Sustained Airborne Training

Note: Ensure that you have your I.D card and I.D tags with you during airborne operations. Do not wear the I.D tags around your neck.

Aircraft Procedures and Jump Commands:

A. Non-Oxygen M.F.F Operations:

(1) Don Helmets: Put helmets on, fasten chinstraps, and ensure seatbelt is securely fastened.

(2) Unfasten Seatbelts: Given at approximately 1,000 ft A.G.L.

(3) 20 Minutes: Stay alert, don't equipment as directed. Note: Sometimes given prior to take-off.

(4) 10 Minutes: Keep your eyes on Jumpmaster.

(5) Winds: D.Z surface winds expressed in knots.

(6) Stand Up: Given two minutes from release point. Stand up, face J.M, check Sipress setting and pins on jumper in front of you and give him a thumbs-up, then conduct a check of all your handles and equipment.

(7) Move to the Rear: Given one minute from release point. Move to the ramp hinge or within one meter of door. Ensure goggles are over eyes at this time.

(8) Stand By: Given 15 seconds from release point. The Jumpmaster will give a"Thumbs Up" signal. Return the signal and move to approximately one foot of the exit point.

(9) Go: Given at the release point. The Jumpmaster will point out the door or ramp. Exit as prescribed by your individual Instructor.

(10) Abort: Observe the P.J.M for commands. Walk backward from ramp or door and return to your seat and sit down.

Don Helmets: Fasten seatbelts and prepare for landing.

b. M.F.F Oxygen Operations.

After J.M.P.I, keep helmet on.

Actions for aircraft procedure signals and jump commands are as follows:

(a) Don Helmets: Given prior to take-off. Helmets on, fasten chinstraps, ensure seatbelt is securely fastened.

(b) Unfasten Seatbelts: Given at approximately 1,000 ft A.G.L.

(c) 20 Minutes: Stay alert, don rucksacks as directed.

Note: Sometimes given prior to take-off.

(d) 10 Minutes: Eyes on Jumpmaster.

(e) Winds: D.Z surface winds, expressed in knots.

(f) Mask: Secure masks to helmet, fit to face, and observe J.M and give a "thumbs-up" and hold it until returned by J.M. No sleeping while breathing on console or after the mask signal is given. Stay alert. If at any time you are experiencing difficulty with oxygen system, extend arm straight out in front of you, palm down, and wait for assistance. Do not break the mask seal.

(g) Oxygen Check: Eyes on J.M, return signal and hold it until he responds.

(h) Stand Up: Stand up, face J.M, check Sipress setting, pins and 02 bottles on jumper in front of you, check your handles and equipment, place right hand on the quick disconnect.

(i) Move to the Rear: Disconnect from console, place hose next to console, and move to the ramp hinge or one meter of the door.

(j) Stand By: Given 15 seconds from release point. Return the signal; move to approximately one foot of the exit point.

(k) Go: Given at the release point. The Jumpmaster will point out the door or ramp. Exit as prescribed.

Abort: Observe the J.M for commands. Walk backward from ramp or door and return to your seat.

(m) Don Helmets: Fasten seatbelts and prepare for landing.

2. Aircraft Emergencies:

a. Aircraft Emergencies On The Ground and Prior To Take-Off:

Take all commands from the P.J.M.

Exit the aircraft and assemble 100 meters in a safe direction as directed by the P.J.M and report for accountability.

b. Aircraft Emergencies In Flight:

(1) Emergency Landings:

(a) Below 1000 feet A.G.L: All jumpers will land with the aircraft.

(b) Six short rings or a verbal warning from the aircrew will alert the jumpers to prepare for a crash landing. One long continuous bell or a verbal warning from the aircrew or an instructor will indicate that a crash is imminent.

(c) Assume the emergency crash landing position by interlocking your fingers behind your head and placing your head between your legs. Do not unfasten your seat belt until the aircraft stops. Once the aircraft comes to a complete stop; off load the aircraft and assemble 100 meters in a safe direction as directed by the P.J.M and report to an instructor.

Emergency Bailout: Three short bell rings or a verbal warning from the aircrew will alert the jumpers to prepare to bailout. The signal to bailout is one long continuous bell or verbal warning from the aircrew. Actions to be taken for an emergency exit during flight:

(a) The jumpmaster gives the attention all signal by extending his arm straight up with the index finger extended and moving his arm in a circular motion.

