bnunyabiz

that is awesome - I'm very glad to hear other DZ's are offering the classes. It's amazing to me that other DZ's are "not" offering the classes. Swoop is teaching our classes at SDLI - and he's been doing a phenominal job. What's great is that instead of having one "expert" come in - spend a weekend with us - then leaving and we are there to fend for ourselves -- we have Swoop on hand every day to ask him questions, get his feedback, and have him "continue" working with us on every jump. This is why I think having DZ's host these is very important. After the class I still wanted to practice and perfect a lot of things I was taught and picked Swoop's brain A LOT -- and he was always there with a smile offering guidance and suggestions. The same way we all need training before we are allowed on the road to drive - I think these classes are VERY important. AFF teaches us how to fly and be prepared for a malfunction or emergency -- but the canopy piloting portion is left up to us...and yes, we get a brief "these are your toggles and this is how you use them" but to be fully prepared and adequate in the air requires thorough training -- and I think those that don't take the opportunity to learn as much as they can are simply missing out.

Hey there -- I'm glad to see many other DZ's are also offering the course. Swoop did our classes at SDLI and my landings have been amazing ever since. It's a shame because the people who SHOULD be taking the classes are the ones who don't. I think it should be mandatory right off of AFF. I said that to someone once and they said "It will never happen because USPA just ensures you know how to fly" -- and my responce was "then it should be a DZ mandatory rule - because we can all fly eventually - but under canopy - we can be playing Russian Roulette with some jumpers -- and just because some have their A license, doesn't mean they know how to pilot a canopy" Canopy collissions are happening more and more and the more we can educate and teach people how to pilot - the better the sport will be for ALL involved. Just my two cents... Keep up the good work for those DZ's that are offering the classes - and Swoop - I owe you buddy - job well done!!