justaflygirl 0 #1 September 30, 2004 yes, this story is about me, and I want some advice...Please...When I went through AFF 2 years ago, I got the abridged version by the instructor who taught the ground part. It was over 2 nights between 11pm & 1 am. There are some things that I am very comfortable that I know, (emergency procedures for ex.) but there are other things such as canopy control and landing patterns that I am still unsure of. My 47 jumps have been at 7 different DZ's and I still feel like my head is in the clouds- pardon the pun. I have many dreams and aspirations when it comes to jumping & my future, but most of all I want to be safe. I have considered going thru another ground school, as a legitimate student during the day and a few people have sugessted Scott Miller's canopy School to me. I hate being unsure and constantly 2nd guessing what I do. Any advice that anyone might have for me would be great. (note: the actual jumping part of my AFF went to the book, & failed several levels and after much instruction and discussion with my JM's I graduated)..thanks in advance... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,587 #2 September 30, 2004 Frankly, it sucks that you were allowed to skate on the original class and training. Really. But I'm really impressed that you're wanting to fix that. At the very least, take a formal canopy course. You might want to tell whoever teaches it your history, so they can ask and answer questions that make you think about stuff you've never thought of before. I'd also consider paying for some formal coaching jumps from coaches that you don't know, and dirt-diving EVERYTHING on the jump (e.g. breakoff, tracking, opening, etc). One of the things that a good formal class does is give you a context to put the knowledge that you have into. If you were given an "abridged" version, there's a good possibility that you don't have the context, instead you have a bunch of pieces that you're trying to assemble a context out of. Also, try reading the ever-fascinating SIM, and going through the A and B-license requirements, asking the question about each requirement -- why is that a requirement? It too might lead to more comfort. Good luck with your quest. With your attitude, it'll be good. Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveNFlorida 0 #3 September 30, 2004 I took Scott's course at about 30 jumps and his "essential skills" course sounds like exactly what you are looking for. He goes through landing patterns, and how to move them/alter them with different wind patterns. As well as flat turns, stall recovery, flying with the wind from a long spot, and a general assessement of your landing skills via video. He'll answer questions for you and he'll give you landing and setting up tips after viewing your videos. I highly recommend that you go that route for your first canopy course.:) And, since you're in Florida, you won't have to travel too far:D Once you're ready for a lesson in canopy flight, swooping, and an understanding of how a parachute flies and reacts to input as well as psychology of the skydiver... check out one of Brian Germain's seminars. He's another great resource and is very easy to approach! I have attended several of Brian's seminars and spent time with him one on one, he's an excellent mentor! Angela. p.s. never stop learning. I can't wait to spend more time with Brian! If you find a good resource in your area, take advantage! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tombuch 0 #4 September 30, 2004 Here are a few quick suggestions: 1) Read the USPA SIM. Pay special attention to the ISP (pages 17-97 in the 2004 version). Each category (level) of the ISP is followed by a page of discussion questions. Think about each question and mark those you do not understand or feel comfortable with answering. Take your collection of unanswered SIM questions to an instructor and spend some time talking about the issues. The best time to do this is on a poor weather day when the staff isn't doing anything else. If the DZ wants to charge you for the instructors time, go ahead and pay their rate. If the ground component is free, then offer the instructor a friendly tip for his time. 2) Sit in on another ground school at a different DZ than your first training session, or with a different instructor. There may be a small fee for the class, and it will probably be worth it. I'll bet you pick up a good point or two, but I'm also betting most of the course will be boring, and will reassure you that you did master the early material. 3) Make a few jumps with an AFF-I. Limit your targeted learning objectives to just three, and make the first TLO "have fun." Don't pressure yourself by trying to learn too much, often we learn best when we relax and see a big smile on the face of the instructor across the sky from us. 4) Take the Scott Miller course. It's well worth the money. 5) Keep enjoying skydiving. When you have a zillion jumps remember how tough it was 'back in the day,' and extend a hand to the new jumpers.Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
