INSTRUCTOR ASSISTED DEPLOYMENT (IAD) TRAINING
IAD stands for "Instructor-Assisted Deployment" and is a method of parachute training where the instructor initiates deployment of the student's parachute when the student jumps from the plane. With the IAD method, you start from the bottom and work your way up. The benefit of the IAD method is that each sequential jump builds on the skills learned in the previous jumps. This allows the student to concentrate on each individual aspect of their dive without being overwhelmed. After you’ve learned to safely deploy, pilot, and land your canopy, you’ll add in freefall skills as you go incrementally higher with each successive jump.
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After 4-6 hours of classroom instruction you will be ready for your first solo skydive. You will be equipped with your own parachute and radio where you will then board the aircraft with your IAD instructor and fly to 3,500 feet above the ground. When it's time, you’ll climb out on the step, get in position, and release from the airplane!
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​ As you fall away from the plane, your instructor will manually deploy your pilot chute by throwing it into the wind, beginning the deployment sequence for your main canopy. Next, you’ll grab your control toggles, take control of your canopy, and steer yourself into our wide open student landing area with the assistance of your instructor over the radio. Following your first few skydives, you will progress to your first “clear and pull” where you will deploy your own canopy immediately after your exit.
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The next series of jumps will allow you to gradually increase your free fall time before deployment while learning a multitude of skills required for safely controlling your body in flight. After logging a minimum of 25 jumps and demonstrating comprehensive safety and flight skills you will be able to test and apply for your USPA “A” License - your ticket to jump at almost any dropzone in the world!
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​ When you’re ready to jump, just give us a call at 330-426-2565 to enroll. You can find our current course dates listed below. Special classes can be set up on the weekends if your group has at least 3 people. Call for details.
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I'm ready to skydive! When is the next course?Below is our IAD course schedule for the 2024 skydiving season: • Saturday - April 27, 2024 - Instructor: Jesse Langenhahn • Sunday - May 12, 2024 - Instructor: Padrick Carnahan • Saturday - June 1, 2024 - Instructor: Greg Garcia • Sunday - June 23, 2024 - Instructor: Paul Waschak • Saturday - July 13, 2024 - Instructor: Michael McPheron • Sunday - August 4, 2024 - Instructor: Molly Howsare • Saturday - August 24, 2024 - Instructor: Jared Daughtery • Sunday - September 15, 2024 - Instructor: Ben Kellogg IAD courses start at 9:00am SHARP. Please arrive 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork. Class size is limited. Courses are subject to rescheduling or cancellation based upon enrollment. Call 330-426-2565 to schedule your first jump course!
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Are there any requirements or limitations?Absolutely! You must be at least 18 years old and in reasonably good physical condition. Due to safety considerations, the weight limit for an IAD jump is 240 lbs, with height and weight being proportional. Various factors will be assessed to determine our ability to take you on a skydive. These include but are not limited to: weight, height, body type, and medical history.
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How much does it cost for my first jump?The IAD Course costs only $240.00 (Credit card) or $230.00 (Cash discount) and will require a $50.00 deposit 3 days in advance of the class. This amount covers everything you will need for your first skydive: training, gear rental, a USPA instructor, and even the logbook you will be taking home with you after your first jump. No extra fees or hidden costs.
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My first jump was amazing!!! How much is it to go again?All student jumps (after the first IAD jump) will cost $90.00 per jump through the successful completion of your A License (minimum 25 jumps total).
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What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my course?If there is bad weather on the day of a scheduled IAD Course, we will still train you for your skydive. Once Training is complete we will wait on the rain to clear or the winds to calm down so that we can make your jump. If the weather does not cooperate, you can come back the next day we are open or schedule a time to make your skydive.
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What should I wear?Dress should be comfortable depending on the weather. Shoes of any kind can be worn with the exception of sandals and shoes that have hooks, for the safety of our students. We will supply a jumpsuit to go over the clothes that you wear.