Pathfinder Ireland Jump Rounds in Ireland –  

I am writing from the Curragh Camp, County Kildare Ireland on a wet and windy Wednesday lunch hour. The weather has been like this most of the summer so I was lucky when I left last Sunday that it was dry, bright and calm.

Last Sunday (7 September 2008) myself and Dave jumped round canopies at the Irish Parachute Club, County Offaly, Ireland. This was the first time that round canopies have been jumped at a civilian club in Ireland since the early 1990s. After much work towards getting gear and contacts sorted out which would allow us to jump we visited the Irish Parachute Club and at 1215 I made my first round descent in my home country, a proud moment.

I was surprised at the enthusiasm which we were met with when jumpers at the club saw the unusual (to them) MC1-1C parachute and chest mounted reserve, something which most had never seen in the flesh before. Within a short time I was checked by the jumpmaster and was in the aircraft. The aircraft used was the small but reliable Cessna 182. After a short and pleasant flight the aircraft was over the drop zone. Jump height was 2000 feet AGL and I made my exit by jumping off the step, located over the wheel, not the ‘dangling’ exit which is more usual for this aircraft. After a nice opening and no twist I got my bearings and realised I had been put out some distance from the DZ, a harvested wheat field beside the club. After assessing my drift and the ground below me I made for my intended DZ. I landed at the northern end of the field and was greeted by Dave and Austin.

On returning to the hangar there was a round of applause from skydivers and spectators which I was surprised at and we set about re-packing the parachute so Dave could make a jump. The re-packing of this was of curiosity to most and many came over to say how they had begun their jumping days on rounds. Others posed the usual question of ‘Why do you jump rounds?’, which gave us an opportunity to explain a little about Pathfinder.

Once the parachute was re-packed Dave was ready to jump and made the second jump of the day into the same field. On the first jump the jumpmaster had apparently overestimated the distance so Dave was put out closer to the DZ, landing in almost the same spot I landed in. For EUR 25.00 a jump this is excellent value.

This was an important event for Pathfinder Ireland as we can now make jumps in Ireland to stay current and keep our skills sharp. Jumpers, instructors, riggers and jumpmasters alike were very interested in seeing something different happening at the club and there will certainly be chances for jumping in larger aircraft in sticks in the future. We should even be able to organise demo jumps at events in Ireland in the future.

As we left the Irish Parachute Club on Sunday evening to head home we had a sense of a milestone being made as less than two years after myself, Austin, and Dave formed Pathfinder Ireland we have attained one of its main goals: to jump round canopies in its home country.

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This came naturally to some but for others, a few sore bones later and all was falling into place. With the days training over the course made their way to the hotels bar and meet up with the South African lads who were on a Square course. After a good nights sleep the course meet up at 0900hrs in the Parachute centre for the last part of ground training. With Drag dills to complete, we needed a GQ chute opened. As it was, I was volunteered to open this one from 2000ft. Great I thought, I had never jumped a GQ before now. With the course watching from the safety of the cafÈ, I made my jump.

The landing was harder than the MC1 That I had used before.

Some of the Lads were fortunate to gain both there Pathfinder Basic and Dutch B Wings on the same day.  The course broke on Thursday and made there way to Arnhem for the anniversary weekend.

B Cox

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The week leading up to the Market Garden weekend was taken up with a Basic course at Texel.

Then on a sunny Thursday most of the course moved to the camp site at Wolfhase on the outskirts of Oosterbeek, having located the camp site we set up camp and at 0900 hrs on Friday morning we received a brief on the way things were going to work.

At 1200Hrs some of us got on the coach and made our way to the airfield to get kitted up for the drop on Wolfhaze DZ. This was a first for Pathfinder as it was the first time since 1944 that anyone had used it.

We took off at 1540 Hrs.

The flying time from the airfield to the DZ was about 10 mins, having never been or jumped from a C-47 I was both excited and nervous. Once airborne it felt great to hear the engines roar.

Then the next thing I remember was the order to stand up and hook up. With the kit check complete and the stick "OK" was GO, GO, GO

I had spoken to some of the other lads and Ian and Lance about what to expect in the exit. Nothing they said prepared me for the rush I got going out the door.

