Skydiving is a thrilling sport that combines extreme adventure with precise technical skill. Whether you're an experienced jumper or a novice preparing for your first tandem dive, understanding the language of the sport is crucial. The skydiving community uses a variety of acronyms, terminology, and jargon that can be daunting for newcomers. This article aims to break down some of the most commonly used terms in the world of skydiving, from basic maneuvers to specialized gear lingo.
Acronyms in Skydiving
Acronyms are a common part of skydiving lingo, used to streamline communication during jumps or training. Here are some key acronyms you should know:
1. AFF - Accelerated Freefall
Accelerated Freefall is the primary training method for skydiving. During an AFF course, students freefall from an airplane with two instructors holding onto them. As students progress, they are gradually released to perform solo jumps with minimal instructor assistance.
2. AAD - Automatic Activation Device
An Automatic Activation Device is a safety device installed in a skydiver's parachute rig. It automatically activates the reserve parachute if the main parachute has not been deployed by a certain altitude or time. This device is designed to help in case of unconsciousness or other emergencies.
3. PDI - Pull, Delay, and Inspect
This refers to the process a skydiver follows during freefall:
- Pull : Deploy the main parachute at the appropriate altitude.
- Delay : Wait for the appropriate time to deploy, based on the type of jump and equipment.
- Inspect : Check the canopy for proper deployment, ensuring there are no malfunctions.
4. RSL - Reserve Static Line
The Reserve Static Line is a safety mechanism that automatically activates the reserve parachute if the main parachute is deployed but fails to open correctly. It's a key feature for solo jumpers and is typically connected to the jumper's harness.
5. TSO - Technical Standard Order
TSO is a certification given by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or similar governing bodies. It ensures that the equipment meets the required safety and performance standards. Parachutes and skydiving gear must be TSO‑certified before they are used for jumps.
Maneuvers in Skydiving
Skydiving involves a variety of maneuvers that require precision, skill, and experience. These moves are often used in competitions, training, or simply for fun. Here are some essential skydiving maneuvers:
1. Tracking
Tracking is a maneuver in which a skydiver uses their body position to move horizontally through the air during freefall. The goal is to travel in a specific direction while maintaining a stable body position. This maneuver is particularly useful for avoiding collisions with other jumpers during group jumps.
2. Belly Fly
Belly flying refers to the most basic and common freefall position, where the skydiver falls face down with their belly facing the Earth. In this position, the body creates maximum drag, which slows the descent rate and allows for stable flight.
3. Back Fly
Back flying involves the skydiver falling on their back, with their body in an arched position. This maneuver is often used to demonstrate control and stability in freefall. It requires a high degree of skill and body awareness.
4. Sit Fly
Sit flying is when a skydiver adopts a seated position during freefall, using their legs and arms to control direction and speed. This position is often used in skydiving competitions or during training for advanced maneuvers.
5. Formation Skydiving
Formation skydiving, also known as "FS," is a type of jump where a group of skydivers forms a specific pattern or shape during freefall. The jumpers work together to create formations, often involving complex body positions and movements to complete the formation.
6. Wingsuit Flying
Wingsuit flying is an advanced form of skydiving in which the jumper wears a specialized suit with fabric wings between the arms and legs, creating lift and allowing them to glide through the air. It requires significant skill and experience to control the wingsuit and safely land.
7. AFF Jump
An AFF (Accelerated Freefall) jump is the first solo freefall jump students make after their training. During this jump, they are usually accompanied by instructors but are expected to deploy their own parachutes and complete the jump independently.
Skydiving Gear Terminology
Skydiving requires specialized equipment that must be understood by every jumper. Below are some of the most important pieces of gear and their associated terminology:
1. Altimeter
An altimeter is a device used by skydivers to measure altitude. It helps jumpers track their descent and determine the correct time to deploy their parachute. There are two main types of altimeters:
- Analog Altimeter -- A traditional dial‑based altimeter with hands.
- Digital Altimeter -- A screen‑based altimeter, often with programmable features for setting deployment altitudes.
2. Canopy
The canopy refers to the parachute itself, which is deployed during the jump. There are two primary types of canopies:
- Ram‑air Canopy -- A modern, rectangular‑shaped parachute that is more stable and steerable than older round canopies.
- Round Canopy -- Older‑style parachutes, now mainly used for military or emergency situations.
3. Pilot Chute
The pilot chute is a small parachute used to initiate the deployment of the main canopy. It is thrown out of the container to catch the air and pull the main parachute out of its packing.
4. Harness
The harness is the system that attaches the skydiver to the parachute and allows them to safely deploy the main canopy and control their descent. It is worn around the shoulders and hips, distributing the forces of the jump.
5. Rig
The rig refers to the entire parachute system, including the main canopy, reserve parachute, container, harness, and all necessary components. Skydivers carefully maintain their rigs to ensure all parts are functioning correctly for every jump.
6. Cutaway Handle
The cutaway handle is used to release the main parachute if it malfunctions. If the main parachute is not functioning properly, the skydiver can pull the cutaway handle to release it, allowing the reserve parachute to deploy.
7. Pilot Chute in Tow (PCT)
A Pilot Chute in Tow occurs when the pilot chute is deployed but doesn't release the main parachute. It often requires the skydiver to cut away the malfunctioning main parachute and deploy the reserve parachute.
Skydiving Terminology for Safety and Procedures
Skydiving involves rigorous safety procedures to ensure every jump is as safe as possible. Some of the terminology related to safety includes:
1. Malfunction
A malfunction refers to any problem that occurs with the parachute system during a jump. This could include issues like a canopy not opening properly, lines tangling, or any other technical issue that requires immediate action by the skydiver.
2. Emergency Procedures
Skydivers are trained in emergency procedures in case of a malfunction. These include:
- Cutaway Procedure -- Releasing the main parachute and deploying the reserve.
- Pulling the Reserve -- If the main parachute fails, the reserve parachute is deployed to ensure a safe landing.
3. Hard Landing
A hard landing refers to landing with too much speed, potentially resulting in injury. Skydivers aim to land as softly as possible by controlling their descent and using the parachute's flare to slow the descent rate.
Conclusion
Understanding the terminology of skydiving is essential for both safety and performance. Whether you're jumping solo or with a team, having a firm grasp on the acronyms, maneuvers, and gear lingo ensures smooth communication and preparation for every jump. Skydiving is a sport that demands precision, practice, and knowledge---mastering the language is just one step toward becoming a skilled and confident jumper.