(b) Jump commands may be given at this time if time permits.

(c) If there is no time for the full jump commands, abbreviated signals will be given immediately after the bailout signal:

1. At 1,000 to 3,000 ft A.G.L a clenched fist placed by the reserve ripcord and thrust out to the side means "Clear and Pull the Reserve Rip Cord".

a. Perform a dive exit at the Jumpmaster's command.

b. Deploy the reserve parachute immediately.

c. Attempt to land with other jumpers.

d. Report to a Jumpmaster/D.Z.S.O.

2. Above 3,000 ft A.G.L, a clenched fist placed by the main ripcord and thrust out to the side means "Clear and Pull the Main Ripcord."

a. Perform dive exit at the Jumpmaster's command.

b. Deploy the main parachute with no more than a 5-second delay.

c. Attempt to land with other jumpers.

d. Report to a Jumpmaster/D.Z.S.O.

3. Actions in Free Fall:

a. Collision On Exit: Maintain your arch, gently push off of the other jumper, regain your stability, check altitude, check the rip cords, and continue the jump as planned.

b. Spinning: Arch, check your hands and feet, counter the spin and maintain altitude awareness.

c. Tumbling: Arch, keep your head up, check your hands and feet and maintain altitude awareness.

d. Entering A Cloud or Loss of Visibility: Stop all movement and return to a stable relaxed arch. Maintain altitude awareness. Pull at the prescribed altitude even if you are still in the cloud. e. Lost or Loose Goggles: If your goggles become loose or dislodged during freefall, make one attempt to replace them. If unsuccessful, continue the freefall as planned. Squint your eyes in order to maintain your vision. Maintain altitude awareness and pull at the prescribed altitude.

f. Altimeter Failure Or Lost Altimeter:

Prior to Exit: If failure occurs prior to exit, inform an instructor and the defective altimeter will be exchanged with an on board spare. If the on board spare is in use or both altimeters fail prior to exit, you will move forward and be seated and air land with an instructor.

During Free-Fall: During both day and night operations; observe other jumpers and pull when they do. If no other jumpers can be observed, clear your air space, wave off, and pull your main ripcord immediately.

g. Pull: O.T.S At the prescribed pull altitude, maintain your Arch, utilize "head tilt" method to Look at the main ripcord, and with the right hand Trace the main ripcord cable housing to the main ripcord handle while moving your left hand into the counter position. Pull the ripcord to full-arm extension, Raise right shoulder to ensure the pilot chute has launched.

B.O.C. At the prescribed pull altitude, maintain your arch, counter with your left hand, reach with your right hand for the B.O.C pilot chute, grab the B.O.C pilot chute, pull to full arm extension, release the B.O.C pilot chute, check over your right shoulder.

h. Pull Priorities.

Number One: Pull.

Number Two: Never Sacrifice Altitude for Stability.

4. Actions Under Canopy:

a. Check canopy and grasp the rear risers. Check canopy for the 3 S: Square, Stable and Steerable. b. Clear Your Airspace: Using rear risers, steer to avoid other canopies. Turn right to avoid collisions unless left is safer.

c. Gain Control Of The Toggles: Pull down on the steering toggles to release the brakes. Continuously Clear Airspace All the Way To the Ground.

d. Locate the drop zone.

e. Conduct a Controllability Check: A canopy controllability check is performed as follows:

Determine the flare point. If the canopy stalls prior to the 50% brake setting, it is uncontrollable; execute cut-away procedures and deploy the reserve parachute.

Look left, turn left 90 degrees.

Look right, turn right 90 degrees.

If the canopy requires more than 50% opposite toggle to counter a turn, the canopy is uncontrollable.

Warning: Avoid turbulent air directly behind and above another ram-air parachute by flying offset to the parachute in front of you. Maintain 25 meters of separation to the rear and above of other canopies. Do not make sharp or hook turns on the final approach or attempt a 360-degree turn.

f. If you enter a cloud while under canopy: Stop all turns and fly straight through the cloud at half brakes.

g. Landing pattern: Fly the downwind leg along the wind line. Pass the target area between 1,000 - 900 feet above the ground and offset about 45 - 60 degrees to the left or right of the target. Continue the downwind leg until approximately 750 - 600 feet A.G.L, where you gently turn into your Base Leg.

