Monster Media 1994 #2/Monster Media No. 2 (Monster Media)(1994).ISO/freq_qa/skydive6.zip/SKYDIVE6.TXT

Text File | 1994-06-07 | 30KB | 642 lines

Archive-name: skydiving-faq
Last-modified: 5/11/94

[ *#$(!&@ newsreader... trying this again, since it didn't seem to
  work correctly earlier. Apologies for header misformatting... it
  looks fine when I send it off!?!     -- Barry, [e-mail] ]

[Changes since last versions (5/2/94,5/10/94):
 1) Modified Tandem Blurb.
 2) Fixed Modification Date.
 3) Correct error in S/L progression]

      Rec.Skydiving F.A.Q. Sheet
      =-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=


 PARACHUTE : An aerodynamic deceleration device.
  (Federal Aviation Administration)


This posting constitutes a dynamic compilation of Frequently Asked Questions
concerning the sport of skydiving, related activities, and the news group
rec.skydiving.  It is posted on or about the second and fourth Mondays of
every month.

Additions, corrections, or suggestions can be posted or emailed to the
current maintainer, Barry Brumitt, [e-mail].
The original version was written by Jerry Sobieski, [e-mail],
who is currently too busy to maintain it.

First, the news group rec.skydiving is an unmoderated group for the discussion
of issues relating to sport skydiving.  It obviously is not limited to
skydiving as there are many sports that share technology, history, common
interests, and avid proponents; but these tend to be minor distractions for
the
hard core jumper :-).  News or events to be held, or post-event reviews are
commonly posted, as are questions about equipment, skills, regulations,
theory,
etc.  And plain ol' reminiscing over "the good ol' days" by the old timers,
and
long exuberant descriptions of newcomer's first jumps are posted here as well.

Skydiving is not just a sport, it's a lifestyle (not to be confused with
bungee
jumping which is just a sport :-).

It seems there are a great many new readers every year of rec.skydiving, many
of which stumbled across it and found it interesting but have never jumped.
After a time, they seem to always ask the same questions.  So in an effort to
promote the sport, minimize redundant postings, and in general continue the
camaraderie of fellow free spirits here is now the "Rec.Skydiving F.A.Q.
Sheet".  If your question is not answered in this document, please feel free
to
post it to the net.  If we get tired of answering it (:-), we'll append it to
the FAQ sheet.  The information disseminated in this FAQ sheet is generally
related to the sport within the United States.  However, much of the
information is applicable world-wide as well.  If you need specifics for a
given geographical area, post it.  Someone from that region can then reply.

The questions are not ordered in their "asking frequency".  Instead, I have
tried to order them so as to provide the information in a more easily
understood manor.

The Most Frequently Asked Questions are:

 -.      How does one learn to skydive?
 -.      What are the physical requirements?
 -.      What does the training consist of?
 -.      How do I tell a good Drop Zone from poor one?
 -.      What if my parachute doesn't open?
 -.      How hard is the landing?
 -.      How much does it cost?
 -.      Where can I try Skysurfing?
 -.      "How do you breathe in freefall?" and other Whuffo questions.

Other Information provided in this file are:
 -.      Movie Myths
 -.      Appendix of abbreviations
 -.      List of Magazines and Skydiving Periodicals
 -.      Information about rec.skydiving FTP/archive/gopher/WWW site.
 -.      Information about the PIA BBS
 -.      Disclaimer




-. How does one learn to skydive?
 ------------------------------

One looks in the telephone directory (Yellow Pages) under "Parachuting"
or "Skydiving and Parachute Jumping Instructions" to find a local parachuting
operation - normally referred to as a "drop zone" (DZ).  A phone call will
generally provide you with enough information to make arrangements to attend
the First Jump Course and/or how to reach the DZ.  You can also call the
United
States Parachute Association (USPA, 1440 Duke St., Alexandria, VA  22314) at
(703)-836-3495 to get the name of an affiliated drop zone in your area.  A
friend or acquaintance who has jumped previously may also be able to give you
a
recommendation.

Most DZs will offer the First Jump Course (FJC) at least once each weekend.
Some will offer it during the week or several times during the weekend.  You
will need to contact your local DZ to determine their scheduling.  The FJC
consists of about 4-6 hours of ground school followed by your jump - weather
permitting.

