djmarvin

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Everything posted by djmarvin

  1. djmarvin
    Hobby is a bit closer to the DZ and commonly has cheaper flights in and out. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com
  2. djmarvin
    Try Skydive Spaceland in Houston, Texas. USPA Nationals will be there during the month of October. Can't see much more skydiving than that!! DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com
  3. djmarvin
    This event is already gonna be great, throw in a good time with the anvil brothers and your set. Looking forward to some killer grub!! DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com
  4. djmarvin
    QuoteI imagine that would be weird at pull time... /reply] Some people jump left hand deployed pilot chutes. For these people it would be more awkward to have the altimeter on the left hand. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com
  5. djmarvin
    check out Skydive Spaceland in Houston Texas. Not only can you go through your AFF in January, there is also a License in a week program! Search these forums and you can read a little more about Spacelands program. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com
  6. djmarvin
    No doubt a week can be a tight schedule, however for the dedicated soul with a limited schedule it is very attainable. We have had a fair number of students accomplish their license in a week, including using those weather days for packing class. That being said, I agree with TK and if you can put aside two weeks for your trip it is always better to have more time. The PDF file linked also has some really good information to help you along the way. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com
  7. djmarvin
    Spaceland has had students from Washington state, New York, and many other states as well as Egypt, Germany and other countries for the "A" in a week program. I have had students call and email me from many of those places excited about the ability levels they have reached compared to others with similar jump numbers. We have also had a great increase in local students due in part to the "A" in week program. One of the reasons I chose to work at Spaceland is the student program. You will learn more in one week than most of us learned in our first year of skydiving. ALL your jumps will be videoed by your instructor, used for debrief, and put on DVD for you to keep. All but one of our Solo instructors have been in the sport for over ten years, a couple for 20 years and one for 40 years. The level of knowledge and experience in this group is exceptional. I would be happy to answer any questions you have and help you setup your training. Blue Skies DJ Marvin
  8. djmarvin
    The white ranger is a guy named Christiaan Rendle. Jumps at Elsinore. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com
  9. djmarvin
    Imagine finding yourself turning one way then suddenly realizing someone else is there, you now turn immediately and sharply the other way to avoid a canopy collision. Wouldn't it be nice to know how hard you can turn the opposite way without inducing line twist. This set of maneuvers is a good way to get to know the evasive maneuverability of your canopy. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com
  10. djmarvin
    send him a PM. I am sure he will check it. I will pass the word along to him at the DZ in the morning. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com
  11. djmarvin
    Water training starts at 6PM. For all those interested please check with manifest or PM me here. Bart Stonestreet will be manning the grill for a BYOM Grillout after water training. Hope to see everyone out for a good time. Anyone else who is interested in helping to organize the grillout please contact me. Blue Skies DJ Marvin
  12. djmarvin
    I referred to the evaluation sheet needing more information. What is a timely response to a roll over? I have not seen that written anywhere, however it is a criteria on the AFF in air evaluation sheet. I am not attacking USPA or claiming any conspiracy as you may have inferred. I just believe it would create a clearer line for all parties involved in any rating course. For what it is worth I am a CD for both tandem and coach as well as a designated evaluator for aff. I have worked in numerous courses and have seen this line become unclear to candidates. I have seen the same candidates receive clear instructions from the CD and/or evaluators, but with all the information given in any rating course it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that someone forgets something. Wouldn't it be nice to know what you are expected to accomplish prior to showing up to any course. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com
  13. djmarvin
    Look on the Proficiency Card of each rating. It has the requirements to pass. Also look at the evaluation sheets. Neither specify a degree of ability, just the ability. I believe that USPA should publish in the IRM what a SAT score is for each entry on the evaluation sheets for clarity between candidates, evaluators, and course directors. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com
  14. djmarvin
    I do!!! DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com
  15. djmarvin
    There was a club. Falling Hoosiers if I remember right. Talk to Bob D. and he may be able to direct you to the person who ran the IU Club. (I am 99% sure he still jumps at Greensburg) DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com
  16. djmarvin
    The STP program at Skydive Spaceland is very similar to the AFP program. Check out our website, give us a call or even drop me a PM for more information. I am sure we could help you complete your training and license during the time you are here. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com
  17. djmarvin
    Skydive Spaceland offers an "A" license in a week package. License in a Week DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com
  18. djmarvin
    AFF Designated Evaluator with A LOT of camera jumps on AFF's I jump a .3 diamond stealth and find it a very valuable training aid! At Spaceland we require all AFF/STP Instructors wear camera's but I have quite a few at a prior dropzone and would recommend it to any experienced AFF-I edit to add: I wear a helmet mounted camera, it looks where I scan so it shows what I want to see, no thinking required about "framing" DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com
  19. djmarvin
    Maybe it's possible Scott and his instructor talked about taking some time away to get physically in better shape for various reasons. Two that come to mind are: Becoming physically aware of his body and what he is doing (co-ordinated movement). If we have little to no awareness of what we are doing with our body on the ground how can we use it in the the sky. The confidence that may come from making a lifestyle change by eating better and having the discipline in life to make those changes may translate to more confidence in the sky. As we have all read the main issue seems to be lack of confidence. Scott, I am sure your instructor is still talking to you and I wish you luck. Of course we can all dissect what is going on here, but I am sure Scott and the instructors that he has worked with will make the best decisions based on their personal experience together. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com
  20. djmarvin
    David, It was good to see you out during Skyfest. Glad everything has been going good for you. If you need to to continue your program somewhere else, make sure you bring your logbook with you along with any other paperwork you have. (like your "a" card). The STP program can transition into AFF if needed. STP 3 is comparable to USPA's Category C in the AFF program. If there any questions from where you end up please feel free to have your instructors call us at Spaceland and I will be happy to pass along any information needed. Of course we would be happy to see you back here to make some more jumps, but I understand you gotta go where Uncle Sam sends you. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com
  21. djmarvin
    Compare the cost of getting licensed in the US compared to several other countries. We may not be the cheapest, but we are far from the most expensive. It is cheaper to fly to the US and get your "A" license than it is to just complete "student progression" in some nations. Also compare the start up cost of skydiving versus the startup cost of many hobbies. Many will be cheaper, but many hobbies will also cost a lot more. Yes it would be nice to jump for cheaper, but is there really a price on learning to save your life? DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com
  22. djmarvin
    No Hank Pruitt here that I know of. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com
  23. djmarvin
    Congrats on your accomplishments Scott. You have worked hard to overcome your fears. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com
  24. djmarvin
    1000 tandem video 2000 tandem 3000 high performance crw broke two stack at flare time 4000 aff 3000 just happen to fall as a fun jump so we landed a two stack with a 96 velo and 96 xaos 27 DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com
  25. djmarvin
    Not from Indiana, but lived there for a few years. Skydive Greensburg is located about 45 minutes from Indianapolis, an hour and a half from Bloomington (I.U.), 45 minutes from Cincinnati. They fly turbines most days of the week and are open from somewhere around March/April-ish till November. Hope this helps DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com