chriswelker

If you are trying to make a living off AFF it is my hallucination that you would be very fortunate to clear $20,000. The better money is in packing and Tandems when you look at things from a input/output point of view. I do AFF because I like giving something back to the sport, when I REALLY need the MONEY I'll take Tandems all day long for $75 a toss. "When you squeeze a sponge, only so much water will come out." Chris Welker

I value my life more than rental gear. Chris Welker

www.halojumper.com or www.jumpelvis.com

Approximatly $6063 up to $7737 plus when purchasing a complete new gear setup. I have overheared other skydivers telling tandem passengers (potential skydivers) "Well it's only $75 for the ground school, and $175 for your first 3 levels of AFF, and then just $150 for your last 4 jumps, then after you complete AFF your jumps will only cost you between $16-$20.(not including the cost of coach jumps and fees) Unfortunatly most potential skydivers never do the multiplication in this equation, get started and then stop or quit due to a lack of funds. When someone asks you how much does skydiving cost tell them between 6k-8k. I have done the following break down: U.S.P.A. membership $51 Instructed skydiving lessons: $1000-$2000 depending on the method being trained(S/L, AFF, IAD, TM progression). After they have completed training cost of jumps are between $8-$20. Gear rental is usually $20-$25 dollars if you choose to go this route. Used airworthy gear without a cypres $1500-$2200. Used airworthy gear with a cypres $2000-$3500 New container (Javelin Odyssey with a 25% discount and no options) $1237.50 or $1522.20 with rings K/L pc. New reserve (Rave Dash M with 25% discount) $793.50 New main (Nitron with 25% discount) $1350 Cypres $850 to $1150 depending on where you purchase from and the German exchange rate. Altimeter $138-$225 Jumpsuit $160- $350 Goggles $6-$16 The above items are the things that you need to complete a skydive after you have got your "A" license. Then there are the optional accessories!!!!!!!!!!! Hard shell helmet $39.50-$325 Audible alt. $171-$291 Gloves $15-$45 Gear bag $65-$150 Helmet bag $35-$60 Log book $6.95 Log book cover $12.95-15 Other than a RW suit $100-$300 Hook knife $6-$30 Flotation gear $2.95-$165 Yes it does add up. Blue Ones, Chris Welker

Being reposted for the reading and learning benefit of Ron Hill. The United States Parachute Association is a not-for-profit association dedicated to promoting the safe enjoyment of skydiving. USPA's Regular Members form the core of the Association's membership base. They include active skydivers, former skydivers, and others who support the sport. Benefits: Monthly copy of Parachutist magazine Third-party liability property damage and bodily injury skydiving insurance Rental car discounts Eligibility to apply for accidental death and dismemberment insurance Eligibility to apply for life insurance Eligibility to apply for the USPA credit card Eligibility to participate in all USPA license, rating, and awards programs Eligibility to purchase USPA demonstration jump insurance Eligibility to participate in USPA-sanctioned competitions Eligibility to participate in skydiving world records On the other side of the Batcave, The Group Member Program was established to foster a business and professional relationship between USPA and skydiving clubs, centers and schools in order to strengthen the unity within the skydiving community and to enhance the growth of the sport. The main beneficiary of this unity is the individual skydiver, who will receive better training, jump in a safer environment, and be better served by the association which supports the skydiver's interests. Following is a full list of the benefits of USPA Group Membership: Eligibility to sell the USPA 45-Day Temporary Individual Membership. Eligibility to participate in the Voluntary Courtesy Inspection Program (VCIP) Affiliation with USPA Parachutist Listing Drop Zone Directory Listing USPA Logo Use Online Database Access Government Relations Presence Government Relations Assistance E-mail Reports AAD Fund Use Participation in the DZO Conference Jump Pilot Orientation Pilot and Airport Management Assistance Parachutist DZ Events Listing Each Group Member pays an initial registration fee its first year of membership and annual dues each subsequent year. Group Members will be classified as: CAT 1 (skydiving operations that use military aircraft or clubs that are located on and use aircraft of an established skydiving center which is itself a Group Member; CAT 2 (small centers or schools that operate routinely with not more than two small aircraft, each weighing less than 6,000 pounds; or, professional skydiving schools which do not operate a DZ or own aircraft) and; CAT 3 (large centers that operate routinely with more than two small aircraft or one or more aircraft larger than 6,000 pounds). Foreign DZs are recognized as CAT 1 Group Members. The dues schedule is as follows: CAT 1 CAT 2 CAT 3 Initial $200 $300 $600 Renewal $100 $200 $400 I still am looking in USPA documents to find some evidence where the Group Membership Committee has control of the rating programs and how and where they are conducted. Hosting or conducting a rating course of any type is not a written BENEFIT precieved or not. The Group Membership put forth a motion (#33 Winter 2001 BOD meeting) that makes USPA individual members pay a sur charge for a program that they don't even have jurisdiction over that is what the REAL issue is here. Blue Ones, Chris Welker D-19678

