Skydive Orange Student Skydiver Program - Graduates* - New Certified Skydivers who just got their "A" Skydiving license!

2009 AFF Skydiving certification program Graduates!

2009 Skydiving graduates	2008 Skydiving graduates
2007 Skydiving graduates	2006 Skydiving graduates

Graduates* and Instructors- Skydiving Students should fill out the information on this page when they get their Skydiving license. We'd like graduate's information submitted in a timely manner. Instructors- please have graduates email their information right away when they graduate!

NEW! - Get 6** Free skydives from 2 1/2 miles high ($510 value) when you graduate!

*Graduate Student**	Student comments
	Ken Haines January 16, 2010 Harrisonburg, VA From the first to the last Skydive Orange instructors and staff were focused on safety. From the first jump course to the reviews in the harness to everything in between I felt safety was the number one priority. I really liked jumping with different instructors and coaches, as I felt I learned things from each and every one. The variety of teaching styles was a huge bonus. All of the instructors were willing to spend extra time debriefing and reviewing things that I had questions about. Prepay for your student course if you can. Jump regularly. Hang around after jumping for the day, you can learn a lot hanging around the bonfire or tiki bar after hours.
Rose Moeser A License 12.6.09 Sterling, Va	The instructors are awesome! Everyone from the packers to the AFF and rigors are so knowledgeable and willing to teach, it makes the sport that much more fun for everyone. Advice for other student skydivers...start yesterday...there are a million legitimate reasons to put it off...its dangerous, expensive, time consuming....so what are you waiting for? Advice you wish you had been given...what you are about to start is more addicting than crack and twice as expensive, so don't fight it, just relax = ) What I don't like about Skydive Orange: Skydiving is like sex, even when its bad its still pretty damn good! The bathrooms are even heated, now that is first class = ) Suggestions for Skydive Orange: Blue Skies! And anything else you think appropriate: Lambert is the tunnel master, I bow down to you
Mark DePauli Dec 6th 2009 Harrisburg Pa	I like just about everything at Orange, the plane rocks, the staff is awesome, always willing to help. I've almost never seen anyone without a smile, unless it was a student on a wind hold. The Tiki Bar, hanging around the fire pit, its almost perfect. Learn to pack and don't sweat your hop and pops, you'll just screw them up. There's really nothing at all bad I can say. Suggestions. Get the new Hangar built maybe???
David DeBorger A License 29 November, 2009 Columbia, Maryland	The real strengths of the Skydive Orange experience are the instructors and other jumpers. Everyone is very friendly and they make you feel very welcome and part of the family. The instructors are very professional and skilled in the sport. The emergency procedure review at the beginning of each day is excellent. It is thorough and comprehensive. Best part of the training program. If you want to get your license here, I suggest you save up and pre-pay the entire package. It may mean you start a little later than you want, but that will make it unlikely that you have a break in training because of unforeseen financial needs. Regular, steady, training is the best way to progress. You also get more for your money if you prepay up front. What you absolutely need to know before you start is that there is no food available there, except for the odd weekend when someone sets up a grill and sells burgers. If you go out to lunch, you may miss the next opportunity to jump, so bring a lunch. Maybe even dinner. During the summer, it can be a long day and you may get as many as 5 jumps in one day if you are available. Also, camping overnight is available. Once you get here, ask around or ask Ned for information when you book your first jump. Hardly anybody lives within an hour of the dropzone, so you will have a lot of company if you decide to spend the night right there. One final piece of advice to the new jumper: YOU are in charge of your training. It moves at the pace that you decide. Sometimes you have to be aggressive about getting your next phase of ground training complete. The instructors will not seek you out to make sure you take your tests and quizzes or learn how to pack your own parachute. You have to find them and schedule it. If you are on hold for weather, gather as many people that you can find that need training and find an instructor to teach it or find Steve and have him find an instructor for you.
Name - Nic A License Date - 29 Nov 09 West Springfield, VA	The atmosphere is great...friendly, helpful, professional and safe. Orange is a great place to spend weekends and get away from work in the city. Advice for other student skydivers - Ask a lot of questions, have fun, relax in the air. Take the packing classes as soon as possible. Jump whenever the weather is good, there will plenty of time to study, pack, rest, etc...when the weather is bad. Visualize your jumps beforehand as much as possible, they always end up going they way you see them in your mind. Know your emergency procedures. Advice you wish you had been given - Start AFF classes late spring/early summer. Do weekday jumps in the summer. Don't wait till late in the season to start AFF. Suggestions for Skydive Orange: Central Air and Heat, Locker Rooms, Nice Big bathrooms with attendants, Pro Shop, Driving Range, and rooms to rent....just kidding, it's got character like it is!
Tim Bryant 10/25/09 Manassas , VA	Jumping out of the Otter is great! I have not used the facilities yet, but I am glad to see that there are showers available for people who decide to stay the night. The instructors, and club members are really good people. Advice for other student skydivers: As it has been said many, many times in other student’s feedback, learn to pack early. If you can take a trip to the tunnel, do it! Be kind to your instructors, don’t forget to tip them. They are there to help you. Bring $$ for the green M&M. Advice you wish you had been given: To give Steve a lot of space when he is in a bad mood, he can get a bit grumpy J … but seriously, the instructors at Skydive Orange are great. I think they have already given me all the advise that I know I need right now, but just like everything in life, I don’t know what I don’t know. So this may be changed in the future. What I don't like about Skydive Orange: The 8 AM start time for students. For those of us who live away from the DZ this makes for some VERY early morning weekends. But it is worth it in the end.
