Lodi AFF

[Lioness 0]

So I was searching through the forums, and realized that the Parachute Center in Lodi is a non-USPA dz.

I plan to do my AFF there, and was wondering if this will cause a problem for me to jump at other dz's after I complete my AFF??

Thanks!!

______________________________________
Be glad of life, because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up at the stars.

[jlmiracle 7]

As long as YOU are a USPA member, it shouldn't be a problem jumping at other dropzones.

Judy

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

[dterrick 0]

Hi Teresa!

My advice might be a longshot for your purposes but as a Canadian jumping a USPA DZ, I was subject to their rules. They acknowledged my "B" license, but not the fact that it's the equivalent to your C license (regarding currency). At this stage of your training you will be earning licenses similar to ours - and international standards (ie no more 200 jump D license holders after this fall).

I'd believe that if you did your AFF with a USPA rated instructor that they wouldn't care where you did the actual training. Similarily, I know of Canadians who did their training in the states with CSPA instructor and it didn;t matter that they jumped in a "foreign country".

Short of the imminent replies from this list, why not email USPA and ask?

Welcome to the sky

Dave

Life is very short and there's no time for fussing and fighting my friend (Lennon/McCartney)

[Deuce 1]

You can do a tandem when you're 16 there too. And there is no waiver process. "Your jumpticket is your waiver!"

It's a very interesting DZ, with tons of great planes and lots both RW and Freefly. I have no experience with their instructors or their AFF program.

Once you have your A license, and are current as shown by your signed logbook, you'll be fine visiting other DZ's. People won't go "Oh, she trained at Lodi, give her the extra stuff to sign". I do know several people who trained there, haven't heard any horror stories. I have about 20 jumps there, all camera.

Have you looked at the other options, like Davis and Byron?

[TomAiello 26]

I learned to jump at Lodi. I highly recommend doing static line instead of AFF if you are learning in Lodi.

Static Line is tons cheaper ($500, I believe), and you end up with about the same skills you get out of a Lodi AFF class--then you can throw the $500 you saved directly into more jumps, to learn more and have more fun.

If you really want to do AFF, I'd recommend doing AFF at a different DZ (there are lots in Northern California with great programs). I've had several friends who were AFF jump masters at Lodi, and gave exactly this advice to prospective students. The mentality of the DZO (jump lots, jump, now, jump, jump, jump) isn't very conducive to a good AFF class, and fits a lot better into a static line training progression.

-- Tom Aiello

Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com
SnakeRiverBASE.com

[riggerrob 643]

Stick with one DZ until you have graduated from their AFF program and completed your USPA A License, then you are free to visit other DZs.

[DexterBase 1]

I would agree with Tom here, having done a couple AFF jumps in Lodi.

However, I would go on to recommend that you do the static line program instead of AFF wherever you choose to learn at. AFF may be a great program for those who learn very quickly and have spent time learning as much as possible about skydiving before their first class.

For your average new student, the rapid pace of the AFF program can be a bit overwhelming. Personally, I think the static line program gives you more time to absorb the information, and a better chance of retaining that information.

My older brother is looking into starting a student program and I feel strongly enough about this to recommend static line to him as well.

In the end, you're going to walk away with the same skill set, the same license, and a little extra cash to pay for jump tickets.

[jlmiracle 7]

I have to disagree with you on static line. It teaches you how to fly the canopy but when you start your delays, you are on your own.

Judy

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

[Deuce 1]

Pop back in and let us know you are reading this stuff.

Your profile says you live right next door to Byron, in Oakley, so I can't figure out why you'd travel all the way out to Lodi to train.

I started AFF progression with 4 other people and I'm the only one still jumping, in no small part because I live so close to the DZ. Wind is an issue at the DZ's in our area, less so in Lodi. But it is nice to pop over to do a level when the weather is good, and still have a lot of the day left. I'm not trying to push Byron, I just live next door in Antioch, and it's convenient. Byron doesn't do the static line thing.

I've never done a tandem, and didn't have to repeat a level, again, I don't know about the static line training, but I can see the advantage to only really being focused on canopy control instead of freefall skills. Canopy control seems to be the place where all the injuries are these days.

