COA

You're typically supervised with at least one instructor in free fall on your levels 1-7. When I did my level 8 I was simply watched from the plane (as we were only 5000ft up in the air) and didn't have anyone beside me. I think that might be typical of everyone else as well. All your consolidation jumps, including canopy handling/landing, are done on your own without the aid of an instructor.

I guess there's slightly different rules and expectations dependant on where you do your course. Jumping in the UK, you obtain your A licence when you complete your AFF course which is a minimum of 18 jumps - Levels 1-8 including 10 consolidation jumps providing you don't foul up and have to repeat a jump - and also have completed your canopy handling 1 (CH1). After those eighteen jumps you're given your A licence and official membership from the BPA and are then a solo/fun jumper. During your AFF, kit hire including packing should already be incorporated in with the price of the course. Full membership to the BPA is a seperate cost though.

Not if you live in the UK it ain't. It's either very mild or non-existant! lol

I don't know if you will now have the same experience as me but when I graduated to the Consolidation jumps I found that everything I was doing just got better and better, my technique, form and - especially - my confidence was high. I think it might have had something to do with there being no pressure while under the scrutiny of the instructors so I could just concentrate on visualising what I had to get done on every consol jump and just doing it...and it worked. And this may be premature to say this at this time but when you do your Lvl 8 at around 5000 ft, don't worry because you've actually got more time than it actually seems. When I jumped I was free-falling for about 7 seconds to ensure stability before I pulled. (So don't rush it.) And it was a sweet feeling indeed. (I could've cried on that drive back home.)

Will hopefully be jumping again this weekend but I have to wait for my renewed membership card to come through first...and it's excellent weather forecasted as well, so hopefully everything goes well. I really can't wait!

lol Accurate cartoon strip that! Totally relate.

Hello. A novice to the forum and the sport. Gained my A licence last November (incredibly and uncomfortable cold Level 8 though ) and feeling the need to jump once again now that the weather here in the UK seems to be brightening up. I wonder if this is unique: I noticed throughout my AFF course I felt very nervous when in the plane and setting up but the very split second I fall out I am incredibly and totally calm. Is this nervous anxiety? Impatient excitement? Restless Lemming Syndrome? Que? When I'm out I'm pretty calm that I'm able to gain stability almost immediately. Is this a normal situation? I'm assuming it is. Hello once again.