New 2 this forum, I have a ?

[captainjim 0]

I made a tandem jump in the past, and, because of ear block (AKA Eustacian Tube Dysfunction) I suffered a great deal of pain which really took the fun out of it. Thinking it was a temporary condition, I attempted my first AFF jump, but, remembering the pain from the tandem jump, I "froze" at the door and refused to jump. During the rapid decent of the Twin Otter, I suffered the same kind of pain I did during the tandem jump, and also the humiliation of stepping out of the airplane after it landed, all dressed up ready to jump. I believe I would probably do fine doing a Static Line or IAD jump.

My question is...can I ever get at least an A license, with a waiver restricting me to hop & pops? Or am I forever stuck to repeating basic Static Line/IAD jumps as a student? (providing my DZ doesn't mind doing that, knowing I may never be willing or able to free fall)

[HoldtheIce 0]

If you really want to do this, I suggest you doing a Static Line progression. The static line progression program starts you out at lower levels, e.g. 3500. After like 3 jumps at that altitude, you are moved to like 4500, and on to 6000 and so onto full altitude.

I'm thinking as you progress up to higher altitudes, you be able to condition yourself, or determine where your cut off altitude is.

There are USPA requirements which require you to perform required tasks at upper altitudes, e.g relative work. You can go to the USPA website and look at the SIM, section 4 for the requirements.

Here's another thought, maybe there are exceptions for disabilities, but I don't know or am qualified to reiterate. But it may be worth looking into.

Have you considered Wind Tunnels? All the free fall time without the pressure changes.

Good Luck!

Cause they know, and so do I, The high road is hard to find
A detour to your new life, Tell all of your friends goodbye

[HoldtheIce 0]

See SIM section 3, sub-section F for physical handicaps and disability exceptions.

Cause they know, and so do I, The high road is hard to find
A detour to your new life, Tell all of your friends goodbye

[popsjumper 2]

I suggest you get the problem fixed...even if it means surgery, and THEN take up skydiving.

My reality and yours are quite different.
I think we're all Bozos on this bus.
Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239

[skymama 37]

Welcome to the forums!

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[PiLFy 3]

Quote

Welcome to the forums!

Hi Jim,
If you rupture your ear drums bad enough. You may never be able to jump again. The vertigo/nausea/pain/etal will be icing on the cake. Get yourself checked by an ENT. Good Luck.