There are several different types of training you can take: Static Line,
Accelerated Freefall, or Tandem.  They are described below in greater detail.
However, not all drop zones offer all these options, so you should ask the DZ
which type(s) of training they provide.

Some drop zones have promotional videos they will sell you (~$10) that
describe
the training and show you what it is all about.  Almost every DZ these days
uses videos for training aids and will be glad to let you view them (for
free!)
if you stop by.  They will mail you a brochure and other detailed information
upon request as well.

It is *your* safety at stake and *your* responsibility to look after it.  If
you have reservations about making your first jump, make the effort to visit
the DZ, check it out, meet the people and staff.  They will be glad to see
you,
and you will be *much* more confident and comfortable having done so, and
consequently have a much better time!


-. What are the physical requirements?
 -----------------------------------

In general, the prospective student should be in reasonably good physical
shape, this *is* a sport after all.  You will be required wear 35 lbs of
equipment, endure opening shock, maneuver the canopy, land, and possibly
trudge
great distances on foot.  You will experience 30 degree swings in temperature,
atmospheric pressure changes, 4 hours of lecture, and lots of beer.  It's
grueling (:-).

But seriously, problems may arise where a prospect is too heavy (over ~250lbs/
110kg) or if they have medical conditions which may impair them during the
activity.  Someone who experiences fainting spells, blackouts, or has a weak
heart should not be jumping.  Someone with respiratory illness *may* have a
problem due to atmospheric changes at altitude.  The better your physical
condition, the more you will enjoy the experience.  This being said, very few
people have medical or physical conditions which actually ns which actually
preclude jumping.

Most dropzones will try to work with you.  If you have a question, ask them,
and as always, ask your doctor.  You may be surprised at the relatively few
physical constraints involved.


-. What does the training consist of?
 ----------------------------------

The FJC teaches the student every thing they need to know to safely make their
first jump.  There are several different programs available for first jumpers,
the one you choose will depend on your personal preferences and circumstances.
The differences of each is summarized below:

 Static Line (S/L)

This method has evolved over the last ~30 years from its military origins into
a successful method for training sport parachutists.  The student gets 4-5
hours of ground training and is then taken to an altitude of about 3000 feet
for the jump.  The jump itself consists of a simple "poised" exit from the
strut of a small single engine Cessna aircraft.  As the student falls away
from
the plane, the main canopy is deployed by a "static line" attached to the
aircraft.  The student will experience about two to three seconds of falling
as the parachute opens.

Subsequent S/L jumps require about 15 minutes of preparation.  After 2 good
static line jumps, the student will be trained to pull their ripcord for
themselves.  The student then does 3 more static line jumps where they
demonstrate this ability by pulling a dummy ripcord as they leave the plane
(the static line is still initiating the deployment).  The student is then
cleared to do their first actual freefall.

The first freefall is a "clear & pull", where the student initiates the pull
sequence immediately upon leaving the aircraft.  Next is a 10 second delay
jump.  Subsequent jumps go to progressively higher altitudes with longer
delays.  After 20 freefalls, and meeting certain other basic requirements, the
student receives their A license and is cleared off student status.

 Accelerated Free Fall (AFF)

The AFF program was instituted in 1982 as an "accelerated" learning process as
compared to the traditional static line progression.  The AFF program will
give
you a true taste of modern sport skydiving.

The ground training is a bit more extensive than S/L (~5 hours) because the
student will be doing a 50 second freefall (that's right!) on his/her very
first jump.  The student will exit the aircraft at 10,000-12,000 feet along
with two AFF Jumpmasters (JM) who will assist the student during freefall.
The
jumpmasters maintain grips on the student from the moment they leave the
aircraft until opening, assisting the student as necessary to fall stable,
perform practice ripcord pulls, monitor altitude, etc.  The student then pulls
his/her own ripcord at about 4000 ft.

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

Levels 4, 5, 6, & 7 require only one freefall JM (less $$) and teach the
student air skills such as turns, forward movement and docking on other
people,
frontloops, backloops, "superman" exits from the plane, etc.

Each AFF level is designed to take one jump, and requires about 45 minutes of
training.  After successfully performing the objectives of each level, the
student moves on to the next level.

