BIGAIRSPORTZ.com

[skyyhi 0]

As a newbie in the sport, I must say that I find a lot of information from reading and talking with those much more wise than I am. I love books and have gotten a hold of a couple books on skydiving. These I can read during the week rather than watching TV.

I want to know as much as I can about the sport, my equipment, canopy control, flying my body, etc. A minute of freefall followed by a couple minutes under canopy a few times a week is not going to give me ALL the information I need to know. Books and seminars and other "classroom" education will continue to help those of us who are younger in the sport.

Great post, guys.

________________________________________
Take risks not to escape life… but to prevent life from escaping. ~ A bumper sticker at the DZ
FGF #6
Darcy

[sducoach 0]

Again. Right on the mark. Learning is creating a behavioral change. I do believe the biggest problem is the "instant" gratification the world wants these days. The old saying is something like, "paying your dues" which means for the younger though process. Do the Dew.

Blues and keep it up my friend.

J.E.

James 4:8

[Push 0]

Which is precisely why a canopy regulation that forces people to take classroom time, as well as practical tests, would be good. Here in Canada, we have to write a test every time we want a new license. I'm pretty sure it's the same in the US. Why not do that for canopies, as well?

I'll see you in the classroom at Burnaby in a week and a half, Brian.

-- Toggle Whippin' Yahoo
Skydiving is easy. All you have to do is relax while plummetting at 120 mph from 10,000' with nothing but some nylon and webbing to save you.

[peek 21]

Brian: ... I am willing to lock them in the classroom and tie them to the chair if it will make a difference. I have seen the classroom time make a difference.

Gary: Agreed, but I would like to see people get this information (mainly away from the drop zone) when they have time to read it and think about it. That is why I mentioned the WWW.

Brian: The trouble with forums and other web formats is that the information can often lack documentation. Humans are very good at remembering ideas, but terrible at attributing those ideas to sources.

Gary: That is why I proposed dropzone.com as a repository for safety info from experts. If enough experts say that same thing it is probably a good idea to heed their advice.

Brian: I think that if we present the material in a classroom setting, the opportunity to answer questions on the spot gives the educational experience significantly more depth than reading alone.

Gary: Of course it does. When I was a novice I had so many questions for my mentors it must have driven them crazy. I have a small number of people that still ask me quite a few questions. I think the people that want to learn will, at least by some means. Maybe you are seeing a lot of reluctance to learn?

Brian: The right books, combined with consciencious mentorship is the way to do that.

Gary: I think that is what I was describing, but it takes a bit of desire on the part of the person that needs the knowledge. I have never had much success forcing anyone to learn, but those who are asking the questions are learning a lot.


Note: To get back to the idea of classroom education, it would seem to me that a good format would be small segments of classroom work, interspersed with practical work, or application.

We do this for first jump courses and it seems to work well. I'm not sure why it would not work for more advanced canopy control.

I keep thinking "attention span" here.

[BrianSGermain 1]

I think we are on the same page here. As long as mentors keep teaching, and students are willing to learn, we will get where we want to go with this.

I just got back from another great canopy flight course in Tecumseh, Michigan. Once again I am impressed with the committment of many jumpers to further their education. Bravo, Tecumseh! I believe that if those that are excited about learning spread their enthusiasm and inspiration, the sport will continue to evolve in a the right direction.

Instructional Videos:www.AdventureWisdom.com
Keynote Speaking:www.TranscendingFEAR.com
Canopies and Courses:www.BIGAIRSPORTZ.com

[kallend 2,027]

I have been a university teacher for 34 years. In that time I have noticed a slow but sure decline in reading comprehension among students. Take a look at any technical textbook today (math, physics, chemistry) and you will see it is a watered down ("dumbed down") version of what was used 35 years ago. Lots more pictures and colored text boxes, lots less content.

Many, maybe most, people just don't want to read, and/or can't read effectively.

...

The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[quade 4]

Quote

I have been a university teacher for 34 years. In that time I have noticed a slow but sure decline in reading comprehension among students. Take a look at any technical textbook today (math, physics, chemistry) and you will see it is a watered down ("dumbed down") version of what was used 35 years ago. Lots more pictures and colored text boxes, lots less content.

Many, maybe most, people just don't want to read, and/or can't read effectively.

I don't blame the students . . . I blame the publishers.

A lot of times when people are designing layouts they do so not based on what would teach the most effectively, but rather what "looks good" compared to magazines and other pop media.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[kallend 2,027]

Quote

Quote

I have been a university teacher for 34 years. In that time I have noticed a slow but sure decline in reading comprehension among students. Take a look at any technical textbook today (math, physics, chemistry) and you will see it is a watered down ("dumbed down") version of what was used 35 years ago. Lots more pictures and colored text boxes, lots less content.

Many, maybe most, people just don't want to read, and/or can't read effectively.

I don't blame the students . . . I blame the publishers.

A lot of times when people are designing layouts they do so not based on what would teach the most effectively, but rather what "looks good" compared to magazines and other pop media.

Chicken and egg, I suspect. The books are designed to accommodate short attention spans, and that's what results.

...

The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[billvon 3,006]

>Take a look at any technical textbook today (math, physics, chemistry)
> and you will see it is a watered down ("dumbed down") version of what
>was used 35 years ago. Lots more pictures and colored text boxes, lots
>less content.

I've noticed the same thing in popular publications like Scientific American and Technology Today. The cover of Scientific American especially - it used to have headlines like "Singularities - Insights from Stephen Hawking", nowadays it will read "Fat - Are your genes keeping you from dieting?"

[BrianSGermain 1]

Quote

>Take a look at any technical textbook today (math, physics, chemistry)
> and you will see it is a watered down ("dumbed down") version of what
>was used 35 years ago. Lots more pictures and colored text boxes, lots
>less content.

I've noticed the same thing in popular publications like Scientific American and Technology Today. The cover of Scientific American especially - it used to have headlines like "Singularities - Insights from Stephen Hawking", nowadays it will read "Fat - Are your genes keeping you from dieting?"

I hate to break up your bitch session here, but we have the ability to effect the outcome here. This is not an unchangible situation. If you aren't part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

Let's get out there and change things!
Teach
Teach!!
Teach!!!

Instructional Videos:www.AdventureWisdom.com
Keynote Speaking:www.TranscendingFEAR.com
Canopies and Courses:www.BIGAIRSPORTZ.com

[mjosparky 4]

Quote

I don't blame the students . . . I blame the publishers.

The publishers publish what the schools/universities are buying. If the text was not approved by the administration and teaching staff I doubt they would continue to get published. jmo

My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals

[flyinchicken 0]

Quote

Let's get out there and change things!
Teach
Teach!!
Teach!!!

You will be teaching my bf who has been making me very nervous with his 22 jump assessment of canopy flight this weekend. It will be very interesting too see what a newbie has to come away with, after your weekend course.

"Diligent observation leads to pure abstraction". Lari Pittman