Wendy License: 10/22/2009 Sterling, VA	What I liked about Skydive Orange was that everyone was willing to help you learn and that they are very serious about safety. It’s like one big awesome dysfunctional family…it’s great! My advice would be to take advantage of down time…because there will be a lot of it. The hardest lesson for me was packing, so learn early! There’s no advice I wish I had been given prior to receiving my license since everyone there was always very forthcoming with any advice that may help you along the way, and if you ever had a question, there were always plenty of people to answer them. The great thing was that no one ever made you feel silly for asking any questions...instead, they encouraged it. What I could have done without were the purple suits…only because they smell so bad after a day of jumping in the hot summer sun, and the early weekend start times J Steve takes his training program seriously, and he is great at what he does, so listen to him and don’t make him unleash the angry Buddha. Everyone…the students, instructors, coaches, staff and regular jumpers are great…you’ll definitely meet some amazing people here!
	Robyn Hoover October 18, 2009 What I like the most about Skydive Orange - Is the friendly atmosphere that I experienced when I walked into the hanger for the first time. With a very capable leadership staff they go out of their way to help train everyone to understand all the aspects of skydiving and they try to make it fun. Plus safety is very important part of Skydive Orange and there's an abundance of knowledge and experience all around from the instructors, coaches and individual jumpers. So I've tried to take advantage of all the wealth of information, to know my limitations and always think safety. Advice for other student skydivers - Patients, patients and more patients. The weather will play a huge factor while you spend your time at Skydive Orange. It will happen...so take advantage of the down time to get your chute packing out of the way and to get an early start completing your qualification card. Listen to you instructors/coaches and don't be afraid to ask questions. Relax and enjoy the experience. Advice you wish you had been given - Take the time and stay over a few weekends at the LZ and get your jumps completed quicker so it won't be long and drawn out. What I don't like about Skydive Orange - Really no complaints, I'm pretty flexible and can go with the flow. I for one really enjoy the atmosphere. Hey, there's always room for improvement. Finally, I would like to give my thanks to Ned, Steve, Lambert, Kevin, Mike, Nick, Andy, Rob, Gigi, John and John, the rest of the instructors/coaches/packers/staff and especially Charlie for getting me through the home stretch. I don't care what anyone else says about the gang at Skydive Orange...just take it from me, they really can teach old dogs new tricks. Thanks guys.
Brian Marcus 19 September 2009 Washington, DC	What I like the most about Skydive Orange - The people and the attention to teaching. I enjoy that the people who come to Orange, and may have very different social, political or other kinds of viewpoints can come together around an activity they all love to do and really work together. I had the opportunity to jump with a diverse group of instructors and coaches - and learned something from every one of them. I felt like attention was given to students by everyone, and they all wanted to help. Orange is a welcoming place, where people are willing to teach you, talk to you and make you feel at home. Advice for other student skydivers - Get used to the weather. Deal with it. Wind holds or other weather-related events are part of life (I spent two weekends in a row grounded by weather but I used the time to learn - watch someone pack, ask for advice on the next category jump, watch experienced jumpers as they come in to see what can be done once you get (a LOT more experience!) and get quizzes done. There is always something to do - even if it is just talking to some really great people. I also highly recommend a trip to the wind tunnel if you have any problems during early jumps. For me, it made all the difference. (see: http://www.skydiveorange.com/wind-tunnel-trip-july-2009.htm) Advice you wish you had been given - Beer costs!!! ;o) Bring sunscreen and some kind of share-able food (I recommend candy not in wrappers, like Twizzlers) People really like it when students help out and realize that Orange is a club - everyone needs to pitch in to help make it work. And don't come in thinking you know everything, or begin to think you might - because you don't. The advice of coaches and instructors will save your life. And also recognize that even the most experienced skydiver has something to learn so learn something from everyone, but don't rely on only one person's viewpoint.
Brittany 8/30/09	What I like most about Orange... Easy, the PEOPLE! The people here are unlike anyone you'll ever meet. So friendly and outgoing with amazing stories! Everyone here is so open to new people, you'll never feel like a newbie here. Oh... and the whole skydiving thing is pretty cool too! :) Advice: RELAX!!! It makes all the difference in the world. It's just falling, no need to get all uptight. Also start packing early. As a student you'll get used to holds due to winds and rain... get used to and take advantage of the time, start packing. And keep at it, the only way to improve is to stick with it. Even if it takes you 3 hours for your first go round! Also, if you get the chance go to the tunnel! It makes all the difference in the world when it comes to flying. Lastly and most importantly... Listen to STEVE!! Advice you wish you had been given: Everyone has something to teach you, be open and listen... whether it's about skydiving or life, you'll learn tons from the people around you. Be selective about the skydiving advice though :) Oh and never leave your camera or camera phone lying around. Seriously... it can be dangerous. But seriously I had the best time and can't wait to continue with my skydiving career, maybe one day I'll actually learn to exit without tumbling everywhere!!!
Andy Byzet 8/30/09 Huntingtown, MD	The first thing I noticed when I arrived at SOI was the friendly atmosphere. Everyone is more than willing to help. The otter is a wonderful airplane, and in ways it spoils you :p. The instructors, coaches, and staff are awesome. Everyone at the drop zone wants to see you succeed and that is great! I feel right at home in the hanger. Advice for other student skydivers Relax! Enjoy your time as a student. Ask a lot of questions. The only stupid questions are the ones you don't ask. There are a lot of resources at your disposal. Take advantage of them! Hang out at the drop zone. If you don't understand terminology in conversations, ask. Stay over some weekends; it is a lot of fun. Don't be eager to rush off if the weather sucks. Read your SIM, learn to pack, and who knows, the weather may clear up. Listen to your instructors. They want to see you succeed and be safe. Advice you wish you had been given The hidden cost of the sport is in the beer. * What I don't like about Skydive Orange *There is not much to not like... People need to stop farting in the Otter. Someone is going to suffocate.
