4.01 INTRODUCTION
This section covers information, guidelines and recommendations for first jump course training. There are three principal methods by which a person may make his or her first jump. The information in this section applies to each method. Detailed information pertaining to each specific method will be explained in later sections.
4.02 SCOPE
Information in this section covers:
•Training methods
•Training facilities and staff
•Registration procedures
•FAA regulations
•Rules of operation
•Equipment
•Weather
•Aircraft
•Exit
•Parachute opening and canopy steering
•Landing
•Emergency situations
•Recurrent training
4.03 TRAINING OPTIONS
Most people make their first jump to satisfy their curiosity.
For some, this is their only objective; many others will enjoy
the experience so much that they will want to continue and
learn how to become a skydiver. In each case, a certain amount of knowledge and
skill must be acquired to maintain safety. Currently, the USPA recognizes
several methods by which a
person may make a first jump, and there are also a number
of ways a person may learn the basic skills of skydiving.
A. General: There are several factors which are common to all methods. With each method the first time jumper will exit from an aircraft in flight and use a steerable parachute to glide to the ground. All jumpers are required to be equipped with a parachute system which has a main and a reserve parachute.
B. Static Line: Includes a solo exit from the aircraft and a solo descent under a parachute. This method requires the student to attend ground school before jumping. First jump classes typically start in the morning and conclude with the jump that evening or the next morning. The length may vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of the class, the type of equipment, or the student’s learning rate. The goal is for the student to meet the learning objectives, instead of just spending a certain amount of time in the class room. Static line jumps should be made from no lower than 3,000 feet AGL.
As the student exits the aircraft, the static line, which is attached to the aircraft, opens the main container and aids in deploying the main parachute. The student then steers the canopy to the landing area. If a problem (emergency) arises, the student is trained to exercise the proper emergency procedures.C. Instructor Assisted Deployment (IAD): The IAD program closely resembles the static line method of instruction. The main difference is the method of deployment for the students main canopy. In this program the jumpmaster will assist in the deployment of the students main during the initial jumps by holding the pilot chute as the student moves into position to exit the aircraft. When the student exits, the jumpmaster will release the pilot chute into the airstream, initiating the deployment of the students main parachute. When the student progresses to freefall jumps they have the option of using a throw out pilot chute or a ripcord activated, spring loaded pilot chute. IAD students will follow the same progression as static line students.
D. Accelerated Freefall (AFF): With AFF training, the student receives dual instruction in freefall. The jump is made with two Jumpmasters who provide direct assistance during the exit and freefall. Once the parachute is deployed, the Jumpmasters leave and the student makes a solo canopy descent. This method also requires completion of ground school before the jump. AFF jumps are usually made from at least 9,000 feet, which allows for freefalls of about 40 seconds or longer. A higher exit altitude allows for a longer freefall. Upon reaching the ripcord pull altitude of 4,000 feet, the student pulls his or her own ripcord. Then the jumper steers the parachute to the designated landing area. As with the static line method, the student is required to exercise emergency procedures if necessary.
E. Tandem/IAF Program: The student is attached to the front of the Instructor’s harness and is carried as a passenger throughout the jump from the exit until landing. This method requires minimal ground school before jumping. Tandem jumps are made from at least 5,000 feet and should include a freefall with a drogue chute followed by a canopy descent of about four minutes. The student may be allowed to help steer the canopy by using the dual controls featured on equipment designed for tandem jumping. With this method the student can receive dual instruction while learning to steer and land the parachute. A drogue chute on a tandem system slows the freefall to the average speed of a solo jumper.
4.04 SUPERVISION
All student training and jumps should be made under the supervision of an
experienced jumper who has been properly trained and rated to teach the
specific method being utilized.
A student may ask to see the credentials which verify that an Instructor is
appropriately rated for the type of training being offered.
