Freefall formation flying (FF) is one of the most exhilarating and rewarding skills a skydiver can develop. When you're leading a team of five brand‑new jumpers, the challenge is not just technical---it's also about safety, communication, and building trust. Below is a step‑by‑step guide to turning a group of rookies into a tight‑knit formation crew, from the ground‑school classroom to the moment you break out of the aircraft together.
Lay the Groundwork Before the First Jump
a. Select the Right Squad
| Criteria | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Age ≥ 18 | Legal consent & maturity |
| Medical clearance | Reduces risk of hypoxia, barotrauma, etc. |
| Basic skydiving knowledge | Even a brief "Intro to Skydiving" briefing helps everyone speak the same language |
| Positive attitude | Formation work thrives on patience and humor |
b. Pre‑Jump Classroom (30‑45 min)
- Terminology Flashcards -- "stack," "slot," "break‑off," "call‑outs."
- Video Breakdown -- Show a simple 4‑person diamond formation; pause to point out body positions, eye lines, and hand placements.
- Safety Checklist -- Emergency procedures, checklist for gear, and how to signal a "no‑fly" condition.
c. Assign Roles Early
| Role | Primary Responsibility | Ideal Personality |
|---|---|---|
| Flyer (lead) | Initiates break‑off, stays centered, coordinates calls | Calm, clear communicator |
| Slot‑keeper | Holds a designated slot, watches for incoming jumpers | Detail‑oriented |
| Wing‑man (2) | Flanks the slot‑keeper, fills side positions | Adaptive, quick to adjust |
| Rear‑guard | Provides the final link, monitors exit timing | Observant, steady |
Assigning these roles before the first plane ride gives each jumper a purpose and reduces confusion mid‑air.
Master the Basics on the Ground
2.1 Body Position Drills
- Flat‑face : Arms relaxed, eyes forward, hips level. Practice in a wind tunnel or on a large mat.
- Tracking : Extend arms overhead, straighten legs; use a metronome to keep a steady "beat" for speed control.
2.2 "Sit‑and‑Stand" Formation Rehearsal
- Kneel, then stand into a seated‑position with legs extended---mimics the transition from exit to "stack."
- Perform slowly, then speed up to simulate the opening shock.
2.3 Communication Protocols
| Call | Meaning | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| "Locked" | All hands and legs are engaged, ready for approach | Right after exit |
| "Close" | Approaching within 2 m | During final approach |
| "Level" | Formation is stable; hold position | After slot is secured |
| "Break" | Initiate break‑off (usually after 5--7 seconds of freefall) | Pre‑agreed on altitude (≈ 4,000 ft AGL) |
Practice these calls in a "dry run" on the ground: stand in a circle, shout the call, and watch each teammate's response.
First Jump: The "Learning" Jump
3.1 Altitude Planning
- Exit altitude: 13,000 ft (typical for a 5‑person squad).
- Break‑off altitude: 4,000 ft AGL (adjust based on wind & experience).
3.2 Execution Flow
- Exit -- Fly in a tight "stack." Each jumper should maintain a 30‑45° yaw angle to the flyer's back.
- Stabilize -- Deploy "flat‑face," lock reins, and complete the "locked" call.
- Approach -- Wing‑men and slot‑keeper drift outward, matching speed with subtle body‑position adjustments.
- Slot Capture -- Once within 2 m, make the "close" call.
- Lock Position -- Use the "level" call; each jumper tucks arms and legs into the opposite teammate's hands/feet.
- Break‑off -- Flyer says "break," and everyone pulls slightly away, maintaining a 300‑ft separation before pulling the main chute.
Tip: The first jump is about consistency, not perfection. Aim for a clean "lock" rather than a perfect formation shape.
Build Muscle Memory -- Repetition Drills
4.1 "Two‑Holds" Drill
- Perform the same formation twice in a single jump.
- After the first lock, hold for 2 seconds, break‑off, then re‑assemble.
- Repetition under the same altitude constraints reinforces timing.
4.2 "Altitude Shift" Drill
- Vary the break‑off altitude (e.g., 4,500 ft, 3,500 ft) to teach the team to adapt to wind changes.