After graduating Level 7, the student enters a more free format stage called
"Level 8" where they practice and hone their skills by themselves and in small
groups until they obtain 20 freefalls and qualify for their A license.

 Tandem jumps.

Tandem jumps are meant to offer an introduction to the sport.  They allow the
neophyte to take a ride with an experienced jumper.  A tandem jump requires
from 15 to 45 minutes of ground preparation (it is *not* a First Jump Course).
It consists of an experienced jumper called a "tandemmaster" and the
passenger.  The passenger and tandem master each wear a harness, however only
the master wears the parachutes.  The passengers's harness attaches to the
front of the master's harness and the two of them freefall *together* for 30
seconds, open together, and land together under one Really_BIG_Parachute.

Tandem jumping provides an obvious advantage for the adventurous spirit who
cannot adequately meet the physical or proficiency requirements for the S/L
or AFF jumps. By relying on Tandem Master's skills, they will still be able
to experience the thrill of skydiving.

Because the tandem training is not a First Jump Course, if you decide to
pursue the sport, you will still have to attend a FJC in either the AFF or
Static Line curriculum.

It should be noted that, in the United States, tandem jumping is still
classed by the Federal Aviation Administration as an "experimental" form of
Parachuting, and us such operates under waiver to certain Federal Aviation
Regulations regarding required equipment. Currently the USPA (see below) is
not involved in the certification or training of tandem Masters or in the
setting of minimum tandem safety standards. These functions are performed
solely by, and at the discretion of, the manufacturers of the tandem
equipment. Among many experienced jumpers, tandem jumping remains a very
controversial subject as to its safety and utility for novice training.


In all of these training methods, students are taught normal and emergency
procedures for all aspects of the jump - climb to altitude, exit, opening,
canopy control, and landing.  They are also shown the equipment and go over it
so that they understand how it works.

Nearly all student training centers now utilize *sport* skydiving gear.  No
more military surplus stuff.  Students have light-weight harness/container
systems in aesthetic colors, high performance canopies designed for students.
No more paraboots- students use their own tennis shoes.  No more heavy
motorcycle helmets- students use lightweight sporting helmets.  Ground-to-air
radio for canopy control assistance, air-to-air video, on and on...


-. How do I tell a good Drop Zone from poor one?
 ---------------------------------------------

Most dropzones that provide regular student training are "USPA Affiliated".
The United States Parachute Association (USPA) is the representative body for
sport parachuting within the US, and a member of the FAI (the international
equivalent).  The USPA defends the sport's interests before the FAA and other
regulating/lawmaking bodies at all levels of government.  It also develops and
monitors safety and training doctrine for the sport.  Other benefits include
liability insurance for students and DZs in the case of damage to property,
the
monthly magazine "Parachutist", etc.

The USPA has had tremendous success instituting rating programs for
Jumpmasters, Instructors, and Instructor-Examiners to ensure that only
properly
trained and qualified personnel work with students.  You should insist on USPA
Instructors and Jumpmasters.

USPA affiliation is not required, and does not *guarantee* a DZ to be a "good"
DZ, and non-affiliation does not mean the DZ is "bad".  However, the USPA,
through their diligence and caution, has compiled an excellent safety record
over the years.

These are just guidelines.  You should always check it out before you jump.


-. What if your parachute doesn't open?
 ------------------------------------

Clearly, this is the most Frequently-Asked-Question posed by all prospective
jumpers.

By law (FAA regulations), all intentional parachute jumps must be made with a
single harness, dual parachute system with both a main canopy *AND* a reserve
canopy.  In other words, you have a second (or spare) canopy in case the first
one fails to open properly.

However, it must be noted that the technology utilized in today's sport
parachuting equipment is light years ahead of the old military surplus gear
used in the '60s and '70s.  The canopies are DRASTICLY different from the
classic G.I. Joe round parachutes.  The materials are stronger, lighter and
last longer, the packing procedures are simpler, the deployment sequence is
much more refined, etc.

The reserve canopies are even more carefully designed and packed.  The reserve
parachute must be inspected and repacked every 120 days by an FAA rated
parachute Rigger - even if it has not been used during that time.

