Level III

[FliegendeWolf 0]

Hi everybody,

So I made my Level III jump yesterday. The exit was outstanding ... we took less than three seconds to get stable. PRCP was great (no repeat of last jump not being able to find the ripcord!), toe taps were great. When the JMs let go, I didn't even realize it. Made some short circles, heading ... altimeter ... SHIT!!!! 3500 feet?!? CRAP, HOW THE HELL DID THAT HAPPEN?!? Survival instict kicked in, pulled cord. Looked again at altimeter, I was at 8000 feet! I read it backwards, as though the needle would be turning clockwise. I knew where 6000 should be, and the needle was far to the left, so I panicked! Once the canopy opened, I realized my mistake, and the ride down from 8000 was pretty, and long. It's amazing how small the landing area is when you're that high up. Next thing I know, I hear my JM trying to talk to me through the radio, but I couldn't make out a word of it. I took my time descending and made my way back. Once I got into a landing pattern, I could understand my JM finally, took my instructions, and made an ok land. Not on the feet, but much lighter than the last one. I was really shaken up about it while under canopy and still a bit in shock once I was on the ground. They cleared me for level IV, since my TLOs were great, and since the emergency procedure for this jump was comfort, in control, altitude aware keep jumping, I did exactly the right thing by pulling when I did. My JM also gave me the option of repeating level III if I'd like, and I'd only have to pay for the three slots and the rental gear, which was really cool of him. I haven't decided what I'll do, yet. I'll tell you this, and I know it has been mentioned in other posts, this jump was the one I got most nervous about. The first one was fine, the second one had me a little nervous. This time, I was nothing but nerves on the plane. I suspect that this is probably why I had a brain fart and panicked. I asked my JMs and they said this was pretty typical, and at about level IV and V the nervousness begins to wane again, but that sometimes, even after several thousand jumps, she still gets nervous. I'm going to head to the DZ today to start learning how to pack. I hope everyone else has a fun, safe weekend!

A One that Isn't Cold is Scarcely a One at All

[SAMPLEKSample 0]

LOL...mine was wose-8 grand too. Didnt trust the altimeter

[hawkbit 0]

It sounds like you were doing great right up till the time you pulled. I'm sure that you JM's would much rather you pulled when you did than to stare at the alti for the rest of your life.
Time does fly when you are up there so it would have been totally possible for it to have been 3500 (but your JM's would have most likely have pulled for you at that point).
All in all sounds like you have the jump down, the main point was to see if you could be stable on your own... so it seems you met that requirement. If you feel comfortable then you may as well continue on to level 4. Its a blast!
But your comfort level is the most important. So do what feels right, the JM's wouldn't give you the green for the next level if you weren't capable.
Blue skys and soft openings!
Patrick

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"You don't quit playing because you get old, you get old because you quit playing"

[bodypilot90 0]

I know i thought i was having a hard time reading the alti.I did the next 100 jumps with a wrist mounted alti 2. I forgot mine and had to use a ft50, even thought a lot smaller never had any trouble. Must have been nerves :) never did go back to the alti 2

Have faith in ur jump master and yourself

Bill

[Muenkel 0]

Dude,

That's awesome! Congrats.

Keep us updated on your progress. I enjoy reading it.

_________________________________________
Chris

[FliegendeWolf 0]

Thanks all for the positive energy!
I've decided that I did in fact pass level III in good faith. The maneuvers were easy, and all they were looking for was good body position. I had good body position the whole time, and when the JMs left, I didn't feel it at all!
The only issue for me now is something that Quade alluded to the Whuffo post: this was the jump that scared me, that made me realize just what I'm getting into here. Basically, I'm not ready to hop into a plane again just yet. Fortunately, I really wouldn't be able to make it to the dz till the end of the month anyway. I'm sure I'll make my level IV jump, but it will definately be an informed decision from now on! Goodbye Whuffoness!!

A One that Isn't Cold is Scarcely a One at All

[chicagoskydiver 0]

It shows that you understand the priorities....number one you have to pull. Number two pull at the right altitude. But the main thing is you pulled. Better too early or too late than never. Number three...pull stable...but if you're at pull altitude never sacrafice altitude for stability. You did it right.....just need to get that internal clock going. We've all pulled high at one time or another....on one student jump I became a little unstable and said "screw it I'm outta here" and pulled at 7 grand. Those survival instincts are important.

Hackey

[SkymonkeyONE 4]

Well, from an instructor's standpoint, I sure am glad that Raeford went to the ISP. What that did for us give us a sort of "safe" jump after that level III (now Cat C, jump 1) you did. The old level IV was a very busy dive for a single jumpmaster. Being out there by yourself with a student who had previously only been released one time and had nothing to do on that jump but fall flat, dumb, and happy, then expect that person to be able to accomplish turns and forward movement. I really like the Cat C dive 2 in the ISP because it is really just a repeat of the two JM level III, but with only one JM. The dynamics of the exit are different, but everything else remains the same; no turning, just stable falling down the pipe.

Chuck