Fly the base or crosswind leg perpendicular to the wind line. This leg may be flown using your brakes depending on wind conditions. Shorten or extend the base leg as necessary. When you reach your turning altitude of approximately 500 - 300 A.G.L, make a braked turn toward your target.

Fly your final approach into the wind. At 200 feet, ease the toggles to full flight position to allow airspeed to build. At 10 to 15 feet, conduct a flared landing by pulling both toggles down to the full brake position. Keep your arms and elbows to your side and keep your feet and knees together in the event you need to conduct a P.L.F.

Warning: On a misjudged flare attempt or if the parachute enters a stall, hold your toggles in the flare position and be prepared to perform a P.L.F. The canopy may travel backwards due to high winds.

5. Canopy Deployment Emergencies:

A. Premature Activation of Parachute

(1) Inside the Aircraft

(a) With the Ramp or Doors Opened or Closed:

1. Shout, "Pilot Chute", contain it, and notify the J.M (to ensure the ramp or doors don't open). If pilot chute activates or container comes open, disconnect the R.S.L, then cut-away the main and place it in the kit bag, the jumper will be seated, put seat belt on, will not jump, and will land with the aircraft. In the event of an emergency the jumper can still exit on his reserve.

2. If the reserve pilot chute is deployed, you will be moved to the front of the aircraft. Remove your equipment and place the parachute system inside the kit bag. Fasten your seat belt and you will land with an instructor.

(b) With the Ramp or Doors Open:

1. Shout "Pilot Chute!" and attempt to contain the pilot chute and canopy.

2. Once the parachute is contained, move away from the open exit to a safe area forward in the aircraft. Then conduct the procedures mentioned above for pilot chute activation.

3. If the pilot chute or parachute is pulled outside the aircraft, the jumper must exit immediately.

Premature Activation of Parachute In Free-Fall: Determine which parachute has activated. If the reserve has activated, there will not be a three-ring assembly on the risers, nor a pilot chute trailing.

If the Main Paracnute Deploys and the Reserve partially deploys, but does not Fully Inflate: Slow the main parachute to prevent the reserve from fully inflating. Attempt to pull in the reserve deployment bag. Hold it between your legs. Be prepared to execute cut-away procedures should the reserve fully inflate.

Military Freefall Emergency Procedures

Decision Altitude for Cutaway Procedures

If ever canopy controllability is in question, jumpers must perform a canopy controllability check. If the canopy is uncontrollable, the decision to cut away must be made by 2,500 feet A.G.L. Jumpers must not initiate cutaway procedures below 1,000 feet A.G.L. If the malfunction cannot be resolved and cutaway procedures have not been initiated by 1,000 feet A.G.L, the jumper must immediately deploy his reserve parachute in an attempt to slow decent.

Emergency Cutaway Procedures for Over-the-Shoulder (O.T.S)

Follow These Procedures for a Malfunction Jumping O.T.S Ripcord:

- Maintain arch.

- Throw away the main ripcord.

• Counter with the left hand.

- Look to identify the red cutaway pillow on the right main lift web, chest high, inboard.

• Grab the red cutaway pillow with the right hand.

• Pull the red cutaway pillow to a full-arm extension.

- Throw away the red cutaway pillow.

• Counter with the right hand.

- Look to identify the reserve ripcord handle (yellow pillow or metal handle) on the left main lift web, chest high, inboard.

- Grab the reserve ripcord handle (pillow/metal) with the left hand.

- Pull the reserve ripcord handle (pillow/metal) to a full-arm extension.

- Throw away the reserve ripcord handle (pillow/metal).

- Check over the right shoulder to ensure the reserve pilot chute deploys

• Conduct a controllability check

Emergency Cutaway Procedures for Bottom-of-Container (B.O.C)

Follow these procedures for a total malfunction jumping B.O.C:

- Maintain arch.

• Counter with the left hand.

- Look to identify the red cutaway pillow on the right main lift web, chest high, inboard.

● Grab the red cutaway pillow with the right hand.

• Pull the red cutaway pillow to a full-arm extension.

● Throw away the red cutaway pillow.

• Counter with the right hand.