The student's main canopy is always packed either by a rigger or under a
rigger's direct supervision by experienced packers.

There are also additional safety features employed to ensure canopy deployment
such as Automatic Activation Devices (AAD) and Reserve Static Lines (RSL)
which
add still more layers of safety.


-. How much does it cost?
 ----------------------

Prices vary from DZ to DZ.  Typically, the S/L course runs ~$110-$140, AFF
from
$250-$300, and the tandem from ~$140-$200.  Some DZs can provide a freefall
videoman to tape your skydive for an additional $50-75.  These prices include
the ground school and the first jump.

After completing their first jump, skydiving tradition allows each student to
express their appreciation and admiration for their newfound skydiving friends
for their assistance in successfully achieving this milestone in their life by
purchasing (from a local establishment) and presenting to them a case of beer.
This case, customarily a fine imported beer, is ceremoniously iced down for
consumption at the end of the day.  The cost generally runs $15-20.

(It should be noted that while jumpers have a reputation for major no-holds-
barred parties, the use of drugs and/or alcohol on the DZ premises is
*strictly* prohibited during jump operations for what should be obvious
reasons.  This rule is observed and enforced by both jumpers and management.)

After the first jump, the cost of each successive jump decreases in stages as
less supervision is required.  Once off student status, and owning your own
gear, jumps will cost about $15-17 to 13,000' (about 65 seconds of freefall).
Many drop zones have discount programs as well that can further decrease the
cost of jumps. A file containing prices for experienced jumpers is available
both on the FTP site described below, and via E-mail from
[e-mail].

Equipment can run from $1000 to $3500 depending on what you want to spend.
There is a used equipment market (muchou want to spend.
There is a used equipment market (much like the used car market) which can
SAVE
you loads of money, or you can custom order everything brand-spankin-new with
your own personalized colors and sizes, which will COST you loads of money
(:-).  You can buy it all at once or a piece at a time as finances allow.
Generally, you shouldn't worry about buying gear until you are off student
status or close to your A license.

Of course, all prices are in US dollars (as opposed to dinars or rubles :-).


-. How hard is the landing?
 ------------------------

The canopies used today bear little resemblance to the classic round canopies
of years gone by.  Today, nearly all jumpers and jump schools use "square"
canopies for parachuting.  These canopies are actually rectangular in shape,
and when open, act like an airplane wing (or an airfoil).  They are more like
gliders than umbrellas.

The aerodynamics of the square canopy provide it with exceptional
maneuverability, allowing the jumpers to land almost anywhere they wish.  This
wing shape also provides tippy-toe soft landings for even the novice jumper.
The days of landing like a sack of flour are history.  Most students land
standing up on their first jump.


-. Where can I try Skysurfing?
        ---------------------------

It a nutshell, you can't --  unless you're already a very experienced
skydiver.
"Skysurfing" or "Skyboarding" refers to skydiving with a small board, or snow
board, attached to your feet. This allows some radical maneauvers in freefall.
However, such jumps should only be attempted by expert skydivers, and
preferably after discussion with one of the few skysurfers who have
experience.
This is currently a very "fringe" activity in the skydiving world.


-. "How do you breathe in freefall?" and other Whuffo Questions
 ------------------------------------------------------------

"How do you breath in freefall?"
                  -- Through genetically developed gills.

This falls into the realm of urban folklore.  One CAN breathe in freefall - if
it were necessary.  However, due to the high speed of terminal freefall (and
much higher speeds in vertical freefall dives), the jumper's body is exposed
to
O2 molecules at a much higher rate than someone walking around on the ground.
The body is able to absorb the necessary O2 through the skin.  This is why
jumpers flap their cheeks in freefall, it presents a larger surface area to
the
airstream for oxygen osmosis.  Once under canopy, the jumper resumes breathing
normally.

This is also why jumpers do not jump on cloudy days or when they might risk
going through clouds.  The moisture in the clouds can condense on their
exposed
skin surfaces preventing the absorption of the necessary oxygen resulting in
suffocation.  AADs are recommended for jumpers in climates where weather is a
factor.

