Skydivers

Skydivers participate in the sport of skydiving, performing controlled descents from aircraft using parachutes. After exiting, they deploy a parachute and steer to a landing zone, learning to manage freefall body position, stability, and emergency procedures.

Training and licensing vary by jurisdiction but generally follow a structured progression. In the United States, the USPA offers licenses such as A, B, C, and D, with paths including static-line courses, Accelerated Freefall (AFF), or tandem programs for beginners. Training combines ground instruction, supervised jumps, and canopy practice, with ongoing safety assessments and weather considerations.

Equipment and operations involve a parachute system with a main canopy, a reserve parachute, and often an automatic activation device (AAD). Participants wear a helmet, goggles, a altimeter, and a jumpsuit. The main canopy is packed by a qualified rigger, and the reserve parachute is inspected regularly. Freefall and canopy skills, exit technique, altitude awareness, and collision avoidance are emphasized, with practice often conducted in controlled environments before solo jumping.

Disciplines and community activities include formation skydiving, freeflying, canopy piloting, accuracy landing, and relative work. Tandem jumps pair a student with an instructor for a supervised initial experience. Skydiving communities emphasize safety, equipment maintenance, drop-zone operations, and participation in records or competitions, while adhering to aviation and airspace regulations.