Clarke Air Sports
01_WELCOME NEW STUDENTS
CONGRATULATIONS
Here’s a few things you should do now that you’ve started skydiving and your training for your A-License.
First off you'll quickly learn skydiving is just as much about the people you jump with as it is the actual jumping. Here is my contact info for you to save and reach out to your skydiving instructor at any time.
You’re more than welcome to text me to ask me questions etc. Please send me a message with your name so I can save your number. You can also contact me through social media if you prefer. If I ever fail to reply feel free to message again, sometimes I read a message between loads don’t have time to reply then forget about it later in the day.
Above you'll find, our new student RSVP link to let us know when you'll be here and Skydive New England's Burble Screen where you can keep track of what load is about to take off, and here's the skydiving centers Facebook group. If you don't use Facebook don't worry about this one, but if you do join the group. It's a good way to stay in contact with all the people from the DZ and stay informed about events etc.
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02_LEAVE A REVIEW
If you leave me a review on the Skydive New England page below and mention my name and our awesome student program, I'll get a free jump!
Drop a review for
with my name so I get a free jump! And if you have time, you can also:
Get the BurbleMe App
The BurbleMe app is how you can find out how much money is on your account at the dropzone. That way you're always informed on what you're being charged and how much
03_DON'T FORGET I WENT THROUGH AFF TOO
04_ Tips are never expected but always appreciated
 Venmo @Noah-Clarke-1 |
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 CashApp $knowUhNoah |
 Connect on Facebook |
 @ClarkeAirSports on Instagram |
 Check out my Youtube |
 Google Business Profile |
05_WEATHER
As you know weather has a massive effect on skydiving. One of the best places to check the weather for skydiving is Air Sports Net (USAirNet.com) and Rochester Airport is a nearby US Air Net forecast.
You should look at ground wind and gust speeds. As well as percentage of cloud cover and consider what height those clouds are at.
You should also be aware of the winds aloft. These are the winds above ground level all the way to the altitude we are exiting at. If you are close to the DZ you can click the Skydive New England link. If you are further from the DZ (or not willing to enable location services for the website), use the top toggle to change from Lat/Long mode to MGRS and then copy paste this MGRS code 19TCJ4411003937.
Boz from Skydive Burnaby made this awesome spot calculator. He's an airline pilot and this is an awesome tool. If it's not available for your DZ, shoot him a message. Let him know you're a new jumper and he might add your dropzone for you!
Spot Assist, an iOS and Android app, is another useful tool for checking weather and winds aloft. Some of the features are free and some are paid ($0.99/month).
Licensed
where are they?
07_BOOK KNOWLEDGE AND TESTS
There will be quizzes throughout your training and a knowledge test before you get your A-License. Most of your training will be based on the Skydivers Information Manual aka the SIM (https://uspa.org/SIM) from the United States Parachute Association (USPA). Download the PDF for free or buy a hard copy online from ChutingStar.
The quizzes you'll be taking can be found on the USPA website. Each of these quizzes will be completed during that category of your training. Make sure you are logged into USPA.org before you open the quiz so it will track your progress on your A-License Progression Card.
Another useful study tool is the Rythm 101 skydiving app. There are A License flash cards to study as well as lots of helpful videos and other info. Download it for free below:
08_USPA MEMBERSHIP
Join The USPA
If you haven’t already, you will need to join the USPA. They will be issuing your license when you earn it, send you a copy of Parachutist Magazine every month and also provide some other benefits to members and drop zones. Join through the button below. New membership $78, then $66 each year to renew.
09_Windy Tubes
Wind Tunnels
Wind tunnels provide skydivers an amazing way to practice our flying. The tunnel can be beneficial to skydivers of every ability level. Our closest tunnel is Sky Venture NH about 1.5 hours away. While any of the tunnel coaches can help you improve your skills, it is very important to let them know where you are at in your skydiving journey and what you need to work on.
There are some huge benefits to learning in the tunnel. The enclosed space provides a static reference point for every movement you make. It will be immediately obvious if you are moving forward, backward, accelerating, or decelerating your fall rate. Another benefit of the tunnel is the quick turnaround loop between flying blocks. If you book15 minutes of time, it will be usually split up into rotations about 2-3 minutes at a time. You'll step in for a few minutes and practice, then you'll rotate out of the tunnel and have a few minutes to rest, reset, or talk to your coach then step right back into the air. In the sky we freefall for 60 seconds and then have a 4 minute canopy ride, a walk back to the packing mat, then our debrief and wait for the next plane. We might get 60 seconds of practice each hour.
Cost:$11/min+$50 Coaching
While 15 minutes in the tunnel may seem expensive at first it is extremely affordable when you compare it to 15 skydives with an instructor.
Shred Club, aka Devin Murray, organizes a weekly tunnel session on most Wednesday nights. Generally you will need to book a 15 minute session for $215 unless there are 3 or 6 people total who want 10 minutes instead.
Click the Shred Club logo below to see what times are available!
10_PACKING PARACHUTES
LEARN TO PACK
Learning to pack is an important part of getting your A-License. It's a great thing to do on a weather day or a slow day during the week. Generally weekends are harder to get much done.
Expect to spend roughly 3-4 hours learning to pack, but remember everyone learns differently and it could be longer or shorter. Cost is $75 per person.
There is a signup on the white board on the packing mat. It's also something that sometimes can be done when the weather turns bad.
11_BUYING YOUR GEAR
don't buy gear yet
Don’t buy any gear without talking to an instructor, rigger, or other qualified jumper. Start with the small purchases like helmets and altimeters. Someone around the dz may also be able to assist you in finding appropriate gear online, as well as give you advice on what practices are commonly used to attempt to keep all the parties safe from fraud. To learn more about my personal gear and my recommendations please take a look at the gear page.