Air Adventures AFF: Level 5
SOLO TURNS AND FORWARD MOTION
JUMP SEQUENCE:
When your jumpmaster says "GET INTO POSITION", take your position in the door.
When you are ready to exit, turn to your right and shout "CHECK IN!" to your JM.
The JM will respond "OK!" and nod his head when you are ready to go.
Do the exit count - "Ready! Set! Arch!"
On "Arch!" step to the left, out of the plane.
Count to four, maintaining a hard arch.
Do one practice ripcord touch.
Check your altitude.
Your JM may give you hand signals, and will then move in front of you.
If everything is going well, and you seem stable, your JM will release you and fly 5-10 feet in front of you.
Maintain hover control. If you slide backwards away from the JM, use forward motion to correct.
Maintain heading. If you seem to be turning away from the JM, turn back towards him.
Your JM will give you a turn signal - a hand pointed in one direction. Turn 180 away from the JM, then turn back.
Check your altimeter. Your JM will not give you turn signals unless you check your altimeter first.
Your JM will give you another turn signal. This time, turn 360 degrees, and stop facing him.
Check your altimeter. If altitude permits, your JM will give you another turn signal.
At 6000 feet, shake your head to indicate "no more manuevers."
Your JM will move back beside you when he sees this. Do not follow!
Wave off and pull at 5000 feet.
Count to five and check your parachute.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:
Do smooth, slow turns in each direction. Do not allow yourself to build up speed in a fast turn.
Maintain altitude awareness by checking your altimeter often.
If you find yourself backsliding, use your forward-motion skills to correct it.
Signal no-more-manuevers at 6000 feet, then wave off and pull at 5000 feet.
LEVEL FIVE HINTS:
To fix stability problems - ARCH!
Check your altimeter after every turn.
Be aware of your legs! Unwanted leg motion is one of the most common problems on level 5 jumps.
REMEMBER THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF ANY SKYDIVE:
PULL!
PULL AT THE RIGHT ALTITUDE!
PULL STABLE!
LAND SAFELY UNDER AN OPEN CANOPY!
Before
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
Level 6
Level 7
AFF Training - Level 6
Napoleon Skydiving Center: Level 6 - Solo Exit
You should now be able to spot and pack like a pro (if not, get on it before the next level). Under canopy try a ``maximum recovery flare'' by initiating a toggle turn and then bringing the other toggle down without letting up the first one (but try it up high).
TLOs
Brief pilot with assistance.
Spotting direct to pilot.
Perform a stable poised exit without assistance (solo, no-contact, with
subterminal heading control).
Two backloops.
Tracking.
Wave off, then pull at or above 3000 feet.
Dive Flow
Running Description
Roach Hotel Check
Check In.
Exit Count
C-182 Prop, Up, Down, Arch; Otter Center, Out, In, Arch.
Solo Exit
performed without the jumpmaster assisting in stability. Remember to arch
hard on leaving. If stability is lost, recover using arch. Inversion recovery
can be performed by briefly folding one arm across the chest to initiate
a roll in that direction.
JM Demonstrates Backloop.
Get eye contact with the JM. He/she will initiate a backloop by drawing
legs in and swinging arms using a large circular motion.
Perform Backloop.
Initiate by drawing legs in extending arms out and then down past legs using
a circular motion. Recover to arch as you see green (ground) again. Repeat.
Track
by first getting a ground reference on the horizon. Face the reference and
extend legs to straight out at knees. At the same time bring arms down and
back until they are straight at the elbows and even with the lower back.
Continue to arch at the hips and chest. Slowly recover to box man position
by 4500 feet.
Wave Off at 4000 feet.
Pull by 3500 feet.
Primary Canopy Check
Shape, Spin, Speed, Twist.
Release Toggles
Secondary Canopy Check
Slider, Endcells, Tears, Lines.
Controllability Check
turns and flares OK.
Canopy Control
halfway down, halfway back.
Setup For Landing
Downwind at 1000', Base at 500', Final at 200'.
Flare
at 10', feet and knees together, PLF if necessary.
Collapse the Canopy, Field Pack, and Return.
