Tandem skydiving puts two lives in one rig, so there's absolutely no room for shortcuts. A meticulous pre‑jump equipment check is the single most effective way to catch hidden faults, ensure regulatory compliance, and give both the instructor and the passenger confidence before they step out the door. Below is a step‑by‑step guide that you can adopt, adapt, or embed into your school's SOPs.
Set the Stage -- Prepare Your Workspace
| Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Clear a dedicated inspection area -- free from debris, oil, and distractions. | Prevents accidental damage to delicate components and ensures you can see every detail. |
| Gather all required documentation -- equipment logs, service records, and the day‑of‑flight manifest. | Verifies that every piece is within its service interval and that the passenger is cleared. |
| Wear gloves and safety glasses (optional but recommended). | Protects both you and the equipment from oils or fingerprints that could affect performance. |
Verify the Rig -- Primary Parachute System
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- Serial numbers on container, harness, and B‑line must match the logbook.
- Integrity of stitching -- run a fingertip over each seam; look for fraying or loose threads.
- Webbing condition -- no cuts, burns, or excessive wear.
- Label readability -- deployment altitude, weight limits, and emergency procedures must be legible.
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Main Canopy
- Opening the canopy : lay it flat on a clean surface, check for tears, punctures, or delamination.
- Line trim -- all suspension lines should be equal in length, free of twists, and free from corrosion.
- Line connections -- verify that each line is correctly attached to the correct eyelet; use a line‑check marker if your rig provides one.
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Reserve Canopy
- Airtightness test -- perform a pressure check (if your rig has a built‑in tester) or ensure the container is sealed with no visible gaps.
- Visual inspection -- same criteria as the main canopy (no rips, proper line length, correct packing).
- Expiration date -- reserves have a 5‑year service life (or per manufacturer). Confirm it has not been exceeded.
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Automatic Activation Device (AAD)
- Battery status -- replace or recharge according to the manufacturer's schedule.
- Altitude setting -- set the activation altitude to the flight plan (standard 2,500 ft AGL for tandem).
- Functional test -- in‑cage test or bench‑test as required by your local regulations.
Inspect the Altitude & Navigation Instruments
| Instrument | Checklist |
|---|---|
| Altimeter (Barometric) | Verify calibration, ensure the pressure setting matches the ground elevation, and check the battery if electronic. |
| GPS/Variometer (optional) | Confirm signal acquisition, firmware version, and battery charge. |
| Radio/Communication Devices | Test transmit/receive function, verify frequency is set to the correct ground station. |
Pack the Canopies -- Tandem Specifics
- Follow the school's packing procedure -- no shortcuts.
- Check for proper line folding -- ensure no line twists that could cause uneven deployment.
- Verify the "Tandem Attachment" -- the passenger's secondary harness and the instructor's secondary handle should be correctly threaded through the designated D‑rings.
- Document the pack -- the packer's name, date, and signature must be logged on the container's inspection tag.
Harness & Passenger Attachments
| Item | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Instructor's primary harness | All buckles lock securely; no wear on the shoulder straps; tension adjusters functional. |
| Passenger's secondary harness | Correct size selected, buckles double‑checked, and the "quick‑release" is in the locked position. |
| Connection points | Verify that the master‑to‑slave connection (often a "tandem connector" or "knot") is correctly tied and that the safety pins are in place. |
| Release handles | Test that the instructor can pull both primary and secondary release handles without excessive force. |
Emergency Equipment
- Cut‑down (reserve) handle -- free movement, no obstruction, correct positioning.
- Rope/Rescue line -- properly coiled, not frayed, and attached to the recommended release point.
- First‑aid kit -- stocked, within expiration dates, and easily accessible.
Final "Walk‑Through"
- Full‑system removal -- detach the container from the aircraft hook, lay it on a clean surface, and perform a quick visual sweep.
- Re‑fit test -- put the harness on a dummy or a teammate to verify comfort and correct alignment of the load‑bearing points.
- Pre‑flight briefing -- while the equipment is being checked, run through the jump plan with the passenger (exit altitude, body position, emergency procedures). This double‑checks that the passenger is cleared and that the crew is on the same page.
Sign‑Off & Documentation
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | When the inspection was completed. |
| Inspector's Name & Signature | Must be a qualified rigging technician or authorized instructor. |
| Equipment Serial Numbers | Container, main, reserve, AAD, altimeter. |
| Comments | Any anomalies, corrective actions taken, or notes for the next inspection. |
Store the completed checklist in the aircraft's equipment folder and upload a digital copy to your school's maintenance management system.
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
| Pitfall | How to Prevent |
|---|---|
| Skipping the line‑trim check | Make it a non‑negotiable step; use a line‑length gauge to speed the process. |
| Relying on memory for expiration dates | Keep a color‑coded sticker system on each container so overdue items are instantly visible. |
| Ignoring the passenger harness fit | Perform a "fit‑check" with a dummy harness of each size daily; document any sizing issues. |
| Using a wet or oily rig | Clean the rig before inspection; lubricants can compromise stitching and line integrity. |
| Over‑tightening buckles | Follow the manufacturer's torque specs; use a calibrated torque wrench for buckles with torque markers. |
Closing Thoughts
A comprehensive pre‑jump checklist is more than a paperwork exercise; it's the last line of defense that protects lives high above the ground. By standardising each step, double‑checking critical components, and documenting everything, you create a safety culture that passengers can feel as clearly as the wind on a clear‑day jump.
Remember: If something feels off, pause, re‑inspect, or pull the rig out of service. The extra minutes spent on the ground are worth countless seconds of peace of mind when the plane doors open.
Happy jumping---and stay safe!