RogerZZ 0 #1 March 1, 2004 Hi, I'm new here but I have wanted to jump for a long time. The bad news is that I was diagnosed with a genetic lung disease a few years ago and I am wondering if there is a minimum requirement for pulmonary function in order to jump. I have a doctors appointment coming up and I am going to run the idea of jumping past him then. He cleared me for participating in road racing two years ago so I am hoping that I will be able to jump as well. Any information would be appreciated, Roger in Kentucky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #2 March 1, 2004 Welcome to the forums! She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GravityGirl 0 #3 March 1, 2004 Let your doctor know that you will be in 120+ mph wind. (Consider jumping a full face helmet. ) Ask about the affects of adrenaline, etc. Good luck ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peace and Blue Skies! Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,107 #4 March 1, 2004 The problems you may see: 1. Temperature. It will often be cold at altitude; if you have a problem breathing cold air, skydiving may exacerbate it. 2. Oxygen. At altitude you only get 60-70% of the 'normal' amount of oxygen; if you have a diminished lung capacity you may get hypoxic. 3. Pressure. Skydiving involves rapid pressure changes during climbd and descent; that may be a problem. 4. Inavailability of medical care. If you have a condition that you can treat (with an inhaler or something) there will be times during skydiving (the freefall, under canopy) where you will be unable to treat yourself. In some cases (i.e. high opening) that could be as long as 20-30 minutes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tink1717 2 #5 March 1, 2004 I recommend you get in touch with a flight surgeon. That person will be better qualified to assess your participation in skydiving due to his/her training in how altitude affects your condition.Skydivers don't knock on Death's door. They ring the bell and runaway... It really pisses him off. -The World Famous Tink. (I never heard of you either!!) AA #2069 ASA#33 POPS#8808 Swooo 1717 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RogerZZ 0 #6 March 1, 2004 Thank you all for the information. The wind and low temperatures may be a show stopper for me. The website for my local dropzone advertises an altitude of 9500 feet for their tandom jumps. What is the air temp at 9500 feet? A consult with a flight surgeon is an excellent idea. Thanks again for all of your suggestions, Roger Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grega 0 #7 March 1, 2004 depends. Normally it's -6 C for every 3000 feet... so if it's 20 C on the ground (0 feet ASL) than at 9500 feet it should be approximately 1C But it can be warmer at 9500 than on the ground if inversion occurs."George just lucky i guess!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RogerZZ 0 #8 March 1, 2004 Greg, Thanks for the information. Unfortunately that kind of drop in temperature is out of bonds for me given my medical condition. Oh well. You all have a great sport. Have fun and be safe. Roger Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The111 1 #9 March 1, 2004 QuoteUnfortunately that kind of drop in temperature is out of bonds for me given my medical condition. Maybe I'm not understanding something, but out of curiosity, what do you do in the winter?www.WingsuitPhotos.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tink1717 2 #10 March 1, 2004 The basic rule on temps at altitude is a loss of 3 degrees F per 1000 ft. However, this can vary dramatically with the status of the weather. Consult a weather station that has wind and temps aloft for the most accurate estimate of what is going on. See ya up there.Skydivers don't knock on Death's door. They ring the bell and runaway... It really pisses him off. -The World Famous Tink. (I never heard of you either!!) AA #2069 ASA#33 POPS#8808 Swooo 1717 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tombuch 0 #11 March 1, 2004 QuoteGreg, Thanks for the information. Unfortunately that kind of drop in temperature is out of bonds for me given my medical condition. I don't think I have ever heard a better argument for a static line program! Contact a few local dropzones and investigate static line or IAD jumps. These jumps generally happen at about 3,500 feet, and the parachute opens immediately. There is not much difference in temp., and very little sudden pressure change. The SL/IAD programs take a student up gradually with altitude and freefall delays increasing on each jump so you will have a chance to limit your exposure and feel how your body responds. The big issue you may have with these programs is that stress sometimes aggravates medical conditions. And, as Bill pointed out, there will be brief periods when you will not be able to use an inhaler or have access to assistance. Check out a few local DZ's and their programs, then discuss the issue with your doctor. Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, IAD, Tandem) S&TA Author JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and EasyTom 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
adrenalinejunki 0 #12 March 8, 2004 i would'nt think temperature would be a problem during the summer. i am also from kentucky and at our DZ we do static line training.What's the worst that can happen? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
