RAFSPA 2008 Season Summary

17-18 May 08: UK Skydiving League 4-way FS – British Parachute School, Langar

A great start to the 2008 season saw 3 teams turn out to compete at Langar. Unfortunately the weather did not turn out quite so well and only 4 of the proposed 6 round were able to be completed.

The Senior Team, RAFSPA Firefly, competing in A-class had several last-minute team changes which made preparation difficult. Despite this they put in some good performances in the rounds and ended the competition in 2nd place, winning Silver.

In the Rookie class we had 2 teams competing and in a highly competitive field they did well with RAFSPA Phoenix finishing in 5th place and RAFSPA Valiant in joint 8th.

07-08 Jun 08: UK Skydiving League 4-way FS – APA Netheravon

Unfortunately, due to operational and training commitments, RAFSPA Firefly and RAFSPA Valiant were unable to compete.

RAFSPA Phoenix were able to field a team and after completing the full 6 rounds gained 7th place.

28-29 Jun 08: UK Skydiving Leage 4-way FS – North West Parachute Centre, Cark

Again, operational and training commitments restricted RAFSPA teams from competing. The weather also played a part and the competition had to be called after 2 complete rounds for AAA and AA class teams and after only one round for A class and Rookie teams.

15-22 Aug 08: Armed Forces Parachute Championships – APA Netheravon

The Armed Forces Parachute Championships (AFPC) is the highlight of Sports Parachuting season, offering the chance to compete against teams from the Army and Royal Navy. We were able to field 2 teams to take on the many competing from our sister services and both with great success.

RAFSPA Phoenix took the Rookie class by storm, putting in an excellent performance to claim 1st place and the Gold medal.

RAFSPA Firefly in the A-class had a close-fought battle with Army Exodus, eventually losing out and finishing in 2nd place with the Silver.

23-25 Aug 08: British Nationals 4-way FS – Target Skysports, Hibaldstow

RAFSPA Firefly were the only team available to compete in the Nationals and were keen to build on their success at Langar and AFPC. The top 3 teams in A class were well ahead of the rest of the field for most of the competition and had a close-run fight for position between them. After all 6 rounds RAFSPA Firefly finished in 3rd place with the Bronze medal, once again being beaten to the Gold by Army Exodus.