Does anyone NOT use a FJC?

[Twoply2]

It was the way of it years ago, but not that much anymore it seems. I meet more and more new jumpers and they all have run through a course.

Not to say one way is better than the other, just that it kinda sucks to see the way I was brought into this going the way of the do-do. Things evolve and I accept it.

Or maybe its still happening and I'm out of touch.

[Dan_inagap]

I'm sure there are many people all over the world who are not going through a FJC. I'm new jumper and just started, I learned various techniques from various people and did not go through a FJC, so there are definitely people skipping the FJC... Like me

Cheers
D

[mknutson]

It was the way of it years ago, but not that much anymore it seems. I meet more and more new jumpers and they all have run through a course.

Not to say one way is better than the other, just that it kinda sucks to see the way I was brought into this going the way of the do-do. Things evolve and I accept it.

Or maybe its still happening and I'm out of touch.

It still happens, but the truth is, the jumper progression and exposure to knowledge and other jumpers is so much greater by taking the FJC. I see most people not wanting to take a FJC to save money, but if they actually thought about it, the cost is FAR greater in terms of slower progression, accidents going it alone. Or even going with what someone considers a MENTOR.

There are very few mentors that ACTUALLY know how to teach and understand the responsibility to the student. FJC instructors have the skills they need to get the correct information to the student.


Getting Into BASE

[FreeFallFiend]

I didnt go through a FJC. I borrow gear for BD and had competent people help me out and give me instruction for my first 3 jumps there. Upon returning I expressed my wish to continue and started ground crewing a few times a week getting a jump here and there on borrow gear until i bought my own a few months later.

[mknutson]

I didnt go through a FJC. I borrow gear for BD and had competent people help me out and give me instruction for my first 3 jumps there. Upon returning I expressed my wish to continue and started ground crewing a few times a week getting a jump here and there on borrow gear until i bought my own a few months later.

While this is certainly possible. The main fact I wish EVERY student and mentor burns into their mind forever:

You Don't Know, What you Don't Know!

If a mentor of friend does not teach you something, it may take ages, if ever for you to learn something. Such as how to properly deal with an off heading, PC hesitation, or how to spot the cause of an off heading you keep having.

Ignorance is not bliss. it is an accident waiting to happen!

[speedphreak]

I never went through an "official" FJC and even though I've got about 70 jumps in the last year and a half, I am well aware that there is so much that I have not been exposed to. I have thought of picking up a FJC just for the additional information and to make myself more well rounded.

[mknutson]

I never went through an "official" FJC and even though I've got about 70 jumps in the last year and a half, I am well aware that there is so much that I have not been exposed to. I have thought of picking up a FJC just for the additional information and to make myself more well rounded.

Honestly, I have been in TF during several classes, and it is actually interesting to see the students, the excitement and energy surrounding the whole class.

I challenge anyone to give me even one (1) good reason NOT to take a FJC.

[seekfun]

I challenge anyone to give me even one (1) good reason NOT to take a FJC.

How about the Tequila Stuntman? See this thread.

BASE Camp (FJC) - Sept 30 - Oct 4, 2009

But beyond this, there are no good reasons.

~ topher

[stitch]

I didnt go through a FJC. I borrow gear for BD and had competent people help me out and give me instruction for my first 3 jumps there. Upon returning I expressed my wish to continue and started ground crewing a few times a week getting a jump here and there on borrow gear until i bought my own a few months later.

One of the people that helped you wouldn't be the dude that mis-rigged the PC and bridle last year would it ? Nobody needs that kinda help.

[speedphreak]

The problem is; while it's easy to jump off of shit, it's difficult to survive.

[lcspx]

my first 13 jumps were A's ranging from 280 PCA (1st jump) to climbing 1800' daytime, including a nighttime 1800 elevator jump..
then I went to the perrine with no other jumpers and started practicing gainers and stuff, getting 17 more jumps.. in 3 days

since then ive made 170 jumps in 1 year, 9 months..
my first 'near bust' was last night, at a near 600' C . we had to run and everyhthing... didnt even get a jump.. damn

[mknutson]

The problem is; while it's easy to jump off of shit, it's difficult to survive.

Well said!

[FreeFallFiend]

One of the people that helped you wouldn't be the dude that mis-rigged the PC and bridle last year would it ? Nobody needs that kinda help.

No, they were people that I knew and trusted very well.

[IHazySky]

I didn't get FJC proper. Took to the good ole' internet for quite a few years. Then I did about 20 from guyed A's on an out of trim Raven on a homemade rig until I took 1st trip to bridge to talk to everybody. By then I had bought some old Gargoyles with baffed-out neon Daggers in them; ya know, proper BASE gear... After I did my first PCA, and a handheld in the same night, I knew I needed to get more information myself, so I didn't jump again for about 6 months. After I talked to more people, I jumped more.

[Frijol Saltando]

No FJC here. . . First 4 were from an A with a guy who had <50 jumps at the time.
The guy who taught me to pack ended up moving out of the country for a few months so. . . No local "mentor" for a while. He had +/-450 jumps at the time. Since then just keep on my toes and keep soaking up knowledge and try not to fuck myself up.
Now sitting at 82 jumps since January including Es, terminal Es, 1000ft As and as low as a 270B that I had a 180 on recently. . .

Things that held me back from FJC. . .
Money - I just spent it all on a rig!
timing - dead of winter who's gonna take you to the bridge at that time of year??
Local objects
local people to learn from.