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 3200 feet for the jump. The jump itself consists of a simple hanging or poised exit from the airplane. As the student falls away from the plane, the deployment of the main canopy is initiated a "Static line" attached to the aircraft. The student will experience only a very short free fall before the opening of the main parachute is initiated.
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 good 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 of the main parachute). The student is then cleared to do their first free fall without a Static line attached.
The first free fall 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 free fall, and meeting certain other basic requirements concluding with a 'check dive' the student receives their A license and is cleared off student status.
Normally it takes about 7 to 8 weeks (25-30 jumps) for the dedicated Static line student to complete the requirements for their 'A' license. Note: A couple of folks have completed the entire 25-jump course in 4 days.
- Age – Everyone must be at least 18 years old the day of their jump
- Weight Restrictions – a maximum weight limit of 230# is strictly enforced. More detailed information about why weight restrictions are necessary.
- Clothing –
- Foot wear - If you own a pair of combat boots or something similar for ankle protection please bring them. Tennis shoes are fine if you don't have combat boots. No sandals T-shirt and shorts for warm weather.
- Sweat shirts, jeans and gloves for cooler weather. (more information below).
- Personal Items - Remove all jewelry and empty your pockets for your practical training and jumps. No watches, bracelets, necklaces or body jewelry, please leave them in your car or with a friend.
- Weather – Static line classes (first jump school) will be held rain or shine (no rain checks for the first jump ground school)! The weather is what the weather is, we can't predict what the weather will be when it's time for you to jump. You can't jump if you are not at the skydiving. Often weather can clear by the afternoon when class is completed. Here is a link to the weather forecast we find most useful.
Time – If you are scheduled for your first jump school and jumps, be at the parachute center at 9:30 EST. Plan to be at the parachute center from 9:30AM to dusk.- Cancellation – In the event you are unable to come out at the date and time you have scheduled we would very much appreciate it if you would give us a call and let us know as soon as you can. We like to skydive too.
