The Drop
News and Resources from AXIS Flight School
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The 2015 USPA Nationals were held at Skydive Arizona (SDAZ) in Eloy, AZ. In the 4-way VFS category there were 6 teams in open, and 4 in advanced – a similar turnout to the previous year.One year ago, Arizona X-Force took 4th place at the 2014 USPA Nationals in Chicago with a 3.0 average. After a line up change, completing close to 400 training jumps at Skydive Arizona, and spending about 30 hours in the Skyventure Arizona wind tunnel, the team was able to improve their competition average to a 13.13 in just one season.
Arizona X-FORCE (Team 2005) from left to right: Seth Studer, Johnny Gunn, Kevin Mitchell, Brianne Thompson, Niklas Daniel. Photo by David Cherry. Here is a look at the draw for the open devision:
- B-9-11
- K-C-D-17
- N-L-M-F-J
- i-2-12
- 8-10-7
- 14-5-1
- 16-15-13
- H-G-A-6
- 4-3-E (tie breaker round)
SDC Core and AZ Arsenal ended up taking the first two spots on the podium with a 19 point difference between each other. There was an exciting fight to the finish between Arizona X-Force and the ARMY Golden Knights, as they battled for the bronze. Both teams were tied going into the last round, with a very challenging jump to boot. In the end, X-Force managed to put two more points on the board than the Knights, securing their 3rd place finish.
For more in-depth information, please visit omniskore, and for more media coverage check out SkydiveTV.
Arizona X-Force would like to thank Skydive Arizona, Skyventure Arizona, and all of our equipment sponsors who made this successful training season possible.
Teams from left to right: Arizona Arsenal (2nd), SDC Core (1st), Arizona X-FORCE (3rd) -
For more information about the team, please click here.
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A Dream for Wounded Veteran
Bobby Henline and his loving personality. — Image by Robert Seale Bobby Henline, American hero and stand-up comedian began the journey of a lifetime on March 18, 2015 by starting his skydiving certification through the Axis Flight School at Skydive Arizona in Eloy, Arizona. With the help of the non-profit, veteran owned organization, Operation Enduring Warrior; Bobby’s dream is about to come true…
Explosion
In his younger days, he dreamt of being able to fly through the sky, but that dream came to a standstill when he was injured in Iraq by a roadside bomb on April 7, 2007, with Bobby being the only survivor of 5 men involved in the explosion. Over 38% of his body was burned and his head burned all the way to his skull. He fought for his life in the hospital for six months and unfortunately after two years, he had to have his left hand amputated from injuries he had sustained in Iraq.
Stand-up comedy
After over forty surgeries, Bobby swore his occupational therapist that he would attempt stand up comedy in Los Angeles when he was in town for a doctor’s visit. A performance at an open mic night began an amazing journey for Bobby, where his love for stand-up comedy is proven through the joy and hope that he spreads to others through his humor. He currently lives in San Antonio, TX where he performs regularly at the “Laugh Out Loud,” and has also performed “The Laugh Factory,” “The LA Improv” and in Las Vegas at Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club.
First jump
According to Bobby after his first skydiving jump, he said, “I can’t even put into words how much I appreciate everyone involved that made it possible for me to do my first 2 solo jumps today. It’s still unbelievable that I did that today. I get choked up and my eyes water up just thinking about it. Can’t wait for more jumps tomorrow.” He is attempting to get his “A” license certification in skydiving after a total of 25 jumps are completed and other requirements are met.
Bobby Henline during one of his jumps during his skydiving training at Skydive Arizona. — Image by Niklas Daniel For more information on OEW and their programs, see Enduring Warrior.
NEVER FORGET!
To learn more about Bobby please visit his Facebook page.
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Axis Flight School comprised of Niklas Daniel and Brianne Thompson, announced earlier last week that they have expanded their school that dons extensive and high level coaching in freefall, canopy and tunnel. They announced Examiner and professional swooper, Ben Lowe have joined forces with Axis to now include an Instruction Rating School in conjunction with Axis Flight School, appropriately named, “X-Ratings!”
Ben brings a wealth of experience and rounds out a world class team of instructors. X-Ratings will offer Instructional Courses for Coach Ratings, AFF Instructor Ratings as well as UPT Tandem Ratings.
If you’re looking to further your arial skills, complete your B-license canopy course, refine your skills in the tunnel, looking to be more competitive or earn an instructional rating, contact Axis Flight School at Skydive Arizona!
For more information for courses, contact X-Ratings here.
Note: Axis Flight School has moved to the East part of the DZ, next to Square 2.
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I would like to thank Dave at Skydive Radio for making my image below their pic of the week! Skydive Radio is the world’s leading internet radio show dedicated to the sport of skydiving. Weekly episodes include commentary, feature interviews with industry insiders, listener-contributed photos, and e-mails from an audience that spans the globe.
Click here for a behind the scenes look at how the image was captured.
The Drop 