4.05 SCHOOLS
Many regions are served by more than one skydiving center. The USPA maintains a list of current Group Member drop zones and will send this list to any interested individual; also, the yellow pages of the phone book are a good place to find them. People interested in beginning this sport are encouraged to shop around. Ask questions (personal observation is even better) about the types of training offered, type of equipment used, staff qualifications, etc. The cost of lessons may often reflect the quality of service.
A. Registration: Upon arrival at the jump center, register with the skydiving school. The prospective student, and all jumpers, will be required to fill out a registration form which will usually ask for—name, address, age, height, weight, occupation and the name, address, phone number and relationship of someone to contact in case of emergency.
B. Waivers: Each participant will also be required to agree to and sign a "waiver" or legal release. This release will verify that the person understands that there is an element of risk involved in skydiving and that the participant freely agrees
to accept that risk. The legal release will usually contain a contract or covenant by which the participant agrees not to sue the skydiving school, or anyone else, if the jumper
is injured.C. Medical Fitness: The registration may also include a
statement of medical fitness. A person should be in
good health and physical condition and should not be
on medication. However, there are some conditions
that can be properly managed if the Instructor knows about them. A FAA flight physical or a doctor’s statement of fitness for skydiving may be required in some cases.
The Instructor also needs to know about any recent
donations of blood.D. Medical Statement: USPA provides the following statement: "I, the participant, represent and warrant that I have no physical infirmities, except as listed below; am not under treatment for any other physical infirmity or chronic ailment or injury of any nature; and have never been treated for or diagnosed to have any of the following: cardiac or pulmonary conditions or diseases, diabetes, fainting spells or convulsions, nervous disorders, kidney or related diseases, high or low blood pressure, or any other disability which might in any way affect my ability to participate in skydiving."
E. Height/weight table: This table is provided on the following page, as a guide in determining physical fitness. Anyone more than 10% above or below the indicated weight for their height, or anyone over 50 years of age, should demonstrate an adequate level of strength and agility before beginning training.
F. Age: All participants in skydiving are required to be adults, except:
1. Minors who are at least sixteen years of age and have notarized parental or guardian consent can participate in the static line or accelerated free fall methods of instruction.
2. The person providing consent for a minor may be required to observe all pre-jump instruction.
G. All persons should avoid skydiving or flying for at least 24 hours after scuba diving.
4.06 FAA REQUIREMENTS
A. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has enacted a number of regulations covering parachute jumping (skydiving). In most cases, these Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) concern the conditions, airspace requirements and air traffic control procedures with which the pilot must comply. Also, each individual jumper is responsible for compliance. These conditions and limitations are contained in FAR 105 and further explained in Advisory Circular 105-2C (see Section 11).
B. The FAA’s primary goal is to protect the general public, including other air traffic and persons and property on the ground, rather than the skydivers.
C. FARs include:
1. Drugs and alcohol: No person may jump if they under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The effects of these substances are magnified by the change in atmospheric conditions that result at higher altitudes.
2. Equipment: Each person making an intentional parachute jump must be equipped with a single harness, dual pack parachute assembly including at least one main parachute and one approved reserve parachute. Tandem jumping which uses two harnesses and a dual pack parachute is also provided for by an exemption held by the manufacturers.
3. Reserve and main: The reserve parachute must be inspected and packed by an FAA certificated and appropriately rated parachute rigger within 120 days of the date of use. The main parachute must be packed by a certificated parachute rigger or by the person jumping it and is also required to be packed within 120 days of its use. FAA certificated riggers may also supervise others in the inspecting and packing of parachutes.
4. Assist device: Static line-deployed parachutes are to be equipped with an assist device and the technical requirements for the device are specified in the FAR.
5. Night jumps: All persons jumping between sunset and sunrise are to display a light that is visible for
at least three miles from time of exit until landing.6. Aircraft weight and balance: The pilot must operate the aircraft within the weight and balance limitations established by the manufacturer. It is in the best interests of each jumper to understand and comply with these limitations.
