Choose a method of skydiving training

Depending on how long you have, how much cash you have to spend, and how strong are your nerves, you have three options for what method you use to parachute his first jump: tandem, static line, and the free acceleration (AFF).

These methods vary in that some are designed to give a quick experience and the introduction of skydiving, while others start with full blown first jump courses that will establish that the path to become a certified Skydive.

Consider your options. Think about the experience obtained from each of these and their reasons for doing so. Then choose one. Whatever method you decide to show you the sport know that you will not regret. You'll have fun, broaden their horizons and change their limits.

Tandem jumps
Tandem jumps are a very popular way to make your first jump. They allow the curious potential students to experience first-hand the thrill of skydiving without the stress of AFF SL or progression. Most dropzones are set to jointly offer Skydive under two different scenarios: the "one-time jump fun", or as part of a hybrid training method sometimes called "tandem progression."

The first requires only about 30 minutes of preparation of land, the latter is usually completed after a fairly standard first jump of the course (fjc), which can last up to four hours or more. Tandem jumping, by definition, consists of an experienced jumper called "Tandem Master" or "Tandem Instructor" and the passenger. The Tandem teacher walks in the back and carries an extra-large parachute system capable of carrying weights up to 500 pounds, easily able to stay safely two people. The passenger (or tandem progression student) wears a specially designed harness that attaches to four points in front of the tandem master. A tandem free usually lasts between 45 and 60 seconds, followed by a canopy four minutes to mount the ground.

Salto Tandem provides a clear advantage for the adventurous spirit that can not adequately meet the physical requirements or fitness for the S / L or AFF jumps. Based on Tandem Master's skills, which remain capable of experiencing the thrill of skydiving.

It should be noted that in the United States, tandem jump is performed in two different ways: as a "walk" by the manufacturer-rated Tandem Masters, and in good faith as skydiving instruction USPA Tandem instructors who also have the commitment of Manufacturers ratings. Only USPA valued Tandem Teachers can teach together as part of skydiving hybrid instruction. In most of these hybrid courses, a student makes three or four tandems, and then finishes training from a level four AFF jump. The usefulness of this hybrid method is that there are never more than an instructor involved in any skydive, and freeing the staff faster than the student freight train. Jumps made with a USPA-rated Tandem instructor account for students proficiency, those with no USPA rated Tandem master do not.

Tandem jumps in the range of costs as low as $ 70 (U.S.) to more than $ 300, it's best to shop around for the best offer.

Static LineTraining (S / H)
This method has evolved over the past ~ 30 years from its origins in a military training method for sport parachutists. The student receives 4-5 hours of training on land and is then taken to an altitude of about 3000 feet for the jump. The jump itself is simply a "list" of the strut out of a small single-engine Cessna aircraft, or the side door of a larger aircraft. As the student falls away from the plane, the main parachute was deployed in a "line" attached to the aircraft. The student experience around two to three seconds after falling as the parachute opens.

After S / L jumps require about 15 minutes of preparation. After 2 good line breaks, students will be trained to pull his ripcord for themselves. The student then 3 more line breaks where demonstrate this ability to throw a mannequin as a ripcord off the plane (the line remains to initiate the deployment). The student is then cleared to make his first real free fall.

The first freefall is a "clear and pull", where the student began the sequence to immediately pull out of the aircraft. Below is a 10 second delay jump. After jumping to go progressively higher altitudes with more delays. After 25 freefalls, assembly and some other basic requirements, the student receives his license and is cleaned out of student status.

Accelerated Free Fall (AFF)
The AFF program was created in 1982 as an "accelerated" learning process compared to the traditional line of progression. The AFF program will give you a real taste of modern sport parachuting. The training ground is somewhat broader than S / L (~ 5 hours) because the student will be doing a free 50 seconds (that is!) In his first jump. The student will exit the plane 10000-12000 feet along AFF with two instructors who will assist the student for free. Instructors keep the student in the forehead from the time they leave the plane until the opening, assisting students when necessary to fall stable, conducting practice ripcord strip, controlling altitude, etc. The student then pulls his own ripcord more than 4000 feet

The official USPA AFF program is a program of level 7. Levels 1, 2 and 3 require two AFF instructors to accompany the student. These dives concentrate on teaching basic safety skills, such as altitude awareness, the position of the body, stability in freefall and during the sequence of throwing, and most importantly-successful ripcord pull. At Level 3, instructors will announce the student in freefall for the first time to fly completely on their own.

Levels 4, 5, 6 and 7 require only a freefall JM (less $ $) and teach students skills air, as shifts, coupling and progress on other people, move forward, "superman" departures aircraft, etc.

AFF Each level is designed to take a leap, and requires about 45 minutes of training. After completing successfully the objectives of each level, the student passes to the next level.

After graduating Level 7, the student enters a less structured educational program called Integrated Programme for Students, where jump on his own and with coaches to improve their skills and learn more advanced maneuvers. Once they reach 25 jumps that are ready to leave. Once you have your A license are free to jump however, choose, within the dictates of wisdom and guidance of the USPA recommendations of basic safety (BSR.)