What is the RAPS skydiving system?

RAPS stands for Ram-Air Progression System, which is the system under which you can learn to skydive and control your Ram Air (square) Parachute. You can do a Static Line jump as the first step of a course that will allow you to obtain the internationally recognised British  Parachute Association (BPA) 'A' licence, indicating that you are competent enough to jump with little or no supervision.

The equipment consists of a large docile fully steerable Ram Air parachute which is automatically opened for you by a static line as you leave the aircraft at 3500ft, and a large manually operated, docile fully steerable Ram Air Reserve with an automatic activation device as back-up (which senses speed and height above the ground)

What does the initial course involve?
Six hours of ground training. Which includes a series of lectures, briefings and practical exercises preparing you for your first jump which you will perform solo with the parachute automatically opened for you by a static line. You will then fly the parachute down and land it yourself. (Cat. 1).

Availability:
Courses are currently run at weekends from February to November.

Restrictions:
Maximum weight limit 15st / 95kg. Minimum age 16 years (parental consent required) / Maximum age 50 years. All participants must sign a 'Declaration of Fitness' before taking part in any parachuting activity and those over 40 must have the medical form signed by a doctor.