parachuter

A parachuter is a person who uses a parachute to descend from an aircraft or other elevated position. This act, known as parachuting, is a form of aerial sport and has practical applications in military and emergency situations.

The sport of parachuting encompasses a variety of disciplines. Skydiving involves a freefall period before deploying the parachute. Canopy piloting, also known as swooping, focuses on the controlled flight and landing of the parachute canopy. Formation skydiving sees groups of skydivers arranging themselves in specific formations during freefall.

Military parachuting, or airborne operations, allows troops and equipment to be deployed behind enemy lines. Emergency parachuting, often referred to as bail-out, is used by aircrew or passengers to escape a malfunctioning aircraft.

Parachuting requires specialized equipment, primarily the parachute system itself, which includes a main parachute and a reserve parachute. Other essential gear includes a harness, helmet, and altimeter. Safety is paramount, with rigorous training and strict protocols in place to minimize risks. Parachuting has evolved significantly since its early experiments, becoming a sophisticated and widely practiced activity.