nightjumps

BillVon's checklist applies to reserves as much as it does mains: http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/safety/detail_page.cgi?ID=47

Solid tie-dye Navy & White - it's in my avatar.

Welcome to skydiving. The advice you are getting is in your best interest. Unless you a just a trust fund titty sucker, the speed of your decisions can be costly, unsafe and cost you more than dollars. For now, 1) focus on completing the AFF program. You have a lot to do. 2) Next step is to work on your "A" License - still more to do. 3) While you are doing this begin your education on gear. 1. Get you a paragear catalog - you'd be surprosed how much you will learn on the throne while reading this. 2. Read Lisa's article on buying gear. 3. Read Billvon's list of tips & tricks about canopy control prior to downsizing. Enthusiasm is a good thing. In this sport, controlled enthusiasm is even better. Finally, finish up your profile.

There's two kinds of skydivers, "Those that have had a reserve ride and those that will have a reserve ride." As we've seen in this thread; no matter what your numbers, 1, 1800, 2500, 3500, 10,000 - one should be prepared.

I learned in 1985 when Microsoft deployed MS Works Version 2 (I believe). Stay one version or upgrade behind.

I don't know if the hangar has an air compressor, but we use the "blow" fitting and blow the dirt out. Pffffffffftttttt.... gone.

Forget what the CSPA recognizes, we know it and they can't take that away. CONGRATULATIONS BILL!!!!

Training technique: Place your feet approximately shoulder with apart. Now, rotate your ankles... notice you have 360 degrees of rotation. Now, place your feet, ankles & knees together (knees slightly bent). Now, rotate your ankles. How many degrees of rotation do you have now? If you need to do a PLF and your feet, ankles & knees are apart, you have an eight times greater chance of breaking an ankle. [credit: Army Airborne School]

Yes.

As much or as little as your experience level deems necessary.

In last week's thread, I mentioned that I would not pay for it - any of it. However, I would like to clarify that in that particular situational context that was brought up, it was a student rig that had been rented, fully packed. As a student rig, my opinion is that student rigs more than any rental rig should be packed better than the normal "throw it down, have packer pack for experienced skydiver" situation. Within this context, first, I believe the main should be attached, but unpacked. If there is a mal - no matter what the situation, I would expect to pay for all subsequent charges (freebag) regardless of time from last pack job. The DZ has to pay the full amount to the rigger regardless of time since last reserve repack. My suggestion is to keep it easy. Hand the rental rig over with the main attached, but unpacked. Any reserve ride costs the total amount.

What about including a floor window - like some helicopters use?

-Slightly smaller than Caravan length, but taller. -Capacity to hold twelve skydivers (10 way with 2 video or 6 tandems or four AFF Cat A's). -High Wing. -Single Engine. -Tailgate only - emergency side exits; one forward, one aft. -6'4" interior. -13,500' in 13 minutes. -Ability to place nine on tailgate without C/G concerns. -Cost effective enough for six skydivers to make a load. -15" GPS LCD screen in rear with lexan protector. -Two way communications in rear to pilot without headset (push-to-talk) with differentiating light color when pilot is talking with ATC (something different than green, yellow, or red). -retractable Type 7 safety belts that will automatically ratchet into the wall/floor corner when disconnected (kinda like a tape measure) that are neon colored (so you can do a visual check to ensure everyone has theirs on) with slim-line buckles (to easily slip thru the harness).

It's also very thorough. 1. "Review of Knowledge" takes ten minutes. 2. The Coach rating is a precursor for the AFF/I rating. Build good habits now and you'll have good habits then. 3. We disagree on this: IMO, it's not about the Coaches; its about the students.

Not really "trick" questions at the course. You will need to be proficient at most things I provided in the outline as well as your flying skills. Read the SIMS for G&H. Read the IRM for Coaches Be able to fly and Instruct on those levels. Be able to proficiently teach any portion of the FJC (Cause those are usually assigned... not chosen by the candidate. Get with a rigger beforehand and learn all the gigs on student gear (Be able to perform an excellent gear check on any type of student system (including SOS)) And by all means, check your "student's" altimeter to ensure it is on right side up and on zero (you wouldn't believe how many folks miss that). Don't bust the hard deck - automatic Unsat. Read the evaluation form in the IRM for all automatic unsats.

You are correct. "Operations" Bullet Item 6 of the manual states: The Model 12000 WILL OPERATE IF the parachutist is at, or below, the altitude setting and his rate-of-fall increases from less than 40 to more than 65 feet per second. Thanks,

I "believe" its 1500 feet above the set altitude?

Turning an FXC 12000 on or off ("OFF - JUMP") in the airplane does not affect its opening altitude. Adjusting the altitude knob - does.

