Something I want to do

John Mueller

before I get too old:rolleyes









Any of you done this :ear

digismile

Yes,

In Cancun a number of years ago. Started and landed on the beach and it was a blast.

The only caveat I can give is that shortly after I took my ride (a few months later) a person was killed after the boat brought them in too close to the hotels on the beach and the the parachute collapsed. The inquiry basically found out that (at the time), there was little regulation in this type of recreation and the operators didn't have to pass any testing.

So my only advice, no matter where in the world you want to do this, is find out the safety record of the company you are dealing with. That said, I would do this again in a heart beat.

Regards,
Brad

luckydog

I've sort of done it. Except I started at 12000ft and landed in a farmers paddock.

PossumCorner

How old is Too Old?
I suppose when you're old enough to know better.
Yes.
In about 1980 I did some jumping (I think it was Sky Meadows airport in Pennsylvania). The training course was full on because it was solo jumping, none of this twin jumping with someone experienced or being tied to a boat. Adrenalin rush is amazing. Remembering to actually pull the ripcord is a good feeling, looking up and seeing the chute opened is a better feeling. Do it, don't let anyone talk you out of it.

Wot was you doing at 12000 Luckydog: was this some military requirement?

Sam

Oh yes, the joy, the view,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,wait, what view?

Picture this: It's night (Dark) the aircraft is roaring, bouncing, vibrating, (no stewardess, no peanuts) you can't see sh%*, trying to insure your static line isn't wrapped around any of the 60 or so Lbs of equiment straped you you, but securly hooked up, you get the command to go! Out the door, a huge rush of wind (Aporox 150 MPH) your blown horizontal, look down, all dark. a harsh reasuring jerk (the chute opens, that's agood thing)) seconds later CRASH!!!! what the &^^&%^* your hanging 90 feet up in a tree. The pilot made a boo boo...you jumped at 500 feet. Way too low!

Sam :

luckydog

I did my AFF (Accelerated Free Fall) course down at Bairnsdale (Vic) 10 years ago and now have 150 jumps under my belt. My first jump was supposed to be at 10 000ft but because of cloud cover we went from 12 000ft. Definitely an adrenaline rush and the first free fall is over in a flash (because of the rush). Beautiful one point landing on my butt as I came in too fast and too slow with the flare