"Don't your ears pop on the way down?"
                   -- "Yes, we're not ignoring you, we're deaf."
"What if you have to go the bathroom in the plane?"
                   -- "Go ahead!"
"Can you steer your parachute?"
                   -- "No, one time I landed in Jamacia."
"Does it hurt?"
                   -- "Yes, that's why we jump all the time! Masochism!"
"What if your parachute doesn't open?"
                   -- "Gee, I never thought of that..."
"Why do you jump?"
                   -- "Why do _you_ breathe?"
"Where do you jump?"
                   -- "O'Hare, Midway, LAX, Dulles, where ever I happen to
be."
(:-)

-. Movie Myths
 -----------

Myth #1: Freefall conversation.
        Talking in Freefall is virtually impossible.  The wind is too loud.
Myth #2: 4 minute freefalls.
        Without taking Oxygen on the plane with you, freefall time is limited
  to about 80 seconds on a single jump.
Myth #3: First-jump freefall acrobatics
        Learning to fall stable and to fly while in freefall takes practice --
 it's not realistic to do this on your first jump.
Myth #4: Low-pull contests
 This virtually never happens.  Everyone tends to deploy around
 2000-2500.  Skydivers fall at about 5.5 sec/thousand feet.


-. Appendix of Skydiving Abbreviations, Terms, and Colloquialisms
 -------------------------------------------------------------

AAD Abbrev. n, "Automatic Activation Device".  A altitude sensing device
 used to automatically activate the opening sequence for a parachute.
 Most commonly refers to their application to sport reserve parachutes,
 but also used in other non-sport scenarios such as ejection seats,
 etc.

AFF Abbrev. n, "Accelerated FreeFall".  A training program for first jump
 students where the skydiving skills development rate is accelerated
 over that of the older static line program.

boogie n, A gathering of jumpers for the purposes of jumping and socializing.
 Typically, boogies will have large aircraft, unusual aircraft
 (balloons, helicopters), special events (record attempts), or some sort
 of competition as a focal point to attract jumpers from widely diverse
 regions.

bounce Colloquialism v, term for landing, after freefall, without the aid of a
 parachute.  Also: hammer in, frappe, go in.

canopy  n, parachute.

CFS Abbrev., "Canopy Formation Skydiving". The new "official" term for a
 discipline of skydinvg in which jumpers *under canopy* fly their
 parachutes together to form various formations. However, most skydivers
 still refer to it as "CRW". (See CRW.)

CRW Abbrev., "Canopy Relative Work".  Describes the maneuvering done by
 jumpers *under canopy* to fly their parachutes together to form various
 formations.  Sometimes referred to as CReW (Crew). See CFS.

DZ Abbrev. n, "Drop Zone".  A place where parachuting operations take
 place.  This is may be a designated area, or frequently, a commercial
 business which supplies aircraft, instruction, gear sales and
 services.

flare v, to pull down on both of the canopy's steering toggles in order to
 lower decent rate and forward speed just prior to landing. The forward
        speed is traded-off for lift. A flare performed too late has no
effect,
 a flare performed too early can result in a stall in which the canopy
 looses forward speed and drops straight down.  A correctly performed
 flare results in an exceptionally soft landing.

FS Abbrev., "Formation Skydiving". The new "official" term for a dicipline
 of skydiving in which two or more jumpers fly relative to each other
 *in freefall* in order to form various formations. However, most
 skydivers refer to it as Relative Work, or "RW." (See RW.)

hook turn n, A high-speed turn with either the steering toggles or the front
 risers performed at very low altitude in order to build up speed before
 landing.  See "turf surf."

JM Abbrev. n, "JumpMaster".  A jumper trained and certified to supervise
 students and/or novices during their jump.

main n, the primary parachute.

opening shock n, The force experienced by the jumper due to the sudden
 deceleration from terminal velocity due to the deployment of a
 parachute.

RW Abbrev., "Relative Work".  Describes the freefall maneuvering whereby
 two or more jumpers fly relative to each other *in freefall* in order
 to form various formations. See FS.

reserve n, the secondary, or backup, parachute.

round n, a class of parachutes designed to simply decelerate a body in a
 fluid medium.  The classic parachute.

square n, a class of parachutes designed to inflate and take the shape of an
 airfoil.  These are more accurately rectangular in shape and are
 semi-rigid wings.

turf surf v, (also, to "surf it") a high-speed style of landing.  The jumper
 builds up speed (see Hook Turn) and then flares mere moments before
 touchdown, resulting in a spectacular landing in which the jumper skims
 mere inches above the ground at 30-40mph, for up to 100 yards.  Or, if
 the jumper flares too late, resulting in a spectacular landing in which
 the jumper impacts the ground, leading to medical bills, orthopedic
 surgery, and/or death.  Attempt this maneuver at your own risk!