[jlmiracle 7]

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but I can see the advantage to only really being focused on canopy control instead of freefall skills. Canopy control seems to be the place where all the injuries are these days.

Devils advocate here - It doesn't matter if they can fly a canopy if they don't pull, and are not altitude aware or can even get into the proper body position to pull without causing a mal function. AFF actually teaches you how to skydive. If all you ever want to do is fly your canopy, then I would suggest doing static line and nothing else.

Deuce - she a girl. Girl's listen and follow directions better than some of those macho men who already know it all. Girl's seem to understand what's really at stake here. Their life.

Judy
p.s. I am not a man hater, just feeling a little aggressive today.

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

[wmw999 2,584]

Having taught both ways, I can see advantages to both. If you learn in big bites, or get bored easily, then AFF might be better. If you prefer to perfect things before going on, then static line might be.

They're different. You get more mano-a-mano freefall coaching with AFF (of course, you can always get some coaching with static line, too). But you work on fewer things at once with a traditional static line progression. That's good for some people, and gives you more of a chance to focus on the stuff that doesn't interest you as much. That stuff is often very important indeed.

The combined programs include the best of both worlds. With pure AFF, folks tend to ignore the canopy part; in the beginning, there's too much freefall to learn. After that, well, you've already landed 8-10 times, and are focusing on freefall.

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)

[DexterBase 1]

Hey this is kind of amusing actually.

Do you really think they would put you into freefall if you're not able to exit stable and pull your own ripcord? You're not cleared for freefall until you've demonstrated your consistant ability to exit stable and pull.

Anyway, after your initial short delays, you practice different exits and regaining stability. After this, you will always be exiting with your coach/jumpmaster and you learn all the aspects of freefall manouvers you would learn in an AFF jump.

I have experienced both programs and I prefer the static line method. I don't think because you're an AFF instructor that you should try to discredit the other teaching methods. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. I was giving my advice, and she can either take it or leave it. I've talked to her privately and she's going to be a skydiver regardless of which program she chooses.

[Deuce 1]

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Deuce - she a girl. Girl's listen and follow directions better than some of those macho men who already know it all. Girl's seem to understand what's really at stake here. Their life.

Huh. I don't know what I posted that prompted that, but I hope it was a positive vent for your aggression.

You're right, most of the canopy-piloting injuries are guys. That's kind of down-the-road for a student about to start either program. I can just see some advantages to only loading a student's head up with canopy control for the first jump.

Since I know nothing about the static line progression, my assumptions are probably showing through and I'm appearing an ass. Nothing new.

[jlmiracle 7]

You are not and were not being an ass. I'm just on a girl power kick. Don't know why. Too much time on my hand doing nothing at work but crusing dz.com, I guess.

Combining a few static line jumps with AFF sounds like a good idea to me.

Blue Skies and Soft Landings
Judy

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

[Deuce 1]

Coolio. I am constantly surrounded by girl power! Two first graders and a career woman!

In 11 years, my girls will do the AFF thing. Probably after a tandem. Once they're outta the house, maybe my wife will get her ticket, probably AFF, too.

[DexterBase 1]

Hope I didn't come off as confrontational. Bickering is a massive waste of time.

[kitof1976 0]

I know I haven't introduced myself to these forums, But I thought I would give my opinion on the Lodi DZ as it is where I have gone trough the static line program last January.
What really attracted me to Lodi was the price of their programs. 500 bucks for the static line course and 1000 for the AFF. I personally went for the static line course as it was the cheapest. I would definetely recommend Lodi if you are on a tight budget! I have search around before signing up there and I could not find a cheaper place anywhere.
The fact that the DZ is not a USPA member should not stop you from considering them.
But to be honest I have to mention that the pace of the static line course there is not for the faint hearted. I don't know if my experience is unique but between the time I signed up at the counter and the time I was dangling from the strut of that Cessna for my first jump, only 2 hours had gone by (instructions and gearing up included). They don't provide radio guidance, but the landing area is huge so it would be hard to screw up even on your first jump. My instructor there was top notched but it would have been nice to be given some time to assimilate it all. After 3 other PCRP's I was cleared off for free fall. I then did one 5 sc delay openings, one, one 10 sc , and one 15sc. After that I was taken up to 13500 feet with everyone else for my last 3 solo jumps.
So to make a long story short, if you are looking for a cheap deal, want to be up in the air quickly and don't mind the extremely fast paced instructions...
This definetly the place to do it. I am now working on my A license and should obtain it shortly...
let me know if you want more details. I would be glad to tell you about my experience there..

