Saturday, September 19, 2009

STATIC-LINE VIDEO CLIP

FAQ Part SIX : How do I enroll




How often does the Club conduct jumps or jump courses?
We only jump when we are conducting student training because we depend on the course fees to subsidize costs for other jumpers. The other factor is the availability of the aircraft which is very limited.

How do I enroll?

Booking has to be made two weeks in advance before departure. Registration is based on first come first serve basis and it DOES NOT constitute a place in the course until full payment is made. It is subjected to time-slot availability at the time of confirmation.

Interested participants can contact us via our hotline at +65 978 555 78 or email to us at coachcarl@live.com.sg or  skydiveclub@carl.com.sg.  Upon confirmation, you are required to submit a duly signed and completed registration form together with 2 Passport-sized colored photographs. Parent or guardian signature is required for student skydivers younger than legal age. If you have a group and the number is sufficient to run a course, you can fix your date and we will try our best to accommodate your request.




 

FAQ Part FIVE : About Skydiving Courses




Can you tell me more about the course?
The course curriculum covers all aspects that are necessary for you to do your parachute jumps successfully. Our aim is to give you a basic understanding and knowledge to enable you to do your basic static-line jumps with the ultimate aim of progressing you to freefall level. The course syllabus is approved by the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA).

 
What is a Static-Line Jump?
Your first few jumps are known as a ‘Static-Jump’ whereby your parachute will be activated by a static line that is attached to the aircraft. You do not have to pull any handles. Within three seconds after exiting from the aircraft, the static-line which is fifteen feet long will pull open the container to release the parachute. Chances of your parachute failing to open is 0.01%. If the main parachute encounters any serious problems you still can deploy your reserve parachute.


How much is the fee?
The two jump course is at SGD650.00. For the third and subsequent jumps, it will range from SGD150.00 to SGD200.00 depending on the height. 50% deposit is required upon registration and the balance payment will be collected one week before the jump. If you decide not to jump, the money is forfeited. Courses will only be conducted when there is a minimum enrolment of 8 people. No refund will be entertained and a course fee is non-transferable to any third parties!


Why is the fees so expensive?
In the sport of Skydiving, we require an airplane and usually the aircraft rental is very expensive. In addition, the air fuel charges have increased over the years. This is the sole reason why we need a certain number of students to conduct a course.


How long is the course?It is a two day course.
Day one (Saturday) will be the ground training. Classes will last for about 5 hours. Time permitting; you might be able to do your 1st jump between 5pm – 6.30pm. Early the next morning after breakfast, we will head to the drop-zone to complete the 2nd jump. We should be done by lunch time. In the event of any delay, all jumps will be completed by 4pm.


Is one day sufficient for me to do my jump?
In Europe and in the U.S., it is all done in a day – the ground training is held in the morning and the jump in the evening. This is possible because most of them are full-time skydiving centres, having their own facilities including aircrafts. However, due to the inadequate facilities and air space in Malaysia, we have to do it over a period of two days.


What do I get upon completing the course?
You will be given a certificate upon graduating. If you intend to continue jumping, you are required to obtain a Parachuting licence issued by the Malaysian Sports Aviation Federation. This licence which is at RM51.00 is renewable every two years at RM26.00 and is recognized internationally. The licence is categorized into five classes - from a student licence to a ‘D’ licence.


What must I do to get licensed?
To get a “USPA A license” to skydive takes 25 jumps, plus several technical requirements, and demonstrations of specific skydiving skill. It does cost money and it is better for you to discuss options with your skydiving instructor. We have lots of information to help you and guide you through.



How long does it take me to progress to freefall?
There is no definite timeframe as qualification will depend on the performance of the jumper during his static jumps. The jump instructor will observe whether the jumper is able to execute a good stable exit because in freefall the jumper must be in a stable position to deploy the parachute. Normally a student would be able to do his freefall on his fourth or fifth jump. The freefall course inclusive of one jump is SGD500.00.


Is the Club insured?
No, the Club can’t afford the high premium.


Where will the classes be held?
All ground training will be held at the Chief Instructor's residence at No. 23, Jalan Indah 13, Taman Cheras Indah, 56100 Kuala Lumpur. For Singaporean it will be done at the Segamat Dropzone.


Where will the jumps be held?
Jumps will be done at the Segamat Golf and Country Club, Johore. It is about 3 hours drive from Singapore and is ideal for student jumps as it is in the center of a golf course.




