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First Jump Training at
Grand Bend
A Progressive Freefall ("PFF") skydive is the only
first-jump procedure we offer and the picture above shows a typical beginner
jump at Grand Bend SPC.
If you've checked out other schools' sites, you may already know that
there's quite a variety of operations that can provide you with
an introduction to the sport of parachuting. There are two other (more common) options in
terms of procedures for your first jump at many other parachuting schools.
To eliminate any possible confusion, please understand that at Grand Bend we do NOT offer:
-
any low altitude jump where your parachute starts to open right away,
or
-
a freefall strapped to an instructor (called a "tandem jump")
At Grand Bend you will do a real skydive with two instructors assisting
you on your very first jump!
Your First Jump at Grand
Bend Sport Parachuting Center... After years of telling yourself
and others that you've "always wanted to try that", the time has come!
You've signed up for a First-Jump Course, paid your money and now you're
going to "take your chances"!? What will it be like? At the Grand Bend
Sport Parachuting Center it goes something like this: |
Classroom Instruction : You and
your classmates will meet your instructor who will show you videos illustrating
all aspects of the first-jump procedures. The videos were produced at GBSPC
and clearly show everything you'll be doing. They cover topics such as
equipment, aircraft exit, freefall, steering and landing the parachute.
There's also a segment on "unusual situations" which covers what you must
do in the event that something doesn't go according to plan!
Practical Training : You'll
practise all the phases of the jump, including how to exit the aircraft,
proper freefall body position and reactions to instructors' signals, steering
the parachute and landing. You'll also practise some emergency procedures:
we'll suspend you in a real harness and play videos on a TV in the ceiling
to simulate various parachute "malfunctions" so you can practise your reactions
as realistically as possible.
Chute Up!: When it's your turn,
you'll don a jumpsuit, goggles, helmet, radio and your modern parachute
system. Everything will be adjusted and checked by your instructors. Then
it's time for a final walk-through at the airplane before the flight.
This photo shows a first-jump student practising with two instructors
before going up in our trusty Cessna 182. This aircraft is outfitted with
a newer, more powerful engine and extended wingtips, so it's one of the
fastest-climbing C182s around. We take up to four jumpers per flight, so
there's room for one first- timer, two instructors and a camera flyer (along with the pilot, of course! )
The Airplane Ride: As we climb
to the 8000 foot jump altitude, you'll be able to orient yourself to the
"drop zone" at Grand Bend Airport and also do a little sightseeing... the
view of Lake Huron is spectacular! Your instructors will ask you to verbally
review the jump sequence just to be sure you remember all the details.
In about 15 minutes we'll be at jump altitude. You and your instructors
will get into position ready for exit. Both instructors will have firm
grips on your harness. You'll signal that you're ready, then step away
from the aircraft with the instructors still holding you securely on both
sides.
Skydive! It's hard to describe
freefall... you just have to feel it to understand! Some have said it feels
like floating on a vertical wind. Others say it must be what flying feels like. Rarely does anyone report
any kind of "falling sensation" and no, it doesn't feel like a roller coaster
or bungee jump. During the freefall, you should maintain an "arched" body
position for stability. You'll react to any signals
from your instructors and probably "geek" the cameraflyer who swoops down
to video your freefall. He or she will appear to "fly" down in front of
you with a helmet- mounted digital video camera.
At 4000 feet, your main parachute is
activated and your instructors release their grips on your harness. In
about two seconds you'll feel a reassuring "jolt" ... the parachute's open!
The Parachute Ride: After the
rush and wind-noise of freefall, suddenly it's going to seem very quiet!
You can see forever! The crackle of the instructor's steering instructions
over the radio will bring you back to reality. You'll check that your parachute
is open and flying properly. You'll find the big parachute is easy to fly
through the sky. You will be able to turn, speed up and slow down easily,
just by pulling on two steering handles.
By following the radio'd steering
instructions you'll find yourself homing in on the target area after about
four minutes. With some last minute advice from your instructor on the
ground, you'll "flare" your canopy and glide in for a landing.
You'll have a grin that'll last for days and memories that will last
a lifetime. You're a skydiver!