7. Seat belts: Each person on board an aircraft must wear a seat belt during movement on the ground, take-off and landing.
8. High altitude: Each occupant must be provided with supplemental oxygen if the aircraft exceeds 15,000 feet MSL.
D. The FAA has the legal authority to fine anyone who violates an FAR. They may also suspend or revoke any license or certificate they have issued.
4.07 LOCAL REQUIREMENTS
A small number of states and some local communities
have laws concerning skydiving. These laws usually repeat
the FAA regulations and, in some cases, USPA’s Basic Safety Requirements
(BSRs). Some states may also have additional
regulations.
4.08 USPA REQUIREMENTS
A. USPA Basic Safety Requirements (see Section 2-1) have been established to provide standards of operation for safe skydiving activities. Compliance with the BSRs does not guarantee safety nor does violation of them always result in an accident, but experience has shown that the chances of a safe skydive are much higher when following the BSRs. While the BSRs represent commonly accepted standards, local circumstances may allow more tolerance and so some of the BSRs may be waived. There are specific procedures and restrictions for filing waivers which are spelled out in Section 2-2.
B. USPA BSRs require:
1. Automatic activation devices (AADs) for all students (including tandem students).
2. Visually accessible altimeters for all students.
3. Flotation gear when jumping within one mile to a body of water.
4. Rigid helmets for all students (except tandem
students).5. A piggyback harness container system for all students that includes a single point riser release, a reserve static line (RSL), a ram-air main and steerable reserve.
4.09 DROP ZONE RULES
Most drop zones also establish rules of conduct for their own operation. Each person making a solo canopy descent should be aware of all of these rules and also know the location of all nearby landing hazards.
4.10 USPA RECOMMENDATIONS
A. AADs are:
1. Mechanical devices that are designed to open the container if the jumper is exceeding a certain speed and below the preset firing altitude.
2. Usually used on the reserve.
3. Intended to be used only as back-up devices and should not be relied upon as they may not work as intended.
4. No substitute for proper action on the part of the skydiver.
B. All students should wear:
1. Gloves—if the temperature at jump altitude is 40° F or less.
2. A jumpsuit (coveralls).
C. Knowledge: Each student making a solo canopy descent should have a thorough understanding of how to operate his or her parachute system before making the jump. This understanding should include knowledge of how the system works and proficiency with the operational controls of the parachute system, to include emergency procedures.
4.11 PARACHUTE EQUIPMENT
A. Reference paragraphs 4.06 for the equipment requirements and standards established in the FARs, 4.08 for USPA requirements and 4.10 for USPA recommendations.
B. The typical parachute system consists of the following component parts:
1. Harness—an arrangement of webbing and fittings that enclose the body and connect the wearer with the canopy through the risers.
2. Container—the portion of the assembly that is used to store the folded parachute canopy.
3. Canopy—the component which slows your rate
of descent when open and inflated. It must be a ram-air for use as a student main and may be
either a ram-air or round for use as a reserve.
The canopy includes the fabric portion and the suspension lines.4. Pilot chute—a small parachute that aids deployment by acting as an air anchor. Some contain a spring to launch it out of the container and others do not. It may be packed in the same container as its canopy or in a separate container or pouch.
5. Deployment device—a bag, sleeve, diaper or other device used to stage and control the deployment sequence of the canopy. It is intended to increase reliability and reduce opening force.
6. Ripcord—a device used to hold the container closed. Pulling the ripcord allows the container to open and the deployment to begin.
7. Risers—straps of webbing that connect the harness to the suspension lines of the canopy. Steering controls are usually located on the risers.
C. There are a number of additional parts which are assembled together to make up each component. These will vary according to the particular product. Definitions for some of these parts may be found in the glossary.
4.12 EQUIPMENT OPERATION
A. It is important for everyone making a solo canopy descent to understand the operation of the parachute system. This operation is divided into three separate functions:
1. Activation—the container is opened, or activated either by pulling the ripcord, releasing the pilot chute or by the static line, depending on the design.
