We use modern square RAPS (Ram Air Progression System) parachutes.
We require a minimum of 6 students to carry out a RAPS ground school.
Static Line Course - The outline:
- Extensive training course lasts a minimum of 6 hours and are taught only by British Parachute Association - Approved Instructors. The BPA statistically has the safest system in the world
- Each course is limited to 12 students per instructor
- The first jump is from 3,500 feet above ground level
- Parachute automatically opens, via a static line, when you leave the aircraft
- Both the main parachute and reserve are attached neatly to your back
- The parachute is far more maneuverable and offers more fun than the more conventional round parachutes
- The RAPS parachute introduces the flare, which gives softer landings
- You are restricted to jumping in 17mph (15 knots) or less winds. This is compared to 10 knots for round parachutes
- This course is ideal for groups or individuals or like to take part in a group activity
Static Line Course - The progression system:
Category 1:
The Ground School includes: Introduction to the equipment, aircraft procedures, exit procedures and canopy control. You are now qualified as a Category 1 student and can progress on to jump for the first time, exit height 4000 ft
Category 2:
Your first 2 jumps concentrate on exiting the aircraft with a good stable body position. The parachute opens safely behind you with the use of the static-line, exit height 4000 ft
Category 3:
Called dummy pulls, these jumps concentrate on practicing the opening of your own parachute while still on static line. 3 good jumps are needed, exit height 4000 ft
Category 4:
You will do your first freefall with a 3 second delay before deploying your own parachute. The next 2 good jumps will be a 5 second delays. At this point you will be falling over 50 mph downwards, exit height 4500 ft
Category 5:
Finally we are at 10 second delays demonstrating a stable freefall position at terminal velocity. This means we are going at 120 mph, the maximum speed we can fall in a bell-to-earth position. Again, 2 good jumps are to be executed, exit height 5000 ft
Category 6:
Its time to spend longer in freefall: 15 second delay
Jump 1: A good 15 second delay, exit height 5,500 feet
Jump 2: We now bring in the use of the altimeter on the 2nd 15 second jump, exit height 6000 ft
Category 7:
You will now demonstrate the ability to do 2 good 360° turns in both directions showing good heading control. The first jump requires a single turn, however on the second decent both turns must be achieved, exit height 8000-9000 ft
Category 8:
Consisting of 5 different jumps, this is the final category demonstrating stability and movement in the sky:
Jump 1: Unstable exit with turns, exit height 8,000 - 9,000 ft
Jump 2: Dive exit with back loops, exit height 10,000+ ft
Jump 3: Dive exit with slow forward movement (delta tracking), exit height 10,000+ ft
Jump 4: Dive exit with faster forward movement (tracking) and track turns, exit height 10,000+ ft
Jump 5: Dive exit, back loop, 360° turn, 360° right turn, demonstration of tracking, track turns, signal intention to pull with a wave off and deploy your parachute at the correct height, exit height 10,000+ ft
After completing the 3rd dive, you will be qualified as a Category 8 skydiver and can jump with other people.
After Static Line - What happens now?
Having graduated Category 8 with the Static Line Progression System, should you require a British Parachute Association A-License, we have all the instructors and expertise you need. We have a BPA Advanced Instructor who is required to sign all the necessary paperwork for you to apply for your BPA A-License. Pre-requisites for BPA A-License:
- Successful graduation to Category 8 in the Progression System
- Canopy Handling Grade One (CH1) theory
- CH1 practical exercises; specific drills to perform under canopy on at least 3 descents
- Successful completion of CH1 written test
- Endorsement by qualified instructor in logbook of all jumps and CH1 exercises
- Endorsement by BPA Advanced Instructor on BPA A-License application form
- BPA membership form
