First Jump Course
Student Training Outline

III. Canopy Control Procedures
The Targeted Learning Objectives (TLOs) for this block of instruction is that you as the student will be able to identify a good canopy and follow the recommended procedures, identify a partial or full malfunction and employ the MANDATORY emergency procedures, learn how to maneuver your parachute, and finally how to follow your canopy flight plan and recommended altitudes to a Safe Open Field Area (SOFA) 

1. Good Canopy Procedures - After you've left the aircraft in a good stable "Arch" and counted, ONE THOUSAND, TWO THOUSAND, THREE THOUSAND, FOUR THOUSAND, CHECK CANOPY!!!!!! You will need to ascertain that you have a good canopy. The way this is done is by using the three S's ~ 

1.1) Square - is the canopy fully open and all four points of the square canopy visible, 
1.2) Stable - is the canopy stable (its not erratic),
1.3) Steerable - Is the canopy steerable (Toggles).

During class you will be shown a canopy, the canopies used by Skydive Tulsa are nine (9) cell canopies. Remember, we discussed the parachute as a wing. This wing is manufactured much like sewing several wind socks together, each wind sock represents one cell. The way the canopy is packed is with the center cell exposed, therefore the canopy inflates from the center out. Each cell has open ports between it, so the center cell fills with air first and the cells to each subsequent side fills the other outwards and concurrently through the cell noses (this all happens by the count of Four Thousand, so it happens fairly quickly).

As a result of the cell opening process, it is not unusual to experience "End Cell Closure." This means that while you will have learned to count all four points of the canopy (1.1 Square), it is NOT uncommon for the end cells to not be fully inflated. Please don't be alarmed. In class you will learn the "Clear All" process that is required of all students that will rectify end cell closure. Upon the canopy's opening you will be required to:

1.4) Clear Alls - Grab both your toggles (located on the rear risers) and pull them in a slow deliberate manner all the way to your groin three (3) times. 
1.5) Right Turn - Pull ALL the way down on your right toggle and turn the canopy a minimum of ninety degrees (1/4 turn), then place both arms up locking your elbows, then,
1.6) Left Turn - Pull ALL the way down on your left toggle and turn the canopy a minimum of ninety degrees (1/4 turn), then place both arms up locking your elbows.

Following this process each time your canopy opens will ensure that the canopy is, 1) Square, 2) Stable, and 3) Steerable.
 
2. Bad Canopy Procedures - During class you will learn about and be shown pictures of partial and total malfunctions. You will not be expected to identify the names of these malfunctions (although the names will be used in class). At this point in your skydiving career, we will only expect you to identify a "Good" or a "Bad" canopy. If the canopy is good, you will employ your "Clear All" procedures, if the canopy is "Bad" you MUST employ your emergency procedures. Skydive Tulsa teaches the five count method of:

You will be required to perform this emergency procedure in a satisfactory manner multiple times before being allowed to make your first skydive. In addition, you will be drilled using pictures of both good and bad canopies. You will have to decide whether to employ the "Good" Canopy procedures of "Clear Alls" or to employ the "Bad Canopy" emergency procedures. Failure to perform satisfactorily during the performance-oriented portion of this training will result in remedial training until the Instructor is satisfied that the student skydiver can properly ascertain which methodology to employ corresponding with its respective pictures.

3. Canopy Flight Planning Procedures (Horizontal & Vertical Perspectives) - During class you will be taken to the Landing Zone. While there you will be given an in-depth class on where you will exit the aircraft and your flight pattern. A canopy flight pattern is not unlike an aircraft's flight pattern. You will learn the horizontal perspectives of Downwind, Base, and Final (Upwind). In addition, you will learn the vertical perspectives of determining the correct altitudes for each point on each leg of your flight plan.

(click for larger view)

3.1 Landing Hazards (Obstacles) - Obstacles are buildings, cars, planes, boulders, or any other large object that may cause you injury if you land on it. Although we always try to avoid hazards on the ground when landing, we must be prepared to deal with them. The main landing hazards you must be capable of handling are trees, obstacles, water, and power lines. Again, avoidance is the first rule and cannot be emphasized enough. As long as you open at your proper altitude, even if you are off the DZ, you should have plenty of time to pick a soft open field area (SOFA).

a. Trees - Trees are the most common landing hazard to the skydiver. If you are in the position of having to land in the trees, you should try to land into the wind to minimize your forward velocity into the trees. Before entering the treetops, put your feet and knees as close together as possible to prevent a limb from going between your legs. Pull your toggles down to your shoulders (half-brakes), and while still holding your toggles, protect your face by covering it with your fists. Pull your elbows tight into your chest to protect the arteries and veins under your arms. As you descend through the trees, prepare to do a Parachute Landing Fall (PLF), as you will probably go all the way through the trees to the ground. If you find yourself suspended in trees, try to stabilize your position by grabbing onto the nearest tree branch or trunk. Hold on until someone comes to help you down. DO NOT get out of your harness and try to climb down by yourself.

b. Water - Water hazards are defined as any body of water that you can drown in. If you find yourself landing into a large body of water, try to land into the wind. Before you land, loosen your chest strap. Prepare to do a PLF, as the water may be shallow. If the water is deep, after you enter the water, STAY CALM. The air in your reserve container will help you stay afloat for several minutes. Undo your chest strap and slide the harness and container off your legs, then swim away from your gear. If your parachute lands on top of you, start pulling the parachute material over your head in one continuous direction until the parachute is off of you. Then get out of your harness as described above and swim away from your gear.

c. Power Lines - Power lines are the most dangerous landing hazard you must be capable of handling. Power lines should be avoided at all costs - land parallel to the lines, land downwind, even make a turn close to the ground. DO ANYTHING DIFFERENT THAN LAND IN A POWER LINE!! If you do find yourself about to land in power lines, get rid of any ripcords or cutaway handles in your hands. Put your feet and knees together. Put your arms up on the inside of your risers. Turn your face to the side and prepare to do a PLF, in case you go all the way through the lines. If you are suspended in the lines, try not to touch anything. Don't touch more than one line at a time. Don't try to grab the pole as this will complete a circuit and electrocute you! Stay put and wait until qualified personnel (i.e. the power company or fire department) comes to get you down.

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