In the first of two articles Lamorna Harpin from client support takes a look at your options for learning to skydive in more detail.

In Europe there are two main routes to a solo parachutists qualification. Static line is popular in countries where the weather is more changeable and AFF although having a higher initial cost offers the opportunity to qualify in a short period of time.

What is Static Line?

 

The static line system was the first mainstream system used to train people for their first parachute jump. The student exits the aircraft on their own from about 3500ft. The canopy is then automatically deployed by a line attached to the aircraft . The students does not have a main ripcord to pull as the static line opens the container and " pulls out " the main. The student then loats down to the ground, steering the canopy themselves with instructor commands to assist them in their landing. As the student progresses through the system, the altitude increases along with the freefall delay.

 

How does the parachute system work?

 

The parachute equipment is the same as the experienced skydivers would wear, however the way the canopy is deployed is different. The equipment has all of the safety devices as a sport rig and the canopy is designed specifically for students to be docile and easy to control. A line is attached to the parachute equipment with the other end to the strong point in the aircraft. When you get into position in the door, then exit in the taught position, the static line is tightened and starts off the deployment sequence of your parachute, leaving the line in the plane and opening the canopy immediately.

 

What kind of training will I be given and what will my first jump be like?

 

First you will go through a ground school. This will take at least 6 hours to complete and teaches you everything to know about your jump. You will cover lessons on equipment, stability and body position, exits, aircraft drills and emergencies, malfunction drills, canopy flight, hazardous landings and PLF’s (parachute landing falls).

 

For your first jump you will put your equipment on and receive a check from your instructor. This check is an inspection to ensure that everything is in order. Once you are seated in the aircraft the plane will take off and ascend to your exit altitude of 3500ft. Your instructor will then ask you to get into the door. This is when you get into the correct position to exit the aircraft. You will then wait for the instructor to tell you to leave the aircraft, with a loud ‘GO”. Your position on exit will be with your head up, presenting to yourself to the airflow with a good arch.


As you exit you will carry out the safety count, shouting ‘One thousand, two thousand, three thousand, four thousand, CHECK CANOPY’. After your canopy checks you will complete your descent to the ground, in most cases assisted by radio.

 

 

 

 

How do I work through the system?

 

After a ground school (minimum of 6 hours) you will be cleared to do your first jump. On completion of the ground training you are classed under the category system as ‘Category 1’. As you progress through the system, you are given a different category status which indicates how far through the system you are.

Upon completion of ground school you are now Category 1

 

You are now Category 2

 

Students on these jumps are still jumping with a static line to deploy the parachute. However, you will carry out a practice deployment using a simulated handle.

You are now Category 3

 

N.B. Progression to free fall will only take place after a minimum of five static line descents and will only be authorised by at least a Category System Instructor, who must satisfy him/herself that the criteria laid down for progression has been attained. The first free fall descent will take place no later than the day following the last of the successful DRP descents.

 

Once a student has progressed to the freefall delay jumps, they will exit the aircraft and deploy their own parachute after the specified delay. The altitude of these jumps is also increased slightly as the freefall delay is increased and the heights given are the minimum.

 

You are now Category 4

 

You are now Category 5

 

For jumps 10 and onwards the student deploys their own parachute after a specified delay, or a minimum altitude as given by their instructor. They check their altimeter every 2-3 seconds to register the altitude and the altimeter is worn on the left hand and is worn from these jumps onwards.

 

You are now Category 6

 

For this jump the student would be briefed on how to do turns by deflecting air with their arms.

 

You are now Category 7

 

The purpose of the unstable exit for jump 13 is to intentionally go unstable by holding knees to chest. You would then carry out a back loop to show that you can regain stability from loss of stability.

 

 

To perform a dive exit, the student would jump out at a 45 degree angle between the wing tip and tail section of the aircraft, in a diving position. The purpose of a track is to gain horizontal movement. This is used later on in the skydiving career to gain safe separation between fellow skydivers before deploying your parachute. The arms are put to a position 6 inches away from hips, with palms down and legs straight. A wave off is to indicate that you are about to deploy your parachute.

 

(Height Max)

 

You can now be awarded Category 8 and FAI A licence

 

How much does it cost and how long does it take to qualify?

 

The cost varies from dropzone to dropzone. Typically, prices are around the £200 mark for the ground school and first jump. Subsequent jump prices are about £40 including kit hire. Due to the number of jumps needed to progress through the system, it is usual for students to spread their training over a period of time. If everything is done perfectly for each jump, you can graduate the system in 15 jumps. The opinion of most is that the course on average, takes 30-50 jumps to graduate.

 

What are the advantages of Static Line system?

 

The static line system is a good, low cost way to experience a solo parachute descent. It is also ideal for team building, and groups- University clubs are a common example. Once a student is has completed the initial ground training, minimal instruction is needed for further jumps. This system is also ideal in countries that have poor weather, as a lower altitude is required for the first jumps.

 

What are the disadvantages of Static Line system?

 

Initially, it can be difficult to learn any control of body position, as the freefall delay is so minimal. There is a slightly higher chance of entanglement with the parachute system during deployment if the student has a poor body position. As there can be up to 12 students per class, there is very little one on one instruction, making the course a long, slow process to graduate. Many students also spread out their training over weekends, as the training is not continuous, each time the student makes a jump they are having to deal with the mental strain of inconsistency.