2. Deployment—the next step is the stretching out of the canopy and the other parts stowed in the container. A pilot chute aids deployment by putting drag on the system while the jumper continues to fall away.
3. Inflation—the final step in the opening process is inflation, which is the filling of the canopy with air. It is the inflated canopy that slows the jumper down for a safe landing.
B. Each jumper should physically practice on the ground with the type of equipment to be used until completely familiar and proficient in its operation.
C. Every jumper should receive a thorough and systematic equipment check before boarding the aircraft and again before exit.
4.13 WEATHER CONDITIONS
A. The BSRs require that the wind conditions at the surface and the appropriate altitude be determined before jumping. There is no specific method that must be used to make this determination. It may be done by measuring the wind speed on the ground and calling the FAA for the winds aloft forecast. It is also common to release a piece of weighted crepe paper (wind drift indicator or WDI) at canopy opening altitude. This will indicate the direction and magnitude of the wind that will affect the drift of a jumper under canopy. Winds can change at any time so other indications should be checked by the jumper before and during the jump.
B. Appropriate vertical and horizontal clearance from clouds and visibility need to be determined before exiting the aircraft. Reference FAR 105.
4.14 AIRCRAFT
Every jump begins with the aircraft ride to altitude. In order to use the aircraft safely there are some basic rules and procedures with which everyone needs to be familiar with:
A. Entering the aircraft:
1. Students should never approach an aircraft, whether the engine is running or not, unless they are under the direct supervision of their Jumpmaster.
2. Everyone should always approach a fixed-wing aircraft from behind the wing and always approach a helicopter from the front.
3. Everyone should always protect their ripcord handles while entering the aircraft and follow procedures to avoid the accidental activation of their equipment.
4. Aircraft fueling operations should occur away from skydiver landing and loading areas, and no person, except the pilot and necessary fueling crew, should be aboard the aircraft during fueling. USPA accepts the practice of rapid refueling (fueling an aircraft while an engine is running) for certain turbine powered aircraft when performed in accordance with the guidelines of Parachute Industry Association Technical Standard, TS-122.
B. Ride to altitude:
1. Everyone should have a thorough understanding and be prepared to take the appropriate actions in the event of an accidental activation of the parachute equipment in the aircraft.
2. Students should sit still and move only when specifically directed to do so by the Jumpmaster.
3. In the event of an aircraft emergency, everyone should follow the instructions of the Jumpmaster or the spotter.
4. Seating arrangements will be determined in advance and will vary according to the particular aircraft and the size and type of the load.
5. It is important for the load to be properly distributed in the aircraft to maintain the balance in relation to the center of gravity, which is necessary for the aircraft to fly safely. The jumpers should cooperate fully with the pilot in order to keep the aircraft within its safe performance envelope throughout the entire flight.
6. The aircraft should not be loaded with more weight than the maximum allowed for in the manufacturer’s operating manual. Nor should it be loaded with more occupants than it is approved to carry.
Note: Failure to maintain proper weight and balance throughout the flight may result in loss of control of the aircraft.
7. Seat belts are required to be worn by all aircraft occupants during movement on the ground, take-off and landing. When not in use, seat belts should be stowed out of the way, but they should never be fastened together unless they are being worn.
8. The smallest aircraft which should be used for student jumping is one which will carry the pilot and at least three jumpers.
4.15 AIRCRAFT EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Each skydiving operation should establish procedures for all possible emergencies. Every pilot and non-student jumper should thoroughly understand these procedures. All students should be familiar with them, but they should take direction from their Jumpmaster.
4.16 EXIT
Specific procedures for the exit and the actions before parachute opening will depend on the training method being followed. Procedures for freefall emergencies are also covered in the lessons for each training method.
