SkyHigh04

Hey guys, I don't post much on here anymore but I thought I'd share this for those who might have known him better than I did. I didn't think it belonged in the incidents thread since it wasn't skydiving related. Frank was my tandem instructor on 2 of my first 3 skydives I ever made. He also took my friend on his first and only skydive. We also chatted with him for quite a bit on the ground about skydiving and he was truly one of the nicest guys I ever met on a dropzone. You could tell he had a love of life, love of skydiving, and sincerely enjoyed teaching us noobies about the ins and outs of the sport, jump stories of his, gear, training, etc... I remember how on the last tandem I did with him, we didn't make it back to the dropzone so we had to land right next to the highway in a small yard next to an office building. We were laughing and cracking jokes after we landed as an old lady who thought we crashed and were hurt, came and picked us up to give us a lift back to the DZ...he truly made the experience a complete one. My sincere condolences to all who knew him and jumped with him, including the Above the Poconos crew and other DZs he worked at. Rest in peace and blue skies Frank! http://standardspeaker.com/news/obituaries/frank-e-d-andrea-1.889139 "...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

N/A

I fall into this exact category that davelepka is talking about. I made a post last year about this very issue and because I didn't word things so well, I got jumped on. Now I simply read the forums in silence for the most part. I have 6 total jumps from last year and the only thing that kept me from the DZ this year was the cost. I currently work and go to college full time and barely break even every month. I know skydiving is still something I'm going to pursue but the cost is definatly a factor. I don't even have enough credit to pay for jumps via credit card, not to mention the 2 loans I'm already paying back. I'm not stressing the fact that I can't afford to jump this year because I know if I work hard and focus, I'll eventually earn my reward: being able to finally go for my A license. Good things come to those who wait right? "...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

The Pennsylvania guy is Don Kellner at Above the Poconos. Don, Darlene, Frank, Tony and staff are really nice and professional. Some have said "yeah but how many jumps were OVER 5k?!" but I think a jump is a jump...risking your life every time regardless of altitude. My hat goes off to all who have over 1 jump...but that's just my trivial opinion. "...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

I have the address for the Perkiomen Valley Airport and a link to an aerial view. This place is only 5 miles further than I drove for Kutztown so I can't complain! Perkiomen Valley Airport (N10) 767 Collegeville Pike Collegeville, PA 19426 (610) 489-6011 Aerial View ftp://ftp.dot.state.pa.us/public/bureaus/aviation/perkiomen.pdf I look forward to a fresh start this year. "...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

Has anyone played the Go Sports Skydiving game for Playstation 3? I played the demo and it allows you to do formation or landing target modes. It's really fun to fly the canopy around and try to hit your mark but the fat clown looking guy in the tutorial cracks me up everytime lol "...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

There are some who would disagree. I wonder, however, what is the point of the OP? You said in your original post "Skydiving is my goal, my dream, and something I want to work hard at", and "I was offered to just come to the DZ on weekends anyways and maybe learn manifest, for less than minimum wage. I'm sorry but my time is better put to doing things like yardwork, fixing up my house, spending time with my family and friends, etc" Through this thread, it sounds like you are complaining about not having the money to jump but wanting to do so. It also sounds like you passed up on some opportunities to work and learn and are getting upset that others are pointing this out to you. If your OP is only to find "Has anyone else had to put their dream of skydiving on hold due to finances? " the answer is yes. People have put their skydiving dream (and actual skydiving) on hold for a number of reasons, including finances, work, family, injury, etc. etc. Your question has an obvious answer. If that's the only purpose of your OP, there it is. If the purpose was to get advice on how to manage life, money and skydiving, then read back through the posts and you will see a lot of good information that will help you find balance. The best advice (combined) is to do what many of us did: Get off your ass, go to the DZ and work. Work like you remember the goal-dream you want to reach is obtained through the work. You'll make money and friends, learn about the sport and grow in ways that you don't now see as possible. You may not want to make skydiving your life, or the center of your life, but if you want to reach your goal-dream, you need to make it a big part of your life. In your OP, you said, "I feel like I get pressured to make skydiving my total life, and nothing else but that's not reality for me, maybe for others, but not me. I want to maintain a balance between work, life, and my dream/hobby/sport of skydiving" Your desire to be a skydiver and your perceived need to minimize it's presence in your life appear to be mutually exclusive objectives. If you want to become a proficient skydiver you are going to have to put in the time - and the effort - and the money. Until you reach a point of skill and proficiency that allows you, as a low-currency jumper, to choose and maintain a balance between safe skydiving and the other important parts of your life, you will find that you will dedicate much or most of your leisure time to the sport. There are several ways to interpret the old expression: Shut up and jump. .02 Nova Thank you for the response, I see your points. The overall objective I guess was just to find out if others have had similar situations and what they did. I've read about some who have given up everything for the sport and others who have done what I'm doing and focusing on their lives/careers first and then getting immersed into the sport. I plan on putting in the time and effort eventually, just not right now. It is a dream and goal of mine but Rome wasn't created in a day. There are other goals I have like paying off my bills, keeping my electric on, keeping my gas tank above the empty mark, starting a family, etc..Skydiving isn't quite at the top of the list just yet but it will be "...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