Ron you are WRONG! The USPA rating programs are not a a benefit of being a GM DZ. It is a benefit to the individual membership. If you are able to produce evidence of it being written in any USPA manuel, document or contract, I'll will say that you are not WRONG! If you would read the USPA Govenance Manual page 70 and then the Group Membership program introduction letter (on the USPA web site) that lists completly ALL of the benefits of becoming a GM you will also realize that you are WRONG! By the way Ron Hill, how can you get from Memphis, Tn. to Hazen, Ar. in 1 hour? I drove from Little Rock, Ar. yesterday passing through Hazen and it took me over and hour just to get to West Memphis, Ar. going 90 m.p.h.from Hazen. I guess you must have been in you Buzz Lightyear spaceship when you clocked it. Blue Ones, Chris Welker

I am a member of the USPA, I am a S&TA, a current AFF and Tandem Instructor and I pay $69 per year to belong to this Club a.k.a. USPA, thank you very much. Individual USPA members shouldn't be penalized for jumping at or supporting a non- Group Member DZ that chooses ( for whatever reasons) not to be a USPA GM. Blue Ones, Chris Welker D-19678

The United States Parachute Association is a not-for-profit association dedicated to promoting the safe enjoyment of skydiving. USPA's Regular Members form the core of the Association's membership base. They include active skydivers, former skydivers, and others who support the sport. Benefits: Monthly copy of Parachutist magazine Third-party liability property damage and bodily injury skydiving insurance Rental car discounts Eligibility to apply for accidental death and dismemberment insurance Eligibility to apply for life insurance Eligibility to apply for the USPA credit card Eligibility to participate in all USPA license, rating, and awards programs Eligibility to purchase USPA demonstration jump insurance Eligibility to participate in USPA-sanctioned competitions Eligibility to participate in skydiving world records On the other side of the Batcave, The Group Member Program was established to foster a business and professional relationship between USPA and skydiving clubs, centers and schools in order to strengthen the unity within the skydiving community and to enhance the growth of the sport. The main beneficiary of this unity is the individual skydiver, who will receive better training, jump in a safer environment, and be better served by the association which supports the skydiver's interests. Following is a full list of the benefits of USPA Group Membership: Eligibility to sell the USPA 45-Day Temporary Individual Membership. Eligibility to participate in the Voluntary Courtesy Inspection Program (VCIP) Affiliation with USPA Parachutist Listing Drop Zone Directory Listing USPA Logo Use Online Database Access Government Relations Presence Government Relations Assistance E-mail Reports AAD Fund Use Participation in the DZO Conference Jump Pilot Orientation Pilot and Airport Management Assistance Parachutist DZ Events Listing Each Group Member pays an initial registration fee its first year of membership and annual dues each subsequent year. Group Members will be classified as: CAT 1 (skydiving operations that use military aircraft or clubs that are located on and use aircraft of an established skydiving center which is itself a Group Member; CAT 2 (small centers or schools that operate routinely with not more than two small aircraft, each weighing less than 6,000 pounds; or, professional skydiving schools which do not operate a DZ or own aircraft) and; CAT 3 (large centers that operate routinely with more than two small aircraft or one or more aircraft larger than 6,000 pounds). Foreign DZs are recognized as CAT 1 Group Members. The dues schedule is as follows: CAT 1 CAT 2 CAT 3 Initial $200 $300 $600 Renewal $100 $200 $400 I still am looking in USPA documents to find some evidence where the Group Membership Committee has control of the rating programs and how and where they are conducted. Hosting or conducting a rating course of any type is not a written BENEFIT precieved or not. The Group Membership put forth a motion (#33 Winter 2001 BOD meeting) that makes USPA individual members pay a sur charge for a program that they don't even have jurisdiction over that is what the REAL issue is here. Blue Ones, Chris Welker D-19678