Duval Guimarães July 19, 2009 Falls Church, VA Skydiving Certification Skydive	What I like the most about SkyDive Orange: The overall atmosphere and positive vibe, for sure! Orange is great even when you are stuck at the Hangar waiting for the winds to calm down or for the clouds to get out of the way. The staff, in general, are all great, well trained and very good willing. You will probably get to work with several instructors throughout the AFF course and each has their own way to pass on the relevant lessons but all do so effectively! You will learn, unless the sport is not for you... Moreover, I really like the fact that Orange goes Beyond SkyDiving! Camping out at the Hangar is undescribable Fun! You may even bring some frinds just for the party moments (specially if they are afraid to SkyDive) and most likely they will at least adventure a co-pilot ride with Odil (the very chill and cool Brazilian pilot who flies ALL Day long!) for about $25 bucks!... Trust me, you will have great & memorable times, and so will your friends! Advice for other student skydivers: Definitely, prepay!!! Give yourself a gift, trade your vacation for the entire AFF course (perhaps within 1 month or two before your birthday, as I did)... figure out a (decent!) way to prepay... it's definitely worth it!!! Do learn how to pack as early as you can!!! You will feel very good once you are able to jump your own packing for several reasons: to get your license, to increase your confidence, to SAVE Money down the road! Always remember the core reason you are learning to SkyDive on your own: to Have F.U.N! Relax, learn, re-learn... Relax, and Have F.U.N! Advice I wish I had been given: Perhaps one important advice I wish I had been given would have been to struggle even Harder to be there up and ready to jump at 8:00am sharp... I swear I tried my best! Bottom line, don't upset the instructors for any stupid reason or you might have to sit around and wait for a while to go through the required emergency procedures for a while before you get to jump while others are going up and down... What I don't like about Skydive Orange: Everyone seems to mention the super-sexy-purple-suits here... but I actually have no problems with them! All it takes is very good sense of humor to make fun of yourself wearing it ;-). If you don't look good, you can still look funny and all else is good, too!... One thing I definitely did not like about it, of course, is the 8am check in time... I struggled so much but hope you won't! Be there On Time!!!... It's in Your best interest... I was just not strong enough, but prepare yourself for it... a very good idea is to spend the night before there - and party, too!!! Suggestions for Skydive Orange: Organize special skydiving events with recent graduates and students every now and then. Perhaps create some sort of recognition/achievements (as well as funny stuff) mural/gifts/awards or the like (simple and symbolic stuff would do it... logbooks, etc) to register unique moments and make the course even funner. For example: 1) fastest/slowest AFF course completion; 2) best/worst Category jumps (and why...); 3) best/worst student landing; 4) best/worst exit; and so on... And anything else you think appropriate: A thought: the cost of life is the fact that its simplicity is priceless. And lastly, why are You still reading????... Stop wasting time and Start Jumping Yesterday!!!...
James Eirkson July 19, 2009 Hershey, PA	What I like the most about Skydive Orange: One thing I can say for sure is that rain or shine, I always seem to find myself in good company at Skydive Orange. The staff, students, jumpers and visitors all make Skydive Orange special. Advice for other student skydivers: I would heed other graduates advice in learning to pack early. I would also recommend prepaying if you’re able to. The additional 12 skydives with gear rental are a nice bonus. My personal advice? Show up on time, listen to your instructors, ask loads of questions, be proactive in meeting new people and last but not least...treat yourself by spending the night. Note of thanks: I can’t thank my good buddy Andy Whitmire enough for inspiring me to take up skydiving. I didn’t know jumping out of planes could be so much fun. I also want to thank all the instructors, coaches, staff and packers for doing fantastic work and for keeping safety their number one priority.
Justin Miller 7/11/09 Annandale, VA	Skydive Orange is a great place to hang out, meet new interesting people and skydive of course! Since the day I came in for my first jump course I was welcomed with open arms and new this was the sport for me. The staff at Skydive Orange are well trained and willing to go the extra mile to help in any way they can. The AFF course is well developed and flows nicely from one category to the next. By the time you graduate you will have the knowledge and skills to fly on your own with confidence. As far as advice for new students, the number one thing is to stay all day long. Don't get discouraged by the weather and give up and go home because you sat around all day and didn't get to jump. The winds usually die down in the evening, on many occasions I didn't get to jump all day because of the winds, but by about 5:00, they would die down and I would get in 2 or 3 jumps by sunset load. Also take advantage of your down time and watch the packers and talk to people about the sport. There is a ton of lingo you will have no clue about and the faster you learn it, the better. Packing will not come easy and I was guilty of putting it off, do not make the same mistake as me, practice it again and again and then do it some more after that. Also pre pay for the course, you get 12 free skydives and don't have to wait in line at manifest to pay for every jump one at a time. The only suggestions I have for Skydive Orange is get some porta-pottys back in here. On a busy Saturday, it can really suck waiting in line when you really got to go!
Lee Moeser 06/28/09 Sterling, VA	What I like the most about Skydive Orange- I am in love with Skydive Orange, from the plane that we fly in, the pilot that fly's all day long, the instructors that know the answer to any question, and of course the skydiving is amazing! Advice for other student skydivers- Relax, relax, relax, oh and pull and pull on time. Advice you wish you had been given- Pre-paying would have been nice but it is all good either way because you are still jumping out of a perfectly good airplane. What I don't like about Skydive Orange- No such thing! Suggestions for Skydive Orange: Install a toilet on the plane. If you think you are ready to have the time of your life than come out and make a jump. Blue skies everyone!
Brian Battocchi A License Date: 7 June 2009 Reston, VA	What I like the most about Skydive Orange- The staff and instructors are extremely safety conscious. After all, skydiving wouldn’t be fun if everyone was getting hurt. Orange is also home to a great group of people. From day one I was treated like one of the family. The nights at orange are lots of fun to. Skydiving is about the only thing better than a “frosty beverage.” Advice for other student skydivers- Steve knows what he’s talking about, so listen up! You can also learn a lot talking to people around the hanger. People at orange are happy to help. PRE PAY! It’s a lot of $$$, but you will be happy you did. Learn to pack as soon as possible and jump every opportunity you’ve got. Jumping frequently makes a big difference. Advice you wish you had been given- Camp out the night before. You can learn a lot just sitting around the camp fire. Besides, it’s hard getting up at 7:30. Much less 5am! What I don't like about Skydive Orange- WINDS and Weather! Students bring a lounge chair. The damn purple jumpsuits……….
Peter Durham A Licensed: 5/22/09 Potomac, MD	The thing I liked most about Skydive Orange is that its a full time club. Skydive Orange isn't just a 9-5 business; when the sun sets the skydiving unfortunately has to stop, but there is so much fun to bad had around the fire or at the tiki bar! Advice: Everyone in the hangar has advice to give but everyone's advice is going to be different. Get to know the instructors personally and find out who's advice you should be taking. Some of the people here have thousands of jumps and decades of experience. Listen to Steve Canopy piloting is dangerous if you don't know what you are doing. They will give you plenty of practice in the hanging harness but YOU need to apply the skills they teach you in accordance with the surroundings. Know the landing pattern and know that its made to get you down safely. Listen to the instructors on the ground/radio but eventually you are going to need to know how to problem solve. Don't go into your early dives with a pass/fail mindset. The maneuvers you learn are taught to make you more safe around others in the sky. Know your priorities; its more important that you are altitude aware and can make a stable pull than if you can do a leg extension, 360, or barrel roll! You have plenty of time in the sky if you stick to your altimeter! Advice I wish I'd been given: Know who is giving you information! Suggestions for Skydive Orange: Make absolutely sure your students don't have questions they are afraid to ask and go over the landing patterns more for students on self supervision!
Crystal Brensinger A License Date: 19 April 2009 Mechanicsville, MD	What I like the most about Skydive Orange: The people!! The first time I came out for my tandem, I felt like I fit right in. Skydive Orange is an awesome place to jump and hang out after hours. Couldn't ask for a better group of friends! Each weekend is almost like a mini vacation for me, can't beat that :) Advice for other student skydivers: Like everyone previous has said, learn to pack early! My 4 hour pack job opened great, but definitely wish I had learned after the first few jumps, instead of waiting til the last minute. Pay attention to your instructors/coaches, they know what they're talking about! Also, if you can afford to prepay the program, it's advisable!! 12 FREE JUMPS! Advice you wish you had been given: If possible, stay all weekend. Getting to know the people and hearing their stories is definitely! Besides, sleeping in a few extra minutes is nice! Suggestions for Skydive Orange: An area for students stuff would be nice! Thank you so much to the staff, my coaches & instructors, the pilot, the otter, great friends and most importantly Skydive Orange!!!
Mike C. Boysen, Arlington, VA A License Date: April 18, 2008	What I like the most about Skydive Orange: the instructors, how professional they were, how they would answer any questions you asked, and anyone would stop and help you learn to pack. Advice for other student skydivers: listen to all advice given to you by instructors. They know what they are talking about and soak in as much as possible. Know the SIMS manual backwards/forwards for each category before you arrive. Stop and ask questions as much as possible, no question is a stupid question and don’t feel intimidated. LEARN TO PACK as soon as possible, don’t put it off till the last jumps. Advice you wish you had been given: I was given this advice but didn’t really have the option but if you can pay in full take advantage of it. It’s a great deal and the way to go. Saves you tons of money and you get 12 free jumps in the end. What I don't like about Skydive Orange: Nothing, the place is great and I recommend it highly to anyone new starting out as well as repeat jumpers. BIG THANKS to all my instructors and everyone else at Skydive Orange. -Mike Boysen
James P Connelly License date - March 22, 2009 Rixeyville, VA	What I like most about Skydive Orange is the people - staff and jumpers. Everyone will help you and make you feel welcome from day #1. Ned and Steve are VERY considerate of schedules and will do all that they possibly can to accommodate any reasonable request. Skydivers themselves are about the nicest, most helpful and loyal friends/people I have ever met. Truly, I have already made friendships that will last a lifetime!! Thanks for being so darn awesome guys!! My advice to other skydivers is to ASK QUESTIONS!! There is no such thing as a silly/stupid question, especially when you are jumping out of an airplane!! Safety is everyones job, so ask!! Also, look at your SIM (Skydivers Instruction Manual) WHEN YOU ARE NOT AT THE DROP ZONE!! I was guilty of this myself. When you are grounded b/c of weather, break that thing out and know it - life with your AFF instructors will be much easier and they wont think you are a meathead!! :) Lastly - GO TO THE WINDTUNNEL WITH LAMBERT!! Absolutely worth it!! I failed Cat C 1 twice, went to the tunnel for 1/2 hr and never failed another jump!! I would advise to do this as early in your progression as possible - your confidence will be "sky high" when you are jumping for real!! I was given all the advice, it was if I chose to follow or not. The thing I dont like about Skydive Orange is the winter weather - why dont you guys invest in a weather changing machine!? Thanks so much to all my instructors/coaches but especially Ned and Steve!!
Nick graduated February 8, 2009, and his lengthy graduate comments, for which we are extremely grateful are posted here! Lambert, Nick, Leslie
	Gina Palmero 01/03/2009 Broadway, VA What I like the most about Skydive Orange: The PEOPLE! Everyone at Skydive Orange are always willing to help. Safety first, then they throw in the fun. Advice for other students skydivers: Ask questions and listen to what your instructors and coaches are telling you. Work at your own pace, don’t be afraid to repeat a dive or two, or three…. If you can afford it, go to the wind tunnel and don’t wait to learn how to pack. Suggestions for Skydive Orange: More packing classes and a place for students to leave their “stuff”! A special THANKS to Steve H. (you are amazing), Ned and the entire staff at Skydive Orange, they were patient and understanding throughout my journey.
Shaun Withers 20 Sep 08 Upper Marlboro, MD	First, Thank You to the instructors and coaches at Skydive Orange. They were more than happy to take time to sit with me and help me through some of the trouble I had in the program. That being said the program was great. Everyone has things they excelled in and things it takes a little more time to grasp. A little advice to new students, don't try to start in the beginning of spring, weather will frustrate the hell out of you. The whole experience is wonderful. I also recommend staying down there on weekends. While hanging around the tiki bar you can learn so much more from the experienced jumpers and get your fill of stories too. Beyond the fact you are jumping out of an airplane on purpose, the people you meet are awesome. Meet one of your new regulars. A couple of minor suggestions to the management, a little better pro shop. not much of a selection for equipment. Also someone to help rookies like me with equipment choices. Other than that I hear there is a new hangar in the works. That would rock.
Marc Werner 20 September 2008 Springfield, VA	What I like the most about Skydive Orange: Great staff that works hard to get everyone trained in a timely manner. Advice for other student skydivers: Be patient there may be several wind wind and overcast days, but you will get it all done. Advice you wish you had been given: Start learning to pack early so you don't wait until your last couple of jumps to get it down.
	John Sinclair Graduated on 9/14/08 Oakton , VA What I like the most about Skydive Orange: The instructors actually WANT to teach you how to skydive well and never fail to give constructive criticism. Also, there is nobody at the drop zone that doesn’t absolutely love skydiving. I also enjoy the sign that reads “Unattended children will be sold.” Advice for other student skydivers: Save up, pre-pay, and get the 12 free skydives. I spent nearly a year and a half getting the A license because I relied on scrounging around for cash to jump month to month. You get much more out of the instruction when you are able jump often. Advice you wish you had been given: Plan on camping out, it’s impossible to wake up at 6am and drive in the morning. Suggestions for Skydive Orange: Stay fun, keep lawyers out, and build a bigger fire pit.
Julie Price A License Date: 13 September 2008 (about 18 months after starting) City and State I live in: Woodbridge , VA	What I like the most about Skydive Orange: - Well, I am not sure where to start. From the first day I started my Student Progression, everyone was fantastic. Steve H was out in the cold with me (just me) for First Jump Course in Jan 2007, and the very next day, Nick K and Matt H were out in a blizzard teaching me (and a couple others) how to pack. When I had my first set back, everyone was very encouraging and safety was the most important factor of getting back in the air. When my first AFF jump went REALLY bad, I was given some great advice (all the instructors I had ROCKED), came back the next day, and did much better. When I had my second (and very long) setback, again, everyone was great with helping me continue to learn even though I was on the ground, safety was the key consideration in helping me get back on track with the Student Progression, and I was embraced as part of the family – even though I wasn’t jumping. - So, if I had to sum up what I like the most about Skydive Orange – the staff is fantastic, the safety for students is a key consideration, and the folks there make you feel like family!! Advice for other student skydivers: - Don’t get discouraged with how long the Student Progression may take you. From weather, to shut-downs, to injuries – you may have more time waiting on the ground than you would like. But don’t get discouraged – heck, I had to wait 18 or so months – and it was totally worth it! Use that “downtime” to ask questions and learn (packing is a good place to start). The Experienced Jumpers care, and will share their knowledge and experience with you if you ask (and don’t be afraid to ask). - HELP OUT!!! This could be going to get the Pilot’s Lunch, offering to pick of someone who landed off if you are on a weather hold, emptying a trash can, restocking toilet paper (you use it too), or throwing away garbage other’s have left around. Skydive Orange is now your home too – so take care of it! - Oh yes, and the most important – BE KIND TO MANIFEST (STUDENT AND EXPERIENCED)!! Anyone who knows me will understand why this is here!!! Advice you wish you had been given: - Actually, since my Student Progression took so long, there was plenty of time to get LOTS of advice (and really good advice). There isn’t really any advice I wish I had been given – I was around long enough to get it (I think)!!! But I still have A LOT to learn!!!!! - Oh wait…..I thought of one………Don’t get on a load in the morning with Schmike the night after Mexican or chili!!!! Yep, that is advice I wish I was given!!!!! What I don't like about Skydive Orange: - Some folks feel they shouldn’t have to clean up after themselves. Skydive Orange is a Club and our Home Away From Home. Everyone there should care enough and take an interest in keeping it a great (and clean / picked up) place to be!!! But Ned, this isn’t something you can fix! One last thing I would like to say: Thanks so much to everyone for helping me get through the setbacks I had, and for helping me and encouraging me all the way through the program. I look forward to jumping with all of you (at different times of course, my skills aren’t that good – but maybe one day)!!!
Mike Ingham, USCG September 13, 2008 Arlington, VA	What I Liked: I am really glad I decided to go with Skydive Orange for my training. The emphasis on safety is second to none. When and if you should ever run into an emergency, you will be confident that you will know how and be able to react to the problem. Rumor has it that Uncle Ned pays well, which attracts the best instructors in the area who are always willing to help. Everyone there is really friendly and loves to party after a long, fun day of skydiving. Advice to Future Skydivers: If you are reading this, and thinking about taking the class, go ahead and DO IT!! I have been talking about doing this for so long, and now that I’ve got my license, I wish I would have done it sooner. Bring a tent, sleeping bag and what ever else you need to spend the night. There is plenty of room for you to throw down a tent and showers when you need them. Stay the night, you’ll have a good time and be there when class starts. Advice I Wish I Was Given: Most of the people on here say that they wished they had pre-paid. I did and have to get this to Ned so I can get my free jumps. Work the numbers, gear rental $90/day or $25/jump, plus the taxi ride to altitude which is $25 on weekends. You really get more out of the program if you can make more then one jump a day. What I Don’t Like and Recommendations: Having a place to stow your things would be nice. Parking is just outside the hanger so it’s not really that big a deal other then the convenience factor and your stuff can get hot in the car. It’s tough to look cool in pictures wearing a purple jumpsuit. My recommendation; anything but purple. An air conditioned lounge would be a nice place to hang out during your down time. The airport isn’t Metro accessible. Do you think we could extend one of the lines down there?
Sean Levesque A License date: 8/15/2008 - just before the Boogie! Herndon, Virginia	What I like the most about Skydive Orange: Honestly the people make the difference at Orange. Every instructor, member, and coach took safety and training VERY seriously and for good reason. I absolutely love staying over for the weekends, when possible. Advice for other student skydivers: Don't get frustrated by having to re-jump a category. Also, seriously relax in the arch - it makes all the difference. In the end, learning the necessary maneuvers was extremely rewarding and ultimately helped to build up my confidence as each jump went by. Stay for the sunset jumps because you won't want to miss it. Sign up for the party list. Advice you wish you had been given: Wear knee pads. Particularly if you downgrade and kinda suck at timing your flares. Swollen knees really suck and it makes packing very uncomfortable. What I don't like about Skydive Orange: The waiting to get on a load. It was a little confusing in the beginning trying to know when I needed to be ready or could go grab lunch. Suggestions for Skydive Orange: Keep the white board updated so people know when they're up next. Maybe clean up the website a little? Anything else: My first experiences at Skydive Orange are unforgettable and getting my A license is probably one of my greatest personal achievements. I would like to sincerely thank Ned, Steve Hetrick, Hank, Lambert, Charlie, Tim, Brian, Laurel, Nick, Dan, Jeb, and Santiago for coaching me through AFF. Everyone else, your advice, support and friendship were very much appreciated and because of you I stuck with it when I got frustrated.
Jake Marion A License Date: 8/14/08 City and State I live in: Purcellville, VA	What I like the most about Skydive Orange What I like most about Skydive Orange is the emphasis on safety. Dying was not my goal when I started skydiving and the instructors did a great job teaching me how not to be dead when I meet the ground. Advice for other student skydivers My advice for other student skydivers is to set aside a separate beer fund for every time you make a milestone achievement in the sport of skydiving. This is not for you to drink it is for the staff. Advice you wish you had been given There is no shortage of advice floating around the hangar. What I don't like about Skydive Orange What I don't like about Skydive Orange is the purple jumpsuits. The only way anyone would look right in those jumpsuits is if they weighed 400 pounds and wore a Barney mask.
Dan Kotrapu A License Date: 7/19/08 Arlington, VA	What I like the most about Skydive Orange: Our instructors are fantastic! Everyone is really patient and encouraging. Most of all, they are just good people. Everyone made me feel welcome. Advice for other student skydivers: Do a wind tunnel trip at your first opportunity. Although this is not related to the AFF program at all, the tunnel time definitely helps your progression. Trust me. It is worth the time and money. First of all, you get superior coaching that you can only get in the tunnel. My coaches were Dan Glanz and Lambert. Second, 30 minutes of tunnel time is basically 30 skydives. Also, I would recommend learning to pack as soon as possible. Convenient opportunities are few and far between. Keep asking and be proactive about it! Advice you wish you had been given: Hmmm. I think I had the good advice the whole way through the program. My advice to new students is: don't stress out. The AFF program is a mere 25 skydives. You just cannot expect to get everything right. What I don't like about Skydive Orange We could probably use more comfortable seating for students. The tables are good for debriefing, but really hard on the backside if you're sitting and waiting. I try to hang out on the mats or the few couches, but the space gets limited quickly. Suggestions for Skydive Orange: Keep doing what you are doing!
Chad Madden A License Date: 08 June 2008 Lexington Park, MD	The instructor staff and the folks that jump at Orange. It's a great group of folks that hang out at the DZ. The crowd is incredibly diverse and most are very personable. Advice you wish you had been given: Student training is cheaper with comparable instructional staff at other DZs. Suggestions for Skydive Orange: Find some way to better organize the daily student processing chaos. Once the instruction begins, there are nothing but positive remarks to be given for the instructor staff. And anything else you think appropriate. Overall, I'm satisfied with the knowledge that the Orange instructors gave me and feel confident that I have been given the information I need to make good skydiving decisions and develop a solid foundation to grow from.
Rachel Buschbach 7/26/08 Manassas, VA	What I like the most about Skydive Orange: Definitely the people. I have made a ton of new friends, many of whom will be lifelong friends. The frustration of being on weather holds is easier because even if you're not getting to jump at the moment, you're still hanging out with great friends. I'm so glad that Orange happened to be the closest DZ to me.. I don't think there's any other place like it! Advice for other student skydivers: Don't be too nervous about your hop and pops. They're no big deal. And be aware that your canopy will open more slowly and not right overhead on them, so don't worry that you're having a malfunction. Also, practice packing as often as you can. It's nerve-wracking to be jumping your own pack job for the first time on your check dive. And as for the afterhours, always bring a sleeping bag and/or tent because you will definitely want to hang out and get to know everyone on the weekends. Don't forget money for the frosty beverage fund. What I don't like about Skydive Orange: I like it all! Can't think of anything negative. Thank you to all the instructors and coaches who always made me feel safe and confident, and who celebrated right along with me whenever I made an accomplishment! Special thanks to Steve Hetrick for running the AFF program so smoothly and always letting me go at my own pace =)
Martin Young 30 May 08 Manassas, Va.	What I like the most about Skydive Orange: Without a doubt the FRIENDLY atmosphere. Everybody comes up and tries to get to know you, especially around the fire pit. Beer Can kicking at sunset load and the taste of that first beer afterwards. Instructors and coaches all kick ass. Finally, the way Steve H. keeps all the students in line and organized and does his best to get us as many jumps as possible. Advice for other student skydivers: Learn to pack as early as possible. Study the SIM - training will go quicker and you'll get in the air sooner. Stick it out on windy days. Chances are it will die out in the late afternoon and you'll be rewarded with one or two jumps. Advice you wish you had been given: Don't scream like a girl as you exit. What I don't like about Skydive Orange: The Purple Jumpsuits. Suggestions for Skydive Orange: Install an exit cam on the otter and beam the video down to the hanger to entertain the crowd on the ground.
Bill Cahill Oakton VA A License Date: 05/25/08 Bill Cahill flying in the wind tunnel in NC.	What I like the most about Skydive Orange: Definitely the camaraderie and the emphasis on safety. The staff and members are always a great source of advice, instruction and tips. Every one out here is willing to help in any way that they can. Advice for other student skydivers: Bang out your Licensing process as quickly as possible. The more often you jump the more comfortable you will be through the process. I did and it really seemed to help me.
Maureen Butler Alexandria, VA License Date: 05/05/08	What I like most about Skydive Orange: The community at the dz is good, everything from the other students that I went through the program with to the experienced jumpers. There is a willingness of the instructor and coaches to offer any information to help you be a better skydiver. Advice for other student skydivers: If you are serious about skydiving as a sport and if you can afford it, go to the wind tunnel with the Skydive Orange instructors as your tunnel coaches. It gives you a certain perspective that you can't quite get in the air. Also, lots of people will give you advice and it may be correct but run it by your instructor first. Advice you wish you would have been given: If you're going to get your license during the winter, prepare to be grounded a lot due to weather, winds, clouds, etc. The days can be long and they don't like it if you leave during the day so bring some food with you and stay hydrated. What I don't like about Skydive Orange: Weather holds, but they are necessary and for your safety. Suggestions for Skydive Orange: A place for students to put their stuff would be great.
Brian Graham A License Date - 04/18/2008 Alexandria, VA	First Skydive (Tandem) - 08/19/2008 AFF Start Date - 09/24/2008 What I like the most about Skydive Orange - I most like that I can fly through the blue skies at Skydive Orange. To top it all off, Orange is full of crazyfun people, massive bonfires, tall stories, and all around cool, easy nights. Advice for other student skydivers - Take you time and relax. Get a good nights sleep and watch the previous nights' fun and caffeinated stuff in the morning. There is no need to be in a rush to get your "A" license. I would also highly recommend going to the wind tunnel in NC. It is a great facility and an invaluable confidence boosting experience for the novice skydiver. Advice you wish you had been given - I learned rather quickly that there are varying ideas as to how to do it "right" in skydiving. Stick with the advice of your instructors. If you do take advice from others make sure to keep it to the seasoned veterans. Always defer to your AFF instructors. I have found that the AFF program taught at Orange is designed to teach you skills and habits that are generally accepted as being the safest. On multiple occasions I have been given advice on how to do things differently that what is taught in the SIM to only discover why the method taught in the SIM is far superior than any other. What I don't like about Skydive Orange - Hmm, what isn't there to like? It would be nice if there was some sort of bunkhouse, with a little tiny bit of heat in the winter. Don't be such a wimp! Find some cute skychick to bunk up with ;). Suggestions for Skydive Orange - LazyBoy recliners in the Otter! And anything else you think appropriate - "Nobody is a natural at this sport, unless you sit on a twig and sh*t through feathers." - a very wise skydiver
	DAVID NEGLEY A license Jan. 12 ,08 Rhoadesville, VA A few things I liked about skydive Orange was being fortunate to live like 15 min. up the road. but besides that there was a great group of instructors and staff, that with out there help I would have never made it through the AFF program so safely. Some advice for other students is learn to pack and pack correctly, hard openings and line twist suck! I feel I was given great advice from all of the staff, just make sure you pay attention, watch and learn. What i don't like about skydive orange is the weather lately it sux, sort of made my AFF training a little drawn out but what can you do . suggestions for skydive Orange more weekday jumps!!!
Kane Crisler A License: 2/24/2008 Arlington, VA	What I like the most about Skydive Orange: The people are great! The instruction is always available for those that are interested in learning. Further, Skydive Orange is committed to safety. There is not a rule that can be broken or bent. Safety is a priority while we are jumping. After the sun goes down... not so much. Advice for other student skydivers: Be prepared to sacrifice your friends and personal lives to the skydiving gods. Tough choices will have to be made. Even though your Grandmother is dying or your girlfriend is having a birthday party, blue skies demand your presence. Skydiving gods are jealous gods. They do not share well. What I don't like about Skydive Orange: I forget to eat and there is never enough time to make a quick run to Gas&Stuff. At least not without missing the plane, and we certainly must prioritize! Suggestions for Skydive Orange: Get an official sponsor. Maybe a beer company that will pay for us to jump. That would be nice! Thank you for the pre-pay program!!!! It really is a great deal!!!
