Skydiving is one of the most exhilarating and adrenaline‑pumping experiences, but it's also a highly technical and risky activity that demands absolute focus, preparation, and adherence to safety protocols. As an Accelerated Freefall (AFF) student, your safety relies heavily on the gear you use and the pre‑jump preparations you make. By understanding and implementing the essential safety measures, you ensure that your skydiving experience is not only exciting but also as safe as possible.
In this article, we'll go over the fundamental gear you'll need and the critical pre‑jump preparations that every AFF student must consider before taking to the skies.
Essential Gear for AFF
Skydiving requires specialized equipment to ensure safety during every stage of the jump. For AFF students, the gear is even more critical, as the learning process demands increased awareness and the ability to handle your equipment under high‑stress conditions.
A. The Skydiving Suit
The skydiving jumpsuit provides essential protection during freefall and ensures your body maintains proper position in the air. It is typically made of durable, lightweight materials that allow for freedom of movement while offering resistance to wind. A good suit will also help reduce the amount of body drag, which can affect your stability during the jump.
Key Considerations:
- Fit: Ensure that the suit fits snugly to prevent excessive flapping or drag.
- Comfort: The suit should be comfortable and allow for adequate movement while still offering protection.
B. Harness and Container System
The harness and container system is the core of your skydiving gear. It holds your parachute system in place and is designed to ensure that everything deploys correctly during your jump.
Key Considerations:
- Proper Adjustment : Make sure the harness fits snugly, with no extra slack or tightness that could impede movement or comfort.
- Inspect Connections : Ensure all connections, such as leg straps, chest straps, and the main pilot chute, are properly secured.
C. Main Parachute
The main parachute is your primary means of slowing your descent after freefall. It must be packed and inspected by a certified rigger before each jump.
Key Considerations:
- Packing : Make sure the parachute is packed correctly by a certified rigger.
- Deployment Mechanism : Ensure that the deployment handle is within reach and that you can easily locate it in an emergency.
D. Automatic Activation Device (AAD)
An Automatic Activation Device (AAD) is a crucial piece of safety equipment that automatically deploys your reserve parachute if you fail to do so at a certain altitude.
Key Considerations:
- Functional AAD : Before every jump, check that the AAD is powered on and functioning correctly.
- Altitude Settings : Verify that the AAD is set to the correct altitude for your type of jump.
E. Reserve Parachute
The reserve parachute is your backup in case the main parachute malfunctions. Like the main parachute, it must be packed by a certified rigger and checked before every jump.
Key Considerations:
- Inspection : Ensure that your reserve parachute is packed according to regulations and has been inspected recently.
- Deployment Handle : Make sure the reserve parachute handle is easily accessible in case of emergency.
F. Altimeter
An altimeter is a critical instrument that helps you monitor your altitude during the jump. You'll need to deploy your parachute at the correct altitude, and an altimeter ensures that you don't exceed safe limits for deploying the main or reserve parachute.
Key Considerations:
- Visibility: Ensure the altimeter is easy to read during freefall.
- Battery : If using a digital altimeter, ensure that it has enough battery life for the jump.
G. Helmet and Goggles
A helmet protects your head in the event of a collision or other accident, and goggles ensure clear vision during the jump, even at high speeds.
Key Considerations:
- Proper Fit : Make sure the helmet fits securely without being too tight.
- Clear View : The goggles should fit snugly to prevent wind or debris from obstructing your vision.
H. Skydiving Gloves and Boots
While not absolutely essential, gloves and boots help protect your hands and feet from abrasions, especially during the landing process. Gloves can also offer extra grip when handling the parachute deployment handle.
Key Considerations:
- Comfort and Fit : Ensure that gloves and boots are comfortable and provide good mobility without interfering with the operation of your gear.
Pre‑Jump Preparations
The gear is only one aspect of skydiving safety. The other critical part of your preparation is mental readiness and the procedural checks that need to be done before every jump.