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
Level 6
Level 7
Level 8
Air Adventures AFF: Level 6
BACKLOOPS AND DELTA TRACKING
JUMP SEQUENCE:
When your jumpmaster says "GET INTO POSITION", take your position in the door.
When you are ready to exit, turn to your right and shout "CHECK IN!" to your main side JM.
The JM will respond "OK!" and nod his head when you are ready to go.
Do the exit count - "Ready! Set! Arch!"
On "Arch!" step to the left, out of the plane. Your JM will not hang on to you during exit.
Count to four, maintaining a hard arch.
Do one practice ripcord touch.
Check your altitude.
Turn to find your JM. He will not be hanging on to you, but he will be nearby.
Follow your JM's hand signals.
When he signals you to turn, do a 360. Check your altitude after each manuever.
When he signals you to backloop, pull your knees up to your chest and stick your arms out in front of you in one fast motion. You will feel yourself backloop. When you feel yourself upside down, hard arch to recover stability. Check altitude after the backloop, then find your JM.
When he signals you to delta track, put your arms back by your sides, extend your legs and point your toes. Track for six seconds. Recover to a neutral body position. Check your altimeter, then find your JM.
At 6000 feet, shake your head to indicate "no more manuevers."
Turn 180 degrees away from your JM.
Wave off and pull at 5000 feet.
Count to five and check your parachute.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:
Begin the backloop, then recover stability.
Maintain altitude awareness without reminders.
Turn smoothly.
Track aggressively in a straight line.
LEVEL SIX HINTS:
Remember - to start a backloop, be agressive. To recover from a backloop, arch hard.
It may take a second to get back over - hold the arch until you feel yourself flip back over.
When you begin a delta track, pick a point on the horizon to track towards to avoid tracking in a circle.
REMEMBER THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF ANY SKYDIVE:
PULL!
PULL AT THE RIGHT ALTITUDE!
PULL STABLE!
LAND SAFELY UNDER AN OPEN CANOPY!
Before
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
Level 6
Level 7
Air Adventures AFF: Level 7
GRADUATION DIVE
JUMP SEQUENCE:
The JM will check the spot, then tell you to exit.
When you are ready to exit, just dive out of the plane like Superman. Do not check in.
Get stable as soon as possible after exit.
Turn to find your JM. Track towards him when you find him.
Follow your JM's hand signals. Remain close to him throughout the dive.
When he signals you to turn, do a 360. Check your altitude after each manuever.
When he signals you to track towards him, use forward motion to get closer to him.
When he gives you the delta-track signal, track for five seconds.
If he drops below you, arch harder to increase your fall rate.
If he floats above you, arch a little less to decrease your fall rate.
At 6000 feet, shake your head to indicate "no more manuevers." Your JM will not remind you if you forget.
Turn 180 away from your JM and track for five seconds, then stop.
Wave off and pull at 4000 feet. Note the new altitude. Check above you as you wave.
Count to five and check your parachute.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:
Remain stable 100% of the time after exit
Demonstrate tracking, fall rate control, and tracking skills
Demonstrate altitude awareness despite distractions.
Perform breakoff procedure at 6000 feet.
Stable solo waveoff and pull at a lower altitude (4000 feet, plus or minus 500 feet.)
LEVEL SEVEN HINTS:
Be altitude aware! Your JM will not help with altitude clues, and may try to distract you. Do not let him!
Remember - the pull is lower than previous dives. You have more time between "no more manuevers" and the pull.
During the track, be sure to pick a point on the ground to track towards so you don't track in a circle.
Expect the unexpected. This is your final dive as a student, and your JM will be testing you to see if you can safely jump on your own.
REMEMBER THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF ANY SKYDIVE:
PULL!
PULL AT THE RIGHT ALTITUDE!
PULL STABLE!
LAND SAFELY UNDER AN OPEN CANOPY!
Before
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
Level 6
Level 7
AFF Training - Level 7
Napoleon Skydiving Center: Level 7 - Clearance Dive
By now all of this should be easy. Good luck. Once you complete this level, you're ready to skydive on your own (after buying the DZ a case of beer for your accomplishment).
