Rant & Rave Blog

(Written by ChutingStar's Henry Kochen.)

There comes a point in many skydivers' careers when they begin looking for a way to give back to the sport. For some, that path leads to coaching, AFF instruction, rigging, or organizing events. For others, it leads to one of the most challenging and rewarding roles in skydiving: becoming a Tandem Instructor.

The decision to become a Tandem Instructor is not one to take lightly. You are taking responsibility for introducing thousands of people to the sport while carrying the weight of their trust, safety, and often one of the most important experiences of their lives.

More Than Just Taking People for a Ride
Many outside the sport assume tandem instructors simply strap someone to their chest and jump out of an airplane. The reality is far different.

It's time to boogie, boogie, boogie, boogie, boogie! And the ChutingStar Crew will be out there with you at drop zones all over the US, providing all the support and goods you could ask for.

The one and only Laura Bales is packing up the van with demos from Freefall Data Systems, LB Altimeters, Cookie Helmets, Alti-2, and many more. Laura is available for container, canopy and jumpsuit orders as she'll be able to measure you up and walk you through the ordering process for any of your custom gear needs, including the helmet sizing kit for the Tonfly TFX Full Face Helmet.

The m2 AAD has a 15.5-year lifetime, and does not require factory maintenance service during that time.

The unit can be inspected by your rigger annually. Info on that inspection is in the m2 manual at this link and in the photo below.

Still, there are scenarios where an m2 does need to go back to the manufacturer for inspection, repair or service due to an error message, damage to the unit or the like.

Some error codes can be resolved, so first read the manual from this link for more info. ChutingStar also carries common replacement parts for the m2 at this link, which can be installed by your rigger.

Aerodyne released Service Bulletin SB300426 on April 30, 2026, which mandates the AAD cutter placement move to above the reserve pilot chute on its Icon harness/containers. This is a mandatory service bulletin from the manufacturer that is required before the next jump.

Read the full service bulletin at this link.

ChutingStar is able to complete this modification on your Icon. Here is the info:

Need an AAD during the time your unit is in for maintenance? Or just one to get you by until you can save for a new AAD, or find a great deal on a used one?

ChutingStar has 11 CYPRES 2 Changeable units available for rental at just over $2 a day!

Here's the scoop on how the rental CYPRES unit program works:

Performance Designs Europe has a batch of "pre-loved" canopies that are looking for new homes at reduced prices!

See the list below with all the currently available canopies, as of April 22, 2026.

If there is a canopy that you want to purchase, contact ChutingStar at this link, and we can confirm availability and the pricing for you.

UPT has stock Vector sport rigs available if you're looking for a container faster than the current custom turnaround times. These never last long, so here are the details below (as of February 6, 2026).

Click Read More below to see the full article. Click on the production forms to enlarge to see more details on each container. Contact ChutingStar to confirm availability, get help with sizing, get final pricing and to place an order.

(Written by ChutingStar's Henry Kochen.)

Why do you skydive? It can be an uncomfortable but necessary question.

Skydiving has never been more accessible. Better gear, faster training pipelines, endless online content, and social media highlight reels have lowered the barrier to entry in ways we couldn’t have imagined 20 years ago. That’s not inherently bad—but it can come with unintended consequences.

Complacency is a slow erosion of respect for the sport. A new generation of jumpers who sometimes don’t fully understand why they’re stepping out of an aircraft in the first place.

This isn’t about gatekeeping. It’s about self-awareness, safety, and longevity in a sport that is brutally honest when mistakes stack up. So, let’s ask the question most people never stop revisiting:

Why do you skydive?

Check back here for special deals from skydiving gear manufacturers and ChutingStar throughout the year!

Discounts usually are a rare thing in skydiving, and even more rare in the current supply shortage climate. We're focusing on making sure we have available items in stock and shipped to you by the time you need it for your next jump. Currently, ChutingStar has the following sales and ways to save listed below.

Here's the rundown on current deals:

• Save on 2024 & 2025 Skydiver Manuals
• Flat Broke Skydiver Deals
• Discounted stock of all PittZ Freefly Suits & Pants
• GoPro Camera Discounts
• UPT Stock Containers
• 30% off the base price of any In-Stock Wings Container
• PD Europe Used Canopy Sale
• Save on EVO2 + RUSH Reserve Package
• Top 11 Ways To Save $$$ @ ChutingStar!

Deal Details

Here are the links to more info and the ordering process for these deals from ChutingStar:

(Written by ChutingStar's Henry Kochen.)

Skydiving. For many of us it’s freedom, adrenaline, and pure joy. But behind every jump that feels effortless are countless hours of training, repetition, and a commitment to safety.

That’s why coaching matters. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned jumper, coaching can keep you improving... and alive.

Coaching is critical in skydiving in how it helps both new and experienced jumpers build skills while keeping safety front and center.