chemist 0 #1 March 28, 2015 For those TIs who see new camera fliers coming on the job, what are some of the characteristics of those who succeed in breaking into this kind of position? For someone like me with 270 jumps what should I be doing now to make my goal a reality? Will the fact that I can only work weekends work against me? Do I need to start doing a lot of belly flying? All I do is freefly and now wingsuit in my own time. But I also like to film belly formations as an outside cameraman Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaiser 20 #2 March 30, 2015 If possible,sign up for a workshop with Norman Kent. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #3 April 1, 2015 Dedication is a big plus. Always be ready before the TI. That requires attention to detail: packing promptly, ensuring that batteries are recharged, keeping a spare memory chip in your jumpsuit, keeping an eye on manifest, etc. A large fall rate range helps keep subjects in frame. I often tell aspiring visitors to go chase their junior buddies around the sky. The worse their buddies flop, and the better they keep them in frame, the better their chances or working as a videographer. Special awareness is vital to staying alive. This means using your peripheral vision to confirm handles, the spot, altitude, etc. all while keeping the camera focused on the subject. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hodges 4 #4 April 1, 2015 Fall rate range (95-150 covers most tandems) and belly skills. I found that doing coach jumps with a variety of students really helped due to the random fall rates and unpredictability. Be realistic with your expectations. Look at the average jump numbers of most tandem camera flyers and don't try to rush into it. When a DZ gives you a shot, you want to be sure you don't f*ck it up - it's not worth the stress :). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sammielu 3 #5 April 1, 2015 Work on varying fall rates: transitions between free fly speeds (exit through drogue deployment) and belly speed (once drogue is out). Then comes canopy skills: land your canopy exactly where you want too, every time. Shed your gear and get the landing footage. Lots to practice - sounds like fun to me!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
countzero 7 #6 April 28, 2015 Flying skills and video skills are needed. And equally important is a customer focused positive attitude. For a large percentage of passengers this will be their only experience at your DZ, which they'll tell their friends about. Being able to give the customer a good experience from the first load to the last is key. Work on your interview skills also.diamonds are a dawgs best friend Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiveoc 0 #7 April 29, 2015 Get a tandem rating and a double go pro "selfie" glove. :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimmytavino 16 #8 April 29, 2015 skydiveoc Get a tandem rating and a double go pro "selfie" glove. :) Get a T. Rating,,,, and AFTER a couple of hundred tandem skydives...... THEN,,,,get yourself a double Go Pro...Fixed it, for ya' jmy A3914 D12122 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stayhigh 2 #9 April 29, 2015 But the DZO will insist that you wear one on your first paid jump.... That's if you are comfortable...Bernie Sanders for President 2016 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimmytavino 16 #10 April 29, 2015 wow.... i'd find another DZ.... I am not a TM but rather an outside video person.... I have learned that ANYthing that is new to a jumper, should be approached with care and respect.... HOW can a New TM be "comfortable " enough to add a hand cam,,,, on his or her early tandem jumps... sounds like were talking about a cessna DZ... anyway.... each may do as they please, just take Care. Jmy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougH 270 #11 April 29, 2015 stayhighBut the DZO will insist that you wear one on your first paid jump.... That's if you are comfortable... Not my DZO, not all DZO's are bad actors! To Jimmy's comment, being a small or big DZ should have nothing to do with it. I jump at a 182 drop zone and our newly rated instructor is not jumping handicam with the fresh rating, regardless of comfort!"The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall" =P Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimmytavino 16 #12 April 29, 2015 sure , Doug.. we are on the same page...I mentioned a Cessna DZ, as logistics there, would favor 2 TMs, and 2 First Timers, as likely to be a Full Load.. IF video is desired,,, the ONLY way to do it, while taking 2 Pair at a time,, is with hand-cam in That scenario I could see where a DZO,,, might be inclined to WANT everyone to be hand cam capable. Even the New TMs... Glad to hear that Your DZO does not favor that approach...til the instructor has eased into the role... sorry to have steered this discussion off track... the OP ,,,,, WAS asking about an Otter DZ... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Di0 2 #13 April 30, 2015 DougH***But the DZO will insist that you wear one on your first paid jump.... That's if you are comfortable... Not my DZO, not all DZO's are bad actors! To Jimmy's comment, being a small or big DZ should have nothing to do with it. I jump at a 182 drop zone and our newly rated instructor is not jumping handicam with the fresh rating, regardless of comfort! In all fairness, you do work for pretty awesome DZOs. :DI'm standing on the edge With a vision in my head My body screams release me My dreams they must be fed... You're in flight. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Laszloimage 0 #14 July 16, 2015 UPT requires at least 500 RW jumps in order to go along with the tandem. Additional 100 camera jumps to film it! Everybody ignores that requirement... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