4.17 PARACHUTE OPENING
A. The first rule for all skydivers is to land with an open parachute. In order to have time to respond to all emergencies and allow for errors, the following minimum opening altitudes should be observed:
1. Tandem jumps- 4,000 feet AGL
2. Freefall students and novices- 3,000 feet AGL
3. Static line & IAD jumps- 3,000 feet AGL
4. A and B license holders- 2,500 feet AGL
5. C and D license holders- 2,000 feet AGL
B. The pilot and all jumpers on board the aircraft should be informed in advance whenever an opening is planned to be above the normal opening altitude. When more than one aircraft is being used, the pilots of each aircraft in flight at the time of the jump should be notified.
C. It is of the utmost importance for every skydiver to understand that his or her order of priorities for every jump should always be:
1. Pull—open the parachute.
2. Pull at the assigned altitude or higher—whether stable or not.
3. Pull with stability—to improve opening reliability.
4. Check canopy—promptly determine if the canopy has properly opened.
5. Activate the reserve—perform the appropriate emergency procedures if there is any doubt whether the main canopy is open properly and controllable.
6. Land in a clear area—a long walk is better than landing in a hazardous area.
7. Land safely—be prepared to perform a PLF (parachute landing fall) with the feet and knees together to avoid injury.
D. The following is a sample count sequence. It can easily be adapted for IAD jumps. Once the main parachute has been activated, the jumper should continue to count in order to keep track of time. Within three seconds the jumper should determine whether or not the canopy has opened properly and is controllable.
1. ARCH thousand—Exit aircraft and arch.
2. LOOK thousand—Maintain arch and look at the ripcord handle.
3. REACH thousand—Maintain arch and simultaneously move the left hand over the head and the right hand to the ripcord handle.
4. PULL thousand—Pull the handle vigorously, return the arms to the original position.
5. CHECK over the right shoulder.
4.18 EQUIPMENT EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
If the parachute is not fully open or if it is not controllable, or if there is any doubt, it is the jumper’s responsibility to perform the appropriate emergency procedures. Specific procedures depend upon the type of equipment being used and the training method being taught. Specific procedures can be found in the equipment owners operating manual.
A. USPA recommends that within 30 days before any jump, each student should practice emergency procedures from a suspended harness. It is best if this practice is conducted under the guidance of a rated Jumpmaster.
B. Piggyback with single point release–the following are
sample procedures for use with this type of system.
Note: "Single point release" refers to systems that use one handle, usually located on the right main lift web, to release both risers. Not to be confused with an SOS (see note below).
•Total (nothing deploying) malfunction:
1. ARCH.
2. LOOK at the reserve ripcord handle.
3. REACH for the reserve ripcord handle with both hands.
4. PULL the reserve ripcord handle with both hands and clear the cables.
5. CHECK CANOPY.
•Partial (canopy out, but not working properly) malfunction:
1. ARCH.
2. LOOK at the release handle.
3. REACH for the release handle.
4. LOOK at the reserve ripcord handle before cutting away.
5. PULL the release handle and throw it away while still looking at the reserve ripcord handle and clear the cables.
6. REACH for the reserve ripcord handle with both hands.
7. PULL the reserve ripcord.
8. CHECK CANOPY.
C. Piggyback with SOS- The following are sample procedures for use with this type of system.
Note: SOS or "Single Operation System" refers to systems which use one combined handle, usually located on the left main lift web, to release both risers AND pull the reserve.
In the event of any type of malfunction:
1. ARCH.
2. LOOK at the combination release and reserve
ripcord handle.3. REACH for the combination handle with both hands.
4. PULL the combination handle to full arm extension and clear cables.
5. PULL again- reach back in with one hand, grasp the cables where they come out of the housing and clear the cables.
6. CHECK CANOPY.
4.19 CANOPY STEERING
A. Before the jump, the student should:
1. Know the intended opening point.
2. Have a flight plan established to guide the canopy to the correct landing area.
3. Use an aerial photo, diagram or observe other jumpers in the air (whenever possible) to give him an advantage in executing the pre-determined flight plan.