- Look to identify the reserve ripcord handle (yellow pillow or metal handle) on the left main lift web, chest high, inboard.

- Grab the reserve ripcord handle (pillow/metal) with the left hand.

- Pull the reserve ripcord handle (pillow/metal) to a full-arm extension.

- Throw away the reserve ripcord handle (pillow/metal).

- Check over the right shoulder to ensure the reserve pilot chute deploys

• Conduct a controllability check

A. High Speed Malfunction: Is defined as a malfunction that occurs when the jumper's rate of decent does not slow below Electronic Automated Activation Device (E.A.A.D) activation speeds, due to the high rate of speed the jumper will be travelling. These malfunctions drastically reduce the jumper's decision time when reacting to an emergency. The following malfunctions are considered High Speed Malfunctions.

1) Floating Ripcord or Unable To See Ripcord: The jumper will maintain arch and look at the O.T.S ripcord pocket. If the jumper is unable to see the ripcord or if it is floating, the jumper will locate the cable housing on right shoulder with their right hand. The jumper will trace the cable housing down to where the ripcord cable protrudes out. The Jumper will then make a circle with his index finger and thumb around the cable and pull the cable to a full-arm extension. The jumper will only make one attempt; if unsuccessful, they will perform cutaway procedures.

2) Missing Pilot Chute Handle (B.O.C): Maintain arch, using the right hand, index the thigh and sweep up to the bottom of the container, trace the side of the container to attempt to locate the pilot chute handle. The jumper will only make two attempts to locate the hand-deployed pilot chute handle. If unsuccessful, the jumper will execute cutaway procedures.

3) Hard Ripcord Pull (Main Over-the-SHOULDER Ripcord): When the jumper pulls the main ripcord and the pull is unsuccessful, the jumper will come across with the left hand in a punching motion and push the right hand and ripcord out. If unsuccessful, the jumper will perform cutaway procedures.

4) Hard Pull Hand-deployment Pilot Chute (B.O.C): In the event of a hard pull using the B.O.C with hand-deployed pilot chute, the jumper on the second attempt will use his right elbow on the side of the container as leverage when pulling the pilot chute from the B.O.C. If the jumper is unsuccessful, he will execute cutaway procedures.

5) Pack Closure: After the jumper pulls the ripcord and checks over the right shoulder (if no pilot chute deploys), immediately check over the right shoulder again. If this does not correct the problem, execute cutaway procedures.

6) Pilot Chute Hesitation: The jumper will check over their right shoulder to disrupt the partial vacuum to clear the burble. If the main parachute does not deploy, the jumper performs cutaway procedures.

7) Horseshoe Malfunction: The main parachute or suspension lines are snagged on the jumper or their equipment. Immediately initiate cutaway procedures.

8) Horseshoe with Main Pilot Chute on Right Arm (B.O.C): If the main pilot chute is entangled with the jumper's right arm make one attempt to clear the entanglement from the jumpers arm. If unsuccessful, the jumper will execute cutaway procedures.

9) Bag Lock: The deployment bag comes out of the container, the suspension lines fail to un-stow properly and the canopy remains in the deployment bag. Initiate cutaway procedures immediately.

B. Low Speed Malfunction: Is defined as the main parachute is out of the deployment bag and at least five cells are inflated. For all low speed malfunctions, you must first ensure that you are not twisted and then perform a canopy controllability check. If the canopy is deemed uncontrollable, perform cut-away procedures for a low-speed malfunction.

1) Canopy Controllability Check: Jumpers will conduct a canopy controllability check after opening to verify the canopy is controllable and safe to continue flight. Jumpers will use the following procedure:

- Grasp both toggles and pull down to release the brakes and attempt to fly the canopy straight at full flight.

- Pull the brakes down to the full brake position and determine the canopy's flare point.

- Return to full flight

- Look right, turn 90 degrees right

- Look left, turn 90 degrees left

Note: If the canopy requires more than 50 percent opposite toggle to keep the canopy flying straight or the canopy stalls prior to the 50 percent brake setting the canopy is uncontrollable. Execute cut away procedures.

2) Dual Canopy Deployment

- Both canopies are fully deployed.

- o Ensure canopies are not entangled.

- o Do not release brakes on either canopy. If brakes are un-stowed on one canopy, ensure they are un-stowed on the other to match flight characteristics.