- Record each altitude on a quick "jump log" to track success rates.
4.3 "Wind‑Compensation" Drill
- Use the wind indicator on the aircraft door to orient the stack correctly.
- Have the slot‑keeper adjust his heading slightly to counter cross‑winds during approach.
Safety First -- Red‑Flag Signals & Emergency Procedures
| Signal | Meaning | Immediate Action |
|---|---|---|
| "No‑fly" (thumbs down) | Gear malfunction, medical issue, or the team feels unsafe | Abort the formation, transition to a stable tracking pattern, open chute at the pre‑agreed altitude |
| "Yo‑Yo" (hand above head, then down) | One jumper is out of position or drifting too far | Fellow members help re‑center; if impossible, break‑off early |
| "Radio‑fail" (if using radios) | Loss of communication | Switch to predetermined hand signals; stay together until exit altitude is reached |
Quick‑Check Before Every Jump
- Gear: All harnesses locked, pilot chutes packed, automatic activation devices (AAD) armed.
- Altitude: Verify the aircraft's reported altitude matches altimeter (± 50 ft).
- Wind: Confirm the wind direction and speed; adjust stack orientation accordingly.
Progression Path -- From Beginner to Advanced Formation
| Phase | Target Skill | Typical Jump Count |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 -- "Lock‑Only" | Consistent 4‑person lock with flyer | 4--6 jumps |
| Phase 2 -- "Two‑Hold" | Perform two locks in a single jump | 6--10 jumps |
| Phase 3 -- "Extended Formation" | Add a "dutch roll" or "roll‑out" after lock | 10--15 jumps |
| Phase 4 -- "Dynamic Sequencing" | Chain multiple formations (e.g., 4‑person diamond → 5‑person "arrowhead") | 15+. |
Encourage each jumper to keep a personal log: altitude, wind, formation type, and a short note on what felt smooth vs. what needed work. Review the logs as a team after every session.
Mindset & Team Chemistry
- Patience: New jumpers often over‑compensate. Encourage them to stay relaxed and use small, incremental adjustments.
- Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate a successful lock with a quick "high‑five" on the ground; this builds confidence.
- Debrief in 5 Minutes: Right after the landing, gather for a rapid "what‑went‑well / what‑could‑be‑better" rundown. Capture the most important point on a whiteboard for the next jump.
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet (Print & Keep in the Pack)
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=calls&tag=organizationtip101-20
LOCK -- Everyone ready after exit
CLOSE -- Within 2 m of slot
LEVEL -- Formation stable, hold
BREAK -- Initiate break‑off (≈ 4,000 ft)
ROLES
Fly -- https://www.amazon.com/s?k=lead&tag=organizationtip101-20, break‑off initiator
Slot‑keeper -- Central slot https://www.amazon.com/s?k=holder&tag=organizationtip101-20
Wing‑men (2)-- Flank slots
Rear‑guard -- Final link
ALTITUDE GUIDELINES
Exit -- 13,000 ft
Break -- 4,000 ft (adjust for wind)
Minimum separation before chute -- 300 ft
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=safety+signs&tag=organizationtip101-20
No‑fly -- Thumbs down
Yo‑Yo -- https://www.amazon.com/s?k=hand&tag=organizationtip101-20 up/down (out‑of‑position)
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=radio&tag=organizationtip101-20‑fail -- Default to https://www.amazon.com/s?k=hand+signals&tag=organizationtip101-20
Print one per jumper and tuck it into the harness pocket. A quick glance before a jump can make the difference between a smooth lock and a chaotic scramble.
Final Thoughts
Mastering freefall formation flying with a squad of five beginners is less about complex aerobatics and more about consistent fundamentals, clear communication, and unwavering safety discipline . By establishing solid ground‑school foundations, rehearsing body‑position drills, and using a structured progression plan, you'll watch raw novices evolve into a cohesive formation crew capable of tackling advanced shapes with confidence.
Remember: every successful lock is a building block, and every missed connection is a learning opportunity. Keep the atmosphere positive, stay vigilant, and, most importantly---enjoy the thrill of soaring together as a team. Happy jumping!