Freefall Parachute Training

From USAFA Folklore

Cadets may take part in Freefall Parachute Training (known among cadets as AM-490 or simply Jump) at the Academy Airfield. Cadets perform freefall parachuting jumps to earn their jump wings by making five successful jumps. The Wings of Blue parachute team act as the primary instructors with assistance from experienced NCOs and supervised by an officer. The jump plane is a Twin Otter aircraft and students use rectangular chutes carrying a reserve in back as well. Prior to (when?) at least 1986, students were trained using parabolic chutes. A ten second freefall is made before the cadet pulls his/her ripcord. This is the only freefall program in the world where the first jump is solo. This training was offered as a summer program as well as during the academic year.

Perhaps the oldest student to go through the program was Lt Gen Winfield W. Scott Jr. in 1985 when he was the Superintendent.