Everything happens for a reason, whether it’s something you’re excited about or hate. It’s all for a purpose in the big picture. Knowing this, relax. Enjoy the process, trusting that it will somehow be used to make you stronger in the long run. Sometimes, certain events are necessary for a grander opportunity to arise.
Probably true. I’ve had many experiences in my life I did not ask for and didn’t particularly enjoy. However, most of them ultimately prepared me for another phase down the road. What I did enjoy lately was the pleasure of watching two family members drop from 18,000 feet. Yes, with parachutes. After their experience, my interest was piqued. I needed to learn more.
First, a bit of looking back from an experienced skydiver
Steve Staley is a fellow volunteer at Cades Cove (Great Smoky Mountains National Park), and one of his many non-Park interests is skydiving. He was kind enough to provide some background. I freely admit, however, that I didn’t understand all the terms. It’s always good to expand my vocabulary, right? Anyway, Steve’s passion for this sport began back when he was a part of the Army’s 101st Airborne. After flight school, he became a parachute rigger and aerial delivery specialist. See what I mean?
For the sake of others who know as little as I do about this topic, a parachute rigger packs parachutes. I might have guessed that, but what I didn’t know is that they also inspect, maintain, and repair the chutes as needed, per this Army site. The aerial delivery specialist position is a bit broader, being responsible for all equipment involved in airdrops, whether it’s equipment, supplies, or personnel, to name a few responsibilities. This detail is according to a U.S. Marine’s site.
From my perspective, even if the only task was to pack someone else’s chute, that’s a lot to shoulder. I can’t say I ever thought about the huge numbers of soldiers who rely on a few well-trained specialists to make sure all goes well. I am newly grateful for them, but that’s a tangent I’m going to abandon for the moment.
I’ll move on to a few salient points Steve offered, and then to what piqued my curiosity about dropping from the sky.
Getting to where you can see the big picture, literally
- Skydiving for sport is done in free fall. The military has static lines. That is, the chutes are deployed automatically.
- Learning to jump free fall will most often (always?) begin with tandem jumps. In these situations, an experienced skydiver is strapped behind the beginner to guide the descent.
- Free fall speeds can reach 180 MPH if the jumper achieves a stable arch. (See Skydive Carolina’s article on this.)
- Free fall training also requires ground training and jumping with instructors hanging on to the jumper, though not strapped on.
- Training includes learning to pack your own chute, as well as the necessary reserve chute – you know, in case things go south, as they say.
- Certification requires the applicant to be at least 18.
There’s more detail included in Steve’s complete write-up. Please check it out on this page.
What is so rare as a day in June?
The June day I spent in New Market with my son and grandson was indeed rare. The day began routinely, with a big breakfast that followed a little time spent on the porch, watching the birds and taking in the distant mountain view. We departed early, in case traffic was heavy. The trip began ordinarily enough, right up until the driver in front of me on U.S. 129 failed to maintain attention to the road. The driver in front of her had not accelerated when the light turned green and received a mangled bumper for her oversight.
I was watching the road, but still had to lay on my brakes to stop in time. I was hitting them so hard the anti-lock braking system activated, averting a crash. When I looked in the rear-view mirror, I saw a Suburban hot on my trail; fortunately, that driver was able to stop as well. Suffice it to say I was shaken. Not stirred. We continued down 129, and almost immediately entered a construction zone. Police cars became pace cars, leading us along at about 20 MPH. Good thing we left early.
Eventually, we arrived at Skydive East Tennessee, just a skosh tardily. I watched my boys as they prepared for their first tandem jumps. They were excited; I was anxious. But when they glided to the earth, safe and sound, with faces lit in exuberance, all was well.
Before that day, I would not have seriously considered jumping, but today? Maybe. I know more. I see that experience differently.
And a stand-up landing
I will leave you with some advice and food for thought. Advice first, and it’s coming from my recent jumpers; if you want professional advice, take a look at Skydive CSC. Here we go:
- Listen carefully to your instructor when you’re on the ground (before the flight). It will be easy to draw a blank at the aircraft door just before you plunge into thin air.
- Try not to drag your shin across the metal floor on the way out. A bit tongue in cheek, but there was a scrape.
- Don’t focus on the ground. You’ll see it soon enough. Focus on the amazing views and unmatched feeling.
And then the food for thought. After our close call on the way to New Market, my stress level took its time returning to normal. Once I was calm, I began to think about the fact that my next breath is not guaranteed. After the skydiving adventure, I also began to think about the value of new experiences. Whenever I step out into the unknown, I learn more about myself and what’s required to meet the challenges I’m about to undertake.
That, and the more I face–either on the ground or 3.5 miles up–the better I can see the big picture, the whole puzzle. Won’t it be easier to put all the pieces together if I can see more than just the little corners I call my own?
Thanks for the story. Guess I am not brave enough for that adventure but proud of those who are.
I don’t know if I’m brave enough or not. I do think I’d like to try it, though. But didn’t you go parasailing? That seems pretty brave to me.