(Written for experienced skydivers who already hold a valid license and have completed a full‑length reserve‑deployment course.)
Why a Cut‑away Is Different on a Cross‑Country Jump
A cross‑country (XC) jump typically involves:
- Higher average altitudes (often 12‑15 000 ft AGL) to give sufficient glide distance.
- Longer free‑fall times and more complex flight paths, meaning you may be rolling or maneuvering when an emergency occurs.
- Remote landing areas where ground‑crew support might be far away, so your self‑reliance is even more critical.
Because of these factors, a fast, decisive cut‑away can be the difference between a safe reserve deployment and a catastrophic malfunction.
Pre‑Jump Preparation
| Checklist Item | How to Verify |
|---|---|
| Reserve System Inspection | Open the reserve container, check the line for twists, ensure the pilot chute is stowed correctly, and confirm the pack's integrity. |
| Cut‑away Handle Accessibility | Practice reaching the handle from both seated and prone positions; make sure nothing blocks it (e.g., a bulky camera rig). |
| Altitude Awareness | Program your altimeter (both analog and digital) with your planned cut‑away altitude (usually 400 ft AGL for sport‑style skydives; consider 600 ft for XC with longer approaches). |
| Course Planning | Mark potential emergency landing zones (ELZs) on your GPS or ground map, and know the approximate distance from each waypoint. |
| Communication Protocol | Inform your ground crew of your planned route and check‑in points, and agree on a "lost‑contact" signal (e.g., 3 rapid radio bursts). |
| Mental Rehearsal | Run a quick visualisation: "Malfunction → Stabilize → Pull → Deploy → Assess." This primes muscle memory under stress. |
Recognizing a Situation That Demands a Cut‑away
| Symptom | Typical Malfunction | Immediate Action |
|---|---|---|
| No inflation after pilot chute deployment | Pilot‑chute line twist, container blockage, or ripped pilot chute | Pull cut‑away immediately ; do not waste time trying to "shake" the container. |
| Canopy inflates but stalls or turns sharply | Partial line deployment, tangled lines, or premature canopy opening | Pull cut‑away as soon as you sense loss of control. |
| Unusual parachute feel (sudden jerks, asymmetric drag) | Line twists, ram‑air inlet blockage, or canopy collapse | Cut‑away before the canopy fully deteriorates. |
| Altimeter reading below safe reserve deployment altitude | Delayed decision, low‑altitude emergency | Even at low altitude, pull the cut‑away first , then deploy the reserve immediately (the quickest path to a usable canopy). |
Rule of thumb: If you are not 100 % sure the main will perform, cut‑away. The reserve is designed for emergencies, not as a backup if you hesitate.
Step‑by‑Step Emergency Cut‑away Procedure
Remember: The entire sequence should take no more than 1--2 seconds from recognition to reserve deployment.
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Stabilize Your Body
-
Pull the Cut‑away Handle
- Locate the red cut‑away handle (or the designated color on your rig).
- Grip firmly with the dominant hand and pull straight down, not to the side.
- You should feel a distinct "pop" as the locking mechanism releases.
-
Verify Main Release
-
Deploy the Reserve
- Immediately after cut‑away, pull the reserve deployment handle (usually a green or yellow handle).
- The reserve pilot chute should spring out and pull the reserve canopy out of its container.
- Keep your body position stable (ideally head‑up, feet‑down).
-
Navigate to the Nearest Safe Landing Zone
- Use visual cues and, if equipped, GPS/altimeter to steer toward your pre‑planned ELZ.
- Keep radio contact with ground crew; give them your altitude, heading, and intention.
-
Execute a Clean Landing
Special Considerations for Cross‑Country Jumps
| Situation | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Low‑Altitude Zones Near ELZ | Set a higher cut‑away altitude (e.g., 600 ft) to give you a larger window for reserve deployment. |
| Strong Winds | Anticipate greater drift ; aim for a landing zone upwind of the actual ELZ, allowing for a safety margin. |
| Extended Free‑fall Maneuvers (e.g., formation, tracking) | Make sure your cut‑away handle is not obscured by harness straps or equipment. |
| Night or Low‑Visibility Jumps | Use a high‑visibility handle cover (e.g., neon tape) and rely heavily on altimeter cues. |
| Remote Areas with No Ground Crew | Carry a satellite messenger to alert emergency services, and be prepared to self‑evacuate if needed. |
Training Tips to Make the Cut‑away Automatic
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Mock Cut‑away Drills
- In a safe, controlled environment (e.g., a wind tunnel or ground rig), practice pulling the cut‑away handle with eyes closed to simulate a panic scenario.
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Reaction Timing
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Altitude‑Triggered Reflex
- Set a "deadline" alarm on your altimeter (e.g., 500 ft). When it beeps, you automatically execute the cut‑away sequence.
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Partner Review
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Scenario‑Based Ground School
- Run tabletop or virtual‑reality scenarios that involve multiple malfunctions , wind changes, and remote ELZs, forcing you to prioritize actions quickly.
Final Thoughts
A cross‑country skydiving trip pushes you farther from the safety net of the drop zone, and the margin for error shrinks dramatically. The cut‑away is not a "last resort"---it is the first decisive action when a malfunction threatens your primary canopy. By mastering the steps, rehearsing under stress, and tailoring your plan to the unique challenges of XC flight, you turn a potentially life‑threatening situation into a controlled, routine reserve deployment.
Remember: Stay ready, stay calm, and let muscle memory do the work. Safe flying!