The TAF/AFF Jumps
Stage 1 Training & Jump – TAF/AFF
Stage One consists of a full day of theory and practical training, in the classroom,
on the ground and in the training harnesses. You will make your Stage 1 jump
in the afternoon. After exiting the aircraft you will maintain a stable body
position, breathe normally, be aware of your height and surroundings and you
will practice deploying your parachute. At 5000 feet you pull the ripcord to
open the main parachute. This Stage 1 jump is a straightforward introduction
to skydiving and parachuting with easily achievable goals.
Your Stage 1 jump is made in Tandem (TAF) for advanced training purposes and
safety. (Note: when learning to fly & drive you are not alone for your first
time, always assisted by an Instructor.) Stage 1 in Tandem is totally different
to a normal Tandem skydive/joyride in that YOU perform all the maneuvers and
the Instructor goes along for the ride. This is exceptional hands-on training
as the Instructor is with you at all times throughout the jump – from
exit to landing. When you deploy the parachute the Instructor teaches you about
your parachute, how it functions, how to handle it, flight patterns, wind indicators
& directions, drop zone location and orientation and most importantly how
to land your parachute. This kind of training is invaluable and prepares you
for your next jump (Stage 2).
After your jump you will receive a certificate, sticker, student log book,
a safety binder with an ‘A’ Licence manual.
Bookings are essential
for Stage 1. The Stage 1 Training Course commences every Saturday, Monday and
Wednesday at 9am, other days are available on request.
Stages 2 – 4
Stages 2 onwards can be TAF or AFF, the choice is yours. If you choose TAF, these
jumps are made in Tandem, and for AFF, the jumps are made with two instructors
who accompany you for the 60 second freefall until you deploy your own parachute.
The pre-jump training for these skydives require up to 2 hours each. These
jumps focus on maintaining a stable body position throughout the entire
freefall, altimeter and height awareness, maintaining hover control (falling
straight down), changing your body position to achieve forward movement and
turns, parachute deployment and fun. After opening, other goals include the ability
to locate the drop zone and directional arrow, canopy control, flight patterns
and landing the parachute.
Stages 5 and 6
For the TAF/AFF Course, these skydives are made with one Instructor and
by this stage you are able to hold a stable flying position and you are ‘height
aware’. You will be released completely by your Instructor – you
are flying! Your extra goals for Stage 5 & 6 are, while in freefall to achieve 360 degree turns,
move forward, dock with your Instructor and have FUN!.
The sequence of turns and docks is repeated as remaining altitude permits.
Stages 7 and 8
Goals for Stages 7 & 8 are to have more fun with a dive exit, back loops,
turns and tracks (maximum forward movement). You will also perform slow and
fast fall rates and also tracks with intentional turns – yahoo!
By this stage you will have learnt all the basic techniques of freefall skydiving
and parachuting and you will have acquired the skills and experience necessary
to jump by yourself without Instructors. Also, you will have had over 8 minutes
in freefall - Yahoo!
Stage 9
This is your qualifying jump and is performed solo from a lower exit altitude
of 4,000 feet to give you the experience of a shorter freefall (maximum 10 seconds)
and a sub-terminal velocity parachute opening.
Course Completion
Once you have completed the nine jumps of the TAF/AFF course you will receive
a course completion certificate, stickers, a copy of the Australian Skydiver
Magazine, an ‘A’ Licence Manual and ‘A’ Licence application
card. You are then qualified to go solo jumping (or with an Instructor) any
time you wish. The TAF/AFF course with Ramblers is recognised internationally
and the best news is that jumps are at a great price, and gear hire and
packing are easy to arrange!
Video as a Training Tool
Having your Course jumps videoed is the single most valuable training aid available
– for you and your Instructor. The video never lies - it shows exactly
what is happening, from aircraft exit to canopy opening and your parachute landing.
Instructors can give you the most thorough and accurate briefings of your jumps
– as you can see and understand what is happening and they can explain
to you why it is happening. By way of video footage and with the assistance
of slow motion the good and the bad are revealed, described, understood and
progressed upon, making your learning curve higher and faster. Besides, everybody
LOVES seeing themselves on video, especially when skydiving! Note that videos for all Courses
are at a discounted price.
Jump Height
Ramblers Drop Zone at Toogoolawah is the only drop zone in south Queensland
that offers TAF/AFF Course jumps from 14,000 feet. (Most drop zones only
offer jumps from 10,000 feet for around the same price!)
Jumping from 14,000 feet is of huge benefit to you as a learner, as you receive
much more freefall time (10,000 feet = 35 secs, 14,000ft = 60 secs) to complete
your jumps successfully without rushing, much greater value for money and a
lot more fun (almost double the freefall – yahoo!)
Ramblers Drop Zone at Toogoolawah is the only drop zone in south Queensland
that offers TAF/AFF Course jumps from a large turbine aircraft. (Most drop
zones only have small Cessna type planes that seat up to 5 people max.) Jumping
from our modern turbine plane gives you a quick ride to height (only 15 mins),
more room to move around (safer & easier), a large door to exit from (safer
& easier, no climbing out on wing struts), plus seats up to 17 jumpers.
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