10 yr lapse - No "D" license!

[dz-dog 0]

I got a class "C" USPA license in 1993 but didn't get a "D" license even though I have 435 jumps. I guess I was having to much fun to bother with paperwork at that time. I haven't jumped in 10 years and am now looking to get back into skydiving.
Is it necessary to go through the entire AFF program again? I'm in San Antonio and will probably be going to Skydive San Marcos if Skydive San Antonio is closed.

[tombuch 0]

Welcome back.

First, what you will need to do will be dependent on the requirements of the local drop zone. You shouldn't need to step through an entire AFF program, but some recurrency work will obviously be needed. So, get some opinions here on dropzone.com, then call the local DZ for their requirements and recommendations.

With all that said, I strongly suggest a full ground course followed by a custom designed level 4 with an AFF instructor. You and the instructor can figure out what needs to happen from there. For the most part skydiving is like riding a bike, and it should all come back to you. However, parachutes have changed, you will need to recover your emergency procedures, and will need to revist many of the things you haven't thought about in ten years. Working with an AFF instructor should improve training efficiency and increase your self confidence.

Take your return one jump at a time and don't push yourself too hard. Visit the DZ on a weekday, if possible, to maximize individual attention.Have fun.

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

[CrazyRick 0]

Welcome back
What ever you do it will be worth it. It comes back fast, so don't worry about it -- JUST DO IT

[Shotgun 1]

I had about a seven-year lapse at one point... When I returned (also at Skydive San Marcos :) they had me go through the ground school and do two refresher jumps, so it'll probably be about the same for you (though I had no license and only about 70 jumps, so you may only need one refresher).

[mnealtx 0]

I'm looking at the same sort of situation - I've been 10 years out of the sport, but never got the USPA license as I was jumping in Europe.

I'll be back home in the last half of October, and hopefully jumping at Skydive Houston.

I'm hoping to be able to find my old logbook and be able to skip the first couple AFF levels after talking to an instructor, but I'm fine with retaking them if that's the situation.

Good luck with getting back in the air!

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706

[rmsmith 1]

The biggest change for you will probably be the zero-porosity canopies. I'd get lots of advice in this area as you don't want to fall back on old habits developed with an F-111 canopy. Welcome back!