Questions to ask DZ

[Kerrida 0]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to visit at least one of the local DZs in my area in about a week. I'm very new to skydiving, have yet to make my first jump, and looking to at least get out and meet people and ask questions so that I can be as informed as possible when the time comes.

Anyways, I was wondering what sort of questions should I ask while I am there? I don't care if they are questions that are trivial or ones that you think everyone would ask beforehand.. just send em my way! I guess basically I'm looking for a general set of questions that you would have before going to a new DZ, wished you had asked before your first jump, or even wish that newbies would ask before theirs. Currently I'm reading through the SIM and the posts here.. but alas it can be a lot to take in from just reading, talking definitely helps a lot.

Just for the record I'll be heading to Skydive the Farm in Rockmart, GA for this excursion.

Thanks in advance!

Kaeli

[BlueHaze 0]

Ask Hans if he is chinese...



But seriously, most of the people from the Farm post here so it is like you are asking them what to ask them.

[Kerrida 0]

Awww, and here I was gearing up to make sure I had a god juicy response for ya next weekend :D

At any rate, I figured people from The Farm posted here since one of their fresh grads is the one who pointed me to them. At any rate, still doesn't invalidate the desire to have good intelligent questions to ask. You can read about things all day long, but you tend to learn better when you can talk and see more of what's going on.

I guess I have a tendency to try to learn all I can about something before I do it. Like this past February, work took us on a ski trip. Got to go snowboarding, which I've never done before (haven't skiied either for that matter). However, the weeks leading up to it, I was reading everything I could find, and by the time I got to the slope, and with an instructor I had them all swearing I had done it before lol. Having the theory in my head well before getting actual instruction helped make it all click much faster. In the end, had a blast.. up until I realized I spent all day on the slope without eating, and now all the food places were closed down :p

[NWFlyer 2]

For your first jump course, your best bet is just to listen to your instructors and ask as many questions on the material presented as possible. It's great that you have a copy of the SIM already - that'll be an excellent resource to supplement the materials that you'll get in the class. But don't try to learn too much ahead of time - first jump courses and subsequent training are well designed to give you the right information at the right time.

But good for you for just going to check it out prior to doing your first jump. Since you've bought the SIM, I assume you want to go ahead and get your license. Ask about the training program there - not just AFF, but getting to your A license. How is the program structured end-to-end - what happens between AFF and your A license? That'll help you know what to expect beyond the first jump (though I'm sure the first jump is what you're most excited about right now).

Wander around and get to know people - they're a pretty friendly bunch out there. See if it's the kind of place that feels comfortable to you. Weekends during the day will be busy for the instructional staff so it may be tough to get time to chat with them, but early in the day and after hours, or during the week, it should be a lot easier to get some time to ask your questions.

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[Kerrida 0]

Oh I have every intention of asking questions during the FJC when that time does come. A lot of the reading and such is also helping to keep me from being too excited and spending the money before I can comfortably afford it, lol.

I've not purchased the SIM yet, I'm simply reading through the PDF copy from USPA. Getting the license.. that remains to be seen. Currently that is the plan, but not going to say most definitely until I've given it a try. I would try tandem, but well.. that honestly unnerves me more than hopping out for the AFF.

Thanks for the suggestion though!

[tombuch 0]

See if you can find a used copy of my book "JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy." It was written with you in mind, and includes a series of question you should ask when investigating a DZ.

Tom Buchanan
Instructor Emeritus
Comm Pilot MSEL,G
Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

[Kerrida 0]

Quote

See if you can find a used copy of my book "JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy." It was written with you in mind, and includes a series of question you should ask when investigating a DZ.

Duly noted, and done!

Thanks,
Kaeli

[matt6242 0]

The Farm like my home DZ Palatka ( blatant plug)

Has a reputation for being one of the friendliest DZ's around.

Ask whatever is on your mind and you will be received by someone more than happy to chat with you.

[popsjumper 2]

Bring it on, Kaeli!

My magic 8-ball says that it is highly likely that I will be your FJC instructor.


It's good that you are reading beforehand. It speaks volumes about your desire and willingness to learn. Your FJC will go much more smoothly and a little quicker.

As you read the SIM, write down the questions that arise and, if you don't discover the answer later in the SIM, present them to me when you get here and I will address them either immediately, or, let you know that it will be covered at the proper time in the course.

Looking forward to meeting you.

Andy


Oh...on the lighter side, here's some pertinent questions you may not have thought of:
1. What are the Beer Rules?
2. Who is the hottest instructor to make out with?
3. When I get measured for a jumpsuit, do I have to take all my clothes off?
4. How do we get extra altitude?
5. Who is that Smoke Nazi anyway?
6. When I barbeque a stray dog, should I have red or white wine with it?
7. Does anybody know Tom Hayden?
8. What happens at the Farm?
9. Do I get to play in the bouncy house?
10. (drumroll, please)...How many girlfriends should I get to pin that handsome FJC instructor?

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

[Andy9o8 2]

#11. He looks really old. Will his dentures blow out in freefall?

[shermanator 4]

couple good questions, that nobody really seems to ask.

1. can I see the maintenance logs of the aircraft.

2. Can I see a copy of the pilot's license. *must be commercial license, not private*

3. Do you take skyride? Oh, you do.. is there a dropzone around here that doesnt?"

4. very very important question.. 'do you have any grey poupon?"

5. why do you go up a little bit when the parachute opens.

CLICK HERE! new blog posted 9/21/08
CSA #720

[Kerrida 0]

Quote

couple good questions, that nobody really seems to ask.

5. why do you go up a little bit when the parachute opens.

That's easy :P I'm slowin down.. your the one still speedin along

Though admittedly I read that entirely the wrong way....

read it as: "Do you get..."

But thanks for the other questions.

[Kerrida 0]

Thanks for the heads up!

As I've said a couple of times, I'll be up there on Sat, weather permitting to hang out and meet people. Going to work some overtime at work to save up the money. Not hard, just I want to make sure I have enough for in case I like it, I have extra to progress further without much downtime :)

So far most of the things in the SIM and from extra readings things are at least making sense. Right now it's just familiarizing myself with things. I'll hopefully have time this week to read through some more and absorb it better.