The drop for me was great; with a good landing we made our way back to the campsite that was just over the road from the DZ. We packed the chutes and got ready for the Saturday.

The Saturday morning was very cold and the campsite was covered in a thick blanket of fog. A big problem for the Polish Paras 64 years earlier. We set of to the airfield at1000 hrs and got kitted out in the hanger.

Airborne, we made our way to the DZ at Ginkle Heath. It was a great drop with nearly no wind, the landing was great. It was great to jump on such a famous DZ.

Thanks to everyone who made it a possible.

Baz Cox

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Texel and Operation Market Garden 2008

       Ever since seeing “A Bridge Too Far” 6 years ago, I’ve had tremendous respect for the Red Devils of Arnhem. For me to actually jump out of a Dakota was just a pipedream best left to the pros. My brother Dave had already jumped onto both Driel and Ginkel Heide DZs but I was just content to admire Arjans’ well-edited DVDs of his jumps. A trip this June to Normandy with Dave  changed my mind. We watched a group of Airborne reenactors carry out a Parachute display drop onto a Normandy DZ and I was impressed. The veterans and the spectators present enjoyed the spectacle and I could see that this type of display brought home to the public just what danger the Allied jumpers had been in when they jumped into France to liberate the people. Filled with this new perspective I vowed to join the same group as my brother the Pathfinder Parachute Group and first honourably earn the Dutch Military ‘B’ wings and finally jump onto Ginkel Heide out of a C-47. Both modern and period gear was bought and courses booked through Daves help for which I was very grateful. I then set out for Holland.

    I reached Texel Island after a half-days train and ferry journey and booked into the local hostel De Keivit, a mile from the airfield. I was introduced to the rest of the Pathfinders a mixed bag from UK, South Africa and Holland. Gary, Chris and his son Tom of Pathfinder Ireland were also attending. The group was honoured to have present two Para vets who served in post-war Palestine. They were fairly active for their age. 1 even did a tandem jump for good measure. Next morning at the airfield we met the senior group instructor former British Paratrooper Ian Marshall, Lance also a former Paratrooper and Baz Cox assisting. I was going to get very familiar with Ian throughout the day even becoming his “favourite” pupil. Ian is as sound as they come and his one-liner repertoire had everyone in stitches. He also knows his stuff. The group was in good hands. Our first exercise was PLF introduction on the grass. When we all rolled in unison to his bark he instantly quipped: “ C’mon, am I that scary that you're all doing as I say???” I found PLFs hard esp. the dreaded gravel pit. My butt was suffering big time. Then Ian lectured us on canopy control the “halfway” rule followed by Baz jumping a GQ as a demo. We then continued with steering line demo and Caravan exit drills. There would be no in-harness training that sensation would be learned in the air. We then had a lecture on malfunctions where Ian scared us all with his horror stories designed to bring home to us that this was no game for the faint hearted and if we didn't get it right we could seriously hurt ourselves or worst. Then outside again for running PLFs. It wasn’t going well (I  was all arms and legs ) and then I had the infamous beret-between-knees lesson with Ian. Light was fading as local Instructor Jo taught us the Invader reserve drill. Next day would be first drop day.

    Another sunny calm morning began with PLF revision for the first chalk. Ian remarked he smelt Fear. I hadn’t improved overnight so Ian got Jo to give 4 others and myself remedial action. The 1^st stick jumped successfully but with Gary, Tom and Chris scattered all over the shop with only 1 person making the student DZ. Gary and Tom landed safely but unfortunately Chris landed with his legs apart and broke his leg. This brought home the necessity to get the PLF right first time. His and Tom’s week were now over. At time of writing Chris has made a full recovery. Both would have got their wings without a doubt. Accidents do happen which is why Pathfinder insist on the jumpers having the right kind of insurance for the course. Meanwhile back at the school remedial action seemed to be getting me nowhere and frustration was setting in especially with chalk 2 up in the air.

