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Disqualifying Conditions: [6] Permanent Cardiac Pacemaker NOTE: Waivers for many of these conditions may be obtained through application to the FAA Aeromedical Certification Branch in Oklahoma City. There is hope.... Arianna Frances

The DZ I'm doing my AFF at has requested that I get a FAA Class 3 medical clearance in light of the letter I brought them from my doctor. I've made an appt (for friday!) with the local FAA doctor. So any of you pilots out there - what is a class 3 medical clearance or where can I find information about it? Thanks for any help! Jennifer Arianna Frances

haha - you're not from New England are you? My husband is saying the same thing tonight! Jennifer Arianna Frances

I probably would have done the same thing. My AFF 2 was tandem - AFF 3 and beyond won't be. Don't feel bad - its so much better to feel right with it than to get all nervous and have something bad happen. You went back up - thats great! It takes alot just to do that sometimes. Chin up, it'll get better! Keep talking to people and get as much (valid) information as possible, so you can make educated decisions and not ones based on lack of information (which can cause un-needed fear). Good luck - be sure to get back up there soon. I hope to do the same! Jennifer Arianna Frances

Well... it was good... but... not as good as that very first episode - remember that one? I wanna see ones like that again. I realize that they are trying to simplify the story line, as it was starting to get a bit... confusing. But I hope they don't lose it all together. This season presents some interesting points.... just hope it doesn't 'jump the shark'. Jennifer Arianna Frances

I'm getting all geared up for the show tonight (on in 5 minutes) - and in support, changed my icon. Jen Garner is uber babe! Anybody else watch? Jennifer Arianna Frances

I just did my AFF 2 and my first time in a Cessna - my gosh, that was probably the scariest part. What was even more scary was the fact that they told me that they could somehow fit 2 more people in this little thing! yikes! Congrats by the way!

I just finished AFF 2 - and the nerves were there BIG TIME. And more so than 1. But after talking with lots of people you'll come to find that its perfectly normal. The hardest part is exiting the plane - after that, its just, well 'free'. Get out there and do it - it gets better

Michele, I really needed to read your articles. After finishing my AFF 2 on Friday (in less than stellar form), I was second guessing everything that happened, and about my continuing. Your articles really helped me. The shaking and nerves are normal - I don't have to feel like a wimp about that part. Thanks so much for writing them. Jennifer Arianna Frances

Hey Ryan! I'ved just started my AFF training too - did jump #2 yesterday. You'll get lots of good advice etc. here - so keep reading

Thanks for sharing your experience! I hope that the next one goes well so I can go into 4 actually feeling like I belong there glad to hear I'm not the only one who started off 'rough'. thanks! Jennifer Arianna Frances

Thanks for the words of encouragement!

Glad you had a great time!

