CanuckInUSA 0 #1 May 13, 2003 I don't know if different DZs operate differently in terms of becoming a "for pay packer" or do they all sort of work the same way in terms of training? So how does one becomes a packer at a DZ? I ask this question for two reasons. First off, while I currently don't need a packing job to get my jump fix in, I figure it might not be a bad idea for myself to become a part-time packer to gain some much needed experience packing different types of rigs. But I also ask this question because I planted the packing seed into my younger bother's head last night (who knows if it's still growing today). I found out yesterday that my bro (who's currently in Montreal) is cutting away from his electronics retail sales job and will be spending his summer in Wildwood NJ doing some sort of under-the-table work (don't tell the INS because he'll be an illegal alien). Anyway, he told me that come September he was thinking of making his way down to Florida to try some scuba diving and then I proceeded to tell him about the possibility of becoming a packer at a DZ. Is it possible for him to show up at one of the Florida DZs and get trained to become a packer or would he be better off getting trained at a Joisey DZ (such as Cross Keys)? I don't know what my summer vacation plans will be this year or will the whuffo boss even let me have a vacation? But if I don't make it to Rantoul, visiting my bro in Joisey and taking him to do his first tandem at Cross Keys sounds pretty gnarly. I could then introduce him to the skydiving world and who knows maybe even convert a whuffo? He says he'd like to do a jump, but he doesn't think he'd become one of us. But then he hasn't jump yet huh? Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
payback462 0 #2 May 13, 2003 we dont need no more damn canadians at xkeys, theyres already one too many on the packing mat!!but seriously, make sure you bring him to xkeys to do his first tandem, and no matter how much the guy who tries to sell you video dissuades you from it (i swear its like he wants the video guys to starve!) make sure he gets video! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #3 May 13, 2003 Well, he can pack anywhere. Legally, he needs to be a rigger, or at least pack under the supervision of a rigger. I personally don't let people pack for me that don't jump. No real reason..Its about the same thing as I would rather have pilots that jump as well. Pack n cathy almost aways is hiring. She lets her kids pack. Ron"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #4 May 13, 2003 Quote Legally, he needs to be a rigger, or at least pack under the supervision of a rigger. Ya I forgot about that rule ... hmm that could be a problem for my bro. We have a dude at our DZ who's been on the job for about three weeks now and he's only got one tandem under his belt (he very much wants to become a skydiver and it's just a matter of time and money for him). But we do have at least one rigger who packs tandems and slippery sport rigs as well, so I guess the rigger has supervised and cleared the new guy. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkyDekker 1,465 #5 May 13, 2003 QuoteBut we do have at least one rigger who packs tandems and slippery sport rigs as well, so I guess the rigger has supervised and cleared the new guy. Or it may just be the least followed rule in skydiving Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,109 #6 May 13, 2003 You don't have to be a rigger, but it helps a lot - it means you can not only pack rigs 100% legally but help with emergency repacks (i.e. a guy got to a boogie, is out of date, but he absolutely, positively must jump tomorrow.) Non-packing non-jumpers are going to have a very hard time breaking into packing at most DZ's, I think. A woman tried that at Perris a while back. People took pity on her and let her pack a few times, but she soon disappeared. After she told me that my parachute was missing two cells (I had given her my Triathalon to pack) I didn't use her any more, Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
0013 0 #7 May 13, 2003 Quote After she told me that my parachute was missing two cells (I had given her my Triathalon to pack) I didn't use her any more, someway i do understand :)-------- www.youtube.com/l0013 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skygod7777 0 #8 May 13, 2003 what you need to do is call the dz's in FL, and see if they need any packers for the winter. but, before he goes down there, he needs to learn how to pack, and pack well. the dz's down there don't want to train anyone, because if they do, they'll just go to the next guy wanting a job. edit: and if he wants a job this summer, richmond is looking for a packer, and i am willing to train (and i know you said he was going to jersey, but i just thought i would put it out there later Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #9 May 14, 2003 Quote and if he wants a job this summer, richmond is looking for a packer, and i am willing to train (and i know you said he was going to jersey, but i just thought i would put it out there That's awesome, I'll let him know about it. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #10 May 14, 2003 Yes, He should train as a packer at a small DZ first. Small DZs are always short of packers on weekends. He should get his pace up to at least 50 per day before he even contemplates applying for work at a bigger DZ. Oh, and he will have difficulty finding work at the more arrogant DZs if he has too few jumps for an A License. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