"The "Golden Rule" is in effect for discussions on Dropzone.com: Treat others as you would wish to be treated. We ask that you be professional and polite and respect our intention to create a friendly and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome to participate..." Should try to enforce that ^^^ too "...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

Respect is earned. I respect people who do the things they say they want to do. I have far less respect for those who say they want to do things but find excuses for why they can't do them and/or aren't willing to put out any effort to make them happen. Calling those who've chosen to live in trailers to chase their dreams bums is negative. If you say so... That's funny, where I come from, we respect everyone regardless because it's common courtesy. I never once said that those who live in trailers to chase their dreams are bums so you pulled that out of no where. You don't know how I define bum because you don't know me or anything about me therefore your statement "I have far less respect for those who say they want to do things but find excuses for why they can't do them and/or aren't willing to put out any effort to make them happen. " is complete BS because 1-Family and bills are NEVER an excuse, if they are, then God help you and 2-How do you know how much effort I've put in to make things happen when you don't even know me?? I haven't attacked you. I haven't questioned your reasons for doing things. Why can't you just let me be and accept that we are who we are and nothing is going to change that. Life is too damn short for this kind of BS fighting over the dumbest stuff, seriously. I say we let bygons be bygons (spelling?) and start with a fresh clean slate. I apologize for anything I may have said to anger you or make you resent me because it was not my intention. The sky will always be there and when I'm ready, I'll get there. "...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

yeah because the mods can't see that you were harping on me from the beginning and that it's true that you should show people respect....Why is it that EVERYONE besides about 2 or 3 of you, understood my point? Billvon gets it. Others get it. Skybytch I don't know why you dont. "The "Golden Rule" is in effect for discussions on Dropzone.com: Treat others as you would wish to be treated. We ask that you be professional and polite and respect our intention to create a friendly and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome to participate..." You obviously can't follow that... I've gotten along with every skydiver I've ever met in person, they are some of the coolest people in the world. However, it doesn't say much for the community as a whole, when a select few have to bash me and be disrespectful for no reason. I have nothing negative to say unless it's brought on to me first. I love the skydiving community and everything about it. "...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

lol? "...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

You'll likely be happier if you find another sport to WANT to do, as this one is full of people who, judging by your choice of words, you consider to be beneath you, no better than the homeless guy on the corner. Despite the fact that they'll still be able to outfly you when you have 1000 jumps. What I find funny is that if you do spend the money to learn to skydive, buy gear, maintain that gear, etc., eventually you're going to figure out that most of that money is going to support a bunch of bums. And then what are you going to do with your attitude of superiority? I think anyone with half a brain can figure out what you just said there is complete bullshit. Your name fits you well. I don't care if people will be able to "outfly" me, this isn't a competition. I have nothing but total respect for those who give up everything to live their dream of skydiving. However, the manner in which they do it is not the same way I want to do it and that is ok. Stop trying to act tough behind your computer, for the millionth time, you don't know me, and thank god for that. Pull the stick out of your ass and maybe you will learn that showing a little kindness can go a long way instead of being a bitch to me all the time. "...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

