Skydiving is a thrilling sport that captures the hearts of those who seek adventure, combining the exhilaration of freefall with the rush of a safe and controlled landing. However, the process from exiting the aircraft to touching the ground involves several stages, each requiring a precise understanding of aerodynamics, technique, and equipment. A skydiver's journey doesn't end when the parachute opens. In fact, the most critical part of a skydive---the landing---demands careful attention and skill to ensure a smooth, safe descent and touchdown.
In this article, we'll explore the intricacies of what happens during a skydive, from the moment the parachute deploys to the final seconds before landing. We will discuss the physiological and mechanical aspects of the landing process, examine the techniques used to achieve a safe touchdown, and highlight the factors that contribute to a successful landing.
The Parachute Deployment and Initial Descent
The moment you exit the aircraft, you enter freefall. At this point, you're hurtling toward Earth at an average speed of 120 miles per hour (193 km/h) in a stable belly-to-earth position. This high‑speed descent lasts until the parachute is deployed.
Automatic Deployment or Manual Activation?
For most recreational skydivers, the deployment of the parachute is a manual process. After freefalling for a certain amount of time, typically around 4,000 feet, the skydiver will activate the main parachute by pulling the ripcord or throwing the pilot chute (a small parachute that extracts the main canopy). However, for those jumping from higher altitudes or participating in tandem skydives, an Automatic Activation Device (AAD) may be used to deploy the parachute if the skydiver fails to do so.
Upon deployment, the skydiver experiences a sharp deceleration as the parachute opens. This sudden change in speed causes the body to jerk upward, a sensation often described as a "parachute snatch." The force of deployment varies depending on the type and size of the parachute, but in general, modern parachute designs are engineered to open progressively to minimize the impact on the skydiver.
Canopy Control and Initial Glide
Once the parachute fully deploys, the skydiver enters a more controlled phase of the descent. The canopy is designed to slow the descent rate considerably, typically reducing the fall speed to around 10‑20 miles per hour (16‑32 km/h). From this point, the skydiver can steer the parachute by pulling on the left or right toggles , controlling the direction of the descent, and making adjustments to the canopy's angle of attack to achieve a smooth and efficient glide.
At this stage, the skydiver is no longer in freefall, but rather in a controlled glide, similar to an aircraft's descent. The goal is to ensure a smooth approach toward the landing area, avoiding obstacles, wind hazards, and uneven terrain.
The Approach: Preparing for Landing
After reaching a lower altitude, the skydiver will begin the final approach to the ground. This part of the jump requires careful control of the canopy and an understanding of how wind speed and direction can affect the flight path.
Flare and Speed Management
In the final seconds of the descent, the skydiver must perform a maneuver known as the "flare." The flare involves pulling down on both toggles simultaneously to slow the descent and reduce horizontal speed. This maneuver is similar to what pilots do when they perform a controlled landing.
By flaring the parachute, the skydiver essentially increases the angle of attack, creating more lift and decreasing the descent rate. Flare timing is critical: too early, and the skydiver may still be too high; too late, and the landing could be harsh. Typically, the flare begins around 10‑15 feet from the ground.
Wind Influence
Wind plays a crucial role in the approach and landing phase. Skydivers must constantly monitor the wind direction and speed, which can vary based on altitude and terrain. Wind can either help the skydiver achieve a longer glide or shorten the distance covered, depending on its direction.
- Headwind : If the skydiver is facing into a headwind, it will slow down their horizontal speed, giving them more time to perform the flare and ensuring a more gradual descent.
- Tailwind : A tailwind can speed up the horizontal motion, making it harder to control the approach and requiring faster reactions when flaring.
- Crosswind: Wind blowing from the side is particularly challenging and can push the skydiver off course. Experienced skydivers must learn how to adjust their landing approach to compensate for crosswinds.
Landing Zone (LZ)
Skydivers aim to land in a designated landing zone, which is usually an open field or a specific drop zone marked on the ground. The layout of the LZ, as well as any surrounding obstacles (trees, buildings, power lines), must be carefully assessed throughout the descent. Skydivers must ensure that their approach remains clear of these hazards.
The Landing: Touchdown
As the skydiver nears the ground, the landing itself becomes the most delicate phase of the skydive. It requires both the right technique and timing to ensure a soft, controlled touchdown.
The Final Flare
In the final few feet, the skydiver will execute a "full flare." This is the most critical part of the landing, where the parachute's descent is almost entirely halted, and the horizontal speed is minimized. At the right moment, both toggles are pulled sharply, causing the canopy to slow down significantly and transition into a near‑horizontal position.
The full flare should be executed just before the skydiver reaches the ground---usually around 3 to 5 feet. This slows the fall enough to allow the skydiver to "sink" gently into the landing without hitting the ground hard.
The Landing Stance
The landing itself should be executed in a slightly bent, athletic stance. This position helps absorb the landing forces and allows for a controlled touch down. In general, skydivers are taught to:
- Keep their knees slightly bent to absorb the shock.
- Keep their feet together to avoid injury and ensure balance.
- Maintain their body in an upright position to prevent the risk of falling backward or forward.
Roll and Run‑Out Technique
In some cases, the skydiver may perform a "run‑out" to further reduce the impact of the landing. This is especially common for skydivers who are landing on a hard surface, such as an airstrip or rocky terrain. The technique involves maintaining a slight forward motion after landing, allowing the skydiver to run a few steps or roll to distribute the landing forces more evenly.
Experienced skydivers sometimes use the Parachute Landing Fall (PLF) technique. This involves allowing the parachute to touch the ground and rolling through the landing to further dissipate the energy and reduce the risk of injury.
Touchdown
Finally, the skydiver touches the ground with their feet. A proper landing technique minimizes any risk of injury, allowing the skydiver to stand or roll to a controlled stop. For the most part, skydivers will land on their feet, and the impact will feel like a soft jog or a small jump.
What Can Go Wrong: Potential Landing Hazards
Although modern skydiving equipment is highly reliable and effective, there are still risks associated with the landing process. Some of the most common issues include:
- Hard Landings : If the flare is executed too late or improperly, the skydiver may experience a hard landing, potentially leading to injury. Training and experience play a vital role in minimizing this risk.
- Off‑Center Landings : Misjudging the wind or failing to adjust the approach can lead to an off‑center landing, increasing the risk of colliding with obstacles or terrain.
- Parachute Malfunctions : While rare, parachute malfunctions, such as line twists or canopy collapses, can occur during the descent. In such cases, skydivers are trained to perform emergency procedures like deploying a reserve parachute.
Conclusion
Skydiving is an incredible experience that offers both the thrill of freefall and the satisfaction of a well‑executed landing. The transition from freefall to ground is a delicate process that requires skill, practice, and a keen understanding of the dynamics of canopy control, wind conditions, and body positioning.
From the initial parachute deployment to the final moments before touchdown, every step is designed to ensure that the skydiver can land safely and gracefully. By mastering the techniques involved in a skydive landing, skydivers can enjoy the sport to its fullest while minimizing the risks associated with the landing phase.
Through proper training, awareness, and preparation, any skydiver can learn to land smoothly, making each jump not only thrilling but safe and enjoyable.