TD Camp Format

[sikorsky 0]

BASIC FORMAT OF THE TD CAMP - by Alan Gutshall and Jon Sikorsky

after 28 jumps from 13.5 we were pleased to see that folks were now able
to top-dock accurately and pilot to some extent.

1st weekend:
The top docking started out as an exercise in getting from the aircraft to
the area along side to make a final approach from. They practiced getting
there in 2 moves, although many controls were used, it was an out and back
in move while closing the vertical gaps. For 5 jumps they only put their
foot behind the outside a-line, then withdrew. Emphasis was on getting only
the a-line and presenting the outside leg. The next 5 jumps added moving
from one side to the other with minimal separation.

2nd weekend:
1st jump 1st day repeated the previous jump. Then we had them do the same
drills but working on top of two-stacks. Since we had little or no wind we
introduced them to noting the knot meter and judging the groundspeed. We had
the pilot do long go-arounds for them to visually sense 80-90 knots ground
speed. We also had them get a feel for airspeed by putting their hand
outside the door. They learned the difference of 80 vs. 110 knots and should
be able to tell the difference between up or downwind headings on windy days
from the aircraft. 2nd day jumps were stair step docks holding the grip.

3rd weekend:
5 jumps - We worked hard on center docks emphasizing correcting the heading
at grip time. The remaining jumps we posed as students, having them brief
us, communicate with the pilot, spot and get us on the dz. We emphasized the
1st dock out of the door had to be made. After the initial dock we let them
dance around and make as many points as they could.

All the time we exposed them to where the airflow was around the target
canopy and how to avoid it. We explained the burble they have and how to
avoid it from affecting the target canopy. We made certain not to allow a
sloppy dock while staying as close as possible so that they could see
mistakes. We always kept a steady heading from the beginning of the camps
while gradually leaning towards not helping with vertical separation and
forward speed.

I can say that for the most part our techniques worked and above all, were
safe -- time will tell. I know one of them recently hung row five without an
issue and the other started piloting. I know the precision learned in top
docking helped. I'm certain of one thing, everyone else that can top dock
can teach it differently, however I believe it is most important not to bail
on them during a bad approach! This is not as easy as one might think. It
does take some balls/ovaries!

So far they have had at least 400 attempts at top docking and pulled off at
least 100 that were correct. In contrast, it took me 2 years to get 100 ones
right. It was disappointing to look back on my own progression when I first
started, but seeing them progress evened it out emotionally for me I
guess...

4th weekend: (August 14, 15 - ZHills)
We are going to do some nice top docking formations and drills.