ds4a@dalton.acc.Virginia.EDU (Dale Southard) (02/16/91)
From Article <1991Feb15.084959@STRATUS.COM>: >A group of friends and I want to start skydiving this spring, and >we have some questions: > > Where is a good place to go for beginning skydivers? We are > located in the central Massachusetts area. The only > place I actually know of at the moment is the airport > in Woodstock, CT. If you can recommend a place, why > do you like that place particularly? A phone number > or enough information (name & address) so that I can > find one would be greatly appreciated. Well, it isn't my area, but my latest copy of parachutist lists DZ (drop zones) at: Ellington CT (203) 871-0021 Salisbury MA (508) 465-7521 Turners Falls MA (413) 863-8362 Of course there may be other DZs that are not group members and are not listed. Almost all DZs offer some type of student training. Bigger, more commercial DZ are not necessarly better than the smaller clubs. > Are there any places we should specifically avoid? Most Instructors are rated by the USPA (United States Parachute Association) so the quality/safety should be equal. Shop around and see who make you feel comfortable. > When is a good time to start? I'm told that the places are > less crowded in the spring, and that starting in the > spring allows you enough time to get your license > before it gets too cold in the fall. How early is > early enough but not too early? How do you like cold weather. My "home" DZ was in Chippewa Falls WI. I taught an AFF class in January, but that was unusual. As soon as your ready to go is a good time. Note that most DZs have a "student season" so you may not be able to attend a class until May or June. > Is there anything else we'd want to know? You can assume > that we know basically nothing about skydiving, > since that is pretty much the case. Well, there are 3 major training methods, Static Line (SL), Accelerated FreeFall (AFF), and Tandem Training. Each has its own advantages/disadvantages. I would ask a few questions when you contact the DZs. Do they use Squares (aka Ram Air mains)? Not that rounds are unsafe (I am being careful here not to offend any DZs that still use them), but squares are certainly more fun to fly. Do they offer all of the training types, at what cost, what do they recommend, are their instructors USPA rated, etc etc. Basically, just find out what you want to do -- most DZs are very helpful in evaluating your wants/needs as a prospective student. Good luck and blue skies. --> --> Dale UVa (ds4a@virginia.edu)