new jumper

[fatdaddy 0]

I am curious as to what would be the best program for me to start with. I have 56 military static line jumps and am jumpmaster qualified in this area. Should I start with static line jumps or AFF? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[CrazyIvan 0]

I'm no expert but, based on your experience, I'd say AFF, why repeat something you already master?.

My 2cents.

__________________________________________
Blue Skies and May the Force be with you.

[freakydiver 0]

what ivan said - aff it and get straight into the good stuff...

-- (N.DG) "If all else fails – at least try and look under control." --

[Shark 0]

Mark,

Looks like you live close to a cool DZ in NC. Anyway, AFF may be the way to go, but talk with Chuck Blue (SkymonkeyONE) as he manages the school at Raeford and can answer all your questions.

Shark
D-24499, AFF-I

[skygod7777 0]

any program is good. every student comes out the same weather they take aff, s/l or iad, or tandem progression (which turns into aff after a couple tandems).

s/l or iad will be A LOT less than aff or tandem progression.

and for the most part, at least at my dz, we can get s/l students done faster, say if they wanted to get their A license a soon as they can, we recomend s/l.

the aff is a bit more "intense" training at first. they hit you with a lot of information, where as s/l it comes when you have more skydives.

edit: any jumper that just got their A that took aff or tandem will be just as good as a jumper that just got done with s/l or iad, it's all the same in the end.

just my .02

later

[councilman24 37]

Your going to have to break some military habits. I think static line progression, which is only a minimum of 5 static line jumps may be easier for you to transition into. The idea of spreading your arms and legs wide and arching your back is going to be hard to accept. I've trained military static line jumpers in the past and it took a couple of jumps to get them to forget their old training.

On the other hand getting as far away from static line as possible may make the break easier. If it's completely different from what you were doing, you may not fall back into previous, inappropriate for skydiving, training.

I still tend to believe that the static line progression gives more well rounded graduates. With the new student program goals it may not make as much difference.

But you'll like ram airs!

Terry

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[fatdaddy 0]

Thanks for the replies. I was wondering about the fact that it is inbred in me to exit differently than the arch skydivers use. Hopefully this old dog can be taught new tricks. Thanks again.

[sducoach 0]

Call Chuck as indicated. He's x-military also. But other than that he's almost okay..........

Blues,

J.E.

(how do I get a monkey.................... number?)

James 4:8

[katiebear21 0]

Honestly it will depend on your financial situation. When it comes to instructors they don't get much better than Chuck (RPC). However if you don't have that kind of money to spend both the Green Beret and the 82nd Clubs have very qualified instructors. I did my AFF in Z-Hills but became a member of both clubs when I returned. They're awesome for gear rental until you can buy your own.

Either way, Chuck will be able to give you the full scoop. If you go to the 82nd Club talk to Neal Beverly. He's the full time rigger there. At the GB Club I think Simon's there full time! Tell 'em Katie says "hi"!

Katie
Get your PMS glass necklace here