Emergency Procedures Tandem Skydive Flashcards
Below 1500ft (450m) - Aircraft engine out or similar
If the aircraft is stable, stay with the aircraft and follow instructions from the pilot. Ensure that the Tandem pair is seated and wearing safety belts.
Below 1500ft (450m) (catastrophic aircraft failure)
If the aircraft is on fire, in a spin or a large control surface has been damaged, there is a greater chance of survival by exiting the aircraft. Connect the student with as many attachment points as the situation will allow starting with the upper left. Hold the student with the right arm if needed, exit the aircraft and immediately pull the reserve ripcord with the left hand.
1500ft - 4000ft (450m-1200m) - Aircraft engine out or similar
Attach the student, exit the aircraft and immediately pull the reserve ripcord.
Above 4000ft (1200m) - Aircraft engine out or similar
Attach the student, exit the aircraft, deploy the drogue and ensure inflation. Continue drogue fall and initiate deployment at the correct altitude.
The student refuses while still in the aircraft
If the student decides at any time that they do not want to jump while still in the aircraft, descend with the aircraft, accompanying them to the ground. Once the jump door has closed and the aircraft descent has begun, disconnect the student, and place individual seatbelts on the instructor and the student.
The student refuses once on the strut or outside of the aircraft
If the student verbally lets you know they do not want to jump then you must bring them back into the aircraft unless the aircraft door is restrictive in a way that it would be dangerous to re-enter the aircraft (accidental deployment of either parachute system). Once inside the air craft, follow the procedure above.
Untimely Canopy deployment: High pull
Here is the scenario for the most common complication that arises on Tandem jumps where
the student knows where the handle is and knows how to pull it: The Tandem pair exits the aircraft. The student panics and pulls the drogue release handle after the Tandem Instructor deploys the drogue and the main deploys instantly. This can endanger anyone exiting with the pair, above and in line with the relative wind, such as a cameraman, since he may inadvertently be directly over the pair as the main deploys unexpectedly.
Untimely Canopy deployment: Low pull
This situation may occur when the student is assigned to pull the secondary drogue release. Following the pull signal the student gropes and has difficulty in finding the secondary drogue release handle. Meanwhile, the Tandem Instructor reaches back for the drogue release handle. So he waits, sure that the student will get it any second. Meanwhile, the delay causes the pair to open below the planned altitude. In the very worst case scenario, the Tandem Instructor reaches back for the primary drogue release handle but cannot find it. He then deploys the reserve - just as the student finally finds the handle and deploys the main.
Untimely Canopy deployment: REACTION
On every jump, the Tandem Instructor should throw the drogue and perform practice pulls to both drogue release handles, as well as the reserve ripcord. This simple exercise can eliminate the above mentioned scenario.
Instability following exit
If the tandem instructor does not maintain or gain stability within 10 seconds, the drogue must be deployed before reaching tandem terminal. This must be done aggressively to avoid entanglement.
Container open before the drogue has been deployed
Immediately deploy the drogue and expect a main canopy opening.
Container open but the drogue cannot be deployed
Release the RSL shackle and pull the breakaway handle. Ensure full release of the main risers, physically assisting if necessary. Immediately pull the reserve handle.
Student grabs the Tandem Instructor’s right arm immediately after exit
Utilize all means necessary to free the right arm. If unable to do so within 10 seconds following exit, pull the reserve ripcord using the left hand.
Student grabs the Tandem Instructor’s left arm immediately after exit
Utilize all means necessary to free the left arm. If unable to do so within 10 seconds following exit, deploy the drogue and release it at the proper altitude.
Student grabs both the Tandem instructor’s arms
Utilize all means necessary to free any arm. Depending on which arm has been freed, follow the appropriate directions above.
Tandem Pair develops into Side Spin
Implement side spin recovery procedures - Bring student’s arms in, with Tandem Instructor grasping student wrists and placing them at their hips. Capture student’s legs using Tandem Instructor’s legs. Straighten out both bodies removing arch of the spines. Once the Side Spin dissipates, achieve a belly-to-earth orientation, achieve stability and set drogue. If unable to recover from Side Spin and “Drogue Side Up”, deploy the drogue to achieve stability. If unable to recover from Side Spin and “Drogue Side Down”, activate reserve.
Drogue release handle pulled before deploying the drogue
Deploy the drogue immediately.