TLOs
Demonstrate ability to inspect, don and adjust equipment correctly.
Demonstrate ability to inspect and pack main canopy.
Explain and demonstrate knowledge of RW safety procedures.
Brief pilot and spot correctly without assistance.
Perform a diving exit (solo, no-contact --- maintain or recover control).
Intentional front loop.
Chain of controlled maneuvers.
Tracking.
Wave off, then pull at or above 3000 feet.
Land within 25 meters of target without radio assistance.
Dive Flow
Running Description
Roach Hotel Check
Check In.
Exit Count
C-182 Prop, Up, Down, Arch; Otter Center, Out, In, Arch.
Solo Diving Exit
Performed by diving head first from the aircraft. Immediately arch and extend arms out over head to the ``superman'' position. Recover back to the boxman position.
Frontloop
Performed by pulling arms to sides and bending sharply forward at waist while ``kicking'' legs straight at knees. Recover to boxman position as you see green again.
Half Series.
Perform two alternating 360 degree turns followed by a backloop.
Track: until 4500 feet.
Wave Off: by 3500 feet.
Pull: by 3000 feet.
Primary Canopy Check: Shape, Spin, Speed, Twist
.Release Toggles
Secondary Canopy Check: Slider, Endcells, Tears, Lines.
Controllability Check: turns and flares OK.
Canopy Control: halfway down, halfway back.
Setup For Landing: Downwind at 1000', Base at 500', Final at 200'.
Flare: at 10', feet and knees together, PLF if necessary.
Collapse the Canopy, Field Pack, and Return.
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
Level 6
Level 7
Level 8
AFF Training - Level 8
Napoleon Skydiving Center: Level 8 - Solo Dives
Congratulations on your successful completion of the New Napoleon
Skydiving Center's Accelerated FreeFall Program. You are probably
wondering "Where do I go from here?". The answer is that whether
you have 10 jumps or 10,000 jumps, there is always more to learn.
As an AFF Level VII graduate, that journey begins with (surprise)
level VIII. The Level VIII program is a series of solo dives
designed to accomplish three goals:
Perfect the skills learned in the AFF program.
Build confidence in your ability to exit an aircraft at a lower
altitude (should that need arise).
Develop the ability to identify and use a rig equipped with a
"hand deployed" main pilot-chute.
These goals will be accomplished over the 4--8 solo dives of the
Level VIII program. Once these goals have been reached, you'll be
ready to start making coached dives with experienced skydivers
to work on your air skills. Relax, have fun, be safe, and see you
in the coaching program....
AFF Level 8 (Page 1) - AFF Skills
The first phase of the NSC Level VIII program is a series of two to four
solo dives to practice the things you learned in the AFF program.
The emphasis here is on having fun and building some confidence your
ability to skydive "on your own". You will also be practicing for
the next phase which is a low altitude "clear and pull" dive.
TLOs
Perfect ability to perform poised and diving exits.
Perfect ability to start and stop controlled turns.
Practice backloop and frontloop maneuvers.
Practice tracking to gain horizontal separation for opening.
Practice for "Clear and Pull" by maintaining stability while
performing a PRCT within 5 seconds of exit on at least two dives.
Maintain good altitude awareness.
Perform dives in a safe manner.
Wave off, then pull at or above 3000 feet.
Land within 20 meters of target (record distances in logbook).
Dive Suggestions
The exact format of these solo dives is up to you, but it will probably
resemble the AFF Level VII dive flow somewhat. It is important to
use a good ground reference when practicing turns to enable you to
judge your ability to start and stop them on heading. When practicing
tracking, do so in a direction perpendicular to the aircraft's line-of-flight
to stay clear of groups exiting before or after you. It is suggested that
solo jumpers leave the plane after the smallest RW group, but before tandems
and AFF groups (which open higher). Remember that the priority on all
skydives is Pull, Pull at the assigned altitude (before 3000'), Pull stable.
AFF Level 8 (Page 2) - Low Altitude Exit
Throughout the AFF program, dives were performed from high altitudes
to give a maximum amount of freefall learning time on each dive.
Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, skydivers
must often exit the aircraft at lower altitudes due to mechanical
or atmospheric problems. This dive is to get you acclimated to
the lower altitude exit.
TLOs
Ability to perform a stable exit.
Initiation of deployment within 5 seconds of exit.
Land within 20 meters of target (record distance in logbook).
Dive Suggestions
The first low altitude exit should be performed between 4000 and 5000
feet. The exit is not dramatically different than the exit you used
for Levels I--VI (poised exit). In this case though, you will be
initiating the main ripcord pull before reaching terminal velocity (which
would take about 10 seconds). To insure stability at subterminal speeds,
a hard arch position is used. This is accomplished by putting
the hips and chest into a "maximum arch" position. Additionally,
the arms and legs are extended straight. When performed correctly,
it should look like the letter "X" when viewed from the front or
back.
When performing the actual dive, exit the aircraft from the poised
position and perform a hard arch. Give a two to three second count
and then initiate a main ripcord pull in the usual manner, recovering
immediately to the hard arch position. This dive is also
good for practicing your spotting skills since you will probably be
the only one exiting on this pass. Remember that you are not at
terminal velocity, so a 3 second delay translates to only about 150 feet
of altitude loss (versus a 500 foot altitude loss at terminal velocity).
AFF Level 8 (Page 3) - Transition to Hand Deploy
Most experienced skydivers use rigs employing pullout or
throwout main canopy deployment systems. These systems eliminate
pilotchute hesitation and make packing easier. They also demand
more proficiency of the jumper.
TLOs
Understand and identify pullout and throwout deployment systems.
Be able to pack a throwout deployed pilotchute.
At least ten practice pulls on a throwout deployment system.
At least one jump with a throwout deployed main canopy.
Land within 20 meters of target (record distance in logbook).
The Pullout Deployment System
Though it was developed after the throwout system, the pullout deployment
system is actually more like a traditional ripcord deployment system.
In the pullout system, the deployment handle is attached to a straight
closing pin and to the base (or bottom) of a springless pilotchute.
As the deployment handle is pulled, the pin is first extracted from
the container closing loop. As the handle is pulled further, the
pilotchute is pulled from the now open container and inflates, pulling
the handle from the skydiver's hand. The handle is usually mounted on the
bottom of the container.
The Throwout Deployment System
The throwout system was the first "hand deployed" pilotchute system
developed. The handle is attached to the apex (top) of the pilotchute.
The pilotchute itself is externally packed (usually in a pocket on the
legstrap or bottom of container. The pilotchute is extracted from its
pocket and released at arm extension. It then inflates and pulls a
curved pin from the closing loop, opening the container.
Using a Hand Deployed System
In any hand-deployed system, there are several things to be aware of:
Stability is important. If activated in an unstable position, the
hand deployed pilot chute can easily entangle with the jumper.
Note that this does not mean that the pull can be delayed until
stability is achieved! The priority is still Pull, Pull by the assigned
altitude, Pull stable.
The pilotchute should be released at full arm extension. Releasing
it sooner can allow it to be "sucked" into the jumper's burble.
The handle will be in a significantly different position, possibly
one that cannot be seen.
To prepare for your first hand deployed jump, have a staff member demonstrate
the correct technique for folding the pilotchute. Then make several (ten
or more) practice pulls on the ground, concentrating on maintaining good
form and a good arch. Finally, perform at least one skydive using the
hand deployed system. Plan your breakoff and pull at least 1000 feet higher
than usual to allow for the new deployment procedure (but make sure to
alert others that you are doing so).
Where do I go from here?
Now that you have completed the solo dives of the level VIII program,
you are ready to begin skydiving with others. Your immediate goal
should be to qualify for a United States Parachute Association
"A" License. The minimum requirements for that license beyond
what is accomplished in the AFF program are:
Twenty (20) freefall jumps including 5 minutes of total freefall time.
Landed within 20 meters of target on 5 jumps.
Unintentional water landing training.
Participation in at least three 2--way relative work jumps.
Pass a written exam.
Note that application for any license requires documentation
of the requirements (usually a logbook entry). When you are ready,
you may contact any of the AFF Instructors for information on taking
the exam and applying for the license.