A. Mental Preparation and Focus
Before you even step into the plane, mental preparation is key. Skydiving requires total focus and calmness, especially as you take the leap from the aircraft. Calm nerves and a focused mind are vital to ensure that you make the right decisions and execute the necessary procedures during the jump.
Key Considerations:
- Breathing Techniques : Practice deep breathing to calm any nerves and steady your thoughts.
- Visualization : Take time to mentally rehearse the jump. Visualizing your body position, emergency procedures, and landing process can help you stay calm and prepared.
- Clear Your Mind: Clear away any distractions and focus on the task ahead.
B. Pre‑Flight Briefing
Before every AFF jump, you will go through a thorough pre‑jump briefing with your instructor. This briefing will cover all the steps of the jump, including emergency procedures and what to do in the event of a malfunction. It's vital to actively engage during this briefing and ask questions if anything is unclear.
Key Considerations:
- Emergency Procedures : Review the emergency procedures for both the main and reserve parachutes.
- Freefall Position: Revisit the proper body position for stable freefall.
- Altitude Awareness : Make sure you understand when and where to deploy your parachute at various altitudes.
C. Gear Check
A gear check is essential before boarding the plane. Both you and your instructor should conduct a thorough check of your gear to ensure everything is properly adjusted and functioning.
Key Considerations:
- Double‑Check Connections : Ensure all harness connections (main and reserve) are securely fastened.
- Deployment Handles : Confirm that both the main and reserve deployment handles are easy to reach and properly stowed.
- AAD Functionality: Ensure that the AAD is turned on and correctly set.
D. Aircraft Safety
Before boarding the aircraft, ensure that the plane you'll be jumping from is properly maintained and that you're familiar with the aircraft's emergency exit procedures.
Key Considerations:
- Aircraft Condition : Confirm that the aircraft is in proper working condition and meets all safety standards.
- Exit Procedures : Know where the exits are located and how to safely exit the plane once it reaches jump altitude.
E. Buddy System
During the AFF course, you'll typically be jumping alongside other students and instructors. Make sure that you have a designated buddy and that you both understand the jump procedures.
Key Considerations:
- Pre‑jump Coordination : Confirm that you and your buddy are on the same page regarding your jump and any emergency procedures.
- Post‑jump Communication : Agree on a method of post‑jump communication, especially if you plan to do multiple jumps during the day.
F. Weather Conditions
Weather conditions play a critical role in ensuring a safe jump. Before going up, check the weather forecast for any signs of poor conditions, such as high winds, storms, or low visibility. Always err on the side of caution and postpone your jump if conditions are unsafe.
Key Considerations:
- Wind Speed: Winds above a certain speed can make landing difficult and dangerous.
- Visibility : Ensure that you will have enough visibility to navigate safely during freefall and when deploying your parachute.
- Cloud Coverage : Avoid jumping in conditions with low cloud coverage that could limit your ability to see the ground and your landing area.
G. Physical Condition
Your physical condition before a jump is crucial. Fatigue, dehydration, or illness can impair your ability to make decisions and handle your equipment effectively.
Key Considerations:
- Rest: Ensure that you've had a good night's sleep and that you're feeling mentally and physically alert.
- Hydration and Nutrition : Stay hydrated and eat a light meal before your jump to avoid dizziness or fatigue.
- Avoid Alcohol : Never jump if you have consumed alcohol or any substances that impair your coordination or judgment.
Conclusion
The thrill of skydiving is matched only by the responsibility each skydiver has to ensure their own safety and the safety of others. By ensuring that your gear is properly maintained, double‑checking your equipment, and thoroughly preparing yourself mentally and physically, you reduce the risks associated with skydiving and increase your chances of having a safe and enjoyable jump.
The world of AFF can be both exciting and challenging, but with proper gear and diligent pre‑jump preparations, you can jump with confidence knowing that you are taking all the necessary steps to stay safe in the skies.