Cat A | Cat B | Cat C | Cat D | Cat E | Cat F | Cat G | Cat H 

 Category A

Equipment Terminology

Terms to know:

  • deployment handle

  • pilot chute

  • deployment bag

  • slider

  • cutaway handle

  • reserve handle

  • RSL

  • AAD

  • 3-rings

  • risers

  • steering/brake toggles

Body Position and Hand Signals

  • belly-to-earth position is the best (but not the only) position for deployment

  • hand signals are needed to communicate in freefall

Landing Patterns

  1. Locate your landing area and determine wind direction.

  2. Draw your final leg, beginning at 300 feet of altitude.

  3. Draw your base leg, beginning around 600 feet.

  4. Draw your downwind leg, beginning at about 1,000 feet.

  5. Determine where your holding area will be located.

how to determine your landing pattern.PNG

Loss of Instructor(s)

At any point during freefall:

  1. If you lose one instructor, continue the dive as normal.

  2. If neither instructor can physically touch you, execute your pull sequence.

 

Pull Priorities

In order of importance:

  1. Pull

  2. Pull at the correct altitude

  3. Pull at the correct altitude while stable

Landing Priorities

In order of importance:

  1. Wing(s) level, flying straight

  2. Land in a clear, open area

  3. Flare to at least half brakes

  4. Prepare to PLF

Landing into the wind is NEVER a priority, only a preference.

 

Parachute Landing Fall (PLF)

Be prepared to PLF when coming in for landing, in the event that you have a hard landing.  Arms should be kept close to your body and your feet and knees should be together.

Upon feet contacting the ground:

  1. Lay onto the side of one calf

  2. Roll onto your thigh

  3. Roll onto your hip (side of butt)

  4. Roll diagonally across your back to the opposite shoulder (throw legs overhead if necessary)

Landing Hazards

Avoid them!  Only fly over areas that you would be happy to land in once you reach an altitude of 1000 feet and lower.  If it is clear that you will hit an obstacle, remember your landing priorities: wings level, flare to at least half brakes, and be prepared for a hard landing.  Always wait for competent help to arrive.

Equipment Problems

After deploying your parachute, ask yourself the following questions in this order:

  1. Is it there (parachute)?

  2. Is it square (fully inflated)?

  3. Is it controllable?

Emergency Procedures

Decide by 2500 feet if you have a landable parachute.  If not, initiate emergency procedures:

Look red, Grab red

Look silver, Grab silver

Peel, pull Red

Peel, pull Silver

Arch

For aircraft emergencies, follow your instructor’s orders.