At a large dropzone in the western US, it's said that you can't walk through the "ghetto" (ie the place where the bums live) without tripping over a world champion or three. Are they bums because they've chosen to live in a trailer (or, Gawd forbid, a tent) so they can chase their dream? Or are they examples of people willing to do whatever it takes to live their lives to the fullest? Kudos to them for giving up everything for their dream. I live in a log cabin on the east coast. I live my life to the fullest in my own way and it doesn't consist of having to degrade myself to bum status. You live your life how you want and I live mine how I want, we're all happy campers. I'm done with this thread, so respond all you want but I'm done, tired of arguing, I've made my point. Billvon gets it. Blue skies. "...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

Yeah it's a choice but it's a choice that would make no sense in any way shape or form to me, to just sell all I had, not eat, not have my house, not have my car, and just skydive. I'm not dismissive of anyone. To each their own...everyone takes their own path. See, you're making a point but in a respectful manner. When disrespectful people just start bashing on you when they don't know you or your situation, then I defend myself. "...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

I think you're right, but the "forced" part has to do with financial reasons. I'm forced to balance NEEDS and WANTS. I NEED to eat, NEED to have shelter, WANT to skydive. The "I don't WANT..." part is because sure, I could sell everything and skydive if I really wanted to but I don't feel like living like a bum therefore I won't do that. Also, I think there are more who get the point I'm making as opposed to those who don't get it. I've received some very nice PMs and I thanked those people. I'm not trying to argue with anyone, just feel like I always have to defend my position. "...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

I agree, and that about sums it up. As for the last guy...I don't work at Walmart slick...I don't care how long it takes you to pack...I didn't pass up any opportunity to complete my dream, you obviously haven't read this thread because if you did you would realize I don't WANT to focus on skydiving right now. Oh and my "bullshit" excuses and dream that you and the other guy mentioned..."bullshit" would imply that I'm lying and since I'm not then I guess you have no idea what you're talking about since last time I checked, not too many people find their family and paying their bills to be "bullshit". I also never said it was my biggest dream, just a dream of mine. Just because I'm not jumping all over getting my license ASAP doesn't make me any less of a person. "...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

You obviously don't have a clue what you're talking about....I'm not making any excuses. I'm simply stating that my money is going elsewhere right now and that's that. You call me lazy but you don't even know me....when the fuck did I say I wanted it handed to me?? I work for what I want. I'm a black belt in tae kwon do not because it was handed to me but because I worked my ass off for it. I represented our country as a student ambassador in other countries because I earned it....and when the time comes, I'll get my skydiving license. I'll jump when I'm damn good and ready. I feel sorry for myself??? How did you determine that from the 0 times you've met me? Get a life and stop acting tough behind a computer, calling people names and putting them down because it makes you feel good. In a nutshell, I'm done with skydiving for right now so stop giving your advice or disrespectful comments. I appreciate the majority who posted good advice and words of wisdom. "...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

I've already gone through some AFF and I love it so I'll stick with that. I can't afford anything besides bills right now, skydiving or not skydiving. "...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

It's interesting to read how others got into skydiving but that doesn't mean I have to do the same thing. To each their own....that's how I see it. The whole purpose of this thread was for me to inform others that sometimes you have to deal with things before you jump into something new. I simply want to focus on a career, spending time with my family, and saving a nest egg so that one day I can pre-pay for all my AFF jumps. I'm not "whining" about not being able to fulfill my dream because I WILL fulfill my dream, it's just a matter of when. It's hard to relate to others sometimes when you don't know them and can't put yourself in their shoes....Quite frankly it's been the hardest year of my life with losing my brother and I'm just trying to be strong. The loss has affected me in more ways than one and it's going to take time. I will be a skydiver one day but at my own pace. Blue skies to all. "...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

