alcmist@ssc-vax.UUCP (Frederick Wamsley) (06/05/84)
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several people have asked for advice about choosing a drop zone
for their first jump. i won't try to describe everything to look for,
but here are a few ideas.
first, as has already been mentioned, try to find a drop zone
affiliated with the us parachute association.
second, ask what kind of student gear they have. most dzs use
miilitary surplus equipment. it is affordable, rugged, and saves lives,
but it can be improved on. if you are near a place which offers custom-
built-for-students gear, go there.
to repeat someone else's advice, go to a drop zone which has
AADs (automatic activating devices) on the student reserves. they
are little black boxes which *may* pull a reserve ripcord if you
are going dangerously fast dangerously close to the ground. DON'T
EVER RELY ON ONE, but make sure the drop zone has them.
try to watch a first-jump course. it should take at least
four hours, if it is reasonably thorough.
and of course, don't go to the cheapest one...
-frederick wamsley d-8844
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