AFF Program - Stage 8/Jump 8 - 12,500ft

So it is finally here.  One of the most anticipated jumps of my short skydiving career.  AFF Level 8.  Level 8 is a lot like level 7 in the fact that we will be working on adjusting fall rate.  In addition to this I will be required to track to my instructor and dock with him.  Also on #8 we will have the same exit as on #7 only this time instead of the instructor following me I will be following the instructor out the door.

For this jump I have a new instructor, his name is Darryl.  We talk about the challenges I had with the diving exit on level 7 and he suggested that when diving out that I should get my right elbow up and present my chest to the wind and to also, for just a moment, bend my knees so that my feet hit my butt.

So were at the door and Darryl initiates the count (I need to be leaving the aircraft at the same time he does and ensure I don’t hesitate, which up to this point I have not yet done) and then we are out the door.  I’m able to get my elbow up an chest to the wind, but seeing this is the first time I’m trying to bend my knees so much I accidentally tuck my knees into my gut, producing a horrible arch and a wild ride.  After about 5-6 seconds I’m able to get stable.  I find Darryl and track towards him and dock.  He then releases and increases his fall speed.  I increase my fall speed a moment later an move in and dock again.  He slows his fall speed and motions for me to dock.  I slowly decrease my fall speed and move into dock.  On this last one I’m having an issue getting that last 1/2 foot to dock so Darryl just reaches out and grabs me.

 It’s now 6000ft, so as planned I do a 180 and track.  At about 4500ft I pull stable and then at 3800ft I pull my chute.  I was suppose to pull at 4000ft but I was given an extra task on this jump prior to pulling, which was to look around for other jumps.  This was the reason for the slight delay in pulling.

The canopy ride was uneventful and I have a stand-up landing about 25ft off the landing area.  Except for the slightly low pull everything went fairly well.  And I’m clear off student status.  Mission #1 - Complete AFF is now done.  Now on to the A License and my first solo jump.