    About noon Jo sent us all for a break. Just as I was on my way to the cafe Lance called out.“You want to go up next”. You betcha!  Kitted up in my GQ harness, stick order determined and life signed away, I clambered into the Caravan and was hooked up by Iwan our local JM (who, incidentally dispatched Dave on his first jump). Gary was going for his 3^rd. The plane taxied and the sliding door closed. Up we went for a quick circuit of the DZ and then the 1^st stick was gone. I moved up apprehensively to the door and waited for the jumper ahead to go. I then sat on the door edge and all nerves faded away instantly. The airfield was partly obscured by cloud. “Go”, a slight push and out I went for the fastest water slide of my life. I missed the count but I was under a full canopy. Recovering my senses I located the DZ and steered towards it cutting back into the wind as Ian had taught us. It was eerily quiet up there and a great view of the island. Coming down the DZ got larger and I spotted a SA Pathfinder splash down perfectly in the dyke bordering the DZ. Then it was my turn. PLFed with the wind right on edge of another dyke and was promptly dragged waste-deep into smelly water. Oh well, I least I don't have to jump Neptune now! Either way I didn't care because I made it down on my first jump in one piece. On return to base Ian presented me with the Texel Life belt, in case I tried again for the dyke!!!…. After a 90 min. wait for my gear to be washed I kitted up for next jump smelling of “Comfort”. I was more nervous this time (all 2^nd jumps are notorious in parachute lore) with Ian doing the dispatching honours himself. I took a nosedive out of the plane which the canopy corrected. I almost made another dyke before just landing inside the DZ. Jump 3 (and Gary’s 5^th) was last flight before dusk. Ian fortified every jumper with his solemn observation; “This morning, I smelt Fear – now I smell Beer!” Wind took me away from the DZ but I steered to the DZ centre for a good PLF and a short walk back. At De Keivit I received the Pathfinder Basic proficiency Wings, though not before Ian recapped my day to all and sundry. I just had to grin and bear it. It was a testament to the outstanding teaching conditions and fast chute packing of the Texel staff that 12 jumpers received their Dutch B wings as well. The only disappointment was that 3 novices unfortunately failed to pass remedial PLF action and so had to miss out. Pathfinders staff will not let you jump in they feel your not ready for it. safety is always the main concerne.1 person in particular desperately wanted to qualify so he could jump onto Wolfheze LZ on Friday. His father had glider-landed there in Sept. ’44.  It was to Texels’ great credit that all 3 jumpers were offered a Tandem to make up for their disappointment. Next morning, I woke up a changed man and just wanted to get 4 and 5 out of the way. Some chute packing had to be done before and between jumps. Anyway I jumped 1^st out on both jumps and nailed the DZ centre on each. Some field packing of the GQs was performed and then it was to De Keivit for a barbeque and Dutch ‘B’ Wing presentation. I was in 7^th heaven.

    Thursday morning and after logbook and licence presentation I travelled down with Mark Mellor to Wolfheze campsite. There I  re-acquainted myself with old buddies Frank, Willem, Monique, Hubert, and Hervé, from Pathfinder Holland who had been refreshing training along with senior Pathfinders up at Oostwolde during the week. Finally Dave, Henry and Alan arrived. Stewart would arrive the next day. We all helped out packing the MC chutes and then everyone retired to their tents where we froze to death during the night! Bulls’ wool will never be mocked again after these 3 cold nights. Next day Ian Pope showed me the standup exit drill. He would also kindly lend me a pair of gaiters for Saturday lest I commit British Airborne fashion heresy. Dave’s Wolfheze drop went well. More chute packing and everything was ready for tomorrow. An early rise, an hours’ bus ride to Soesterberg Air Force Base and to the hanger (another hour to reach it or so it seemed!!!) where 4 Para were already kitting up. With all the uniforms being shown my nerves acted up again. Once kitted up and inspected by Brord and Peter, chalk 1 headed for the Dakota. Dave and myself would jump 2 + 6 out on stick 2. A Mitchell bomber would tag along for company. We took off on time and after a long time circling the heath stick 1 was dispatched. My nerves were getting the better of me and my legs nearly buckled on “Standup”. On “Action Stations!" I adopted the 90-degree strut and shuffled to the door when Peter ordered“Go!”  I handed Ian the “bight” of static line I had been holding,  folded arms,stepped smartly forward and got sucked out by the prop blast facing the rear. On canopy opening the heath was in its’ full glory. I found the MC-1C harder to steer than the GQ but she got down ok. I landed heavily, rolling onto my belly. I collapsed the chute eventually, let out a roar of delight and then promptly collapsed hand-on-knees, winded. Walking off the heath to applause from the crowd was great experience. The rest of our lads in Chalk 2 were dispatched the with the minimum of fuss and all landed safely. After chute packing we headed for Grossbeek and grub and then we all retired to the Pathfinders’ watering hole in Oosterbeek the “Schoonard” for well-deserved drinks.