4. Be prepared to steer the canopy without depending on assistance. Ground-to-air radios and signals are commonly used but should only be considered as a backup to good training.
B. Under canopy: Once the jumper is under an open parachute, the student should:
1. Locate the intended landing area.
2. Select an open area free of obstacles in which to land:
a. It may be necessary to select an alternate landing area if the jumper is unable to steer the parachute to the originally intended landing area.
b. It is the jumper’s responsibility to continually estimate the probable landing point and make appropriate adjustments to land in a clear area.
C. Canopy control: The task of steering the parachute is called canopy control. Specific procedures may vary depending on the type of equipment and the drop zone being used. The jumper should consult the owners manual for specific procedures on his or her canopy. In general:
1. There are two steering toggles or handles, one on the back of each rear riser.
2 The canopy is turned by pulling down one of the steering toggles:
a. Pulling the left toggle will make the canopy turn left.
b. Pulling the right toggle will make the canopy turn right.
3. The canopy will continue turning as long as the toggle is held down; letting the toggle all the way up will stop the turn.
4. Pulling both toggles down at the same time will cause the canopy to slow its forward speed.
5. Pulling both toggles down and holding them may cause the canopy to stall. This should be avoided at low altitudes. The only exception is that both toggles are pulled down when landing a ram-air canopy.
D. Canopy maneuvers—full flight: The parachute canopy can be steered to a landing area because of its air speed and steering ability. It travels forward through the air at speeds up to 30 mph depending on its size and type. The jumper can select from three basic flight modes:
1. Running—the canopy is facing downwind; the forward speed of the canopy is added to the wind speed to yield the fastest possible ground speed when the canopy is in full flight.
2. Holding—the canopy is facing upwind; the forward speed of the canopy is subtracted from the wind speed to yield the slowest possible ground speed when the canopy is in full flight.
3. Crabbing—also called quartering, the canopy is faced at an angle to the windline. The canopy will drive forward across the windline and at the same time it will drift downwind, resulting in a flight path across the ground that is diagonal to the windline.
E. Canopy maneuvers—brake flight: The canopy can be flown in various braking modes which affect its forward airspeed and glide angle. When both toggles are all the way up, the canopy is in full flight. Pulling down both toggles evenly will reduce the air speed; the farther they are pulled down the more the canopy’s air speed will be reduced. Once the lowest possible air speed is reached further depression of the toggles will result in a stall. In a stall the canopy will rock back and dramatically increase its rate of descent. Stalls should be avoided below 500
feet AGL.1. Half brakes—both toggles are pulled down to about chest level. The forward speed decreases and the angle of attack increases.
2. Full brakes—both toggles are pulled until forward speed is nearly zero.
3. Brake turns—both toggles are pulled down and then one toggle is either depressed further or let up a little. This creates a flatter turn with less loss of altitude than a full-flight turn (only one toggle depressed).
F. Right-of-way: The lower person has the right of way, both in freefall and under canopy. The higher person should always yield to anyone below. It is important to avoid collisions at all cost.
4.20 LANDING
A. General: All landings should be made facing into the wind unless it is necessary to take evasive action to
avoid obstacles. In that case, the landing should still
be made flying straight ahead (not turning). The jumper should always be prepared to perform a parachute landing fall (PLF).B. PLF: A PLF is the best way to distribute the landing forces to avoid injury. The proper body position for a PLF includes:
1. The feet and knees held tightly together with the knees slightly bent.
2. The thigh muscles tensed and the toes pointed down.
3. The points of contact are:
a. The balls of the feet
b. The side of the calf
c. The side of the thigh
d. The side of the buttock
e. The side of the back
C. Recovery: As the jumper rolls smoothly into the PLF the jumper should:
1. Follow through by returning to his or her feet.
2. Immediately move down wind of the canopy in order to collapse it and avoid being dragged in high winds.
3. Collapse the canopy by pulling one steering line to rotate the canopy 180 degrees, if a jumper is unable to get back on his or her feet.
D. Where to land: All landings should be made in a clear area. Beginning skydivers especially should land as far as they can from any type of obstacle. An effective method of avoiding an isolated hazard is to face away from it while still checking periodically to keep track of its location. Since obstacles may be difficult to identify from the air, the jumper should steer clear of all straight line terrain features (roads, ditches, fence rows, etc., since these usually indicate hazards). Before jumping, each jumper should examine an aerial photo of the drop zone and determine the location of all obstacles and potential hazards. It is the jumper’s responsibility to continually estimate the actual landing point and make the adjustments necessary to avoid a hazardous landing.
4.21 HAZARDOUS LANDING PROCEDURES
A. The most important thing to know about landing hazards is to continually make efforts to avoid them.
B. If the jumper does need to make a hazardous landing, the following procedures should be followed. These procedures should be practiced in a suspended harness.
C. Powerlines:
1. Continue steering to avoid power lines above all else.
2. If they cannot be avoided, the jumper should drop the ripcord or anything else in his or her hand.
3. With a ram-air canopy, hold the toggles at 50% brakes.
4. With a round canopy, place the hands in between the front and rear risers on each side.
5. Prepare for a PLF with feet and knees tight together and turn the head to the side.
6. Do not touch more than one wire at a time.
7. If suspended in the wires, wait for help from the drop zone personnel.
8. A jumper suspended from power lines should not let anyone touch him until the power is turned off.
D. Water: Refer to Section 9-2 for water landing training recommendations.
1. Continue steering to avoid the water.
2. As soon as the jumper determines that the water cannot be avoided, the jumper should begin
preparations.3. Release the chest strap.
4. Inflate the flotation gear.
5. Prepare for a PLF.
6. After entering the water, get out of the parachute equipment and get completely clear of it to avoid becoming entangled.
E. Trees:
1. Continue steering to avoid the trees.
2. With a ram-air canopy, hold the toggles at 50% brakes until tree contact.
3. Prepare for a PLF.
4. If they cannot be avoided, prepare for a tree landing.
5. Protect the body by keeping the legs tight together (do not cross feet or legs) and cover the face with the hands while holding the elbows tight into the stomach.
6. Steer for the middle of the tree, then hold on to the trunk or main branch to avoid falling.
7. If the feet are above the ground, wait for help from drop zone personnel to get down.
F. Objects:
1. Continue steering to avoid the object.
2. If it cannot be avoided, prepare for a PLF.
3. Strike the object feet first.
4.22 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES SUMMARY
A. Emergencies can be divided into four categories:
1. Aircraft emergencies
2. Freefall emergencies
3. Equipment emergencies
4. Landing emergencies
B. Proper preparation and responsible judgment greatly reduce the probability of encountering an emergency situation, but even with the most careful precautions emergencies may still occur from time to time.
C. Skydiving is made safe by always anticipating and being prepared to respond to the types of emergencies which are likely to arise.
D. Before each jump the skydiver should review the procedures to avoid emergency situations and the procedures to respond to emergencies if they do occur.
E. Safety is defined as reducing the risk factors. Risk can be reduced by:
1. Acquiring accurate knowledge.
2. Jumping in suitable conditions.
3. Evaluating the risk factors.
4. Knowing personal limitations.
5. Keeping options open.
4.23 VERIFICATION OF TRAINING
A. Testing:
1. Upon completion of ground school and before the first jump, it is common practice and good teaching procedures for all students to be required to pass written, oral and practical tests.
2. Written tests should be designed to have the student explain his or her knowledge and understanding. Oral tests should be used to develop decision making ability. Practical tests should be designed so the student can demonstrate reactions and skills.
3. Tests will not only assure the Instructor that the student has learned, but will also give the student confidence that he has learned how to safely make a skydive.