Student Cypres - Yes. FXC - Definately Yes. Test Question - Your student is wearing an FXC AAD. You decide to come down and about halfway back down, the decision is made to go back up (i.e., clouds cleared off) You head back up to altitude... Can you turn the FXC back on?

THe test is in the IRM (which you bring) the Coach Course Director will proctor the exam.

Hey Rob, Anyone may use it for Coach Course Certification or Coach Dives. Feel free to pass it around, modify it for Category H, Etc. Keith

1. Be prepared to teach one or several subjects from the First Jump Course. 2. Have purchased and in your possession your own SIMS and IRM. 3. Be prepared to teach, jump and evaluate a "student" on Categories G & H from the SIMS. 4. Some DZs (Mine); Be prepared to go through a student gear "GIG Row" We suit up five students, you have five minutes to do gear checks. Three Minors or one Major gig and you're out of the Course. The following is a checklist I give Coach Candidates that is a narrative walk-through. They are allowed to carry it on the Coach Course. If you like it and use it, you need to use the same format for category H. CATEGORY G COACH DIVE INTRODUCTION Coach introduces self - Reads student Logbook COACH QUESTIONS •Student Background •Motivation •Age •Height/Weight •Physical Condition •Mental State •Injuries •Blood Donation •SCUBA (last 24 hours) •Tobacco Use •Allergies •Vision (Contacts or Glasses) •Color Blindness •Hearing loss •Allergic to any medications •Dental •Any other physical limitations •USPA Waiver •Current Medications •Alcohol •Student Clothing (clothes, shoes, hooks, earrings, watches, empty pockets) •Join USPA? Coach Learns about last skydive •Tell me about your last skydive. •Did you get video (Do you have the tape)? •Did you have any problems? Exit Problems? Malfunctions? Line Twists? Slider Up? Radio problems? Landing Problems? Coach’s Overview •Today’s training should take about 2-3 Hours •1 to 1.5 hours for training – 1 hour to gear up and jump •We’ll need a little time after the jump to debrief, train and discuss the next level. •Are you familiar with the facilities here (Restroom, liquids, food)? ~SHORT BREAK~ CATEGORY G TLO’s OVERVIEW Learning and Performance Objectives •group exits •floater position •forward and backward movement •adjusting fall rate •start and stop •docking •maximum-performance canopy turns •collision avoidance and response review •tree landing review •equipment maintenance inspection •weather for skydivers Show Category G Dive Flow Video (Do not teach yet, for overview) Category G REVIEW OF KNOWLEDGE Coach Get Student Rig to be used. Check Data Card. Show student JMPI on gear (Ask Questions). Tell them what size and type main and reserve. Is that what they used last time (Are they familiar with it). Where is the Main Ripcord (What altitude do you pull it). Where is your Cutaway Handle? Where is your Reserve Ripcord? Where is your AAD? (Would you rely on it?) Where is your RSL? ( Would you rely on this?) What is its function? Coach Have the student put on the rig and check for proper fit. Have the student go through the deployment sequence. Take the rig off and put the training harness on. Have the student walk to the mockup: Pilot chute, Ripcord, Seatbelt, Helmet DZ Picture, and Goggles How do we approach an aircraft? How do we sit in the aircraft? Intro to spotting (DZ Picture) Coach IN-FLIGHT EMERGENCIES In the case of an emergency, who do listen to? I tell you we are going to land with the aircraft, what do you do? Seat Belt, Helmet, and hard-landing position. Can you show me the hard-landing position? THROWS PILOT-CHUTE ON THE A/C FLOOR If this were yours, what would you do in this situation? If this were ours, what would you do in this situation? I tell you to bail out on your reserve, show me how you would do this. I tell you to bail out on your main, show me how you would do this. I tell you we are going to make a poised exit – Go thought the exit, do not do a normal dive flow (Stable and give pull signal) We made it to jump altitude, but cannot make the jump (i.e., wind on ground too high) – What do we do? (Refasten Seat Belt, Helmet, Turn AAD off, Listen to JMs). Practice exits from ALL a/c that may be used. Freefall Emergencies COACH What do you do if you lose me? Arch, CIA, (Confident, In Control, Altitude Aware) YES – Maintain stability, deployment sequence at assigned altitude. What do you do if you are tumbling out of control? Do you know a maneuver to get off your back? (Roll out of bed) (DEMONSTRATE) THE FIVE SECOND RULE Do you know your pull priorities: 1. Pull. 2. Pull at a safe altitude. 