    It was the last day and I attended the annual graveside commemoration in Oosterbeek where the remaining 1^st Airborne vets paid their respect to the fallen. It was very moving and emotional to see the local schoolchildren laying flowers on the graves. The Dakota, bound for Grossbeek overflew us at the end-of-ceremony to great applause from the crowd. After visiting the Hartenstein Airborne Museum where we got our log books stamped (A Pathfinder tradition) it was back to Amsterdam and then (unfortunately) home. That was Operation Market Garden 2008, an experience I'll never forget.

Owen

Pathfinder Ireland

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Chinese Air Force & Provinces

All China skydiving competition

Henan province November 2008

A whole week skydiving event was held in Henan province for the 2008 all China skydiving competition with the participation of the Chinese Air Force and the top performing  provincial teams (Hubei, Henan, Szechuan) as well as teams from the Beijing and Shanghai districts.

Pathfinder China was cordially invited for a 2 weeks visits spanning a 3000 kilometres trip across 4 provinces ( Guangdong , Hunan , Hubei and Henan ).

First week in Hubei jump school

Hubei Jump School wings

After a 13 hours train and a 3 hours drive from Hong Kong, Etta and myself finally made it to the Hubei jump school where we spent most of our time touring the region and attending the all China pre competition training.

  Second week in Henan jump school

Wings of the PLA Air Force Parachute Brigade

A 6 hours drive from Hubei to Henan province took us to Henan jump school where we toured the facilities and met the provincial jump team which gave us a very warm welcome and demonstration of their other activities such as a helicopter flying performance show and miniature observation aircrafts used on the field.

Some of the Antonov II used at the school

One of the Chinese Police choppers based at the school

Refill tankers at the school                             Henan province skydiving team

Elements of the Air Force display team                                     Hubei Jump team

With the Hubei Formation Skydiving team

A view of the drop zone in Henan

Some round canopy drops were made at the Hubei jump school by another team prior to the competition

2008 All China skydiving competition

The all China Skydiving competition kicked off a 5 days event with the participation of the Chinese Air Force and the provincial teams which included accuracy landing, formation skydiving, individual free fall performances , swooping and other related activities under the scrutiny of a panel of senior judges.

Formation Skydiving rehearsal                       A jumper from the Air Force

A jumper from the Henan team with pyrotechnics

Pyrotechnics display on landing

The first day consisted of mostly pyrotechnics display and other acrobatics with the different teams competing.

The second day was to display formation skydiving. The third day was spent on swooping between obstacles. The fourth day was for team grouped landings and the fifth for accuracy landing on a 2 centimetres target. Each member of the team did conduct between 5 to 8 jumps a day for a consecutive 5 days.

Hubei team display             

Henan team display                            Air Force team lead

Accuracy landing                              Hubei Formation Skydiving team

On the morning of the 6^th day the jury convened to award the prized to the competing teams. The Hubei team came up on top with 7 gold medals.

With my good friend Tsoi of  the air Force Display team

End of the second week and a visit to the Shaolin temple martial arts center

The Shaolin Monastery or Shaolin Temple (Chinese: 少林寺; pinyin: Shàolínsì), is a Chan Buddhist temple at Song Shan in Zhengzhou City Henan Province of the People's Republic of China. The monastery was built by the Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty in AD 477, and the first abbot of Shaolin was Batuo, (also, Fotuo or Bhadra (the Chinese transposition of Buddha), an Indian dhyana master who came to China in AD 464 to spread Buddhist teachings. ^[1] Long famous for its association with Chinese martial arts and particularly with Shaolin Kung Fu, it is the Mahayana Buddhist monastery perhaps best known to the Western world.

Yes Shaolin monks also do housechores 

PLA at Shaolin…..picture time….                      Yi Ting our Pathfinder cameraman.

Maamar Ferkoun (Pathfinder China)

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