cyberstang5.0, no... Actually it's not as expensive as you might think. The first time costs more because you have to go through a whole training course, etc... In US currency it runs about $250. The second jump is still a little pricey because you still have to have two instructors jump with you, but after that it gets cheaper and cheaper because you go to just one instructor. By the time you get your certification (takes about 8 jumps if you progress normally) it's down to about $50 a jump or something like that. That's also with renting the equipment. If you ended up buying your own chute and stuff it's just like $25 for a spot on the plane ride up.
jj_jonathon, don't sweat it that much. The chance is real slim and you are most likely a lot more at risk driving around in your Stang. No kidding. In 20 years that Bob has operated the jump center they've never had a fatality. I think the worst thing they said that ever happened was that someone broke their ankle (most likely because they did something stupid landing). Most people who die in parachuting accidents actually die because the plane crashed they were riding in (of all things). The chutes all have TWO parachutes. Your main and your reserve. The reserve chute is repacked monthly by a certified packer even if it is not used. If you have a serious problem with your main chute after deployment, that can't quickly be remedied, the spring loaded reserve could be deployed. Also, they have further safety devices you wear that will automatically deploy your chute if your altitude gets too low and you haven't deployed your chute (say if you were somehow knocked unconscious).
Kevin Price, you do that Kev... See you in the hospital nursing that broken leg.
GrayStang, Well BETTER than a 9-second pass... Better than sex? Ahhhh, that's pushing it.