REAL LIFE ADVENTURES
OF THE UNDERWATER STUNTMAN

Free Falling for Adventure

by Alain Pepin, a.k.a The Underwater Stuntman.

Disponible en français

On July 19, 1995, on the spur of the moment, I went out to Nouvel Air in Farnham (Quebec) and did my first jump. I had never seen a parachute before and wished to know just what is involved in learning an entirely new skill, from scratch, with absolutely no preconceived knowledge whatsoever. The course, which I still think is quite well managed and thorough, prepares me and psyches me up so I will be able to hang on to the wing of a Cessna in mid flight, let go on cue, and make a controlled landing, on two feet no less, heading into the wind, on the tip of a large orange arrow, the drop zone target. The deployment of the chute in these exercises is assisted by an instructor aboard the plane. It opens upon exiting the aircraft.

What was it like hanging on the wing of the plane ?

... Actually, I remember my exact thoughts as being boy someone who's afraid of heights would be in deep trouble right about now!

and in mid air ?

... The panorama is fantastic up here ! I start identifying numerous landmarks that look somewhat different from this angle.

I did four of these first jumps that year. Because of badly coinciding weather conditions, I did not jump in 1996. Now on the Internet, I visited the web site of Nouvel Air in 1997, and once winter was over, by may 28th, I signed up for progressive free fall (or PFF) training ($1200). While this course can, and perhaps should, be taken in two days, I stretched it out over a period of weeks, being available only evenings. I first did an extra instructor assisted deployment jump (described earlier) so that they can see I still remember the landing procedures, and indeed the progression towards solo free falling begins with a video and exercises on the ground. Two instructors jump with me during the first three freefalls, and new skills are attempted and developed each time. I seem to be lagging by one lesson each time, so I had to take a fourth jump with two instructors before I'd be let out with just one.

Describing the impression ?

... A big aerial photograph with lots of wind.

The difficulty ?

... Having only a few seconds to master each skill.

The adrenaline rush ?

... Didn't have time for it, just learning and executing manoeuvers to the best of my ability.

A price is given for the course, but it is merely an estimate, broken down into its components, thus the cost of PFF is determined by the ability of the student to learn and master quickly. After all, a repeated jump involves the unavoidable cost of extra aviation fuel for student and instructor(s). I did catch up quickly during my two (instead of 3) freefalls with one instructor. The last one is an uncontrolled exit... turns out to be a couple of backflips from which I am to regain control. (You're kidding right ?). The first solo feels like a reward. During the second solo, I passed through a cloud. I did not bounce off it, nor did I leave a silhouette like the coyote does in the Road Runner cartoons. Having it as a point of reference, there is an impression of speed: 174 feet per second (109 mph). Now I must admit... that is exciting.

The last jump of the PFF course involves getting pictures and video. The photographs are truly beautiful, the big one was in fact framed and given an honorable place in my home. The video was impressive. I'm glad this was done this early in my development. I did the most pathetic back flip in mid air, that I most likely will never be able to execute so badly ever again. Viewed from above by the cameraman, against the upcoming ground, it is worthy of any action movie. Freefall itself usually lasts less than 60 seconds, but it is remembered long after that. I believe that the canopy ride, i.e. once the chute is open, is just as much if not more fun. (I've come to appreciate high openings). Throughout the course, more manoeuverable parachutes are test ridden, all of the wing or square types, which can be aimed and turned at will.

Total score: 90% at the written exam (questions not that obvious, do study!)

Strong points: My precision approach

Weak points: My arch position, still needs work after 16 jumps.

So what does it take to become a skydiver ?

... like American Express says... no preset spending limit. (Sorry, it had to come out!)

The author, having failed miserably at phys ed in high school, now hovers above the plains of Monteregia, during his final PFF exam, on June 8th, 1997.

This article originally appeared in news:rec.skydiving

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