Why can’t we jump in KL?
There are no big open and safe areas to drop student jumpers in Kuala Lumpur. There are too many obstacles and the local airports are too busy with commercial flights.



FAQ Part FOUR : What does it feel like







How fast do I freefall?
Freefall averages 120 miles per hour or 200ft per second.


What height will we jump from?
You will jump from at least 3500ft for static line; and 10000ft for AFF & Tandem.

Are the landings hard?
Normally there is less impact than jumping off a chair.

Can I breathe in freefall?
Yes, however the excitement and exhilaration may leave you breathless!

What does it feel like?
We cannot describe the unique sensation you will feel, but we will tell that it will be your most exhilarating experience ever!

How long do I freefall?
You will freefall almost 45 seconds for 10,000ft.


 

FAQ Part THREE : Is there a weight or age limitation



Are there any age limitations?
You must be 18 years & above. There is no upper age limit for participants; they must be healthy. Parental consent is compulsory for those ages below 18 years old. Our eldest jumper is a 59 year old man.


Is there a weight limit?
Yes, we can safely take someone up to 210lbs. for a tandem. For those over 210lbs., it is important that they are physically fit.


I am too fat?
It’s a common excuse used by those who are scared to jump. We prefer those between 40kg to 85kg.


Do we need a medical check-up?
The Club does not require you to undergo a medical check-up, but you must be free of any heart ailment and does not suffer from epilepsy. You will however, be required to sign a declaration of good health.


What if I am too old or in poor physical condition?
We look at people individually to assess their ability. We may not be able to take you if your weight exceeds 210lbs., or if you are in poor health. Skydiving is a very physical activity, and we will not let you jump should we feel that it is unsafe for you to do so.


Do I have to sign a waiver?
Yes, everyone is required to sign a Waiver& Liability Release form from the Skydive Club. You must be 18 years of age to sign such a contract.

FAQ Part TWO : Are the equipment reliable



Are the equipment reliable?
The whole parachute system that you will be using is specially made for students and is maneuverable as well as very reliable. As mentioned earlier, all our parachutes are packed by qualified packers and the reserve by qualified riggers. During the jump, each student will have a walkie talkie attached on them. This is to facilitate better communication from the air to ground. The ground instructor will instruct and guide them down safely to the designated landing area. Safety must never be compromise!



What if my parachute doesn’t open?
It is mandatory that all intentional parachute jumps must be made with a single harness, dual parachute system with both a main and secondary, or reserve parachute. Basically, if your main parachute malfunctions, you still have back-up parachute to deploy.
 

Who inspects and pack/repacked the parachutes?
The reserve parachutes are inspected and repacked every 180 days by an FAA-certified rigger whether they have been used or not. Student main parachutes are packed by qualified packers and the reserve by a certified rigger. In addition, all students must use an AAD which will deploy if the student fails to activate either the main or reserve parachute.



Will I be taught how to pack the parachute?
Yes, if you are interested.

What if I wear glasses or contact lenses?
No problem, we will provide goggles that will fit over your glasses or keep your contacts safe.



What clothing should I wear?
Dress in casual seasonably comfortable clothing like pants or shorts and t-shirt. We provide with a jumpsuit to wear in freefall. Sports shoes are recommended.


What do I wear for the training session?
For the ground training you can wear casuals preferably jeans or track bottom and flat-sole shoes. Bring along your track top because you will be doing some training on the field. For the jump you will be provided with jump-suits and helmets.


Do I have to buy my own gear?
No, as everything will be provided except for your shoes.






 

FAQ Part ONE : Is Skydiving dangerous



Is Skydiving dangerous?
It depends on who you asked? If you were to ask Mr. Know All, the answer will be YES! The best part is that he can tell you loads of negative incidents which even the skydivers themselves have not heard of.


Are there any injuries?
Safety is paramount above anything else. Factors that will result in injury are usually due to the personal negligence of the student jumpers themselves and at times the unforeseen weather.

How experienced is the instructors?
The Club Instructors and the Jumpmasters are highly qualified and each of them has more than a thousand jumps.


I am afraid of height?
Another reason commonly heard. Who wouldn’t be, especially if you are sitting in an open aircraft at an altitude of 4000 feet? Remember that you have a parachute behind your back that will open when you leave the aircraft. Anyway the training that you undergo will give you the confidence of conquering height.


Will I be scared?
It is normal to be apprehensive about jumping from an airplane. The airplane ride up is typically where most students feel the most anxiety, but few jumpers report feelings anything but exhilaration.