When you want the right answer, you ask the right people.

[LeMorte 0]

When you want the right answer, you ask the right people.

In short, I just became a truck driver covering the lower 48 and Canada. I can take my days off anywhere in the country and have decided to go all out an get a license to skydive.

So, the question is... can I take the course at different locations or must the license be obtained through just one location an instructors?

I usually get 2 days off every 2 weeks, So how many days would it normally take to get all the jumps needed for the class A?

I'm thinking the advantage with multiple locations is wheather, secnery, the adventure of it. Appreciate any suggestions, comments or reccommendations.

Thank you

[bodypilot1 0]

It's probably best to finish your training at one DZ, or even better, with the same instructors. After your signed off to jump unsupervised, feel free to go to any DZ you wish, but be prepared to show a log book with a signature signing you off. Traveling to different dz's to get your A can be done, but make sure you know that particular dz's gear, rules and policies before you make a jump.

www.WestCoastWingsuits.com
www.PrecisionSkydiving.com

[Speed2000 0]

LeMorte,
First off, congratulations on deciding to learn to skydive!

I've known quite a few long and short distance haulers over the years who also skydive, seemed to me that they really enjoyed the freedom the job gave them to travel to different DZs and events.

Can you get your license through a bunch of different DZs, in different states, with different instructors? Sure. There is nothing in the FARs, BSRs or anywhere else that limits you to one DZ or one group of instructors. I split my training between two DZs. Hell, my best friend jumped in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Kansas, and South Carolina before finally doing his check-dive back in Pennsylvania.

That said, bodypilot has a very good point. Traveling around to do your training may be fun and exciting, but it has its' own problems and risks. Here are some things to think about:

First of all, just because the ISP supposedly standardizes the training program doesn't mean all instructors or DZs will teach the same way. So the first thing you'll have to prove to a new instructor at a new DZ is what you already know. Maybe that won't bother you, maybe it will.
Secondly, different DZs have different gear, so you'll have to adjust to a new set of gear at each new place until you get your own rig (skydiving rig, that is). It may seem trivial now, but spring-loaded vs throw-out, ROL vs BOC, SOS vs. regular, can all make a big difference.
Third, different DZs have different landing procedures, obstacles, and prevailing weather. There is a lot to be said for learning one area and sticking with it until you get licensed.
Fourth, if you do decide to travel around during your training, make sure your logbook is as detailed as possible. It will be your first introduction to each new instructor.

In short, you can do it whatever way you want. Traveling will expose you to a lot more different airframes, methods, gear, and landing areas, and if you can absorb things quickly and have a good head on your shoulders, you may be fine with that. It'll make you a better parachutist (which is a little different than a better skydiver). If you want to get in a groove, though, get to know your instructors and fellow jumpers better, and knock out your stduent jumps, go to one place and do it there. Then, once you have your license, let the world be your oyster.

Many flight schools recommend student pilots do their flight training up through solo on one airframe, at one location, with one flight instructor so the student is focused on learing to fly rather than on new variables. It's something to think about.

For jump numbers, plan on only doing one jump your first day. After that, it is hard to predict. Maybe one, maybe four, maybe zero each day. So much depends on variables like: level of business, weather, the airplane, and other things. Talk it over with the DZO and instructors there.

Hope this helps.

Blue skies,
Johnny

[floormonkey 0]

I recently worked with a truck driving student. He did 1/2 hour at the tunnel after his first jump. Specifically, he went to one we refer people to and used a coach who is an AFF instructor we refer students to (on his route, but 10 hours from us). He then came back and zipped through his levels in short order. He spent his time on the road reading the SIM and our book. Showing up prepared and having a little training made for a very quick AFF progression.

[popsjumper 2]

Quote

I recently worked with a truck driving student. He did 1/2 hour at the tunnel after his first jump. Specifically, he went to one we refer people to and used a coach who is an AFF instructor we refer students to (on his route, but 10 hours from us). He then came back and zipped through his levels in short order. He spent his time on the road reading the SIM and our book. Showing up prepared and having a little training made for a very quick AFF progression.

*swoon*
My dream student!

My reality and yours are quite different.
I think we're all Bozos on this bus.
Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239

[LeMorte 0]

Good advice all, Thank you so much for your imput. I'll keep this short as now I must determine where I'd like to go for weeks on end as the cold of fall and winter approch. Guess you can say I'm favoring something south of the mason dixion line. lol