Actually I was just having a really bad day that day. I have good days and bad days, but I'm not always upset. I've considered selling my car and using some of the money towards paying for all my AFF jumps and the rest to buy another vehicle. It all depends how far you want to go. I could go try and rob a bank too but I'm not that obsessed with skydiving lol. I'm not in any rush really. If I get my A license by the end of this year or sometime next year, eventually I'll get there, I know it. My girlfriend is in the process of moving in with me so that is going to help me somewhat on bills but trust me, I WILL find a way to skydive, come hell or high water! The person who posted about the emotional instability hit the nail on the head too, and I'm working on that. "...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

I appreciate your support Jen, you've been a great instructor. I appreciate the opportunity and have nothing against the DZ or anything. I'm just in a financial bind and it has been a rough year and I'm just trying to get things in order again. I wouldn't mind spending just a few hours at the DZ on the weekend learning how to pack or something, but all day doing manifest is just something I dont have an interest in, nothing personal. I still try to learn as much about skydiving as I can. Hell, the job I just got fired from for being upset over my deceased brother(cold, heartless,and uncalled for I know) was a skydiving parachute sales and service store! I'm anxious to get back up in the air but I want to be smart about how I go about it this time around and also safe because it's not very safe to make AFF jumps so far apart and spread out. If you know anyone interested in buying a 2000 Honda TRX400EX ATV let me know...I've already sold my favorite Gibson Les Paul blue sparkle just to pay bills and eat. I won't give up on skydiving, it's just not at the top of the priority list right now. I'm trying to find a steady job, pay bills, and balance time with my family and girlfriend. One day at a time....

I don't have a clue as to what "attitude" you're talking about. I can make more money at Walmart being a greeter PLUS benefits...see what I'm saying? I would love to be at the DZ if I was jumping but an ENTIRE day when I'm not jumping isn't worth it, at least while I'm in student status. I don't see how wanting to spend time with my family (especially after the hard year we've been through)and friends or doing things like mowing the lawn, staining the deck, and being productive is a bad thing??? Why would I jump on the opportunity to learn manifest?? I can't afford to put any of the money I'd make from it towards jumps because I have bills to pay, that's reality. So therefore I wouldn't be getting any discount. You don't know me so please don't judge me. You obviously misunderstood and I hope I helped clear things up. "...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

I'm at a point right now where I have 6 total jumps, 3 being AFF. However, due to USPA rules about how long you can wait between jumps, I already would now have to start back at AFF 1. Obviously AFF1,2,3 are more expensive than AFF 4 and on and I simply can't afford it. Has anyone else had to put their dream of skydiving on hold due to finances? I'm at a point where I can't even afford to pay my own bills because I lost my most recent job due to the fact that I got a little upset about my only brother who passed away from cancer this year....still trying to figure that one out. Skydiving is my goal, my dream, and something I want to work hard at and become good at as time goes by. It's just very frustrating when you can't afford it but once you're a licensed skydiver, it's actually not too expensive to jump. I was offered to just come to the DZ on weekends anyways and maybe learn manifest, for less than minimum wage. I'm sorry but my time is better put to doing things like yardwork, fixing up my house, spending time with my family and friends, etc... rather than sit at a DZ from 8:45a.m.-6,7,8 at night having not even made enough to fill my gas tank one time. I feel like I get pressured to make skydiving my total life, and nothing else but that's not reality for me, maybe for others, but not me. I want to maintain a balance between work, life, and my dream/hobby/sport of skydiving. So right now my gameplan is to just work work work work work and save a little here or there whenever I can so that I can pre-pay for all my AFFs at once. It's going to take a very very long time though but it's worth it for me, I won't give up. Hope to jump with all of you one day, blue skies! "...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

He wasn't talking about you. HE WAS TALKING ABOUT ME!!! After I quit crying, I'm gonna blast him with a paintball gun. That wouldn't feel to good. I was more of saying the whole emo and youtube thing as a joke, but looking back on it, it doesn't come off that way very well. The emo scene at my school in 2006 was pretty bad. I'm far from emo, just have a broad taste in music....i'm more like hippie at heart who dresses decent lol "...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

Right.................? "...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci