Jump 490 Aerials

The weather in Colorado in the Spring time is very unpredictable and always makes getting the jumps in for Jump 490 difficult.  It took several days for both days, M and T day, to complete their first jumps. 

*** Note: Some cadets jumped on both days so you might want to look at both days if you have time because their might be extra photos of your cadet jumping.  Several cadets were photographed twice this past week.

As stated in the Jump Ground blog, Airmanship 490's purpose is to develop leadership traits through overcoming their fears and coping with stressful situations.  The program starts with 30 hours of instruction in basic free fall parachuting technique and procedure, to include emergency situations they may encounter when jumping.  The successful completion of 5 Jumps results in being awarded the Air Force Basic Parachutist Badge "Jump Wings", which they can wear on their uniform for the rest of their Air Force Career.

The parachutes are laid out in the order that the jumpers will be jumping.  Their jump sheet is put in front of each chute.  The colored square on the floor represents the color of chute they will have.  It is quite the process getting their gear on and ready to jump.

  

  

   

Prior to each jump, they will have their jump gear inspected by the instructors, get a final briefing on weather conditions, exiting the aircraft and proper jump technique.  

  

  

As they walk out of the building they touch the Jump Wings for good luck!

  

  

Then it is time to load up into the Twin Otter Airplane which will take them up to the jump altitude and out they jump when instructed by the jump master.  The first one to load onto the plane is the last one to jump out of it.

   

  

AM-490 is the only program in the entire world where the first jump is an unassisted freefall.  One can only imagine what it must feel like to stand in the door, then jump and freefall for several seconds before pulling the rip cord and looking up to see if the chute deployed.

  

  

  

When the winds are low their ability to get closer to the landing zone is greatly improved and it allows for some great photos of the cadets under canopy and in the harness.

  

  

Every now and then you get an added bonus of a plane in the background! This was the first time an airliner was captured.  Do not worry, it is not nearly as close at it appears in the photo!!! The airliner is actually at l5,000ft of altitude or higher, but due to the camera lens being at maximum zoom, it makes the airliner appear much closer.

It is always wonderful to photograph the cadets after they have jumped. You can see the excitement and relief on their faces as they walk back to the landing zone to pack their chute.

  

  

To View photos, go to Galleries > Airmanship > Jump.  At the top of page, Sort Photo Order OLDEST to NEWEST.  Click on the start page you want (737- 797 ) or click on the links below.

* Sort Photo Order must be set OLDEST to NEWEST for the link to take you to the correct start page. 

Jump 490 Aerials Spring 2022 2nd Session M Day pgs. 737 (middle of page, 6th row down) - 770    M Day

Jump 490 Aerials Spring 2022 2nd Session T Day pgs. 770 (middle of page, 6th row down) - 797     T Day