[00:04.57]Excitement fills the early morning air as you arrive at learn to recognize and name each part of the parachute.
[00:19.17]You also learn what each part does.
[00:22.05]The excitement builds as your teacher describes each stetp it of the jump from take-off to landing.
[00:30.64]He tells you what to do in an emergency.
[00:33.72]Again and again, he explains the need for safety.
[00:37.41]By early afternoon, you have completed the schoolwork.
[00:42.27]Now it is time for your first jump.
[00:45.69]As you put on the equipment, you probably begin to think, "Do I really want to do this?"
[00:52.92]You are excited, of course, but a little afraid, too.
[00:57.10]The teacher inspects your equipment.
[01:01.73]Nothing is loose.
[01:03.92]Nothing is broken.
[01:06.66]He asks you questions about safety.
[01:10.11]Finally, he smiles and says you are ready.
[01:13.72]Then you, two other students and the teacher climb into a small airplane.
[01:21.14]The pilot makes sure everyone is sitting down and that no one else is outside near the plane.
[01:29.52]The plane's engine starts.
[01:32.94]The pilot moves the plane to the end of the runway.
[01:46.00]Moments later, you are climbing into the sky.
[01:51.52]The door of the plane has been taken off so you can get out more easily with all the parachute equipment.
[01:59.56]Without the door,the engine noise and the wind are very loud, Talking is almost impossible.
[02:09.07]So you sit there and think about everything you have learned.
[02:24.07]You go over each step for a successful and safe jump.
[02:29.68]You try to put the fear out of your mind.
[02:33.91]While you are thinking, your teacher and the pilot are working.
[02:39.87]The teacher leans out the door, watching the ground far below.
[02:45.54]With one hand he points toward a spot in the sky above your landing area.
[02:52.23]When the teacher is satisfied that the plane is flying toward the right place, he shouts:"Jump-run !"
[03:01.76]This means you are getting close to the jump area.
[03:06.17]When the plane reaches it, your teacher tells the pilot:"Cut the engine!"
[03:11.92]The pilot slows the plane's engine.
[03:15.55]Then the teacher points at you, and says:"Sit in the door!"
[03:20.72]Still fighting your fear, you sit in the doorway, with your legs outside the airplane.
[03:27.33]Then, you get the next command:"Climb out !"
[03:31.38]You reach out and hold the wing support.
[03:35.77]When you have a good, tight hold with both hands, you slide out of the plane using its wheel as a step,
[03:44.31]When you reach the right poition, you step off the wheel.
[03:48.65]Hanging by your hands, you look at your teacher and nod your head.
[03:54.32]You are ready and waiting for his final command.
[03:58.84]You look down at the ground, 900 meters below your feet.
[04:04.58]The wind from the plane's propeller feels heavy against your chest.
[04:09.78]Then your teacher shouts:"Go !" |