- o Separate canopies into a down plane with the left hand on the left rear riser of the left canopy.

- o Cutaway with right hand and let go of the riser and the cutaway handle simultaneously.

- Both canopies are fully deployed and entangled or below 1000 feet A.G.L.

- o Do not release brakes of either canopy. If brakes are un-stowed on one canopy, ensure they are un-stowed on the other to match flight characteristics.

- o Make all turns by gently pushing into the other canopy in the desired direction to prevent a down plane configuration.

- o Do not attempt to flare, prepare for a P.L.F.

- Both canopies are fully deployed and in a down plane.

- o Ensure canopies are not entangled.

- o Pull cutaway handle with right hand.

- o Clear any line twists, release brakes, and find a safe D.Z.

- One canopy is fully deployed, and one canopy is partially deployed.

- o Do not release brakes.

- o Try to contain the partially deployed parachute by pulling up slowly, coiling the lines and stowing parachute between legs.

- o If canopy begins to inflate, ensure lines do not entangle with jumper or equipment.

3) Line Over: The parachute deploys and one or more lines are trapped across the top of the canopy and deform its shape. This may cause the canopy to spin, stall, or act erratically. Conduct a canopy controllability check. If the canopy is uncontrollable, initiate cutaway procedures by 2,500 feet A.G.L.

4) Line Twist: When the Parachute deploys, if the risers and suspension lines are twisted, follow these procedures:

- Reach up with both hands-thumbs pointed down-and separate the riser.

- Use a bicycle motion or kick both legs in the opposite of the twist to untwist the lines.

- Do not unstow the brakes until line twists are cleared.

- Maintain altitude awareness and if unable to clear twists of the twists are still above the cascades by 2,500 feet

A.G.L, initiate cutaway procedures.

5) Hung Slider: If the slider remains above the cascades, it will deform the canopy and degrade lift and drive performance to an unacceptable level. Follow these procedures for a hung slider:

• Pull both rear risers vigorously to move slider downward.

Release both sets of toggles and pull vigorously to bring the slider down completely if the rear risers are not successful. The slider must travel at least half way down, past the suspension line cascades, before attempting a canopy controllability check.

If unable to clear the slider past the cascades or pass a canopy controllability check by 2,500 feet A.G.L, initiate cutaway procedures.

6) Streamer/Snivel: The jumper will reach up and release the brakes and pull the toggles down to full-brake position for 3 to 4 seconds. The jumper will then let up slowly to 50-percent brake setting. If the malfunction is not clear, the jumper will make one more attempt to pull the toggles down to full-brakes position for 3 to 4 seconds. If the malfunction still has not cleared, the jumper performs cutaway procedures.

7) Closed End Cells: Follow these procedures for closed end cells:

Pull toggles down to full-brake position and hold for 4 seconds and let up quickly.

• Repeat the procedure if end cells do not open.

• Conduct a canopy controllability check.

If the canopy is uncontrollable, make the cutaway decision by 2,500 feet A.G.L.

8) Pilot Chute Over the Nose: Follow these procedures for pilot chute over the nose:

- Attempt to flip the pilot chute back over the top the canopy by bringing toggles to full brakes and letting the toggles up abruptly.

• Conduct a canopy controllability check.

- If the canopy is controllable, fly and land as planned.

- If the canopy is uncontrollable, make the cutaway decision by 2,500 feet A.G.L.

9) Tension Knots: Follow these procedures for tension knots:

- If turning, stop the turn with opposite rear riser input.

- Snap the riser of the affected line group by pulling down and releasing.

• After two attempts; conduct canopy controllability check. If canopy is controllable, fly and land as planned.

- If the canopy is uncontrollable, make the cutaway decision by 2,500 feet A.G.L.

10) Premature Brake Release: Follow these procedures if one toggle releases:

- Release the opposite toggle.

• Conduct controllability check.

- If the canopy is uncontrollable, make the cutaway decision by 2,500 feet A.G.L.

11) Broken Suspension Lines: If suspension lines (A, B, C, D) break during opening, follow these procedures:

- Stop the turn with rear riser input. (It may be difficult to identify the broken lines and the canopy may or may not look deformed.)