Charlie Gittins 2/24/2008 Winchester, VA	What I like the most about Skydive Orange The friendly atmosphere and comradery found at Orange. It is like a big family with everyone helping each other out. The instructors are great and all are willing to share their knowledge in order to make students better and safe skydivers. They all adhere to the admonishment that "the only dumb question is the one that was left unasked." Advice for other student skydivers Read the SIM, study and practice the emergency procedures because they can save your life. Take the harness seriously and make sure you know your own comfort level for altitude for cutaway (I added 500 feet to all of the safety altitudes to give myself a couple of seconds additional reaction time). Fly the landing pattern and hit the altitudes briefed. Watch the packers and start practice packing a parachute early in your training. Take the packing course the first time it is given because sometimes it is hard to find a class. Packing is a skill that I found requires some significant practice. Advice you wish you had been given I should have followed the advice to pre-pay the course because I would have an additional 6 free skydives. What I don't like about Skydive Orange I had no real complaints. Obviously, the facility is old and there is no heat, except in the bathrooms and the classroom, so cold days are less than ideal, but the friendly collegial atmosphere makes up for the downside and with the new hangar coming, the facility issues are likely to see significant improvement. Suggestions for Skydive Orange: More emphasis on packing and canopy flight in the very early stages of training. And anything else you think appropriate. My student experience was great, notwithstanding a couple of set-backs of my own causation. The instructors all were caring and competent and always willing to offer suggestions. I felt well trained and when I had an emergency, I knew exactly what to do because the procedures had been drilled and thoroughly reviewed. This is a great DZ with the proper concern for safety while having a great time. I have and will recommend SOI to anyone interested in trying the sport. Thanks to all the instructors who watched in amusement as I progressed through the program: Steve, Lambert, Ned, Nick, Sid, Bob, Leslie, Mike F, Gigi, Dan G, and any others that I may have inadvertently overlooked. You are all great instructors and a pleasure to jump with. Thanks also to the packers who put up with the zero P 300 Sq ft canopies that I jumped for most of the program.
Hart Wood January 12, 2008 Great Falls, VA Hart proudly sporting his well earned A license stamp!	What I like most about Skydive Orange: Definitely the community, from the very knowledgeable and helpful instructors to the regular jumpers and students who are all just great people to be around. Even the weekends when I didn't get to jump at all, I never regretted spending that time at the hangar because it's always a great time no matter what. Advice for other student skydivers: Learn to pack early and don't put off jumping your own pack job until the end. Practicing packing early will make everything easier in the long run. Also, always have your sleeping bag in the car, because spending the night at Orange is always necessary. It's an awesome time and a great way to meet everybody there. Advice you wish you had been given: Prepay the AFF program. I never really knew I could do that until I was already 7 or 8 jumps in, and it would have saved a lot of hassle paying and given me a few more free jumps. What I don't like about Skydive Orange: Nothing that's their fault. The winter weather just made for a whole lot of waiting. Thanks to everyone at Orange, from the staff to the regulars to the other students, for making it such an awesome few months, both in the air and on the ground. I'll definitely be sticking around for a long time.
Heather Hetland January 12, 2008 Springfield, VA	What I like the most about Skydive Orange: Everything from the drive to the DZ to the people that are there throughout the weekend make Skydive Orange the wonderful experience that it is. The instructors are very knowledgeable and are willing to help you and answer all of your questions! They want you to learn and have fun. =). Advice for other student skydivers: Each weekend, bring your sleeping bag, a good attitude, your listening ears, and some snack food. You can never have too many blankets when it is below freezing at night. A good attitude will help you leap over the hurdles. You can learn a lot about the sport and the people at Orange just by listening to their experiences. And snack food? Everyone loves food. Advice you wish you had been given: Well, this was advice that I was given that I think is worth passing on. Learn how to pack ASAP. By the time I had to jump my own pack job, I was comfortable enough with packing that I wasn't so nervous about jumping it.. What I don't like about Skydive Orange: Waiting, whether it was for weather or instructors. However, there are plenty of things to do while waiting. You could learn how to pack, take an observer ride, take a quiz, etc. Suggestions for Skydive Orange: It would be nice if the students had a place to put their stuff besides the tables. These past few months have been so challenging and fun. Thank you to everyone at SOI for everything you have done. I am excited to see what this next year will bring!
	Elizabeth Kang A license Date: January 6, 2008 Chevy Chase, Maryland What I like most about Skydive Orange: The People. They are great. All the instructors and the other divers. Makes for a GREAT atmosphere and experience Advice for other student skydivers: Relax!! Enjoy it and don't worry about passing the maneuvers in a category. You will get it. Advice you wish you had been given: All advice I got was great. Can't think of anything they didn't tell me. What I don't like about Skydive Orange: The waiting - some of it avoidable! Suggestions for Skydive Orange: A little more organization. More jumpsuits and rigs for smaller people!! Thanks to everyone at Skydive Orange- especially all the Staff. You make a wonderful sport awesome, but always keep it safe.

Click below for East Coast Skydiving certification program Graduates form other years-

2009 Skydiving graduates	2008 Skydiving graduates
2007 Skydiving graduates	2006 Skydiving Certification graduates from 2006 and earlier

Graduates and Instructors- Skydiving Students should fill out the information on this page whenever you sign off a new A license Skydiving Certification.

This list of skydivers who've just earned their certification only includes the most recent ones, since we just added this webpage in early 2005. There have been hundreds of certified skydivers who learned to jump here over the last 26 years that people have been skydiving here at Orange. Skydive Orange is the place to get certified for people in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC, and West Virginia. With the addition of a student skydive manager (Student sky diving operator) who manages repeat AFF operations, skydiving training operates more efficiently especially on busy jump days when we make lots of dives.

By "Graduate", at Skydive Orange we refer to a person who has achieved their USPA "A" license skydiving certification and is therefore adequately trained in the basics of skydiving to be a competent, safe skydiver. If you compare us to other skydiving places, odds are they consider someone to be one of their "graduates" if they've just "graduated AFF" meaning they no longer need an instructor in the air with them. While not needing in air freefall assistance is a respectable milestone, it does not mean that that person is fluent in all the areas to skydiving to be able to make sound judgments on their own. Historically, those learning to skydive were allowed to jump on their own with minimal to no additional supervision after "completing AFF" (meaning the first 7 jumps) and all too often this resulted in the all too frequent appearance of the meat wagon at the drop zone, because all the attention those fun freefall skills didn't do anything to teach the details of canopy control.

Get 3 6 Free skydives when you graduate!

HOME