Jump AM-490 Ground Training
This week a new class of Jump AM-490 started and they have been doing their 40 hours of ground training. Webguy was out capturing some of this training for both M and T days this week.
One of the more challenging programs provided by USAFA, Airmanship 490 or AM-490 is a Basic Freefall Parachuting Program and it is the core mission of the Wings of Blue and the 98th Training Squadron, all Cadets on the Wings of Blue team are certified AM-490 Instructors and Jumpmasters. It's purpose is to develop leadership traits through overcoming their own fears. They will be given instruction in basic free fall parachuting and familiarization with emergency parachuting. The successful completion of 5 Jumps results in award of the Air Force basic parachutist badge "Jump Wings", which they can wear on their uniform for the rest of their Air Force career and completion during summer before sophomore year fills one of the few military training requirements that Cadets at USAFA have.
AM-490 is the only program in the entire Air Force where the first jump is an unassisted freefall. Because of this unique difference all students, cadet or staff who go through this program will have roughly 40 hours of ground training before their first jump.
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, students will encounter distractions from their instructors. Spinning them around while hanging in the harness, waving their arms and yelling, and jumping up and down are common ways to distract the students. It is quite the experience for the students! All of this is done to help the student be able to think while being distracted and under pressure. This will help prepare them for the kind of thinking they will have to do when they do their jumps.
To view the Ground Training Sessions, go to Galleries > Airmanship > Jump.
Select sort Oldest to Newest. Then click on the page number for the start of the group you want selected or click the links below.
T Day 0630 - pg. 193-207 T Day 0630
T Day 0945 - pg. 207-212 T Day 0945
M Day 0630 - pg. 212-226 M Day 0630
M Day 0945 - pg. 226-234 M Day 0945