You should also have begun accumulating your own skydiving gear. At
a minimum, you should already have ordered or received:
A hard, Protec style, helmet (which NSC requires until 50 jumps).
A jumpsuit appropriate for your size and weight.
A visually accessible altimeter (either chest mounted or wrist mounted).
Goggles.
You should also be in the market for a complete rig (main parachute,
reserve parachute, and harness/container system). There are many
manufacturers of parachutes and containers, each of which produces several
product lines and sizes. Ask staff and other jumpers for suggestions on
the type of gear they recommend (but remember they are only
suggestions). A new rig will cost between $2500 and $4000
depending on the choice of components. A used rig will cost less, but
should be carefully inspected by an FAA rigger prior to purchase.
There are many other items that are useful for skydiving, many of
which can be obtained through regular sporting goods sources.
Gloves are necessary for skydiving whenever the temperature on
the ground or at altitude drops below 40 degrees farienheight.
Equipment should be stored and transported in a protective container
like a duffel, gear bag, or hard case. A USPA Skydiver Information
Manual has information necessary for passing the license exams and
performing special dives like night or demonstration jumps.
Finally, keep in mind that you are entering a new sport quite unlike any
you previously have experience with. Jumping with others will be
helpful, but you must carefully determine the experience level and ability of those wanting
to "coach" you. Just like "Two drowning men cannot save one another", two recent AFF graduates cannot effectively teach one another to skydive, and may actually represent a hazard to each other.
NSC offers several coaching programs and many jumpers enjoy coaching novices.
Staff members can introduce you to available coaches who we feel do a good job. If you have questions about the ability of someone wanting to coach you, ask. Freefall time is
expensive and we want you to make the most of yours.
Good luck, have fun, be safe.
Dale Southard,
Safety and Training Advisor,
Napoleon Skydiving Center,
AFF/I, VTM, Sr. Rigger, D--11216
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
Level 6
Level 7
Level 8
Skydive Arizona Files Lawsuit Against Skyride
ELOY (September 14, 2005) - Skydive Arizona, an Arizona-based company that is one of the world's largest drop zones and skydiving centers, announced that it has filed a lawsuit against Cary Quattrochi and Ben Butler, the principals in 1-800-SKY-RIDE. The complaint filed in federal district court in Arizona alleges violations of federal law prohibiting false designations of origin, false or misleading descriptions of fact, and false or misleading representations of fact in commercial advertising. According to the complaint, the named defendants misrepresent the nature, characteristics, qualities, and geographic origin of their services and commercial activities. The complaint also alleges claims of consumer deception, unfair competition, and trademark infringement.
The complaint alleges that the defendants have more than 900 websites purporting to offer skydives and related services at locations in Arizona and elsewhere, which are allegedly used in a common plan or scheme to deceive consumers and to perpetuate a scam on the public. The defendants are alleged to have a website that misrepresents the defendants as "Arizona Skydiving," "Skydiving Arizona," and as the "Skydiving Arizona Center" in the State of Arizona. According to the complaint filed by Skydive Arizona, the 1800Skyride represent that their facility at "Skydiving Arizona" is "the busiest skydive center serving Arizona," that they "run multiple turbine aircraft," and that they have "multiple large screen TV's in our hanger for you to use and watch your video for the first time," when in fact the defendants have no such aircraft, hanger, large screen TV's, or skydiving center in Arizona.
Skyride allegedly have websites for fictitious skydiving centers in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Glendale, Gilbert, Yuma, Flagstaff, Chandler, Peoria, and Tucson, which are alleged to falsely represent that defendants have a skydiving center at each such location. Skydive Arizona has alleged that the defendants have one or more websites that include photographs of Skydive Arizona's aircraft which are misrepresented to be photographs showing defendants' aircraft. The complaint also alleges that many of the defendants' websites include a photograph of skydivers taken at Skydive Arizona, which is allegedly represented to be a photograph of the defendants' experienced staff of instructors, and the same photograph is allegedly misrepresented as the staff at defendants' fictitious skydiving centers in Green Bay, Wisconsin; Springfield, Illinois; Nashville, Tennessee; and Atlanta, Georgia.