Drogue extraction difficulty
Instructor can place right elbow on the side on the container to gain leverage for assisting in extracting the drogue from the pouch.
Unable to extract the drogue from the drogue pouch
Pull the reserve ripcord within 10 seconds following exit.
Drogue has been deployed but is not visible behind tandem pair (stuck in burble)
After looking over the right shoulder to confirm drogue set and not seeing the drogue deployed above the tandem pair, the tandem instructor should immediately reach back to the drogue pocket with their right hand to confirm that the drogue assembly has been removed from the Spandura pocket. If the pocket is empty, the instructor should reach back above the main container pack tray with their right hand and feel for either the drogue canopy and/or the drogue bridle. If either the drogue canopy or fabric is found, the tandem instructor should grab whatever material presents itself and attempt to deploy it into the relative wind vigorously. If this second drogue deployment attempt is unsuccessful or the tandem instructor cannot locate either the drogue canopy or bridle, the tandem instructor should dip their right shoulder to bring clean air across the tandem pair’s back. If this procedure is unsuccessful, the tandem instructor should repeat the process, lowering their left shoulder to bring clean air over the back of the tandem pair. If still unsuccessful in locating and deploying the drogue after 10 seconds, deploy the reserve. If the drogue does deploy using these procedures and is then entangled with either tandem instructor or tandem student, follow the procedure for drogue/bridle entanglement as described (below). If the drogue deploys and is uninflated/, follow the procedures for uninflated drogue.
Un-inflated drogue immediately after drogue deployment
If after 6-8 seconds the drogue does not inflate, immediately pull one of the drogue release handles to initiate main canopy deployment. Expect a longer trap door effect and a slower than normal main canopy opening.
If unable to open main pack tray (now a Hard Pull On Drogue Release, deploy the reserve after 2 attempts to release the drogue).
(now a Hard Pull On Drogue Release, deploy the reserve after 2 attempts to release the drogue).
If the main pack tray opens upon initiating main deployment, but does not initiate main canopy deployment (now Collapsed Drogue In Tow During Main Deployment)
Release the RSL shackle and pull the cutaway handle. Ensure full release of the main risers, physically assisting if necessary. Immediately pull the reserve handle.
Entanglement with drogue canopy (Instructor or Student entanglement)
Attempt to clear the drogue canopy. If unsuccessful within 10 seconds following exit, immediately pull the reserve handle.
Drogue entanglement with solo skydiver
Observe altitude of the situation and if the solo skydiver has not cleared within 10 seconds (altitude permitting), proceed with the following steps.
o ReleasetheRSLshackle
o Pullthebreakawayhandle
o Pull RIGHT SIDE drogue release handle (left side may be substituted if the right side does not
release main)
o Ensurefullmaincanopyandriserrelease
o Gainstability&horizontalseparation(track4-5seconds)whilemaintainingaltitudeawareness o Locate&pullreserveripcordhandle
Student grabs the Tandem Instructor’s right arm during drogue fall
Utilize all means necessary to free the right arm. If unable to do so, pull the left (Primary) drogue release at a proper altitude. If the drogue does not release after two attempts (now a drogue in tow), immediately pull the reserve handle.
Student grabs the Tandem Instructor’s left arm during drogue fall
Utilize all means necessary to free the left arm. If unable to do so, pull the right (Secondary) drogue release at a proper altitude. If the drogue does not release after two attempts (now a drogue in tow), immediately disconnect RSL snap shackle with right hand and deploy the reserve using the RSL lanyard.
Student grabs both the Tandem Instructor’s arms during drogue fall
Utilize all means necessary to free any arm. Depending on which arm has been freed, follow the appropriate directions above.
Drogue becomes detached during drogue fall
Locate and pull reserve ripcord handle.
Hard pull on drogue release
Pull each Drogue release handle separately followed by pulling both
simultaneously. If drogue does not release, locate and pull reserve ripcord handle.
Unable to release drogue (Inflated Drogue In Tow)
Locate and pull reserve ripcord handle.
Drogue/Bridle assembly detaches upon drogue release – Main canopy still in pack tray
Release the RSL shackle and pull the cutaway handle. Ensure full release of the main risers, physically assisting if necessary. Immediately pull the reserve handle.
Main deployment bag lock
Locate and grab both emergency handles. Pull cutaway handle to full extension and ensure full separation from main canopy and risers. Pull reserve ripcord handle to full extension.
