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Movenis Airfield, Carrowreagh Road,
Garvagh, Co. L/Derry, BT51 5LQ Northern Ireland.
Phone: 028 2955 8609, Fax: 028 2955 7050,
E-mail: wild.geese@btconnect.com |
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RAPS Static Line Course:
Jump All By Yourself...
It is a real achievement when you do this one all by yourself. Your first jump will be from a height of 3,200 feet, using a canopy that automatically opens as you exit the aircraft. Then enjoy a 3-4 minute canopy ride back down to earth, guided by an instructor via a radio. Training takes just one day, with a minimum of six hours instruction. This is a mixture of theory and practical drills in basic skydiving techniques, how to exit the aircraft, canopy control and landings.
You can TRAIN and JUMP the SAME DAY, weather permitting.
Continuation jumps are only £26.
R.A.P.S.:
If you think that this is the sport for you, then this is your first step in the right direction. The Ram Air Progression System (RAPS) is the teaching method approved by the British Parachute Association (B.P.A.) for becoming a qualified solo parachutist by starting with static-line jumps.
You could be in Free-fall by your sixth jump, opening the parachute yourself, in other words you will pull the handle! Become a fully qualified solo skydiver in as few as 18 jumps.
The number of people on these courses is kept to just 12 persons, thus ensuring that each and everyone receives adequate tuition. In this course, you will learn about safety, top most in our minds for you and others, along with how to exit, steer the canopy and how to land, you will also be shown how the equipment operates.
Our equipment used for student skydiving is the very best available, as is our student training facilities, they are second to none. The square type parachutes that we use are the same type of parachutes used by experienced skydivers worldwide, and perhaps you may have seen them before.
The system itself includes a square Main parachute and a square Reserve parachute, both fitted into a container that is worn comfortably on your back, like a backpack. Your training covers the method of use for both. If required, the Reserve may be manually operated, however it is also fitted with automatic backup systems. After your parachute is open, you steer it towards the Parachute Landing Area (P.L.A.).
Apart from the Parachute system, you will also be given a helmet and jumpsuit (to look the part) to go over your clothes. You will need to wear comfortable clothing, a track suit or something similar, for training and jumping. It is advisable to take with you a change of clothing and a pair of good training shoes, no heavy boots or street shoes - keep those for work or the night club.
Your Instructor must be completely satisfied with your ability during the ground training before being allowed to jump. At this point you will have achieved Category 1 in the British Parachute Associations (B.P.A.) progression system.
The jump itself will take place the same day, after the course, weather permitting. Once completed you will now have achieved Category 2 in the progression system.
After your jump, do not leave without that all important piece of recognition to show others that you jumped - your First Jump Certificate.
Progression:
When you complete your first jump you will now have the personal satisfaction of knowing you did it all on your own, what an achievement! But what now, your are only Category 2 in the British Parachute Association (B.P.A.) progression system, and still classed as a Student Parachutist. You will need to jump regularly and often if you wish to progress. However you have taken those all-important first few steps.
Student Parachutist are classified according to their experience level under the B.P.A.’s Category System, know as the Progression System. It lays down a minimum training programme. The student categories run from Category One (completed a Static Line RAPS course) through Category Eight (Qualified Solo Skydiver).
Your initial goal should be to get onto Free-fall and then to achieve Category 8 in the B.P.A. grading system. Until you achieve category 8 in the grading system you will be dispatched by an Instructor. To really experience the Freedom of the Skies, and no longer need to have your Instructor keep an eye on you, Category 8 should be the next goal.
The number of jumps required to achieve Category 8 depends on your ability. Once you have gained Category 8, you then qualify to become an Intermediate Parachutist.
To view the training progression system as laid down by the British Parachute Association click on BPA Operation Manual.
Once qualified you apply for your first International Skydiving licence, then the sky's the limit. You may wish to buy your own parachute gear but there is no rush, the club will have kit for hire at this point.
Once you have qualified as a solo skydiver, you will now want to jump with your new found friends and try the various disciplines within our sport. These disciplines are graded, again in the B.P.A.’s grading system. Click Here to view a guide to the new world that is now opened to you.
Either way, whether you want to try just one jump, or you want to take up the most exciting; exhilarating; adrenaline-rushing; friendship-forming sport in the world, then book yourself onto a course now.
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Many thanks to John McCourt, Jim Hunter, Mike Murphy and the various tourist boards for the use of their Photos’. |
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