Training

[shleprock30 0]

Hi all,
Currently I am doing S/L progression, I have thought about doing AFF since now that I feel a little more confident with the whole jumping out of the plane thing.
I had thought about taking a week off and possibly traveling somewhere to do this. Any suggestions? Also is it possible to do it in a week if everything goes good?
thanks
Rick

[billvon 2,991]

>I had thought about taking a week off and possibly traveling somewhere to do this. Any suggestions? Also is it possible to do it
>in a week if everything goes good?
If they have a good program, and are implementing something like ISP - yes. If it's a standard seven-jumps-and-see-ya AFF program then I would stick with the static line program. You will learn more, and graduate a safer skydiver.
I've seen people get through AFF in two days and disappear. The scary part was they didn't really know all that much, but were no longer considered students - they had graduated from the program.
-bill von

[shleprock30 0]

bill,
Thanks for the response, I am getting ready to start the free fall portion of the s/l course and was a little concerned with the whole stability issue. I thought that the AFF would help with that, even if I could only complete 3 or 4 jumps.
I am not trying to be on the fast track with this.
Thanks
Rick

[riggerrob 643]

Perhaps what you need is the Canadian progression, which usually starts with a tandem, then 2 or 3 IAD jumps from 3,000', then 5 Progressive Freefall levels from 10,000' and finally a few coach dives to smooth out your skills. During the coaching phase, you will learn how to pack, front loop, barrel-roll, and do your first sit fly exit.
Your best bet is to spend a week's vacation at a major DZ that has full-time AFF Instructors and full-time coaches. Hint, Skydive University's coaches were trained the the former head of the Canadian 8-way team, so they are among the best on the planet.
Only doing 3 or 4 AFF jumps would be really awkward. You would not have graduated and instructors back at your home would not know what to do with you, so they would probably put you back on S/L with practice pulls, a very confusing situation for all concerned.

[shleprock30 0]

Hey thanks for the info. Victoria BC is only a couple hours away. I was thinking of going to Arizona or California but the dollar does go alot farther up north. :)
After the training in Canada how would that transfer back to the states (USPA)?

[riggerrob 643]

schleprock,
If Victoria BC is only a couple of hours away, then you may be even closer to my base at Pitt Meadows, just east of Vancouver.

[Iflyme 0]

Hey, Victoria is a great place to do PFF, too ... Gary Butchart is an excellent instructor! Rod Mack is no slouch, either!
As you can probably gather, Shleprock30, I jump in Victoria! There are some Kapowsin jumpers on this forum, so perhaps they can offer up some detail on the program there, too...
Rob - are you heading south again for the season?
Frank

[riggerrob 643]

I still have not decided whether to spend another winter in California. I am negotiating with a couple of Caribbean DZs, but my current boss has asked me to stick around Pitt Meadows for the winter.

[MarkM 0]

Another option is the Florida Orlando area.
You'd have access to the wind tunnel there to train your free fall skills and Deland is right near by for AFF training.

[riggerrob 643]

Training at a Canadian DZ will will transfer to the USA provided you do at least 25 jumps and earn a Canadian "A" Certificate of Proficiency.
"A" C.O.P.s/Licenses are recognized at most DZS on this planet.

[shleprock30 0]

I just wanted to say thanks for all of the responses, I have still been jumping and have a much better feeling about what I am doing, I think that I am going to continue on my current course and save the Trip for a canopy control course.
Thanks for the advice.
Rick