🚀 go-pugleaf

>As a student jumper I was wondering about the differences in instruction
>methods and techniques used in first jump classes. My first jump was made
>out of a Cessna standing on a footpad using a 'jumping jack' style exit.
>Since then I've moved to Seattle, where the student style is 
>'hang from the wing strut then just let go'.
>Other than the added initial stability the hanging position gives beginners,
>are there significant advantages or disadvantages to using one or the other?
>I've been told to use whichever I prefer.

I think both techniques are OK.  The advantage of the strut-hang
method is that it eliminates the backloop-off-the-step
exit, which is the source of many a malfunction.

I dispatch students from the step.  The strut-hang method
presumes some arm-strength on the part of the student.
A backloop can result of the student's hands slip off the
strut when the feet leave the step.  Also, it takes longer
to set up for a strut hang.  Some students (particularly
large awkward ones) take long enough as it is to get out
on the step.  The jumpmaster has to take this exit time
into account when giving the "cut" to the pilot.
The quicker, the better.
-- 
				
Made in New Zealand -->		Brent Callaghan
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