You may make a Tandem Jump, which are available every weekend and on some weekdays. The training and jump can be completed in as little as 2 hours but you should budget about 4 hours at the dropzone to allow for inclement weather and other delays. Upon arriving at the DZ and checking in, you will watch a 20 minute videotape briefing followed by a 20 minute training session with your tandem instructor. You will be informed about the main and reserve high performance "square" gliding parachutes, briefed on free-fall procedures, and practice exits from the aircraft. You and your instructor will then board the aircraft for the ride to the jump altitude. Just prior to exit, you will move in front of the instructor and your harness will be attached to his at four points (two at the shoulder and two at the waist).
You will exit and freefall face to earth with your instructor attached behind you (in tandem). After a freefall time of approximately one minute, in which you will reach a speed of 120 mph, the instructor will open the main parachute at 4,000 ft. With our Super King Air, the jump altitude is 14,500 ft. with a 60 second freefall and with our Super Cessna 195, the jump altitude is 13,000' ft. for a 50 second freefall.
After opening, you will have a 5 minute canopy ride to the ground during which your instructor will be giving you hands-on experience in steering with the dual on the parachute. The "square" canopy lands much like an aircraft in that it is flared (slowed down) for a soft landing. They will provide a jumpsuit and goggles for your jump. After landing, your tandem master will debrief you on the jump, answer any questions and present you with a certificate as proof of your accomplishment.
Upon completion of your Tandem, you are eligible to begin the Accelerated Freefall program. The Accelerated Freefall program, or "AFF", is an accelerated method of learning freefall skydiving skills. Jumps are made from 14,500 ft with a freefall of 60 seconds. The student is equipped with both a main and reserve parachute (both are square-type, high performance gliding canopies similar to those used on the Tandem Jump), radio receivers for ground assistance after the student opens the main canopy, an altimeter, automatic activation device (AAD) for the reserve, and other safety equipment.
The AFF program can be completed in seven jumps provided the student has mastered the required skills. Before the first AFF jump, the student will receive 6 hours of ground school instruction and prior to each subsequent jump, the student will receive about a 1 hour briefing. On the first three AFF jumps the student is accompanied by two jumpmasters who initially act as "training wheels" in order to stabilize the student in freefall, observe his progress, and correct errors in body position /technique. On the last four AFF jumps, one instructor accompanies the student.
Upon graduation from AFF, the skydiver has all the basic skydiving skills, can make turns in freefall, do back and front flips, move horizontally , hook up with other jumpers, and steer the parachute to a stand-up landing in the target area. AFF Graduates are eligible to continue working on the first skydiving license, the United States Parachute Association "A" License, which takes about 25 jumps to acquire. West Tennessee Skydiving will assist you in acquiring all your skydiving gear at discounted prices.
Mike's Super King Air is a B90 King Air that has been modified for jumping with an in-flight door, step, and handles. The original 550 hp PT6 turbine engines have been replaced with 750 hp PT6 turbine engines, high performance cowlings, and this aircraft will take 14 jumpers to 14,000' in 7 minutes under standard conditions.
West Tennessee Skydiving is located at Wings Field 40 miles east of Memphis, TN at 985 Laverne Davis Road Whiteville, Tennessee 38075, within the triangle bounded by the cities of Somerville, Bolivar, and LaGrange-Grand Junction. There are multiple small towns on the way to the dropzone, the speed limits are strictly encforced so be careful.
From Memphis: From the 240 Loop on the east side of Memphis take HWY 40E approx. 5 miles east towards Nashville, take HWY 64E to the Somerville town square, then follow directions below "From Somerville". Driving time from mid-town Memphis approx. 1 hr 20 min. Driving time from east Memphis 1 hr 5 min.
From Somerville: From the courthouse square go 1/4 mile east on Hwy 64, turn right on Jernigan Road, go 11.3 miles and turn left on Laverne-Davis Rd. Go 1 mile and DZ is on the left.
From Bolivar: From the courthouse square downtown Bolivar go south 10.2 miles on Hwy 18. Turn right (west) at the road at Frost Well Supply Co. This road is Hickory Valley-Somerville Rd but there is no road sign. Go 5.5 miles and turn right (north) at Laverne Davis Rd. Go 1 mile and airport is on left.
From LaGrange - Grand Junction: From Hwy 18 between LaGrange and Grand Junction go 9.5 miles north. Turn left (west) at the road at Frost Well Supply Co. This road is Hickory Valley-Somerville Rd but there is no road sign. Go 5.5 miles and turn right (north) at Laverne Davis Rd. Go 1 mile and airport is on left.
For additional information go to : www.skydivekingair.com
Source: West Tennessee Skydiving website and FB profile Thanks to Michael Mullins. Video: Youtube
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