Skydiving is an exhilarating and awe – inspiring activity that allows you to experience the thrill of free – falling through the sky. While tandem skydiving with an instructor is a popular option for beginners, solo skydiving offers a unique sense of independence and self – reliance. However, solo skydiving is not something to be taken lightly. It requires extensive training, knowledge, and preparation to ensure a safe and successful jump. In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of how to skydive alone, covering everything from the necessary training and equipment to the actual jump and landing.
Training Requirements
Ground School
Before you can even think about solo skydiving, you must complete a comprehensive ground school course. Ground school typically consists of several hours of classroom instruction, where you will learn about the physics of skydiving, the different types of equipment used, safety procedures, and emergency protocols. You will also study the various maneuvers and techniques involved in skydiving, such as body positioning, canopy control, and landing.
During ground school, you will likely watch videos of actual skydives, participate in group discussions, and take written quizzes to test your knowledge. This theoretical knowledge is crucial as it forms the foundation for your practical training.
AFF (Accelerated Free – Fall) Training
The Accelerated Free – Fall (AFF) program is one of the most common ways to learn solo skydiving. In AFF training, you start with a series of jumps with two experienced instructors who will accompany you during the free – fall portion of the jump.
First Jumps: For your initial AFF jumps, the instructors will be in close proximity to you, helping you maintain proper body position and stability. They will also be ready to take control if necessary. These jumps are designed to get you comfortable with the feeling of free – falling and teach you the basic skills of skydiving, such as arching your back, spreading your arms and legs to create drag, and looking for your deployment altitude.
Progression: As you gain more experience and confidence, the number of instructors will decrease. Eventually, you will be making jumps with just one instructor, and then finally, you will be ready to make your first solo free – fall jump. Each jump in the AFF program builds on the skills learned in the previous jumps, gradually increasing the level of independence and responsibility.
Continuing Education: Even after you have completed your AFF training and obtained your solo skydiving license, it is essential to engage in continuing education. The skydiving community offers various workshops, seminars, and refresher courses that can help you stay updated on the latest techniques, safety practices, and equipment advancements. Continuing education also provides an opportunity to network with other skydivers and learn from their experiences.
Equipment Needed for Solo Skydiving
The Parachute System
Main Parachute: The main parachute is the primary means of slowing your descent and landing safely. There are two main types of main parachutes: round parachutes and ram – air parachutes. Round parachutes are simpler in design and are often used for training jumps. They are more stable but offer less control in terms of direction. Ram – air parachutes, on the other hand, are more advanced and are the standard for most experienced skydivers. They are shaped like wings and can be steered more precisely, allowing for more accurate landings.
Reserve Parachute: A reserve parachute is a backup in case the main parachute fails to open or malfunctions. It is a separate parachute system that is packed and maintained independently of the main parachute. In the event of a problem with the main parachute, you can deploy the reserve parachute to ensure a safe landing.
Container: The container holds both the main and reserve parachutes. It is designed to protect the parachutes during storage, transport, and the jump. The container also has attachment points for the harness and other components of the parachute system.
Harness: The harness is what attaches you to the parachute system. It is designed to distribute the forces of the parachute opening and the descent evenly across your body. A well – fitting harness is crucial for both comfort and safety. Harnesses come in different sizes and styles, and it is important to choose one that fits you properly. Some harnesses also have additional features, such as built – in pockets for storing small items like altimeters or emergency beacons.
Helmet: A helmet is an essential piece of safety equipment in skydiving. It protects your head from potential impacts during the jump, especially during landing. Modern skydiving helmets are lightweight, aerodynamic, and often equipped with visors to protect your eyes from the wind and debris. Some helmets also have communication systems built – in, which can be useful if you are jumping with other skydivers or if you need to communicate with the ground crew.
Altimeter: An altimeter is a device that measures your altitude above the ground. It is a critical piece of equipment for solo skydivers as it helps you determine when to deploy your parachute. There are two main types of altimeters: analog and digital. Analog altimeters use a mechanical dial to display your altitude, while digital altimeters provide a more precise numerical readout. Many modern altimeters also have additional features, such as audible alarms that can be set to alert you when you reach a certain altitude.
Goggles: Goggles protect your eyes from the wind, dust, and debris during the free – fall and the descent. They also help to improve your vision by reducing glare. When choosing goggles, make sure they fit well and provide a clear field of vision. Some goggles are also anti – fog, which is important as the temperature and humidity changes during the jump can cause fogging.