Well... today was AFF Jump #2 - woo hoo! The program is tandem progression, so this jump involved my using an altimeter to judge altitude, learn more about body position, waving-off, and pulling the rip cord (without dropping it this time). I was so pumped up on my ride to the DZ - listening to music in the car and screaming all of it at the top of my lungs. My husband met me there and I met alot of really nice people. Rob (or was it John, god I'm horrible with names) was my TM - you guys probably know him. He was in CA for 2 weeks recently - he was at Perris during the incident involving that CT woman. He's got red hair and a thick Irish(?) accent. Super nice guy. He was so great at explaining stuff to me. I brought up all my concerns from my first tandem and found good ways to avoid them. We chit chatted for a bit while waiting for the plane to come back in. All I can say, wow! What a wake-up call this was! There is so much I didn't realize went into all of this! We were the last load up - just the two of us. Which is good, cause the sardine can Cessna they stuck us in couldn't possibly fit more than us, but I was told you can actually fit about 4 people in it - how, I'll never know. So I got just a little closterphobic. My first jump was from a bigger plane (a caravan?). Rob told me to sing my favorite song if I got nervous during the 15 min. ride up to 11,500 ft. Well... the only song that came to mind was the last one that was playing on the radio "End of the World" by REM. Kinda Ironic huh? Well, after I realized that was the song I had in my head, I got super nervous! I actually started shaking, and I don't know why. Wasn't that I was cold per say (and it was mighty cold), and not that I wanted to turn around, but nervous non the less. By the time we got to altitude I didn't want to move. I had to get up on my knees so he could hook up, and during that time my legs went to sleep. So stepping out of the plane was umm... interesting. As we got out of the plane we flipped once, which was much better than the last time. Stablized quickly thank goodness. I did all the correct freefall checks. But instead of looking at the rip cord handle, I attempted to feel for it and never found it. So by the time 5,000 came around I was in no position to pull - so he did. And I felt like a fool. I was staring at my alti and just did nothing. Whats with that?? I knew that I needed to pull, but for some reason I didn't. grrrr.... So.. the canopy opens and all I can say is PAIN! my god, the leg straps felt like they were trying to pull my knees into my stomach. I'll definitely have some bruising tomorrow. Then again, they didn't have a suit that would fit (I've got a big chest), so I jumped in my sweatshirt and jeans - which was a bit uncomfortable. The canopy ride was pretty cool - lots to see and Rob was great explaining everything to me. He had a great attitude - high fives and all. He had me grab the toggles to try some of the turning and practice flares - only for me to discover that my left hand was going numb - huh?? what the hell?? I got so freaked out by that I told him I didn't want to help land - I was freaked by this left hand numb thing and the fact that during my first tandem I botched the landing and fell face first - which could cause harm to both of us, and i didn't want a repeat. This allowed me to pull my hands down and that was much better - numbness went away instantly. About 1,500 ft. my right ear just clogged right up. Still can't 'feel' normally in that ear and its 3 hours later. There has to be some way to avoid that - advice wanted! Landing was fine. I was able to move the leg straps down so I was in a more seated position and we landed without incident. But it was cold, which I didn't really realize until we were down. They stop jumping the last week in October here, and I under stand why. I don't think I'll get to jump 4 by then... I was still uneasy by the time I got down... nervous still. I was disappointed in myself for not pulling and disappointed that I didn't participate in landing. On the plus side I remembered my goggles this time , got my arms in the correct position, and landed safely. I was 'aware' of altitude, so I'm not sure what happened with the pull thing - but it was not good. Rob told me that he's been doing this for 14 years and is still learning - I can understand why. I guess its good that I was so nervous and a bit scared - keeps everything in check. I sure hope that the 3rd time is better - cause I don't like that feeling at all. I had so much fun the 1st time, I want to feel that again. ugh... not what I expected. I sure hope that the 3rd time goes better. So... all you more experienced people - what do you think, I'd love your feedback. Jennifer "oh long 'winded' one... whats the record for longest post?" Arianna Frances

Doh - guess I'm out of luck for today, but I will take a trip out this weekend to find something. I imagine gloves will be easy enough to find. Thanks for the heads up! Jennifer Arianna Frances

Sounds good to me! They only jump to Thanksgiving anyway up here, so I have to hurry up and get as many jumps in as $$ will allow. Hope they have some gloves I can wear.... Thanks for all the good advice everyone! Jennifer Arianna Frances

I've seen a chiropractor for a few months now for pinched nerves in my hips and lower back. Worked wonders!!! He did a form of therapy known as active release therapy (ART). Practicioners are hard to find, but the therapy is wonderful. Good luck! Jennifer Arianna Frances

ooh - good idea! Thanks for the tip! Jennifer Arianna Frances

hahaha! Ok, I'll take a hint. Guess I have to experience it for myself! Thanks all Jennifer Arianna Frances

Hi all, I'm starting my AFF training today! I'm so excited!! but... upon waking up today, it was 38 degrees outside! Cold! I know it will warm up today, but I'm not doing my jump until 5:30 - when the sun will be preparing to go down. I'm still going to go - becuase I need to get in 4 jumps before I call it quits until spring - then I don't have to re-do any of the tandems next year (tandem progression program). But for reference when planning these next jumps - when is it too cold? Jennifer Arianna Frances

I have to agree - not so much with blowing them to pieces, but bad driving. All the people I curse at on the road are mini vans!! ugh! Jennifer Arianna Frances

Pepperell is probably closeest to Boston. Would take about an hour to get out there. I will warn you that its a bit cold out here - so dress accordingly. We have a frost warning tonight - get down into the 30s I'm sure. There phone number is: 978-433-9222 website: www.skyjump.com Enjoy Boston! Jennifer Arianna Frances

Very nicely said! I'd agree with you

hehe - isn't this the way rumors get started Arianna Frances

ooh - that would sure make me nervous!! >> Jennifer Arianna Frances