Category F

To get signed off for “self supervision,” which means I can jump without an instructor, I had 2 more jumps to complete. The dropzone I jump at adds these jumps to the basic expectations to be released on self supervision just to be safe.

These two jumps are called “hop n pops.” They get the name because you “hop” out of the plane and “pop” your chute.

The first jump is done at 5500 feet. Now, throughout most of my training I was pulling at 5500. Now I’m jumping at 5500. The world looks different at 5500 than it does at 12,500. Oh, this is also a solo jump. No instructor goes with you.

As I’m waiting on the ground, several folks come up to me to discuss the jumps. They all say the same thing: Don’t freak out, you have plenty of time to pull. Then I get a couple of stories about students who f’ed-up the jumps. Well, I’m thinking, it doesn’t sound that hard to jump and then wait a couple of seconds and pull…..but maybe I was missing something ???

So, I go up to 5500, the door opens and I’m in place to go. I think to myself, damn, I’m the only one getting out! I look inside the plane, smile, release, count 1, 2, 3 and pull. Chute comes out and I fly to a stand-up landing. Sweet.

Now, the next jump is at 3,500 feet. Same thing happens to me as I’m on the ground waiting. People tell me again, “don’t freak out….you have plenty of time.” Ok…..got the message but really, 5500 or 3500 really doesn’t scare me.

Up on the plane I notice the ride is definitely shorter than normal! Up comes the door, a couple of guys doing a flag jump go ahead of me, and then it is my turn. I get outside the plane, release, and then notice that in short order I’m turning a bit away from the plane. No problem, I think to myself, as I pull the chute. Actually, I was laughing cause I couldn’t believe I messed up the release!!! Anyway, minor line twists that I kick out of, notice I’m a bit long…..meaning I need to fly to the airport….do a stand-up landing and just laugh.

An instructor video’ed my exit from the plane. It looked good until I kept my left up up which caused me to turn a bit. No big deal though so I get the sign-off.

My next jumps are solo and/or coached jumps. I’m going back up this Wed and will hopefully have some good stories