Operating a skydiving rig with a dual‑canopy system adds a valuable safety net---literally---but it also introduces complexity, especially when visibility drops to the point where you can't see the horizon, ground, or even your own hands clearly. In low‑visibility (LV) environments (e.g., fog, night, heavy rain, or sudden cloud cover), the margin for error shrinks dramatically. The best way to protect yourself and your jump partners is to have a clear, rehearsed emergency procedure that accounts for:
- Rapid decision‑making when visual cues disappear.
- Precise canopy deployment sequencing to avoid entanglements or loss of control.
- Redundant communication with your instructor/crew and, if applicable, ground crew.
Below is a step‑by‑step guide that consolidates industry‑standard practices, personal‑experience insights, and the most reliable techniques for handling dual‑canopy emergencies when you can't see well.
Pre‑Jump Preparation
1.1 Weather & Visibility Briefing
- Check METAR/TAF for ceiling, visibility, and trend data.
- Confirm minimum visibility required for your dropzone (often 3 SM for daytime, ½ SM for night with lights).
- Identify "visibility breakpoints" (e.g., fog line at 500 ft AGL) and set a hard‑stop altitude for the exit.
1.2 Gear Inspection
- Canopy packing: Verify that the main and reserve are packed according to the manufacturer's specs, with the correct "line pull" lengths for LV conditions (shorter line pull can help when you can't see the canopy fully open).
- AIRM System (or equivalent): Test deployment of both main and reserve, making sure the cut‑away lever is free and the reserve release is functional.
- Emergency Altimeter: Set a "low‑visibility cut‑off" alarm (e.g., 3,500 ft AGL for daytime, 5,000 ft for night).
1‑2‑3 Pre‑Jump "Eyes‑Closed" Drill
Even though you won't be completely blind, a short "eyes‑closed" ground drill builds muscle memory for the sequence: Pull → Cut‑away → Deploy Reserve → Check.
In‑Flight Decision Tree
| Situation | Immediate Action | Altitude Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Visibility | Normal jump, follow standard procedure. | --- |
| Gradual Visibility Loss (e.g., fog thickening) | Stay at or above the low‑visibility cut‑off . If still above threshold, continue. If you dip below, treat as "Loss of Visual Reference" (see below). | Low‑visibility cut‑off |
| Sudden Total Loss (e.g., night‑time cloud) | Assume emergency → Deploy main (if not already) → Cut‑away if main malfunctions → Deploy reserve. | 4,500 ft (night) or 3,500 ft (day) |
Key principle: If you cannot see the horizon, you must treat every deployment as an emergency.
Emergency Procedure for Dual‑Canopy Systems
3.1 Primary (Main) Canopy Deployment Failure
-
Assess the Situation (≤ 5 seconds)
- Do you feel a "tangled" pull or a sluggish opening?
- If the main is not fully inflated by 2,000 ft AGL (or the altitude you set in your altimeter), initiate cut‑away.
-
Cut‑Away the Main
- Pull the cut‑away lever firmly ---use a "pull‑and‑hold" motion (half‑second pull, half‑second hold) to overcome any possible resistance from a partially inflated canopy.
- Listen for the "snap" sound; it's the first indicator that the main is disengaged even if you can't see it.
-
Deploy the Reserve
- Immediately follow with a full, clean yank on the reserve handle. The yank should be long enough to achieve at least a 30‑degree launch angle, which helps clear any residual lines from the main.
- Avoid "dabbing" the handle; a continuous pull reduces the chance of a stalled reserve.
-
Control Check
- Once the reserve is fully inflated (you'll feel a sudden deceleration), perform a quick control check :
- Brake symmetry -- Pull equally on both brake toggles.
- Turn check -- Apply a gentle off‑heading input to confirm responsiveness.
- Once the reserve is fully inflated (you'll feel a sudden deceleration), perform a quick control check :
-
Navigate to Landing Zone
- Use radio or hand signals to relay your status to ground crew.
- Follow the standard landing pattern (dive‑in, turn‑over, flare) while maintaining a stable descent rate (≈ 1.2 m/s).
3.2 Dual‑Canopy Simultaneous Malfunction (Very Rare)
If both canopies fail to inflate (e.g., due to severe precipitation or a massive line entanglement), you have only one chance to rectify it:
- Re‑pull the reserve handle (most rigs have a secondary "re‑pull" feature).
- Apply a "Four‑Sided" Pull -- Simultaneously pull both brake toggles and the reserve handle, creating maximal airflow to force canopy inflation.
- If no inflation occurs by 2,000 ft AGL , prepare for a emergency parachute "pre‑landing" (i.e., a controlled rollout with the partially inflated canopy). This is highly scenario‑dependent and should be covered in advanced training.
3.3 Low‑Visibility Specific Adjustments
| Adjustment | Reason | How to Execute |
|---|---|---|
| Shorter Line Pull | Reduces the distance you need to see the canopy fully deploy. | Count "1‑2‑3‑4" seconds while pulling; stop at "4". |
| Use of Headlamp/Beacon | Provides a visual reference for the reserve deployment direction. | Turn on a bright, diffused headlamp before the jump; keep it on during deployment. |
| Audible Altimeter Alarm | Compensates for lack of visual altitude cues. | Set a distinct alarm for 3,000 ft (day) or 5,000 ft (night). |
| "Back‑to‑Back" Reserve (if rig permits) | Guarantees reserve opens even if the main is tangled behind you. | Verify that your rig's reserve is mounted rearward; practice the rear‑deployment motion on the ground. |
Post‑Jump Debrief
- Log the Incident -- Include visibility, altitude, weather conditions, and exact times of cut‑away and reserve deployment.
- Video Review (if you have a helmet cam) -- Even low‑light footage can reveal timing issues.
- Gear Maintenance -- Pack the reserve immediately after the jump; inspect lines for any damage caused by LV turbulence.
- Mental Reset -- Low‑visibility emergencies can be psychologically taxing. Discuss the experience with your instructor or a qualified mental‑performance coach.
Key Takeaways
- Treat any loss of visual reference as an emergency and act decisively.
- Pre‑flight planning is the cornerstone: set a hard‑stop altitude, verify altimeter alarms, and rehearse the "eyes‑closed" drill.
- Speed and confidence matter more than finesse---pull hard, cut‑away cleanly, and deploy the reserve without hesitation.
- Adapt the procedure for LV conditions: shorter line pulls, audible cues, and proper lighting can make the difference between a smooth landing and a hazardous outcome.
By internalizing these steps and integrating them into regular training, you'll increase your survivability and maintain confidence even when Mother Nature decides to dim the lights. Safe jumps!