- If there are two or more lines broken or if there are any A-lines broken, immediately perform cutaway procedures.

- Conduct a canopy controllability check. If the canopy is controllable, fly and land as planned.

- If the canopy is uncontrollable, make the cutaway decision by 2,500 feet A.G.L.

12) Broken Control Lines: Follow these procedures for broken control lines:

- Release the good control line.

- Steer using the good control line and opposite rear riser.

- At a safe altitude, determine the flare point using only the rear risers. The canopy responds much quicker while using the rear risers.

- Flare and land using both rear risers only.

13) Rips or Tears: If you notice rips or tears in the bottom or top skin of the canopy during a canopy check, follow these procedures:

- If possible, check your rate of descent with other jumpers.

- If you are descending faster than the other jumpers, execute cutaway procedures.

- If you are not descending faster than other jumpers, conduct a canopy controllability check.

- If there is a rip or tear on the top skin of the canopy, execute cutaway procedures.

14) Entanglements Above 2,000 Feet A.G.L: Follow these procedures for entanglements above 2,000 feet A.G.L:

- If the higher jumper has a good canopy, that jumper should attempt to clear the entanglement while protecting the emergency handles (pillows).

- If possible, the jumpers should follow their lines out of the entanglement.

- If the entanglement can be cleared, the lower canopy should re-inflate within 150 to 200 feet. Both jumpers should complete a canopy controllability check and inspect their parachute and harness thoroughly for damage, then decide whether it is safe to continue to fly and land.

- If the canopy cannot be cleared, the engulfed jumper fails to respond or appears to be going unconscious, or the altitude is approaching 2,000 feet, the lower jumper should communicate his intention to cutaway by saying "2,000 feet A.G.L, I'm initiating emergency procedures." The jumper should then initiate cutaway procedures by 2,000 feet after disconnecting his R.S.L. The higher jumper should clear the canopy from his face and controls so that he can see and steer. He should continue to clear the canopy if possible, keeping his pillows protected. If the canopy cannot be cleared safely, the jumpers should fly slowly with brakes to diminish the drag of the other canopies and the potential for interference in flight and control.

15) Entanglements Between 2,000 Feet and 1,000 Feet A.G.L:

Follow these procedures for entanglements between 2,000 feet and 1,000 feet A.G.L:

- Jumpers should communicate altitudes and positive commands. such as "1,500 feet, hold onto me" or "1,000 feet, I got you."

- The lower jumper has two options. He can perform cutaway procedures after disconnecting his R.S.L or can land with the higher jumper.

- If the lower jumper decides to land with the higher jumper, the lower jumper should jettison his combat equipment, if worn.

- The higher jumper should maintain control of the lower parachutist and fly final approach at half brakes if possible.

- The higher jumper lands at full brakes; both jumpers should execute a parachute landing fall.

16) Entanglements Below 1,000 Feet A.G.L: The higher parachutist must make every effort to maintain control of the lower parachutist's canopy. The lower parachutist should jettison his equipment. The higher parachutist should fly the final approach and land with half brakes. Both parachutists should be prepared to do a P.L.F.

17) Actions to be taken if both Parachutists become entangled and neither has a Good Canopy, are as follows:

- The higher parachutist has cutaway priority. He should clear himself of entangled lines and cutaway, altitude permitting.

- The lower parachutist should cut away after the higher parachutist has cut away, altitude permitting. The higher parachutist may be fatally engulfed in the canopy if the lower parachutist performs a cutaway first.

- If all else fails and impact with the ground is imminent, both parachutists should deploy their reserve parachutes in an attempt to slow descent. If only one reserve parachute deploys, the parachutist with the good reserve must bring the other parachutist to the ground. If both reserves deploy, the parachutists should cut away from the entanglement in order to prevent a down-plane configuration of the two reserves.

7. Emergency Landings:

a. Actions For Tree Landings: If a tree landing is expected:

Jettison the rucksack if it has already been lowered. If the rucksack has not been lowered, it should remain attached.

Goggles should remain over the eyes.

Keep the oxygen mask on, if worn.

Turn into the wind and attempt to land between the trees.

(5) Control the parachute until landing.

(6) Vertical descent into the trees is desired and can be accomplished with brakes at the 50% setting, depending on the wind conditions.