The complaint alleges a nationwide scheme to mislead consumers with websites for fictitious skydiving centers throughout the United States, while it is alleged that the defendants have no such physical facilities, instructors, or aircraft at the locations represented on the websites. Consumers are allegedly provided with a toll-free number to call to make reservations to skydive at the defendants' fictitious skydiving centers, and the telephone calls are allegedly routed to a telemarketing center in Georgia. The complaint also alleges that the defendants on at least one occasion fraudulently diverted telephone calls from a legitimate skydiving center to the defendants' telemarketing center after the owner of the business died, and while the decedent's widow and children were attempting to sell the business.
Also named as defendants in the suit are the Atlanta Skydiving Center, Casc Inc., 1-800-SKY-RIDE, and 1800SkyRide.com. Skydive Arizona is represented by Sid Leach of the Phoenix law firm of Snell & Wilmer, L.L.P.
About Skydive Arizona, Inc.
Skydive Arizona has grown from a business established in 1978 by Larry and Liliane Hill, at a time when they owned a single Cessna 182. Operating under the name "Skydive Arizona" since 1986, the business has grown significantly, and is now recognized as the world's largest skydiving center. Skydive Arizona tallies over 150,000 jumps annually at its facility in Eloy, Arizona. Skydive Arizona provides state-of-the-art training, world-renowned instructors and staff, pilots, videographers and coaches, and has established an international reputation in the skydiving industry.
For further information, contact Betsy Barnhouse at Skydive Arizona, 4900 Taylor Road, Eloy, Arizona 85231; telephone: (520) 466-0493.
Also see:
The SkyRide Virtual Network Scam
What can we do about Skyride?
SkyVenture Arizona Open for Business
All the employees of SkyVenture Arizona are delighted to announce that the world’s largest indoor wind tunnel is now officially open for business! We believe the moment you enter the flight chamber for the first time you will agree that this fantastic facility was worth the wait!
Whether you come as an individual or part of a team, we know that this new tunnel will meet and exceed all of your expectations. With the totally round 14 foot diameter flight chamber, four quiet and powerful electric engines, and new airflow design, we are confident that you will find this new tunnel to be the best training aid available anywhere!
To mark our opening, for a limited time, we have special low hourly rates for you! Because we are a part of the Skydive Arizona family (www.Skydiveaz.com) we have the best coaching for every skydiving need. Our great group of newly trained tunnel instructors is always here to assist you as well as instructors from the Arizona Training Center. Members of Skydive Arizona's World Championship team, Arizona Airspeed, (www.Airspeed.org) will also be holding tunnel camps, skills camps, team and individual world class coaching as well! In addition, Airspeed will be holding weekly tunnel coaching sessions throughout the year (more on those in our next email).
Whether your goal is to become a better and safer skydiver, to have some fun, to compete, or to become a world champion, the wind tunnel at Skyventure Arizona is another great reason to come to the sun. Heck, now you don't even need that!
We look forward to flying with you, soon!
For more information please visit our web site, www.Skyventureaz.com, or call us at 1-888-BODYFLY or 520-466-4640.
Classified Featured Photo Ads
To help our Premier Members sell their gear faster and easier we feature their 5 most recent ads, with photos, on the Classifieds main page. If you're a Premier Member, remember to upload at least 1 photo with your ad. That's all that's required to get your ad on the main page!
Read everything about our Premier Membership
By admin, in Premier Features,
Why was my ad marked as a scam
We use a number of criteria to determine whether we mark an ad as a SCAM or not. If you believe your ad was unjustly flagged, please send an email to abuse@dropzone.com and include the following information:
Your USPA (or other licensing organization) number.
How long you've been jumping, how many jumps you've done, the name of your home DZ.
The name of your DZO or Instructor, and his/her contact info.
When and who did you buy this gear from?
Your phone number. We apologize in advance it your ad was wrongly identified as a scam. We are very serious about the security of our users and the integrity of our Classifieds, and prefer to err on the side of caution. Thank you for understanding.
By admin, in Classifieds,