Instructor assignments...how early do most students find out "who they're getting?"

[Spudmuffin 0]

Just wondering...

How early do most students, upon arriving at the DZ and checking in, find out who their instructor will be that day? So far, I haven't found out until I'm called to get suited up. I'm going to be more assertive and ask next time, but have gotten the feeling many of them aren't even there until right beforehand.

It would be so nice if, at manifest upon arrival, the person at the desk would say something like "Today your instructor will be Bob. He's right over there to go through your lesson and answer any questions you might have."

[PhreeZone 20]

I see that you are going through the tandem progression, that plays a large part in your experience.

You really need to sit down and talk to your instructor about your skydives and what they expect out of you and what you expect from them. If they are unwilling to give you the time that you ask for to learn things before being turned over into an AFF student then you need to find another DZ or some back on a less busy day.

My DZ will not do an AFF class on the weekend and require the student to come out mid week to do the class since thats the only way to be distraction free and have the 1 on 1 time needed to properly learn.

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[Spudmuffin 0]

I wish I could go out to the DZ in the middle of the week. Unfortunately it's over two hours away, so I do well to get down there once a month.

I've kept some notes and hope to "corner" an instructor before my next jump. There is one instructor at my DZ (not the one I jumped with, but the one I sat behind on the plane) who actually took the time to ask me "How did it go?" (It was about the nicest thing that happened that day.) I might try and request him next time.

[JohnMitchell 16]

I think most DZ's will try to match a student up with a requested instructor. Also, hang around after the jumping is done, walk up to your favorite instructor with a 6 pack and your list of questions. You'll probably get a ton of free instruction.

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[Spudmuffin 0]

Hmmm...hadn't thought about taking that angle...but whatever works!

[Albatross 0]

Not to sound sexist but you are a girl. You can usually get MUCH more instructor time than any guy. Just ask they usually will help jsut not when they are running to catch a plane.

Chris

[Spudmuffin 0]

Ha! I've always been a huge dud in the area of "working it" ... unless I've got the ol' spirits in me. Always fun, but not a great way to jump.

[Nightingale 0]

after my FJC, I always requested instructors, so it wasn't a surprise.

[JohnMitchell 16]

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Ha! I've always been a huge dud in the area of "working it" ... unless I've got the ol' spirits in me. Always fun, but not a great way to jump.

In that case, take two six packs.
Just make sure you remember what they teach you.