AFF @ Headcorn

[Solari]

Ello all.

I was wondering if anyone has done the AFF course at Headcorn in Kent? And are there any comments on the facilities/DZ/Instructors?

I did another 2 tandem jumps yesterday (total=3 so far now) and am now hooked, so want to look into doing the AFF course when I get home (for insurance and other work related reasons, there's no way I'm doing it over in Aus in case of a rough landing + injuries )

Going to do another 2 or 3 tandems next weekend I think. I learned a bit about turns in freefall and steering the chute with the 2nd and 3rd goes so it seems a great way to get a taster of what to expect.

Also, how much would I be looking at for a complete setup over in the UK? A couple of grand for a 'chute alone, I assume?

Geronimooooooooooooo

Cheers!

 

[Vanilla]

Why waste your money on tandems??

Just get on the course man!

 

[Solari]

Why waste your money on tandems??

Just get on the course man!

I was paying $150 AUD a tandem for the 2nd and 3rd so was cheap enough at 62 quid a pop!

I'll do the course but not here... if I end up with an injury it means I will probably get the sack as I'm here to do project work Wayyy too risky.

 

[GlasgowTitan]

Also, how much would I be looking at for a complete setup over in the UK? A couple of grand for a 'chute alone, I assume?

Nowhere near. I put together my full kit and its freefly friendly all for just over a grand, thats the canopy, container, reserve and AAD(vigil). Head over to www.ukskydiver.co.uk and visit the forums probably get better focused advice on DZ's there.

 

[Freefaller]

You're looking at about £1400 for a full 8level course in the UK.. I did static line as it suited my budget better at the time.

The instructors are good, it's quite a small airfield, but friendly, and they have a cessna caravan (turboprop) that gets to altitude in around 12mins which is pretty decent.

At this time of year you'll be contending with the weather - wind and low cloud and of course rain. The cold isn't so bad - having jumped out at below -40C the UK has it easy!

If you buy a brand new rig, it can cost you over £4k if you customise it, heck some even go for £5k or more... however that's just silly. Get yourself a decent 2nd hand kit for around £1.5k or less easily. Though at around 800+ jumps some maintenance work on the zeroP materials (need to be relined), don't bother with a semipermeable sheet and the lines may need to be done or certainly check for fraying and strap damage.

Most importantly enjoy yourself!!!

 

[Solari]

<snip>
Most importantly enjoy yourself!!!

Great stuff.. thanks! I return in December so will enquire then. TBH, cold but clear winter days would be pretty ideal anyway.

The only reservations I have are:

i) Being fully aware of what's around you
ii) Finding the DZ quickly if there's lots of cloud
iii) Landing decently (I already picked up that you can turn in to the wind to land... slows you down nicely!)

But I suppose the course sorts all that out. Freefall is definitely the best thing since sliced bread. Only thing that I think could probably top it is a night with Japanese twins

 

[Freefaller]

Landings in Tandems are always less graceful, I can pelt down in my canopy at over 50mph, but end up landing at 5mph with good canopy control.

Finding the DZ is easy enough. Just study the aerial photo, and memorise it. As you go up have a look out of the door/window and spot yourself - make a mental image, remember the photo. It becomes instinctive after a while.

Awareness just happens and again becomes instinctive. When you learn to control your senses and not be overloaded by it's overwhelming influence. Once you've done that you become pretty aware of what's around you just as you're observant when you drive, you become aware of what's around you.

You spend hours and hours practicing. I used to dream and "practice" my arching and spend hours on the boards at DZs to practice my shape for falling etc...