Parachuting

Different methods of doing your first parachute jump

Persons wishing to experience parachuting may do so in either of three ways;

• undertake a course of training (approximately one day) at a Parachute Centre so as to undertake a 'Static Line' jump. The 'Static Line' refers to the line which is attached to the jump aeroplane and which deploys the parachute on exiting the aeroplane; the novice controls his own parachute in the descent to the ground.
• Tandem Jump: this is a parachute jump where the novice receives a short pre-jump briefing (20-30 minutes) from a "Tandem master" and they then make a "freefall" jump (i.e. delayed parachute opening) on a two-man parachute. The novice is attached by a harness to the Tandem Master throughout this jump and may help to steer the tandem parachute towards a landing (hence the requirement for a much shorter pre-jump briefing).
• accelerated Freefall Parachuting - this is an advanced training system, details of which can be obtained at a Parachute Centre which offers this method.

Permission for a Parachute Dropping & Training Centre

Parachute centres operating in Ireland must hold a document from the IAA entitled "Permission for a Parachute Dropping & Training Centre". This document, which must be displayed in a prominent place at the Parachute Centre premises, details the location of the centre, the names of the parachute instructors and pilots authorised to operate at the centre, the courses which the centre may offer and the Aircraft approved for use at the centre. This document should be made available for inspection by any interested party.

Two Parachute Centres in Ireland are authorised by the IAA.  They are;

Irish Parachute Club                                                         Skydive Ireland

Clonbullogue Airfield                                                         Erinagh Airfield

Edenderry                                                                            Capparoe

Co. Offaly                                                                              Nenagh

                                                                                               Co. Tipperary