(1)
Q: How hard is the landing?
A: 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. (2)
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. (2)
Q: What should I wear?
A: Tennis shoes, shorts, t-shirt, or comfy jeans (glasses and
contact lenses are OK)
Q: How can I pay for this adventure?
A: Cash, Check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express;
whatever you have laying around.
Q: How long should I plan to spend at the drop zone?
A: Tandem skydive, plan on spending a half day. AFF, plan
on the whole day.
Q: How old do I have to be?
A: You must be a minimum of 18 years old.
Q: Is there a weight limit for skydiving?
A: 240 lbs.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Seriously varies from place to place.
Q: How safe is skydiving?
A: The sport of skydiving has become a very safe activity since
the development of the tandem system for first time jumpers. Also,
all of the student and tandem gear are equipped with automatic activation
devices (AAD). (8)
Q: Why would you jump out of a perfectly good airplane?
A: Because the door was open!
(8)
Q: When should you not jump out of an airplane:
(1)Q. I want to know what skydiving really feels like. I don't want to
lose my stomach, but I like speed. I am thinking about jumping but I need
information on the experience.
A. If you've ever breathed through your skin, you already know what
skydiving feels like. Ask any salamander.(9)
Q. This is a serious question that has caused much debate. Do you bounce
if you hit the ground after falling out of an aeroplane and hitting the
ground?
A. This is a serious answer: Only if you don't use a parachute.
Q. I am thinking of taking skydiving lessons in a few days. Are the
AFF jumps I will make 100% safe?
A. No. See the preceding question.
Q. I'm looking for information on the Flying Elvises. Any suggestions
where I should look?
A. Up? Actually there are several demonstration teams that promote
themselves as airborne reincarnations of the late singer. We can provide
contact information if you hound us enough.
(9)
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