slotperfect 7 #1 August 5, 2003 I came across this thread in "Introductions and Greets" by a wuffo looking for a place to make her first skydive. The interesting spin is that she wants to make it from a really high altitude. I noticed that Skydive Monterey Bay advertises high altitude tandems from 18,000 feet, which came as a surprise to me. I am a Military Free Fall (HALO) jumper, and have many high-altitude jumps. I am also required to undergo a ride in an "altitude chamber" every 5 years to teach me the symptoms of hypoxia and to make sure my body can still handle the physiological changes that occur at higher altitudes. 18,000 feet is the altitude where we HALO jumpers institute "pre-breathing" 100% oxygen for a specific time (30 minutes for that altitude) to ensure that our blood is oxygen-rich before we venture into thin air. To be clear, I am not passing judgement on the high-altitude practice, but I do have some questions for all of you, especially those dotcommers who may be on staff at Skydive Monterey Bay: 1) Is this a common practice? I have seen high-altitude jumps advertised at many dropzones, but not for tandems. 2) What measures are taken to provide oxygen for the tandem student (equipment, training, etc.??) 3) For those TMs who have experience doing these high-altitude tandems, how have your students handled the physiological stress?Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
darkwing 5 #2 August 5, 2003 I can answer one of your questions -- No it is not common practice. -- Jeff My Skydiving History Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeremyneas 0 #3 August 5, 2003 At Mile-Hi Skydiving Center we take our tandems to 17,500 MSL (12,500 AGL). So: 1) Yes it is common practice here. 2) The O2 hose is readially available, and easy to access, but most do not need it. 3) No physiological stress, save from making their first jump. I personally have never felt the need, even when performing up to 12 tandems a day here. Then again, i functioned fully at 28,000' in the chamber for over 9 minutes before someone made me put my mask on. So either I am acclimated enough, or there isn't much up there needing to be worked ;) J.Neas Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freakydiver 0 #4 August 5, 2003 What Jeremy is trying to say is that we are simply Sherpas out here in Colorado... -- (N.DG) "If all else fails – at least try and look under control." -- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydivejersey 0 #5 August 5, 2003 We will take a tandem to 16k agl/asl (both same as dz is a beach) if they happen to be on a last load of the day. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnnyD 0 #6 August 5, 2003 I had a friend that lived in Monterey for a few years and I visited and jumped at SDMB on three different weekends. The otter routinely went higher than any other dz I've ever been to. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TEB6363 0 #7 August 5, 2003 John, SMB takes tandems up to the "Intermediate" altitude of 18,000 feet MSL with oxygen provided on board the aircraft. Each Skydiver/student/aircrew has their own oxygen supply mask for use before the jump. Don't forget that Hollister also has the 18,000 foot tandem (for an extra price also). It is also very common practice to have extra altitude on record jumps where oxygen is used. I have not had any complaints from my students who have gone to 18K. Well, besides some of the 'normal' complaints that occur with all tandems about the opening, comfort, etc. But none specific to the 18K jump. Once the plane takes off, you're gonna have to land - Might as well jump out!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rigging65 0 #8 August 5, 2003 SkyDance SkyDiving does 18,000 ft. tandems as well, so it would appear that in Northern Cali, it's not all that uncommon! With proper safety precautions, there is nothing wrong with that altitude. And SkyDance has pretty much got it down too, as they do 30,000 ft. HALO jumps twice a year and have been doing so for several years. Some yahoos from the UK even did static-line roundy jumps here from 30K a while back! Not my idea of fun, but they came all the way across the Pond for it...and went away with nothing but smiles and a promise to return for their third time next year! "...and once you had tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward. For there you have been, and there you long to return..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slotperfect 7 #9 August 5, 2003 QuoteSome yahoos from the UK even did static-line roundy jumps here from 30K a while back! Yeah! Somehow I saw a video of that somewhere! Cool stuff! Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #10 August 5, 2003 QuoteSkyDance SkyDiving does 18,000 ft. tandems as well, so it would appear that in Northern Cali, it's not all that uncommon! With proper safety precautions, there is nothing wrong with that altitude. And IIRC SkyDance also not only provides oxygen, but insists the TM and student use it.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
