You and your classmates will meet your instructor who will show you videos illustrating all aspects of the first-jump procedures. The videos were produced at GBSPC and clearly show everything you’ll be doing. They cover topics such as equipment, aircraft exit, freefall, steering and landing the parachute. There’s also a segment on “unusual situations” which covers what you must do if something doesn’t go according to plan!
You’ll practice all the phases of the jump, including how to exit the aircraft, proper freefall body position and reactions to instructors’ signals, steering the parachute and landing. You’ll also practice some emergency procedures: we’ll suspend you in a real harness and play videos on a TV in the ceiling to simulate various parachute “malfunctions” so you can practice your reactions as realistically as possible.
When it’s your turn, you’ll don a jumpsuit, goggles, helmet, radio and your modern parachute system. Everything will be adjusted and checked by your instructors. Then it’s time for a final walk-through at the airplane before the flight.
As we climb to the 10,500 foot jump altitude, you’ll be able to orient yourself to the “drop zone” at Grand Bend Airport and also do a little sightseeing… the view of Lake Huron is spectacular! Your instructors will ask you to verbally review the jump sequence just to be sure you remember all the details. In about 20 minutes we’ll be at jump altitude. You and your instructors will get into position ready for exit. Both instructors will have firm grips on your harness. You’ll signal that you’re ready, then step away from the aircraft with the instructors still holding you securely on both sides.
During the freefall, you should maintain an “arched” body position for stability. You’ll react to any signals from your instructors. At 4000 feet, your main parachute is activated and your instructors release their grips on your harness. In about two seconds you’ll feel a reassuring “jolt” … the parachute’s open!
After the rush and wind-noise of freefall, suddenly it’s going to seem very quiet! You can see forever! The crackle of the instructor’s steering instructions over the radio will bring you back to reality. You’ll check that your parachute is open and flying properly. You’ll find the big parachute is easy to fly through the sky. You will be able to turn, speed up and slow down easily, just by pulling on two steering handles.
By following the radioed steering instructions you’ll find yourself homing in on the target area after about four minutes. With some last minute advice from your instructor on the ground, you’ll “flare” your canopy and glide in for a landing.
