What's a "Static-Line" jump?A static-line jump is made from about 3,000 ft, after you, following commands from a jumpmaster, climb outside the airplane, hang from the strut below the wing, and let go! A static line is attached to the airplane and to the parachute container on your back. As you fall away, the static line pulls open your container and extracts a pilot chute which then extracts your canopy. After about 5-7 seconds, a rectangular parachute should be open. You will then fly this parachute and land it, normally with assistance from a radioperson speaking to you from the ground (into a receiver mounted in your helmet). Back to TopWhat's a "Tandem Jump"?A tandem jump involves two people, harnessed together, freefalling together and landing under a single parachute built for two. You'll exit the plane at 10,000 ft. and freefall for nearly a mile before opening the parachute. You will be belly-to-earth, the instructor will be on your back, and the parachute will be worn by the instructor. Back to TopHow much does it cost to make a jump?The fee for the static line course is $200 and the fee for a tandem jump is $225. Back to TopIs there a weight limit for someone to be able to make a jump?Unfortunately, yes, there is. You must weigh less than 230 pounds, either for tandem jumping or for static-line jumps. Back to TopIs there an age limit?Yes, Skydive Fargo! Inc. requires jumpers to be at least 18 years of age. Back to TopWhat kind of training is involved?a) To make a static line jump, you must first take the static line first-jump course. This course begins at 6:30 Friday evening, continues until about 9:00, and then continues the next morning at 8:00 for another two hours. If the weather permits, the first load of students will jump about 10:00 a.m. that morning. b) To make a tandem jump, only about 30 minutes of briefing and gear-up is required. Back to TopWhich type of jump is right for me?Persons wishing to "do it themselves", or who intend on eventually making a solo freefall, must take the static line course. If you simply want to make one skydive, then we recommend a tandem jump, both for the freefall experience, and for the benefit of having an experienced skydiver along. Back to TopIf I take the static line course, what do I have to do to make a freefall jump?You'll generally make at least 5 static line jumps. On 3 of those jumps, you'll pull a practice ripcord. If you perform properly on all 3 of those practice-ripcord-pull jumps, you'll move on to your first freefall. That first freefall takes place from about 3,500 ft. You'll gradually move up to higher altitudes for longer freefalls depending on your skill progress. Some people get up to "the top" on about their 13th jump. Back to TopI understand the first static line jump is included in the $200 course fee. How much are subsequent jumps?Subsequent jumps are $45 each. Back to TopDo I have to send in a deposit to hold my spot?There is no deposit required. Keep in mind that payment is
required prior to the beginning of instruction, so be sure to bring
some form of payment along with you the day of your jump, or the day
you start the static line course. Back to TopIs video available for my tandem/static-line jump?Video is often available for tandem jumps. The club does not offer this service, but some of our individual members do. They charge $85 for a DVD with still pictures. For static-line jumpers... we often videotape your jumps for replay as a training aid. Copies of these tapes can be purchased for a small fee.. Back to TopCan my friends jump with me?The aircraft holds 4 jumpers. So, a jumpmaster and 3 static-line students would comprise one load. Or, 2 tandems would comprise a load. Or, 1 tandem and a videographer and a solo experienced jumper would comprise a load. Riding the plane together can be fun, but staying on the ground to watch your friends land is also fun. In addition we offer observer rides for $15 for those come with, but aren't up to jumping out of the airplane. Observer rides are not guaranteed and are conditional on open slots in the airplane. Back to TopCan I make another jump that same day?Normally, yes. It depends only on the weather and on how busy we are. Back to TopHow does the weather affect jumping?We cannot conduct static-line jumping if the winds are over 14 mph. Nor can we conduct static-line jumping if the dropzone is muddy. Also, minimum cloud altitude for jumping is 3500 ft. Tandem jumps are not under any specific wind restriction, nor does mud interfere because the tandem instructor can help you steer the canopy to a mud-free landing area. Back to TopIf I do a tandem jump, can I take the static line course later?Yes. Once you've made a tandem jump, if you take the static-line course before the end of the calendar year, the price for it is reduced to $150. Likewise, if you've made a static-line jump and then wish to have the experience of a tandem jump, the fee for the tandem is reduced to $150. Back to TopHow do I become a licensed, independent skydiver?To earn the United States Parachute Association (USPA) "basic skydiver" license, more commonly known as the "A" license, you must take a formal first-jump course. Then, you'll need at least 20 freefall jumps after your initial static line jumps. There are also a number of freefall, landing, and other skills you must demonstrate, and you must learn to pack your own parachute. In fact, you must progress through Categories A through H of the USPA's Integrated Student Program, which is exactly what the training at Skydive Fargo consists of. Completion of that training allows you to receive your A-license certificate from the USPA. It is possible to obtain your license after about 25 jumps. To expedite your progress, keep in mind that currency is important; until you have an A-license, not jumping for a 30-day period will require you to make one static-line jump before you can return to freefalls. Back to TopHow much does parachute gear cost?If you buy good used gear, you'll spend at least $1700. New gear runs close to $4000 or more. Back to TopWhat does the $200/$225 cover?Membership dues in Skydive Fargo! (we are a not for profit club); gear rental; Jumpmaster services; Instructor services; Pilot services; gear repack; altitude; manifest services. In other words, everything you need to make a jump, except you. Back to TopHow do I sign up?We can take care of that by e-mailing us at info@skydivefargo.com. If you prefer you can also call us at (701) 281-0149. Back to TopWhat clothes should I wear?Regular clothing. For footwear, avoid sandals; tennis shoes are fine; boots are fine, except those with hook laces. Take all jewelry off. We provide jumpsuits/coveralls that fit over your regular clothing. We also provide helmets and goggles. All you need to bring is yourself and your payment. Back to TopWhen can I see some skydiving?Weather permitting, you will find us at the drop zone most evenings and on weekends. "Jumping Weather" is whenever we have clear to partly cloudy skies with winds under 20 mph (14 mph for students). We make more jumps in warm weather, of course, but Skydive Fargo members jump year-round. It's a good idea to call before you come out... Call us at (701) 281-0149. If there's no answer, please leave a message. We'll try to call you back as soon as we can and give you more information about jumping, first jump courses, or exhibition jumps.
Back to TopWhere does this insanity take place?West Fargo Airport approximately 4 miles west of I-29 on 19th Ave. N. Back to Top |