Page 37 - QARANC Vol 14 No 8 2014

Sport Parachuting
2013 has been a slightly different year for AMS skydiving. Due to various work commitments, we did not run an overseas adventure training exercise this year. However personnel have got into the sport via other avenues instead, with great success
Cpls Kyle and Sophie Kotze both took the plunge and learnt via the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) method at the Joint Services Parachute Centre, Netheravon. After 8 hours of ground school training, the Kotzes found themselves in a 17-seater aircraft ofver Salisbury Plain, an instructor either side of them, ready to do their first AFF jumps. Over the next two weeks they rapidly progressed from being beginners, to entering into the armed Forces Parachute Championchips in the novice accuracy competition, and they are very welcome additions to the AMS Sport Parachute Association.
Despite the lack of an overseas expedition, AMS personnel have proved that they are a force to be reckoned with in the competitive skydiving world. The 2013 Armed Forces Parachute Championships in July brought about plenty of medals, with Maj Nick Dennison winning the novice accuracy competition, and AMS Orchitis (Maj Kate Blethyn, Maj Alex
Hall, Maj Matt Campbell, Maj Nick Dennison and Ocdt Harriet Lewis) winning bronze in the high intermediate 4-way Formation skydive competition. Maj Mel Dando won silver in the Wingsuit Artistics competition,
Maj Si guest was in the winning senior Military team 4-way team of Army Nemesis, and Maj Anna hicks was in the overall winning senior team with her team Bodyflight Isis.
AMS jumpers have also made an impact on the World level competition, with Major Anna Hicks winning Bronze in Banja Luka, Bosnia, in the Female 4-way Formation Skydiving World cup at the with her Civilian British team. Major Mel Dando as has also been racking up the national and international medals, with Gold in the UK wingsuit artistic competition, and silver in the Hungarian competition.
An overseas adventure training expedition is being planned for Spring/summer 2014, and we always welcome newcomers who want to learn this awesome sport, as well as experienced skydivers who want to continue to progress
For more info on Skydiving within the AMS, whether you want to learn or are already an experienced skydiver, please contact Maj Anna Hicks on annajlea@hotmail.com
THE GAZETTE QARANC 35
Hicks 4-way over Banja Luka
AMS Orchitis in a competition jump over salisbury Plain
Major Si Guest exiting the plane with the Army team
32-Some of the AMSSPA members on with the silverware from the Armed Forces Parachute Championships
Some of the Armed forces Champs contingent
Maj Anna Hicks, far left, winning World Bronze in Bosnia
Major Hall clearly concentrating hard as she is about to jump off the side of a plane