SKYDIVING AND PARACHUTING
The
real reason for skydiving is the adrenalin! Many skydivers
skydive because it is the closest one can get to the
dream of flying. By manipulating the shape of the body,
as a pilot manipulates the shape of his aircraft's wings,
turns, forward motion, backwards motion, and even lift
can be generated.
History and introduction
The history of skydiving began with a descent from a
balloon by André-Jacques Garnerin in 1797, but
it was not really considered an actual sport until after
World War II. The term “skydiving” was coined
by Richard young in 1951.
Getting Started
To
skydive you must be at least 16 years old, with parental
consent required for under 21.
You
must weigh no more then 100kg.
The
quickest way to experience the sport is through tandem
skydiving, where you attached to an instructor.
Training is quick and is done at the airfield.
Static
line training about 6 hours. You exist the aircraft
at 3 500 feet and the parachute deploys automatically
from the static line.
Accelerated
Free Fall consists of in-depth training programme
for people who want to experience solo jumping.
The first AFF jump is done at 11 000 feet with two
instructors.
The
AFF progression has 10 levels and upon graduation
a person is classified as a classified graduate skydiver.
Variations
Accuracy landing - Landing as close as possible to a
target.
Blade running - A kind of slalom with parachute.
Big-ways - Formation skydiving with many people.
Canopy formation - Making formations with other parachutists
while under canopies.
Formation skydiving - Making formations during freefall.
Freefall
Freestyle skydiving
Military Parachuting
Skysurfing - Skydiving with a board strapped to your
feet.
Wingsuit flying - Skydiving with a suit which provides
extra lift.
Associations and clubs
The
Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) is the
governing body for all aviation sports including parachuting,
on an international level. They are based in Paris,
France and have responsibilities of drawing up
the rules and organizing the World Championships.
Every
country wishing to take part in the world championships
must be affiliated to the FAI through their national
body. The national body is the Aero
Club of South Africa and its sub-committee
responsible for parachuting
is known as the Parachute
Association of South Africa.
The
structure of PASA consists of two subsidiary associations;
The Association of Drop Zone Operators and the
Sport Skydivers Association, each functioning autonomously.
There
are over 750 PASA licensed skydivers in South Africa.
to get more information with regards to:
How insurance companies access the risk of skydivers
Making 100% sure your current polices are covered for
skydiving
Contacting the company
 
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