Jump Aerial Summer Session 2, Group 2
It was a beautiful day yesterday for the newest class of Jump 490 students to get their first jumps in.
As stated in the Jump Ground blog, 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.
Prior to each jump, they will have their jump gear inspected by the instructors, get a final briefing on weather conditions, exiting the aircraft and proper jump technique. Then it is loading time into the Twin Otter Aircraft which will fly them out to the drop zone. As they walk out of the building they touch the jump wings for good luck.
It was a beautiful day for jumping! One can just imagine what goes through each of their minds as they each take that first step out of the plane to start the freefall and the relief they feel when the chute opens!
Landing successfully brought emotions of relief and exhilaration. Although one cadet just said "Interesting" when asked how his jump was! The smiles they had after completion of their first free fall jump was contagious and a wonderful sight to see.
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Jump Aerial Summer Session 2 Group 2 pgs. 222-258 Jump Aerial