After many years of wanting to jump, I finally did it.
I spent all morning, and part of the afternoon going through the AFF curriculum, and then I was ready to go.
It was another couple of hours before there was room to take me up for my jump, and the anticipation got worse as time went on. The climb seemed like it took forever, which in a Cessna 182 does take forever.
When the door finally opened, I finally realized this is it, I'm really going to jump.
I have to admit, the jump could have gone much better. I missed the count when letting go, instead of going on 3, it was more like on 10. My arch was terrible, and I missed touching the handle 3 out of 3 times. I did notice I was approaching 5,500', but by the time i had the handle and was ready to pull, the instructor pulled for me. The canopy ride was peaceful, and not long enough.
Looking back on the entire day, and the jump, I started to realized quite a few things that I didn't give much thought to before.
The instant I let go of the airplane, I let go of years of frustrations, setbacks, and crazy work hours. It was the first time in a long time I was at peace.
I know I will have to redo the jump, but I feel deep down inside that future jumps will go much better, and be much more enjoyable.
