kneeboards

[thomas.n.thomas 0]

Brand new to skydiving, done one tandem and about 20 pages from finishing Poynter's manual. Getting ready to take on the SIM.

I'm starting to work on a few lists like "what to inspect and how often," "what to check before a jump," "what to check during deployment," and so forth. Does anyone ever use something like a kneeboard (I'm thinking sewn in clear cover to slide paper in because obviously you don't want an actual bulky kneeboard on your rig) and grease pencils for keeping track of this sort of stuff (mostly just the pre-flight checks) right before the jump? I like the idea of being able to look down at my thigh and see all the boxes checked off before I yell Bonzai and take to the skies.

[AggieDave 6]

No, the check list for your rig isn't *that* long, so typically once someone has enough jumps that his rig isn't being checked by instructors, they pretty much have it down.

As for now, take a HUGE deep breath, go to your DZ and sign up for a first jump course. You can even start hanging out at your DZ before that, getting to know people and learning.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[cavscout73 0]

take it from a fellow student newbie , relax have fun take every bit in, I have learned more on rainy and windy days(which is how I spent a lot of my summer, grounded due to weather) or even after the beer light is on.. just get to know the people make some friends , have some fun and most of all trust your instructors...

[Bertt 0]

Ummm... I'm not quite sure where to start with this, but it seems like you might have been flying airplanes. Whether that's the case or not, you're drastically overthinking this. I hope you don't find yourself reading a "what to check during deployment" checklist before pulling the main handle. Proper procedures will be taught at the dropzone. Reading supplements that.
Do what Dave said.
1) Go to the dropzone of your choice.
2) Take a first jump course.
3) Ask questions.
4) Listen to answers from instructors.
5) Jump

There's your checklist.

You don't have to outrun the bear.

[GLIDEANGLE 1]

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Brand new to skydiving, done one tandem and about 20 pages from finishing Poynter's manual. Getting ready to take on the SIM.

I echo the comments above about over-thinking this. The above checklist is excellent.

If you feel compelled to read the SIM, I suggest that you limit yourself to Section 4, Category A. That is the material for a first jump. Any additional info is just noise to distract you on your first jump.

While there might be a place for checklists on the GROUND in preparation for unusual jumps (Night, Water, High Altitude, etc), there isn't much call for them in the plane or under canopy.

The biggest problem with pre-jump checks isn't that folks don't know the sequence... it is that folks don't want to do them in the first place! Once committed to doing one... the steps are EASY.

Smile, Breathe, Relax.

The choices we make have consequences, for us & for others!

[Tinley 0]

Hah, I was thinking of the other kneeboard.

Being just off student status, I go by the rule of 3 when checking my gear, 2 pins and 1 AAD = 3, 3 Rings, 3 Straps, 3 Handles, and 3 Accessories (Helmet, goggles, altimeter).

just my .02

[Andy9o8 2]

I would think it would be .03; but whatever.

[thomas.n.thomas 0]

I am the kind of person that gets about 20 feet out of my apartment building only to forget if I locked the door (which I did) and have to go back up to check on it....twice...
Based on responses, it sounds like the simple solution is obviously to pay attention, which I would imagine is a prerequisite for repeated jumps.

I'm slowly being convinced I am overthinking things - it's what I do for a living, so it comes naturally. I will definitely go over this with my future instructor and make sure I'm not trying to cover too many bases too quickly. Thanks for the responses and the perspective.

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

Quote

I am the kind of person that gets about 20 feet out of my apartment building only to forget if I locked the door (which I did) and have to go back up to check on it....twice...
Based on responses, it sounds like the simple solution is obviously to pay attention, which I would imagine is a prerequisite for repeated jumps.

I'm slowly being convinced I am overthinking things - it's what I do for a living, so it comes naturally. I will definitely go over this with my future instructor and make sure I'm not trying to cover too many bases too quickly. Thanks for the responses and the perspective.

Yes, you're overthinking it a bit.

The "before putting the rig on" check is pretty straightforward and logical. I was taught "top to bottom, front then back". Once you've done it a few times it becomes natural.

Pre-jump is the "3 3's". 3 straps, 3 handles and 3 ring. You can get a "pin check" where someone takes a quick look at your main and reserve pins just before jumprun.

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[GLIDEANGLE 1]

I have given this more thought and it has dawned on me that we do have checklists...but they are not physical lists.  Our lists tend to be mnemonics or other memory tricks:

SHAGG (pre-boarding checklist for accessories)
•  Shoes
•  Helmet
•  Altimeter
•  Goggles
•  Gloves

Check of threes: (3x3... a pre-exit self gear check)
•  3ring, 3ring, RSL
•  3 buckles
•  3 handles

SSS (a canopy check routine) 
•  Shape
•  Stability
•  Steerability

Checking the rig... The rig is the checklist! Just follow a routine path which will take you to each item to be checked. My path is front from right top, down, across to the other side, up that side, then the back from top to bottom. 

There is one checklist I DO use for skydiving... For packing my gear into the truck before leaving home!

The choices we make have consequences, for us & for others!

[Southern_Man 0]

Quote

I have given this more thought and it has dawned on me that we do have checklists...but they are not physical lists.  Our lists tend to be mnemonics or other memory tricks:

My DZ has actual physical lists. Students use them and they are out for anybody to use at any time.

"What if there were no hypothetical questions?"