3. Pull at a safe altitude with stability. What do you do if you loose altitude awareness? What do you do if you cannot read or find your altimeter? What do you do if you think you are going through clouds (Avoid)? Which Rules will this break (FAR 105) RETURN TO THE SCHOOL TRAINING AREA Coach Have the student perform a normal wave-off signal and deployment prior to each: • No Pilot Chute Out • Floating Ripcord (# of times to try) • No Handle (# of times to try) • Hard Pull (# of times to try) • Pilot Chute over arm. • Horseshoe • PULL SIGNAL • What would you do if you see ME pull? (CANOPY EMERGENCIES) Have the student perform a normal wave-off signal and deployment sequence prior to each (HOLDS PICTURES OVER HEAD): • Bag Lock • Line Over • Streamer • Pilot Chute in Tow (Use Pilot Chute) • Normal Canopy What will you do if you have a hole in the canopy? Please demonstrate a Controllability Check. What do you do if your slider is up? What will you do if your slider will not come more than halfway down? (MINOR NUISANCES/PROBLEMS) What will you do if you have: • Line Twists • Slider Up • End Cell Closure • Broken Lines • What is your decision Altitude (2500’)? • What altitude do you NOT cut away at (1000’)? Two Canopies Out (Reserve in front, main in front, side by side, downplane) What shape is your reserve? (How do you steer & land it) Coach What do you do if you lose a steering toggle on or after opening? What if one of your toggles will not release? Who has the right-of-way under canopy? What do you do if you are heading for another person under canopy? What if you cannot avoid them and you know you are going to hit them? If you do entangle with another jumper, what do you do? Canopy Control What would you use to determine wind direction if you were landing off the DZ? Which way is the wind coming from today? Which direction would you land (USE DZ PICTURE/CANOPY FLIGHT PLANNER) Remember to clear your ears and put Main Ripcord in Jumpsuit. Where will your holding area be today? Describe your landing pattern. OBSTACLES – AVOID, AVOID, AVOID Tell me where the major obstacles are on this DZ. What would you do if you thought you were going to land on … • Trees (If suspended, who may help?) • Water • Powerlines • Building • Runway What about dust devils? At what height do you flare? What if you flare too high? Show me your flare. What do you do after landing? What do you do if you are being dragged? Using your helmet, please perform a PLF Do you have ANY questions on canopy control, PLFs, or landing emergencies? Category G New Training Demonstrate with Stand-in VERTICAL Demonstrate with Stand-in HORIZONTAL Emphasis on pull altitude If you chose video for this dive; don’t be distracted A. Exit and freefall 1. Group exits a. Practice for an efficient climbout and launch. (1) Each jumper in a group has an assigned exit position and should know that position before climbout. (2) The exit position should include specific, exact foot and hand placement for the best launch position and presentation of hips and limbs into the relative wind. (3) The jumpers count together with body movement, where possible, for a simultaneous or near-simultaneous launch. b. Exit into a flying position with legs slightly extended-- (1) for improved exit stability (2) to begin motion towards your partner immediately c. Establish stability independently on exit before turning toward your partner. d. exit grips: (1) If taken, grips should allow all jumpers to leave in a natural flying position. (2) Main lift web and chest strap grips are counterproductive for most belly-to-earth group exits. 2. Forward and backward movement (belly to earth) a. Use legs only for forward movement and steering. (1) Extending both legs tilts the jumper head-low and begins a slide in that direction. (2) Extending one leg more than the other causes a turn in the opposite direction. (i) Extending the right leg causes a left turn. (ii) Extending the left leg causes a right turn. b. Maintain both arms in the grip position during forward movement and docking. c. Extend both arms and push down for backward movement. d. Extending the arms slightly to take a grip will counter forward movement but cause backsliding if initiated too soon or for too long. 3. Adjusting fall rate (belly to earth) a. Increase vertical freefall speed by streamlining. (1) hips forward (2) shoulders back (3) relax abdominal muscles b. Slow freefall speed by creating maximum turbulence. (1) cupping the shoulders around the sternum (2) rounding the spine (cupping the abdomen) (3) extending arms or legs to counterbalance and maintain a level attitude c. When recovering altitude from below the level of a formation: (1) Turn sideways to keep the formation in view. (2) To avoid a collision, remain clear of the area immediately below and above any group. d. Recognize the visual cues for level approach (on exit, regardless of the horizon): (1) backpack in sight-come down (2) front of the leg straps in sight-come up e. Maintain altitude awareness. 4. Docking a. Dock using a level approach. b. Once docked, arch across the shoulders to maintain the fall rate (elbows up) and stay level with your partner or the formation. c. Extend both legs to counter any tension created in the formation when holding grips. d. Maintain altitude awareness. 5. Break-off a. Check altitude every four or five seconds and after each maneuver or stalled attempt. b. Break off without prompting. c. Plan the break-off altitude to allow enough time to track 50 feet. d. The most positive way to signal break-off is to turn and track. (1) As a safety back-up in Categories G and H-- (i) If the coach waves his or her arms, immediately turn and track to the planned deployment altitude. (ii) If the coach deploys, deploy immediately without tracking. (iii) Deploy at planned altitude whether or not you have turned or tracked. (iv) Never rely on the USPA Coach for breakoff or deployment cues. (2) You are always responsible to break off and open at the planned altitude on jumps with the USPA Coach and with others after you get your license. e. When tracking, establish and maintain the correct heading radially from the formation. f. For beginners, tracking moderately in a straight line in the right direction is more effective than going fast in a curve or in the wrong direction. Break off high enough to gain separation. 6. For additional requirements for break-offs from freeflying jumps, see SIM Section 6-2. 7. To avoid hard openings, slow to minimum freefall velocity before deploying. B. Canopy 1. Performance turn entry and exit with balance a. Enter a turn only as quickly as the canopy can maintain balance (center of lift over the center of load) during the turn. b. Surging, lurching, or line twist indicate a turn entered too quickly. c. A canopy is more susceptible to collapse from turbulence during entry and exit from a turn. d. The canopy dives sharply after a maximum-performance turn. 2. Reverse turns a. You must know the maximum safe rate of turn entry for each canopy you jump. b. Practicing reverse turns helps you determine the maximum safe toggle turn rate before inducing a line twist. c. Make a smooth but deep turn at least 90-degrees to the right, then reverse toggle positions smoothly but quickly for a 180-degree turn to the left (four sets recommended to complete Category G). d. A line twist at pattern altitudes may be unrecoverable in time for a safe landing, particularly with a higher wing loading. e. In case you induce a line twist, you should complete all maximum-performance turns above the 2,500-foot decide-and-act altitude for a cutaway. 3. The potential for collision with other jumpers increases when making performance maneuvers in traffic or near the ground (review). a. Other jumpers may be focused more on the target than on traffic. b. The lower jumper has the right of way. c. It takes only one jumper to avoid a collision. d. Jumping a faster canopy requires more attention to traffic. 4. Accumulate two unassisted landings within 20 meters of a planned target (five total required for A license). MULTIPLE FREEFALL & CANOPY DIVE FLOWS WITH STUDENT UNTIL PROFICIENT IF corrective action is necessary during dirt dive...Student must perform dive/canopy flow perfectly + one. ANY QUESTIONS? We are ready to skydive Take a break before gearing up…. Manifest Category G GCTA CHECKLIST • Have student identify wind direction and landing pattern. • JMPI Student • Coach Gets JMPI • JMPI Videographer • Perform Dirt Dive at A/C • Ask pilot for pass DZ Pass at 3000-4000’ for student to spot. • Helmet and seatbelt on prior to plane movement. • 1500 ft. Remove helmet and seatbelt. • 3000-4000’ Student DZ spot/landing direction. • Remind student of significant altitudes. • Ask the student to repeat the dive flow for the skydive. • Coach gives student quiet time. • 10,000’ WAKE UP TIME • JMPI Student • Coach Gets JMPI • JMPI Videographer SKYDIVE Category G DEBRIEF • Give student 15 minutes to collect thoughts-relax. • Walk & talk – Compare notes. • Go to A/C Mockup for debrief. • Student’s view of dive and canopy ride first. • Viewpoint & perceptions guides student through the dive. • (UPBEAT & POSITIVE - Emphasize the good, Minimize the negative.) • Review the video. • Advancement/NonAdvancement Decisions • Corrective Training • Introduction of the TLO’s for the next dive. • Introduce the Dive Flow for the next dive. Review Next Dive: Category H: Learning and Performance Objectives • diver exit • swooping • breakoff • front riser control • water landing review • owner maintenance of gear • aircraft radio requirements • FAA notification requirements for jumping • FAA approvals for jump planes Give Student Category G Oral Quiz. Fill-out student logbook and DZ Records. Assign Category H Reading in the SIMS Manual prior to next jump.

Your first one will probably be a solo. It is a wonderfully calm jump. You "may" be a bit more anxious than a regular day jump, but once you stepped out on the black velvet of night, you experience a sense of calm and beauty. In addition to the lighting BSRs, my night briefings now include the recommendation of carrying a cell phone in one's jump suit for two reasons, 1) if someone lands off, they can call and tell everyone they're alright, and 2) if they are injured - we can search and vector in on the the cell phone ringing (make it ring on loud).

Not after 2, but after 3. May go on a Cat D.

There is now a difference. Tandem Masters are certified by the manufacturer. "Tandem Instructors" have a USPA Instructor's rating. A TI can take a student through the entire program up to an "A" license. The only exception is that a TI cannot do a harness hold exit or pull for the student. Well... at least in the last version of the SIMs (2004) I read - has it changed?