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16 Accelerated Freefall (AFF) Instructors and 40 Royal Marines from 3 Commando Brigade met in the air over Skydive Sebastian during one sunny week in June to share in what everyone would call a once in a lifetime experience.
The first of its kind, this special event was run by Mick Hall and his wife Gill from FREEFALL ADVENTURES FLORIDA, INC at the drop zone location of Skydive Sebastian, in Sebastian, Florida. Making all the necessary preparations, Hall designed the week to take all 40 students through the entire AFF program, including 8 levels of instruction and by Day 7, there were 39 graduates.
On January 8, 2004 they received a request from Major Todd of the Royal Marines asking whether they could accommodate some members of the British Armed Forces during the month of June 2004 for some skydiving whilst they were on a weeks R&R. They were told that it was to be part of an exercise called “Orange Break 2004” in which 3000 troops would have 1 week’s leave focusing on Florida, many of which would be taking part in certain sports such as Scuba Diving, Golfing, Skydiving and some that would spend their time around the Orlando area and all the main Florida attractions.
The skydiving information package was put together, and after several phone calls and email correspondence they were told that it was likely that they would not have any final numbers until approximately 2-3 weeks before their arrival as they were all away on exercise at various locations and the Royal Marines would not be given the information until they were on board ship and heading for the United States, they were to arrive in Norfolk, Virginia on Memorial Weekend starting on May 29, 2004. The owners of the skydiving school elected to meet them there to introduce themselves and to sign them up for their weeks training. As it turned out, there were no takers for the tandem skydives, instead, 40 people opted for the full AFF Certification Course. They only had a few weeks to prepare for their arrival which was now confirmed that ground training would start at 09:00hrs on June 22, 2004 and they would be leaving at 16:00hrs on June 29, 2004 (some were able to extend their stay by just 2 days, departing on July 1st).
The Accelerated Freefall Course (AFF) consists of 8 Levels (8 skydives) seven of these levels are from an altitude of 13,500ft and are all with a qualified AFF Instructor, the 8th level is from 5,500ft and is better known as the “hop and pop”, this dive is to simulate an emergency exit from the plane. Upon completion of their AFF Training, they would then need to complete a further 10 solo jumps (consolidation jumps) which would give them the necessary jumps required for their British ‘A’ License back in the UK. The organizers wanted assurances that they could get all of them through their training in the time period they had available. They basically had two weeks to organize instructors, aircraft, extra equipment, accommodation, transportation etc, and then pray for good weather conditions.
Contemplating the task of getting 40 students through the AFF Program and solo jumps in just 7-9 days needed some careful planning, good weather and a measure of good luck. What transpired over the next several days was mind boggling to say the least, but a momentous occasion that they will never forget.
THE ORANGE BREAK EVENT
Tuesday, June 22 marked the beginning of a very exciting week for all involved. The Royal Marines were divided into small groups and assigned to an instructor to complete the necessary 6 hour ground training. Parts of the first jump course could be heard from all corners of the drop zone. While rain kept students from getting in the air, disappointment was quickly replaced by anticipation for the following day. Students and instructors alike went to bed early, somewhat unsure what to expect, but ready for the challenge.
For participants, Day 2, June 23, began at 7 am and continued until sunset and beyond. Under the supervision of Mick Hall and British Advanced Instructor, Dave Ruffell, instructors made approximately 12 jumps each, completing Accelerated Freefall Levels 1, 2 and sometimes 3 with most of the 40 students. We all had great cause to celebrate that evening, and many people hit the town to soak up the Florida atmosphere in Captain Hiram’s Tikki Bar. A perfect days skydiving ending with a cold beer…….hoofin’
Day 3 followed in similar fashion and with even greater success. On Thursday, June 24, AFF students completed levels 3, 4, and 5. With two Cessna caravans running back to back, 16 capable, hard-working instructors, a team of 6 professional packers, incredibly dedicated students and the unparalleled organizational ability of school owner, Mick Hall, the only thing to keep students on the ground was sunset. A nice fish and chip meal and some more cold beers saw the end to another fun filled day in paradise.
Though participants had been forewarned that summer weather in Florida is unpredictable and often unfavorable, each day of the week was more beautiful than the one before. With another wake-up call at 7 am on Day 4, both students and instructors almost found themselves praying for a short morning rainfall to allow them an hour or two extra in bed….well almost….but instead, beautiful blue skies awaited them and on Friday, AFF students completed Levels 6 and 7 and to crown the day off, 15 students completed their Level 8 skydive making them the first of the group to graduate, setting a great example for others to follow… and they did.
Day 5, June 26th, 20 successful AFF Level 8 skydives followed by 20 more graduations. With 35 graduates out of 40 in only 5 days, everyone had reason to celebrate. On Saturday night all participants enjoyed beers and a barbecue on the drop zone, with AFF instructor Mark Norman manning the grill.
On Days 6 and 7, 4 more students made their Level 8 skydive, completing the program and bringing the grand total of graduates to 39. After completion of the AFF training, the British requirement is for the student to complete 10 high solo consolidation jumps. Many of the students started working their way through these jumps and many managed to complete all 10 with some leaving with as many as 25-30 jumps logged in their books.
The success accomplished during the week of June 22nd with Freefall Adventures Florida at Skydive Sebastian is so great that even those who were witness to the event have some difficulty taking it all in. Bringing 40 students with no background in sport skydiving through the entire AFF program in 7 days is an experience no one will forget. These guys were truly an inspiration to us, the camaraderie they share with each other is something to behold, and something we will never forget.
During the course of the week, over 400 AFF Levels were completed by the students and a total of over 1200 jumps completed. There were no injuries and no equipment malfunctions.
Ultimately, any event is only
as good as its participants. First and foremost
3 COMMANDO BRIGADE were the best kind of students anyone could ask for.
They were disciplined, on-task and highly motivated. They encouraged each
other through challenges and celebrated with each other during rewards.
Second, this group of Marines were fortunate to receive instruction from
some of the best, most experienced instructors in the country. These instructors
were handpicked by school owner Mick Hall not just for their ability and
knowledge but also for their incredible attitude towards skydiving and
teaching. The positive energy that could be seen on the faces of students
was a clear reflection of the people that taught them. Ultimately, every
single person involved can give themselves credit for contributing to
this remarkable event.
The drop zones “Zoo Bar” kept everybody well fed and watered throughout the week and supplied plenty of cold beers for celebrations each day after jumping
In the words of one graduate, "Every jump gets better - so much to try and learn. Finishing the AFF course is only the beginning. Skydiving is definitely a way of life."
At this time, Freefall Adventures Florida, Inc. and Skydive Sebastian are very happy and proud to welcome 39 new skydivers into the world and are looking forward to the possibility for plans of Operation: AFF #2 sometime in the near future.
Our thanks go to all participating members of the Royal Marines, this event was only made perfect by your incredible abilities and attitudes. We would also like to thank all staff that assisted us during this phenomenal week, we are grateful that each little cog made a big wheel turn very successfully.
Blue skies
Sam Joseph
AFF Instructor and Journalist
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Mailing Address:
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Sebastian, FL 32958
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Lake Wales, FL 33859
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E-Mail: SkydiveMik@aol.com
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