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Events

August 2008

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Newsletter Issue 3

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Jump Institute

National Skydiving League

Issue: #2

January/2008

Dear John,

At Start Skydiving we place our customers first in everything we do. This newsletter is meant to keep you informed about the latest events and occurences at our Professional Skydiving Center. Please take the time to email or call us with any comments that will improve the services we provide at Start.

What's Up This Week

Week ending 2 February 2008

Not a whole lot to talk about this week since the weather was extremely cold. I fielded a dozen or so phone calls asking if we would be jumping last weekend, unfortunately the weather did not cooperate.

The forecast for this weekend is not looking to promising, should things improve we will get the word out. We look for 45 degrees or warmer before we consider going up during the winter months.

Joan, Bud, Stephan and Katie have a cool program they are creating for developing skydivers. Contact Joan for more information at.

Safety First!

Things you need to know

Remember that flying the same pattern as everyone else is critical, the lowest canopy should set the pattern. At Start Skydiving we do not have a fixed pattern due to the winds and obstacles. We do require that the pattern be a left hand initiated one. Never fly over the runway under 1000' AGL, our landing areas are at both ends of the runway so there is a chance that a plane will be on final or low in the landing pattern. Remember that on every load the pattern is set by the jumpers. High performance canopy pilots should not do hook turns that will cut other jumpers off (keep your head on a swivel).

Remember at Start Skydiving we keep our seatbelts and helmets on until the plane reaches 1000' AGL. If you do not wear your helmet it must be secured on your chest strap or seatbelt.

Greg asked that you check your AAD batteries and maintenance schedule, don't wait until the last minute.

When the RED light comes on this means you can open the door and begin spotting the aircraft. No one shall leave the aircraft when the RED light is on. The GREEN light means it is clear and safe to exit the aircraft, it is your responsibility to check the spot before you exit the plane. Each jumper has the responsibility to know jump run and where the spot should be.

DZ Happenings

Here is the scoop!

We continue to gear up for the season. Staff members are encouraged to take advantage of the 50% discount on Bev Suits. We will be measuring people at the March 1st staff meeting for the AFF and Tandem suits. Those wanting a video suit are also able to get this special rate.

There is a mandatory staff meeting for all people interested in working at Start Skydiving for the 2008 season on March 1st beginning at 8:30am. This will include an instructor seminar that is mandatory for AFF, Tandem and Coaches at Start. Topics include safety, customer service, team building and the 08 marketing program.

There are a lot of courses being held at Start Skydiving this summer. If you are interested in getting a rating look at the Airrage website for dates and make it happen.

John has two slots in the Caravan heading to Deland February 17th and returning the evening of the 22nd and two slots open for a Deland trip February 24th and returning the evening of the 29th. He also has two remaining slots in the Caravan heading to the North Carolina tunnel February 6th and returning on the 8th. If you schedule tunnel time he is offering his coaching "free". If interested in either one contact him at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Picture of the Week

Air Rage

Jim Fangmeyer shooting the moon. Photo by Mike Ashely

National Skydiving League

NSL Season Starts at Start!
Regional Director: Mike Ashley

Greetings, All!

As you've heard here and elsewhere, I've volunteered to be the regional director for the Mid-East Skydiving League this summer. We've got a lot of FS talent in the area, and I thought it was completely unacceptable to not have a venue to allow that talent to strut its stuff. So, to that end, we'd like to begin the season with a means of getting like-minded skydivers together. On Saturday, April 12, we will be hosting a Meet-n-Greet event at Start Skydiving. Skydivers of all experience levels, who are interested in doing 4-way at any level, from extremely casual, to hardcore training, and everything in between are invited to attend.

The objective is to bring together like-minded people who are interested in improving their FS flying skills. Everyone will bring their own level of interest and potential commitment, and we'll do our best to match up people with common goals, build a skydiving community, and have fun while we're doing it. If you're a potential team flyer or videographer, come on out and make your interest known! Some of the best skydivers in the world have come from Ohio, let's build the Next Generation. One of them could be you!

As an added bonus, Team Fastrax has graciously volunteered to hold a seminar on team building, basic 4-way flying skills, and training strategies. This is a golden opportunity to get the inside goods from a world class team in your own backyard. So don't miss out on this!

Weather permitting, Sunday will give us the perfect opportunity to have your first dives of the season with your new team-mates in preparation for the first MESL meet in May.

Speaking of which, first MESL meet will be held at Start Skydiving on May 24th during the Thank You Foundation Boogie with a rain date of May 25. Following the meet on Sunday and Monday, we'll have load organizers to take the teams and other jumpers to build even more interesting dives.

If anyone has an interest in doing some 4-way this summer, feel free to contact me directly at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it We're here to serve.

Here's to a great season in 2008!

-Mike

Thank you for making Start Skydiving the place where great people become skydivers and skydivers become great!

Blue Skies,

The Team at Start Skydiving