Streaming Main Canopy
Locate and grab both rear risers and pull down simultaneously on both rear risers. Make two attempts to bring the slider down using this technique while maintaining altitude awareness. If unsuccessful, pull cutaway handle to full extension and ensure full separation from main canopy and risers. Pull reserve ripcord handle to full extension.
Collapsed drogue in-tow during main deployment
Release the RSL shackle and pull the cutaway handle. Ensure full release of the main risers, physically assisting if necessary. Immediately pull the reserve handle.
Non collapsed drogue during main deployment
Ascertain whether the main canopy has been damaged by the opening shock. If it has, decide whether it is controllable and safe to land. If it is not safe to land, perform emergency procedures by pulling the cutaway handle, ensuring full release of both main risers, physically assisting if necessary. Immediately pull the reserve handle.
Drogue entanglement with the main canopy
If the drogue entanglement hinders the main canopy opening or controllability, perform emergency procedures by pulling the cutaway handle, ensuring full release of the main risers, physically assisting if necessary. Immediately pull the reserve handle.
Tension knots on main canopy
Release the brakes and counter steer any turn. Use aggressive input via the main risers or control lines on the affected side, in an attempt to clear the tension knots. If unsuccessful, perform emergency procedures by pulling the cutaway handle, ensuring full release of the main risers, physically assisting if necessary. Immediately pull the reserve handle.
Broken suspension lines
Perform controllability check and assess if the canopy can be landed safely. If not, perform emergency procedures by pulling the cutaway handle, ensuring full release of the main risers, physically assisting if necessary. Immediately pull the reserve handle.
Broken or nonfunctional primary control lines
Perform emergency procedures by pulling the cutaway handle, ensuring full release of the main risers, physically assisting if necessary. Immediately pull the reserve handle.
Broken or nonfunctional secondary control lines
Perform controllability check and assess if the canopy can be landed safely. If not, perform emergency procedures by pulling the cutaway handle, ensuring full release of the main risers, physically assisting if necessary. Immediately pull the reserve handle.
Canopy fabric damage
Perform controllability check and assess if the canopy can be landed safely. If not, perform emergency procedures by pulling the cutaway handle, ensuring full release of the main risers, physically assisting if necessary. Immediately pull the reserve handle
Line twists
Attempt to kick out of the line twist, instructing the student to assist if necessary. If unsuccessful, perform emergency procedures by pulling the cutaway handle, ensuring full release of the main risers, physically assisting if necessary. Immediately pull the reserve handle.
Line over
Release the brakes and make two attempts to clear the line over by conducting a steady, even flare movement with both primary toggles. If unsuccessful in clearing the malfunction, or if the main canopy enters into an uncontrollable spin, perform emergency procedures by pulling the cutaway handle, ensuring full release of the main risers, physically assisting if necessary. Immediately pull the reserve handle.
Two Canopy Out (Bi-Plane)
Attempt to contain the (2nd) deploying canopy, main or reserve, and maintain control of it, ensuring it remains in it’s deployment bag. If deployment of the second canopy is inevitable, and it results in a stable “Bi-Plane” formation, leave the brakes stowed on both canopies and make gentle control inputs by pulling down on either of the left or right rear risers of the front canopy to initiate turns. Prepare for a PLF landing if necessary.
Two Canopy Out (Side-By-Side)
Attempt to contain the (2nd) deploying canopy, main or reserve, and maintain control of it, ensuring it remains in it’s deployment bag. If deployment of the second canopy is inevitable, and it results in a stable “Side-By-Side” formation, leave the brakes stowed on both canopies and make gentle control inputs by pulling down on either of the left or right rear riser of the dominant canopy to initiate turn.
Two Canopy Out (Downplane)
Attempt to contain the (2nd) deploying canopy, main or reserve, and maintain control of it, ensuring it remains in it’s deployment bag. If deployment of the second canopy is inevitable, and it results in a “downplane” formation, disconnect the RSL (if altitude permits) and perform emergency procedures by pulling the cutaway handle, ensuring full release of the main risers, physically assisting if necessary.
In any emergency scenario that requires a cutaway of the main canopy
- If time and altitude permit, attempt to capture the legs of the tandem student before initiating a cutaway.
- If time and altitude permit, request that your student arch, grab the main lift web of their harness with their hands and tilt their head back.
- These additional body position procedures should not prevent performing emergency procedures in a timely manner.