"We see the world just the way we are...

[jlmiracle 7]

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Hope I didn't come off as confrontational. Bickering is a massive waste of time.

Oh not at all.

Everyone has there opinion, and they just don't realize I'm always right (much sarcasium)

Since I have had all this time at work today to read more of these threads, try to put myself in others "shoes" and have concluded that I am just happy that we have all these different training methods so more people can experience a skydive. Whether it be a tandem, AFF, IAD (if anyone still does that), Static Line, or whatever.

Everyone's common goal is safety. IMO, all have proven to be adequate training methods. Every student is different and one way may be better than another for each student.

I'm just being bitchy and opinionated today. Sorry if I may have come off confrontational.

edited to delet babbling

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

[Lioness 0]

Yep I'm reading this stuff! I do live much closer to Byron vs. Lodi. I basically went to Lodi for my first tandum because of price. Then I got to know a few instructors there, and really hit it off with them. So I have continued to go back specifically for the people. I jumped with Bill Dause on my 2nd tandem. But don't know him real well personally.
So far I'm still set on AFF verses static.

______________________________________
Be glad of life, because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up at the stars.

[Lioness 0]

I was working earlier so my post was real short... But I wanted to say Thank You to all of you for responding. You all gave me a lot to think about. I think I would still want to do AFF instead of static. As I feel I learn quick, and do get bored easily, but I'm also a bit of a perfectionist. I'm starting to possibly consider Byron for my AFF now. Obviously I would still need to check it out, get a feel of the place, and cost may be an issue.

So I guess for now I will try and make sure I get a USPA instructor. Does it cost anything to become USPA myself? I noticed someone mentioned in this forum that as long as I'am USPA it's all good?? At least I think that was what was said.

And I totally agree on the "girl" comment.

Thanks again all of you, you have been great!!! I really hope to meet you all one day. Have a great weekend and Blue Skies!!

______________________________________
Be glad of life, because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up at the stars.

[DexterBase 1]

You can join the USPA for $51. When you start jumping, you'll recieve a temporary membership good for 45 days (I believe it's still 45 days anyway.)

After this expires, you can renew for $49 annually. This fee also gets you a subscription to Parachutist magazine. Money well spent as far as I'm concerned.

Check out www.uspa.org


edited to add url.

[CanuckInUSA 0]

Quote

I think I would still want to do AFF instead of static.

AFF is not for everyone, but it worked for me.

Try not to worry about the things you have no control over

[mjosparky 4]

Teresa,
Stick with AFF. With static line your first 5 jumps you are cargo. You want to learn how to skydive not be a drop test dummy. The important thing you need to learn is smile and have fun.
Sparky

My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals

[WeakMindedFool 0]

Hi there, wondering how far you are from Davis...Skydance is out that way and i finished my AFF lets see, it was....Oh yeah TODAY! Had a great experience cool spot! Not making a judgement about Lodi, haven.t been there, just wanted to give you another option.
Peace

Faith in a holy cause is to a considerable extent a substitute for lost faith in ourselves.
-Eric Hoffer -
Check out these Videos

[wmw999 2,584]

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Stick with AFF. With static line your first 5 jumps you are cargo.

I never did see you at Perris, Mike. That said, I disagree about being cargo. Yes, with static line your freefall learning curve is not large (OK, it's really small, especially compared with AFF); but it gives you canopy focus time. Static line is just different -- if you like mastering bits, static line's better. If you like jumping in the water to see if you can swim, AFF is.

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)