Emergency Procedures: Your Blueprint for Safety
Introduction
In skydiving, preparation isn’t just important—it’s life-saving. Even the most experienced jumpers can find themselves in critical situations, and when that happens, a well-practiced emergency plan makes all the difference. In this article, we’ll explore why keeping procedures simple is key, how often you should train for emergencies, and why knowing your canopy inside out could save your life.
Start from the basics
When something goes wrong, your response should be quick and straightforward. Overcomplicating emergency procedures leads to hesitation and confusion—two things you can’t afford during freefall.
For minor malfunctions, applying a simple, practiced solution is often all that’s needed. Don’t turn every small problem into a full-blown emergency. Simple problems deserve simple solutions—keep it clear, keep it fast, and move on.
Now, let me ask you this:
If I asked you how many checks you perform on your rig before putting it on, could you answer in less than 5 seconds?
If the answer is yes—great, keep it that way.
If the answer is no... well, Houston, we’ve got a problem.
You should know exactly and immediately what’s on your pre-jump checklist. Things like:
Pin positions and condition
AAD turned ON
RSL connected
3-ring system correctly assembled
Cutaway and reserve handles in place
Harness in good condition
Pilot chute and kill line properly stowed
If you’re unsure about any of these, it’s time to slow down and make this checklist a habit. Simple problems often start with simple oversights—don’t let that be you.
How Often Do You Practice Your Emergency Procedures?
Knowing what to do isn’t enough—you need to feel it. Regular practice ensures your reactions become automatic when time is short and stress is high.
Ask yourself honestly:
When was the last time you practiced your emergency handles?
Can you perform your cutaway and reserve deployment smoothly and without thinking?
Can you spot your handles after opening? Remember, they are not in the same spot as before!
The USPA recommends frequent practice of key maneuvers like rear riser turns and half-brake approaches. Building this muscle memory could one day make the difference between a safe landing and a disaster.
How Well Do You Know Your Canopy?
Your parachute isn’t just equipment—it’s your life support system. Do you truly understand how it flies?
Knowing how your canopy reacts under different conditions—tight turns, flat turns, wind variations—helps you stay in control when things don’t go as planned. For example, understanding how much altitude you lose in a sharp turn can help you avoid dangerous low turns near the ground.
But let’s push it further:
What if your brake line snaps mid-flight? Do you already know what to do?
Could you confidently land your canopy without one control input?
These situations aren’t just hypothetical—they happen. And when they do, hesitation is the last thing you can afford. Train for these scenarios before they happen, so if the unexpected comes, you’re not figuring things out on the way down.
The better you know your wing, the better you’ll fly it—especially when the stakes are high.
Conclusion
Safety in skydiving starts long before you leave the plane. Simple, well-rehearsed emergency procedures, regular hands-on practice, and deep knowledge of your equipment are the foundations of confident, safe flying.
Prepare today—because in the air, when things go wrong, there’s no time left to learn.