Pre – Jump Preparation
Equipment Inspection
Before every solo jump, it is crucial to thoroughly inspect your equipment. Start by checking the parachute system. Look for any signs of damage or wear on the parachute fabric, such as tears, frays, or discoloration. Inspect the lines that connect the parachute to the harness. Make sure they are not tangled, kinked, or damaged. Check the container to ensure that it is in good condition and that the parachutes are properly packed. Inspect your harness for any signs of wear or damage to the straps, buckles, or attachment points. Check that the helmet is in good condition, with no cracks or dents. Test the altimeter to make sure it is working properly and that the battery is charged if it is a digital model. Also, check your goggles for any scratches or damage that could affect your vision.
Weather Check
Weather conditions play a significant role in the safety of a skydiving jump. You should always check the weather forecast before planning a solo jump. Ideal skydiving weather includes clear skies, light winds, and no precipitation. High winds, rain, thunderstorms, or low cloud cover can make skydiving extremely dangerous. If the wind speed is too high, it can make it difficult to control your parachute during the descent and landing. Rain can wet the parachute fabric, affecting its performance, and thunderstorms pose an obvious risk of lightning strikes. You can obtain weather information from local weather stations, online weather services, or by communicating with the staff at the skydiving center.
Mental Preparation
Solo skydiving can be mentally challenging, even for experienced skydivers. It is important to be in the right mental state before making a jump. Visualize the entire jump process in your mind, from boarding the plane to landing safely on the ground. This can help you feel more confident and prepared. Try to stay calm and focused. Avoid distractions and negative thoughts. If you are feeling nervous or anxious, take some deep breaths and remind yourself of the training and preparation you have done. Remember that skydiving is a calculated risk, and with proper training and precautions, the chances of a safe jump are very high.
The Jump
Boarding the Plane
Once you have completed your equipment inspection and are satisfied with the weather conditions, it’s time to board the plane. At the skydiving center, you will be directed to the appropriate aircraft. Before boarding, make sure your equipment is properly secured. You will typically sit in a designated seat in the plane, and the staff will help you fasten your seatbelt. During the climb to the jump altitude, it is important to relax and conserve your energy. The climb can take several minutes, depending on the altitude from which you will be jumping. Use this time to review the jump plan in your mind and double – check your equipment.
Free – Fall
Exit the Plane: When the plane reaches the designated jump altitude, the door will open, and it will be your turn to jump. Move towards the door and position yourself according to your training. Make sure you have a clear view of the area below and that there are no other jumpers in your path. At the appropriate moment, step out of the plane and into the free – fall.
Body Positioning: As soon as you exit the plane, assume the proper body position. Arch your back, spread your arms and legs to create maximum drag. This position will help you maintain stability and control during the free – fall. Keep your head up and look forward. Avoid tensing up your muscles, as this can disrupt your body position.
Tracking: Tracking is the ability to move horizontally through the air during the free – fall. To track, you can adjust your body position slightly. For example, if you want to move to the right, you can shift your weight to your right side and slightly angle your body. Tracking can be useful for getting away from other jumpers or for positioning yourself for a better parachute deployment.
Time in Free – Fall: The length of time you spend in free – fall depends on the jump altitude. A typical solo skydive from around 10,000 – 14,000 feet will give you anywhere from 30 – 60 seconds of free – fall time. During this time, it is important to stay focused on maintaining your body position and being aware of your altitude.
Parachute Deployment
Altitude Check: As you approach your deployment altitude, which is typically around 5,000 – 6,000 feet for a solo jump, check your altimeter. Make sure you are at the correct altitude before deploying your parachute. If you are not sure, it is better to err on the side of deploying a little earlier rather than later.
Deployment Procedure: To deploy your main parachute, reach for the deployment handle, which is usually located on the front of your harness. Pull the handle firmly and smoothly. As you pull the handle, the pilot chute will be deployed first. The pilot chute is a small parachute that will pull the main parachute out of the container.
Canopy Opening: Once the main parachute is out of the container, it will start to inflate. You will feel a sudden jolt as the parachute opens and the forces of deceleration take effect. Make sure to keep your body relaxed during this process. If the parachute opens properly, you should see a large, fully – inflated canopy above you.
Conclusion
Solo skydiving is an incredible experience that combines the thrill of free – falling with the responsibility of self – reliance. However, it is not an activity for the unprepared. Through extensive training, proper equipment selection, and careful pre – jump preparation, you can increase your chances of a safe and successful solo skydive. Remember, strictly adhering to all the established rules and regulations at every step, from training to the actual jump, is non – negotiable for safety. Also, stay updated on safety procedures and never hesitate to seek help or advice from more experienced skydivers. With the right approach, solo skydiving can be a rewarding and unforgettable adventure.