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From: mspurgeo@oucsace.cs.OHIOU.EDU (Mike Spurgeon)
Newsgroups: rec.skydiving
Subject: Re: Long Time Between Jumps
Message-ID: <3510@oucsace.cs.OHIOU.EDU>
Date: 12 Jun 91 01:45:34 GMT
References: <6172@ptsfa.PacBell.COM>
Organization: Ohio University CS Dept., Athens
Lines: 55

In article <6172@ptsfa.PacBell.COM>, lmlee@PacBell.COM (Lloyd Lee) writes:
> It has been a long time since I last made a jump (about 21 years) and I
> have been thinking about celebrating my 50th birthday with a jump.  I
> have 181 jumps (C-3665) so believe that I still have a good feel for what
> to do.  My aging Paracommander still appears OK and I plan to use it for
> the freefall.
> 
> My questions are these:  1)  Will I have to take the basic PLF class  
> (normally an all-day class) or just show proficency to the instructor.
> 2)  What does it cost to now join USPA since I believe that that is
> a requirement? 3)  Will a statement from my local doctor stating that
> I am physically fit be adequate or must I get a physical at a drop zone?
> 4) What does it cost to make a 7200 ft freefall now-a-days?  I assume
> that I will have to make a static line jump first to demonstrate 
> proper positioning-true?

1) absolutely nothing is 'required'.
2) $36.50 for non-current former members.  Once again 'not required'.
3) most DZ's (if not all) & the USPA will want a 'medical statement'.
4) anywhere from $1 per 1000' to $1 per 1000' + $5.
The USPA (Skydiver's Information Manual 4.28, Currency Jumps) says
that a C-licensed jumper that has not made a freefall jump in the
preceeding 120 days should make at least one clear and pull, not to
exceed 5 seconds in duration, before engaging in longer freefall
delays.
 
> My highest jump was from 13,000 ft. and I feel very confident about
> my abilities even though I haven't made any jumps in a long time.
> 
You probably are, but notwithstanding my comments above, and although
you could legally get your reserve repacked, find a willing pilot with
aircraft, and 'do it your way', I also think you SHOULD:

1) go to a local DZ, hang out for a day or two, and be amazed at what
technology has done to the sport in the last 21 years.
2) attend a first jump course (they range from $85 to 3 or 4 times that,
depending on what type of jump you want to make.
3) do it 'their way'.  Once again, you will be amazed!
4) then, for 'grins and giggles', jump your PC.  Have a rigger that has
been around for a while inspect it and pack your reserve.
5) join POPS if you haven't already.  (Parachutists Over Phorty Society)
$15.00 for a life time membership in one of the most serious tongue-in-cheek
outfits you will ever join.
6) go to the POPS nationals in August in Xenia Ohio.  Hang out with those
much older than 50 who are still actively jumping.

 


> Lloyd Lee

Blue skies and soft landings,

Mike Spurgeon        West Virginia Skydivers
Internet: mspurgeo@oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu