The Waiver
Like most everything in skydiving, there's a detailed waiver to read and sign before anything else happens.
The Ground School
Wingsuits add complexity to the skydive (which is why there is a 200 minimum jump requirement just to start flying them!). In about 30 minutes or less, your wingsuit instructor will describe these complexities to you, and train you in some simple proven practices to minimize the risks of the added complexities.
Gear Considerations
What kind of harness/container system do you have, and what is your main canopy? Generally, wingsuits create a larger than normal burble both behind and above you, so they may have more tendency to induce a spin to your bag upon deployment, causing you to open with line twists (which is a problem when your arms are restricted so you can't reach your risers quickly). Super small, radically elliptical canopies have more of this tendency than regular canopies, and are generally not recommended with wingsuits (although some of the beginner suits from some manufacturers were designed to overcome this tendency).
Each type of wingsuit has different gear-up requirements - some more than others. The instructor will inspect your gear, and be certain that it is compatible with the wingsuit you will fly. Some important considerations are:
- Suitability of your rig for the wingsuit you will use
- Cutaway and Reserve handles unimpaired
- Adequate spacing above and around the lateral webbing (so as not to bind or tear the wingsuit during main canopy deployment)
- Unimpaired access to your hackey for main canopy deployment
- Proper routing of wingsuit cables, snaps, zippers, and cutaways
The Flight Plan
You will receive instruction in the flight plan and pattern for your first flight, briefing the aircraft pilot on planned wingsuit activities, and your expected actions during the flight. The focus of your first flight is on safety and the wingsuit flight experience, not fancy maneuvers, docking, or extreme flying. Generally, a stable exit and a couple of 90o turns will be done, and at least three practice pulls will be expected during the flight. A higher than normal deployment is expected, usually around 5000'.
Ground Practice
Your instructor will demonstrate and then guide you as you perform the required motions for the flight. Repeated practice on the ground sets the motions into muscle memory.
The Flight
You will usually be accompanied by one or more instructors on your first flight. Guidance and instruction continues throughout the flight.
The Exit
Your instructor will usually fly with you. If you appear to lose ground awareness and be heading too far from the DZ, your instructor may zoom sharply in front of you to steer you in the proper direction.
The First Flight
Your instructor will usually fly with you. If you appear to lose ground awareness and be heading too far from the DZ, your instructor may zoom sharply in front of you to steer you in the proper direction.
Post Flight Debriefing
After the flight, you and your instructor will review the flight, and video if available, for an evaluation of your performance.
New Member of the TWA Flock
Congratulations! You've joined The Flock! Your photo and basic information will be posted to the TWA Flock webpage! And you will be included in future broadcast communications about TWA events and news, such as wingsuit weekends, away trips to non-Texas events, new wingsuits on the market, and other wingsuiting news.
Photos by Jesse Knish Photography |