USPA Abbrev. n, "United States Parachute Association".

whuffo Colloquialism, n, A person who is not a skydiver (from the often-asked
 phrase "Whuffo you jump out of them airplanes?").


-.  List of Skydiving-related magazines and periodicals
 ---------------------------------------------------
 Parachutist: Free w/ USPA Membership, $12/yr, back issues $3.
  USPA, 1440 Duke St, Alexandra, VA, 22314. 703-836-3495.
 Skydiving: $18/yr.
  Skydiving, PO Box 1520, DeLand, FL, 32721. 904-736-4793.
 Chuting Star: Free at some DZ's. $12.50/yr. 904-282-6623.
  Chuting Star, PO Box 1814, Middleburg, FL, 32050-1814


-. rec.skydiving FTP site, WWW site, archive, and gopher site.
 -----------------------------------------------------------

There is an FTP site for rec.skydiving located on skydive.eng.ufl.edu
(128.227.116.1) which contains:

 1. Most recent FAQ.
 2. Archive of all rec.skydiving messages since July 1988.
 3. DZ information (reviews, prices (*)).
 4. A collection of skydiving GIF's (including hourly weather maps).

This site accepts anonymous FTP's, and the information can be found in the
/skydive directory.  Questions and comments concerning this site can be
directed to the FTP site maintainer [e-mail].

The DZ price list is also available via Email to [e-mail].

There is a now WWW (World Wide Web) site at http://www.cis.ufl.edu/skydive.
It's under construction and is subject to change. Currently, it provides links
to the Finnish Skydive Archive, as well as to the FTP and Gopher sites.

There is a gopher server available which is dedicated to skydiving, on
jumprun.ehs.uiuc.edu (port 70).  The Internet Gopher client/server provides a
distributed information delivery system around which a world/campus-wide
information system (CWIS) can readily be constructed.   While providing a
delivery vehicle for local information,  Gopher facilitates access to other
Gopher and information servers throughout the world. Gopher servers are
accessible only through "hard wired" Internet connections.  In order to access
the uiuc skydiving gopher server, you need a program running on your computer
called  called a gopher client.  Gopher clients for a wide variety of machines
are available via anonymous FTP from boombox.micro.umn.edu.  Look in the
directory:

     /pub/gopher

If you don't know anything about WWW, gopher, FTP or Telnet, see your local
computer guru for further details.


-. Information about the PIA BBS
        -----------------------------
The Parachute Industry Association BBS is now on-line with the Internet. Our
address is pia.com.  We are carrying the rec.skydiving newsgroup for the
benefit of those jumpers with modems but without USENET capabilities. We also
have many manufacturers on-line.  You can write [e-mail],
[e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail],
[e-mail] and [e-mail].

Give us a call at 904-985-0680.  We will have anonymous ftp access in the near
future. Telnet is not possible but will be considered in the future if the
demand is present.  The PIA BBS was founded to foster communication between
jumpers and manufacturers.  Give us a call.

                                  - Fred McKay, SYSOP
                                  - [e-mail]


-. Disclaimer.
 -----------

All information provided herein is offered on an "as is" basis.  There is no
warranty expressed or implied concerning its applicability or fitness for any
particular purpose.  Consult a trained professional before attempting any of
the activities described in this document; it is not intended to be a
substitute for proper professional instruction.

  --------      End ---------
      Rec.Skydiving F.A.Q. Sheet

--
Barry Brumitt                        [e-mail]
Robotics Graduate Student            PGP Available upon Request.
Carnegie Mellon University           http://frc.ri.cmu.edu/~belboz/
"Who is John Galt?"                  Skydive!  (D-15427, S/L JM,I)


Boring Disclaimer: The opinions contained herein do not necessarily
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=  represent those of the FRC, SCS, RI or even CMU.






-------------------------------------------------------------------------------