CANOPY_ENTANGLEMENTS_EMERGENCIES_PROCEDURES

Question 1

Canopy Collision

Answer 1

• Lower jumper has right of way
• Always maintain air awareness
• Turn right to avoid collision, unless left is better

Question 2

If Collision Is Imminent

Answer 2

• Assume the modified spread eagle position and protect handles with left arm
• Be prepared for a violent impact
• Be prepared to bounce off and steer away

Question 3

Entanglement With Another Jumper

Answer 3

• Communication and altitude awareness are paramount
• Beware of what words you use, never say “don’t…” “Don’t let go” “don’t cutaway”, instead say “bye-bye” “I’m out of here” “see you”
• Only use the word “cutaway” when the other jumper should initiate the cutaway procedure

Question 4

Canopy Entanglements Above 2,000’ And The Higher Jumper Has A Good Canopy

Answer 4

• The higher jumper attempts to clear himself of the entanglement
• If the lower canopy is cleared, it should re-inflate within 150’ to 200’
• If the lower canopy cannot be cleared, at 2,000’ AGL or above, or if the higher jumper fails to respond (unconscious), the lower jumper will perform cutaway procedures

Question 5

Canopy Entanglements Between 2,000’ And 1,000’ The Higher Jumper Has A Good Canopy

Answer 5

• The higher jumper will make every effort to maintain control of the lower jumper’s canopy
• The lower jumper has two options
1. Perform cutaway procedures
2. Or.. Jettison combat equipment and land with higher jumper flying final approach at 50% brakes; both jumpers conduct PLF

Question 6

Canopy Entanglements 1,000’ Or Less And The Higher Jumper Has A Good Canopy

Answer 6

• Higher jumper will make every effort to control lower jumper’s canopy
• The lower jumper will jettison equipment (altitude permitting) and land with the higher jumper flying final approach at 50% brakes
• Both jumpers conduct PLF

Question 7

Canopy Entanglements Above 1000’ And Neither Jumper Has A Good Canopy

Answer 7

• The higher parachutist (entangled in other jumper’s lines) has cutaway priority
• He should clear himself of entangled lines and cutaway, altitude permitting
• The lower parachutist should cutaway after the higher parachutist has cut away, altitude permitting
• The higher parachutist may be fatally engulfed in the canopy if the lower parachutist cuts away first

Question 8

Canopy Entanglements Below 1000’ And Neither Jumper Has A Good Canopy

Answer 8

• 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 make every effort to control the other jumper’s canopy and land safely; both jumpers conduct PLF
• If both reserve canopies deploy properly, both jumpers should perform cutaway procedures to clear themselves from the entanglement