Jump AM-490 Summer Session
There were back to back Jump AM-490 classes during this summer session. We were able to capture the second class this week while they were completing the ground training portion of Jump AM-490.
Airmanship 490’s purpose is to develop leadership traits through overcoming their fears and coping with stressful situations. The program starts with 30 hours of instruction in basic free fall parachuting technique and procedure, to include emergency situations they may encounter when jumping. The successful completion of 5 Jumps results in being awarded the Air Force Basic Parachutist Badge “Jump Wings”, which they can wear on their uniform for the rest of their Air Force Career.
AM-490 is the only program in the entire world where the first jump is an unassisted freefall.
During the ground training portion the students learn what types of incidents might happen such as twisted chute lines and what they need to do to correct the situation. During the harness training and testing the students will encounter distractions from their instructors such as them spinning them around while hanging in the harness. Some will use a leaf blower to simulate the wind that is felt once they leave the airplane. Other instructors wrap themselves up in a chute, scream and yell, and wave their arms around trying to distract the students while they are going through different scenarios. It is quite the experience for the students! All of this is done to help the student be able to think while being distracted. This will help prepare them for the kind of thinking they will have to do once they perform a jump.
To view photos from this session of Jump Ground Training, go to Galleries > Airmanship > Jump or click the link below.