Saturday, September 19, 2009

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.



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