narcimund 0 #1 May 13, 2002 This weekend I made jump # 207. Considering my 7 static line jumps, I now have the minimum freefalls for a D. I think I have everything else covered (night jumps, accuracy, etc.) Theoretically I can take the test and USPA will issue the new number.Here's the problem: 177 of the 207 jumps were more than 10 years ago. I just returned to the sport last fall. So while I have made over 200 jumps, only 30 of them are since 1990. The result? While I feel perfectly safe in the air, I'm HARDLY an advanced skydiver. I used to do reasonably well for someone with a couple of hundred jumps, but that was in the 80s. Now I know how to fall stable, pull the right handle, play around for 4 minutes, then flare for landing. But don't count on me successfully docking on your 4-way. I doubt I could get within 5 meters of the target without luck. I'm not standing up all of my landings yet.So I think I'm going to hold off on getting that licence upgrade. Even though I could have it, I'd feel like I was cheating. The INTENT of the thing is that it should mark a skydiver's skill and knowledge levels, and I certainly don't qualify for those.Now I just have to figure out what to tell people at the DZ who ask how many jumps I have. If they ask before they see me jump, they get unrealistic expectations. If they ask me AFTER they see me jump, they wonder why I'm such a screwup with that much experience. "Flying without feathers is not easy; my wings have no feathers" -- Titus Maccius Plautus, 220 B.C. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sebazz1 2 #2 May 13, 2002 A lot of expert skydivers though don't have a firm grasp of reality either. You my friend do seem to know your limits and what is acceptable for you. I think that is one sign of mastering the sport. I do not neccesarily agree with the rules that are in place. I would prefer to see the jump requirements increased for each license. But at the same time there are people with 200 jumps that are experts.Just abide by the rules and if the rules say you qualify, go for it. Let me also say welcome back from your little hiatus from the sport and do not do it again or we'll kick yo ass!!LOLSebazz........ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #3 May 13, 2002 I know how you feel. I'm about to hit 200. All have been since May 2000. I also have 72 military static lines that don't count in the log book but I think are invaluable experience. It's still hard to believe that I will soon qualify for a D license. I think of myself as pretty far above average skill for my number of jumps. I don't however even consider me anything close to an "expert" but USPA says I am at 200 jumps. OK...whatever...give me the license. I earned it by the rules that are in place whether I agree with them or not. Knowing your limits is THE most important thing in this sport IMHO. I'll jump with you any day because you seem to know yours. "Here I come to save the BOOBIES!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
