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| The Airplane Ride
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This Photo
This photo was taken by J.J. Johnson above Skydive Oregon. Visit his website at www.linestretch.net.
Approach/Boarding
Approach the aircraft, whether the engine is running or not, ONLY under the direct supervision of a USPA instructional rating holder.
Always approach a fixed-wing aircraft from behind the wing.
The Ride Up
You'll sit on the floor or a bench, very close to the other skydivers, likely between their legs, and with the next jumper between yours. Get as comfortable as you can.
Follow your instructor's instructions on buckling and unbuckling your seatbelt.
Enjoy the view!
Pre-Exit Rituals
Tradition varies from DZ to DZ, but skydivers usually give each other a handshake of some kind just before exiting. This is to wish each other a good, safe and fun skydive.
>> Hot Tip! << Whatever the tradition is, the pre-exit handshake is usually not a traditional boardroom handshake. Don't shake the other jumpers' hands like you're running for Congress—follow their lead.
Exit!
As a student, you'll probably be one of the last skydivers to exit. It might be intimidating to see everyone else jump out, but take a deep breath and relax. It's your turn now!
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| Don't Just Take Our Word For It . . .
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Tim O'Mahony
It’s a noisy Cessna Caravan 208 in the DZ livery. The first thing you notice is the very large door opening. That’s going to be the exit at 14000 feet. There is a rusting yellow ladder that is propped up against the door. You clamber up it and the next odd thing appears. You sit backwards, between the legs of a person behind you (your instructor). Eventually everyone climbs in. The plane is noisy; it’s not like anything you go on holiday on. You can hear the prop roar as we taxi out to the... Read More
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