A group of USPA individual members want to hold a Coach rating course at West Tennessee Skydiving Oct. 25-26, 2003. Andy Anderson contacted Bram Clement to conduct the course and Bram agreed. The candidates are covering Bram's expenses and paying the normal course fees for the materials needed; however, they are also being forced to pay an extra $600 since the course is being held at a non-Group Member Drop Zone. FYI the Group Membership Committee put forth the motion that created the "fee rule" at the 2001 Winter BOD meeting. The candidates for the course don't think it is fair and all of the USPA members that I spoke with at West Tennessee Skydiving this weekend don't think it is right either. The facilities are some of the best in the counrty with 3 full scale mock-ups of a King Air , C-195, and C-182. 2 class rooms and more than enough of everything else. Please assist your fellow skydiving brother and sister by e-mailing or contacting your elected USPA leadership immediately in regards to this situation and voice your displeasure. Blue Ones, Chris Welker D19678

Ok, I was just kinda joking in my previous post, but . . . if that's the case and in the interest of full disclosure, what else should we tell a student walking on the DZ for the first time about the sport? Hook turns? Drugs? STDs? Broken homes? Living in a van down by the river? When it comes to talking to people about the full impact skydiving -could- have on their lives, I think the financials are probably the -least- important thing to be worrying about. Paul, I stongly disagree with that point. Skydiving is a very dynamic sport in the fact that we need to stay current to stay alive.If new skydivers can not afford to jump enough to stay current they are a danger to everyone including themselves. An a current AFF and Tandem instructor I get to have first contact with potential skydivers. When asked questions regarding skydiving I attempt to give the best information possible. When people ask me how much skydiving costs I do tell them that it is expensive, but that it is no worse than most other hobbies like boating, bass fishing, scuba, or owning a horse. I also tell them that if they do start skydiving they need to stick with it and stay current by jumping 10 times a month.Last but not least I tell that skydiving changed my life and that it is a sport that has to be experienced and not explained. I just want them around to be able to do so.

No, I do not want to scare off potential student skydivers.I think people should know exactly what they are getting into. Chris Welker

Approximatly $6063 up to $7737 plus when purchasing a complete new gear setup. I have overheared other skydivers telling tandem passengers "Well it's only $75 for the ground school, and $175 for your first 3 levels of AFF, and then just $150 for your last 4 jumps, then after you complete AFF your jumps will only cost you between $16-$20. Unfortunatly most potential skydivers never do the multiplication in this equation, get started and then stop or quit due to a lack of funds. When someone asks you how much does skydiving cost tell them that it is EXPENSIVE! I have done the following break down: Instructed skydiving lessons: $1000-$2000 depending on the method being trained(S/L, AFF, IAD, TM progression). After they have completed training cost of jumps are between $8-$20. Gear rental is usually $20-$25 dollars if you choose to go this route. Used airworthy gear without a cypres $1500-$2200. Used airworthy gear with a cypres $2000-$3500 New container (Javelin Odyssey with a 25% discount and no options) $1237.50 or $1522.20 with rings K/L pc. New reserve (Rave Dash M with 25% discount) $793.50 New main (Nitron with 25% discount) $1350 Cypres $850 to $1150 depending on where you purchase from and the German exchange rate. Altimeter $138-$225 Jumpsuit $160- $350 Goggles $6-$16 The above items are the things that you need to complete a skydive ater you have made your 20 jumps. Then there are the optional accessories!!!!!!!!!!! Hard shell helmet $39.50-$325 Audible alt. $171-$291 Gloves $15-$45 Gear bag $65-$150 Helmet bag $35-$60 Log book $6.95 Log book cover $12.95-15 Other than a RW suit $100-$300 Hook knife $6-$30 Flotation gear $2.95-$165 Yes it does add up. Blue Ones, Chris Welker

