meltdown 0 #1 December 16, 2003 I've got an A card from the DZ I did my AFF at that is completely different from everyone elses at my home DZ (different than AFF DZ). The one I have is 4 pages (1 sheet folded in 1/2) and on bright yellow paper. The others I've seen are a more orangy paper and just 2 pages. Even worse, it's got a whole lot more stuff to check off than the "regular" card. Can anyone shed some light on this? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jjiimmyyt 0 #2 December 16, 2003 The format of the card changed recently, I believe it was when (30 Sep?) jump number requirements for licenses went up. "This isn't an iron lung, people. You can actually disconnect and not die." -Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelel01 1 #3 December 16, 2003 Holy shit! More stuff? At 32 jumps I'm still probably 5-10 away from getting my A according to the old card. I probably need to check out this new one so I can see what else I have to do. I did notice that mine only says "Complete 20 skydives", and I know that the requirement moved to 25. Shit. Kelly Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
meltdown 0 #4 December 16, 2003 This thing sucks! It's got more accuracy landings, more docking, swooping to dock, etc. It's also more difficult to understand what the task is. I want the old card, dammit! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jlmiracle 7 #5 December 16, 2003 It is my understanding that either card is acceptable. Both cards are still available on the USPA website. JudyBe kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyMan 7 #6 December 16, 2003 It's up to the DZ to decide if they're going to use the short version or the long version, but most DZ's are slowly moving towards the long version. It's a good thing that you're going to have these skills. They were added to the student progresion because most students have a major lacking of canopy skills. Consider yourself lucky that you'll have these skiils. Many people don't. _Am__ You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
weegegirl 2 #7 December 16, 2003 Our DZ has used both cards. In the past, we only used the 4 page version - then, this season we attempted to change to the shorter version. In the end, we ended up going back to the longer version. Blah, blah, blah. To be honest, both cards cover basically the same skill set. It should take the same amount of time to get through either. Regardless, there is still the same jump number requirement for your license. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #8 December 16, 2003 QuoteIt's also more difficult to understand what the task is Get a SIM, its all laid out very plainly what you have to do to fill out the card and in what progession (recommended). As for having to do more stuff... Well, remember the goal is to create new jumpers with a good skill set so they are safe and capable. The goal is not to crank out a ton of A license jumpers. So look at it like this, you're learning more, doing more and you'll have a larger more practiced skillset then previous new A license jumpers.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tombuch 0 #9 December 16, 2003 The four page card is designed for drop zones that use the Integrated Student Program (ISP) as defined in the Skydivers Information Manual (SIM). The two page card is for drop zones with their own programs that cover the ISP material in a different way or sequence. Either card is fine, and in any case, you should be mastering all the material in the ISP. Please take a few moments to read the ISP program on pages 21-97 of the SIM. Pay special attention to the oral test questions at the end of each category, and if you haven't been exposed to the material pressure your instructor to teach the topic. Tom Buchanan Instructor (AFF, SL, Iad, Tandem) 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
SkymonkeyONE 4 #10 December 17, 2003 Tom, I wish it was that way in practice, but I have seen the two page card as, simply, a way for seven-level schools to finger whip A-licenses. As a school manager I saw more than a handful of examples where visiting/transfering students clearly hadn't performed many of the tasks on even the 2-page card. The four-page card lays it out for you in a common-sense manner and makes it very hard for a person to "skip" some rudimentary, but very-important, basic skydiving tasks. I don't buy any of the reasons why other schools don't use that four-page card. Chuck Blue D-12501 AFF/SL/TM-I, BMCI, PRO, S&TA Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #11 December 18, 2003 QuoteI don't buy any of the reasons why other schools don't use that four-page card. I fully agree with you Chuck (which tends to happen ), like I've said before, the purpose is not to crank out A license jumpers. The purpose is to teach and grow safe/knowledgable jumpers who have accomplished a series of goals and tasks that prove they have certain skills. The majority of those skills for the A license revolve around the safety of that jumper AND the safety of all the other jumpers around them.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