B. Before making each subsequent jump, each student should explain and demonstrate to the Jumpmaster that they still remember the knowledge and skills which were previously attained in addition to explaining and demonstrating the new lessons learned.
4.24 RECURRENT TRAINING
A. Students and novices:
1. All students and novices who have not jumped in 30 days or more should receive refresher training for all standard and emergency procedures which were, or should have been, previously acquired.
2. Special care should be taken to verify that physical skills as well as theoretical knowledge are adequately demonstrated by the student.
B. Experienced skydivers:
1. Skydivers who are not current are in a high risk group which needs special consideration to properly manage that risk.
2. Care should be taken to regain or develop the knowledge, skills and awareness needed to satisfactorily perform the tasks planned for the jump.
3. Jumps aimed at sharpening survival skills should precede jumps with other goals.
4.25 CURRENCY JUMPS
Experience shows that proficiency in any skill is in direct proportion to the frequency with which the skill is exercised. This is especially true with skills which require presence of mind, coordination, sharpness of reflexes, and control of emotions. The second jump of the day is always easier since anxiety is reduced—the jumper has already experienced one jump. Long lay-offs between jumps not only dull skills but heighten apprehensions. Because of this human characteristic, these procedures are presented to establish currency.
A. Students—Static Line:
1. Student skydivers on freefall, being trained by the static line progression method, who have not made a skydive within the preceding 30 days, should make at least one satisfactory static-line jump with a successful practice ripcord pull (PRCP) under the direct supervision of a currently rated USPA SL JM, before returning to freefall status.
B. Students—Instructor Assisted Deployment (IAD):
1. Student skydivers on freefall, being trained by the IAD progression method, who have not made a skydive within the preceding 30 days, should make at least one satisfactory IAD jump with a successful practice ripcord pull or practice pilot chute throw under the direct supervision of a currently rated USPA IAD JM, before returning to freefall status.
C. Novices—Static line and Instructor Assisted Deployment (IAD):
1. who have graduated from the static line or IAD program but have not yet obtained a USPA A license and have not jumped in the preceding 30 days, should make at least one jump under the direct supervision of a currently rated S/L, IAD, or AFF jumpmaster.
2. who have graduated from the static line or IAD program but have not yet obtained a USPA A license and have not jumped in the preceding 60 days, should follow the recurrency recommendations for students.
D. Students and Novices—AFF and Tandem/IAF:
1. Who have graduated from the AFF or Tandem/IAF program but have not yet obtained a USPA A license and have not jumped in the preceding 30 days should make at least one jump and demonstrate the ability to start and stop turns, maintain altitude awareness and the ability to maintain stability during deployment. This jump must be made under the direct supervision of a currently rated AFF JM.
E. Basic Skydivers—USPA A License holders:
1. 60 days: who have not made a freefall skydive within the preceding 60 days should make at least one solo jump under the direct supervision of a currently rated USPA S/L, IAD, or AFF JM.
2. 90 days:
a. Static Line and IAD: who have not made a freefall skydive within the preceding 90 days should make at least one satisfactory static line jump with a practice ripcord pull and one freefall under the direct supervision of a USPA JM currently rated in the method by which the jumper was trained, or:
b. AFF or IAF: make at least one jump to demonstrate the ability to start and stop turns and maintain altitude awareness and stability during deployment. This jump should be made under the direct supervision of a currently rated AFF JM.
F. Intermediate Skydivers—USPA B License holders: who have not made a freefall skydive within the preceding 90 days should make at least one jump under the direct supervision of a S/L, IAD, or AFF Jumpmaster.
G. Advanced Skydivers—USPA C License holders: who have not made a freefall skydive within the preceding 120 days should make at least one jump under the direct supervision of a S/L, IAD, or AFF Jumpmaster.
H. Master Skydivers—USPA D License holders: who have not made a freefall skydive within the preceding six months should make at least one jump under the direct supervision of a S/L, IAD, or AFF Jumpmaster.