I think the Group Membership program should be eliminated. If you look at the #'s the GM program can not support itself. It costs between $100 and $400 to become a GM DZ depending on the # and size of aircraft. I counted 220 GM DZ's from the USPA website and 36 foreign DZ's which only pay $100 regardless of the size of the business. Do the math I will use $400 as a base to keep it simple and to make a point. 220x400=$88,000+$3600=$91,600.As regular members we will be paying $49 each and $49x30,000(regular USPA members)=$1,470,000. Some of the GM DZ's say that their dues are too high.For roughly $33 a month if you are a GM DZ you get your DZ listed in Parachutists and on the USPA website. That is very inexpensive advertising if you ask me. By the way as our dues went up the GM's stayed the same. The regular members of the USPA pay 1.5 million and the GM's pay in $92K and they run the show. Decide for youself if you think this is fair. I don't. Blue Ones, Chris Welker

I think the Group Membership program should be eliminated. If you look at the #'s the GM program can not support itself. It costs between $100 and $400 to become a GM DZ. I counted 220 GM DZ's from the USPA website and 36 foreign DZ's which only pay $100. Do the math 220x400=$88,000+$3600=$91,600.As regular members we will be paying $49 each and $49x30,000(regular USPA members)=$1,470,000. Some of the GM DZ's say that their dues are too high.For roughly $33 a month if you are a GM DZ you get your DZ listed in Parachutists and on the USPA website. That is very inexpensive advertising if you ask me. By the way as our dues went up the GM's stayed the same. The regular members of the USPA pay 1.5 million and the GM's pay in $92K and they run the show. Decide for youself if you think this is fair. I don't. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Blue Ones, Chris Welker

What do you think should happen to the Group Membership program? Blue Ones, Chris Welker

What about the election process? Should the election process be changed so that candidates will be able to run a better campaign in the warmer months?Yes. Will you move to have these rules changed? Yes. What about Nationals selection? Are you for allowing DZs to bid on Nationals every year or are you for keeping it in one location every year? I would like to see different sites every year. Chris Schindler

No.

Yes I do.

Yes the rules should be changed.Yes, I would like to but it invloves changing the USPA constitution.

No, I feel that the membership is not being informed the way it should be. We have more ways of communicating with people via the internet and we are not taking advantage of the situation. The Group Membership program needs to go away. USPA was not intended to be a trade organization: however, it is moving that way. DZO's should form their own trade organization if that is what they want to do."No person can serve to masters" No,I have been a regular respondent to Mondays with the BOD. Rules and regs. need to be modified from time to time, but I don't see any major items that need to be changed as of now. In regards to the instructor training situation, there are some mods that could be made. Chris Welker

In the last 12 months I have made a total of 294 skydives. I would like to get rid of the EXTRA course fees that are charged to NON-GM DZ's for hosting a rating course. All of the rating courses are for the benefit of all the members of the USPA not just GM DZ's. Yes, I do have a plan. Chris Welker

Why should you vote for me? Because I care about the sport and the direction that our association is going in. I am a S&TA, AFF-I, Vector Tandem-I, and fun jumper. My home DZ is West Tennessee Skydiving and I have jumped there since I started skydiving June 12,1996. If you would like to know my views on a particular topic I would be glad to share them with you and I would also like to know yours too. Blue Ones, Chris Welker D-19678

Please send me your business plan so I don't try it. Chris Welker