(7) As your feet enter the branches, assume a P.L.F position, ensure that your forearms are rotated in front of your face for protection and your feet and knees are together.

(8) Prepare for a P.L.F in case you pass through the branches and contact the ground.

(9) If you are suspended in the trees, signal for assistance and wait for help.

b. Actions To Be Taken For Wire Landings:

(1) Avoid wires at all costs by using proper canopy control techniques. Any other landing, to include a downwind landing, is preferred to a wire landing.

(a) After post opening procedures and prior to descending below 1,000 ft A.G.L, locate alternate landing sites along your canopy route that will permit a safe into the wind landing.

(b) Avoid crossing power lines while under canopy at an altitude below 1,000 ft A.G.L.

(2) If time and altitude permit, throw away the main ripcord, jettison the rucksack, turn off oxygen and disconnect the R.S.L.

(3) Attempt to fly parallel with and pass through the wires.

(4) Be prepared to flare and or perform a P.L.F should you miss or pass through the wires.

(5) If the canopy is entangled with the wires and contact with the ground is made, immediately cut-away from the main parachute and quickly move away from the wires.

(6) If you are suspended in the wires, remain motionless and wait for help. Do not let anyone touch you and do not cut-away.

c. Actions To Be Taken For Water Landings:

(1) Attempt to land as close to the shore as possible.

(2) Jettison your helmet, rucksack, weapon, and oxygen equipment.

(3) Unfasten waist straps, chest straps, and disconnect your R.S.L.

(4) Attempt to land facing into the wind using normal canopy control procedures. Flare the parachute to land.

(5) Be prepared to perform a P.L.F if the water is shallow.

(6) Upon entering the water, release leg straps, remove harness, and swim up wind or upstream away from the canopy.

(7) If trapped under the canopy, follow a seam to the edge of the canopy.

d. High Winds: Always attempt to land into the wind with the canopy level with the ground.

(1) Once you have made contact with the ground, release one toggle and pull the other down. Pivot in the direction of the toggle (I.E. pull the right toggle down all the way and pivot to the right). Continue pulling the control line hand over hand until the canopy collapses.

(2) To recover from a drag, release one toggle completely and pull the other control line hand over hand until the canopy collapses.

(3) If unable to recover from a drag, disconnect the R.S.L and cut-away the main. e. Dust Devils: Dust Devils and Turbulent Air: Stay alert under canopy for signs of swirling or erratic wind conditions. The D.Z.S.O may use red smoke or flares to warn of visible turbulence such as dust devils. Avoid turbulence at all costs by maneuvering away under canopy. If you are unable to avoid it, maintain full flight and take all slack out of your brake lines in preparation should your canopy begin to collapse. If your canopy does begin to collapse, you should quickly conduct a 12 to 24" strike on the toggles to prevent a collapse. Depending on the altitude, you should re-attempt this procedure until the canopy re-inflates or landing is imminent. Be prepared to conduct a P.L.F.

If you have just landed and are overtaken by a dust devil:

(1) Try to gather up your canopy.

(2) Lay down on top of your canopy.

(3) If you are unable to control your canopy and a dust devil hits you, disconnect your R.S.L and cut-away.

f. Off Drop Zone Landings: If you are not able to make it to the drop zone, identify a landing area with enough altitude to permit a safe into the wind landing. Land on high ground and avoid gullies and ravines. Once you land, use your radio to contact the D.Z.S.O and report your status, general location, and student number. Leave your radio on and monitor it until you are picked-up or until you walk back to the D.Z.S.O. Gather your equipment, move in the direction of the D.Z or nearest road continue walking until you are picked up or you arrive at the shade structure. If you have to cross the road, cross on the high ground where traffic can be observed.

g. Other Obstacles: Attempt to steer clear of all other obstacles including trees, cacti, buildings, and vehicles on or off the D.Z. If you are unable to avoid the obstacle, attempt to make contact with both feet and perform a P.L.F. If you land on the road, get you and your canopy off the road immediately.

8. Recovery:

a. After landing remove the kit bag and leave the harness/container on. Do not remove your helmet or altimeter! b. Throw the kit bag on the parachute and daisy chain the lines while walking towards the parachute without pulling the parachute towards you.

c. Put the parachute into the kit bag. Leave the kit bag unzipped and unsnapped.

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