First Jump Course
Student Training Outline
Section I - Equipment
The Targeted Learning Objectives (TLO) for this block of instruction is for
you as a student to be able to 1) identify, name, and describe the function of
each piece of equipment on the parachute harness and container, 2) have a
thorough understanding of yours and the Drop Zone's responsibilities regarding
that equipment, and 3) how to properly put on the equipment to ensure a safe
skydive. By the end of this block of instruction, you will be able to pass an
oral examination regarding each of the learning blocks of instruction.
1. Equipment Nomenclature - The following table lists the minimum equipment information that you will be required to know for your oral examination and its use or function will be demonstrated in class.
| Leg Straps | The leg straps are to be properly routed and must be securely fashioned using the B-12 Connectors or using the Thread Thru hardware. The leg straps must be snug. Snug is defined as being able to slide two fingers between your legs and the leg straps. |
| Chest Strap | The chest strap must be properly routed through the friction bar. After the leg straps are properly secured, use your "Arch" to determine the tightness of the chest strap. |
| Main Deployment Handle | Students using the Static-Line or Instructor-Assisted deployment (IAD) methods will not use a main deployment handle. Accelerated Freefall (AFF) students will find the Main Deployment handle on the right bottom of the parachute container. |
| Cutaway Handle | This is the ONLY red handle on the front right side just below the chest strap. Its function is to cut away the main canopy in the event of a failure. |
| Reserve Ripcord Handle | This is the silver handle on the left side just below the chest strap. Its function is to deploy the reserve canopy after cutting away the main canopy if it fails. |
| 3 Ring Release System | Releases the main canopy during an emergency by pulling the cutaway handle. |
| Automatic Activation Device (AAD) | The AAD's function is to automatically activate the reserve canopy in the event the student is passing through the calibrated altitude at a speed greater than 76 feet/second. Skydive Tulsa sets its Automatic Activation Devices at 1,100' |
| Reserve Static Line (RSL) | The Reserve Static Line is attached between the risers and the Reserve Ripcord Cable. In the event a student cuts away the main, the RSL assists in the reserve deployment. |
| Risers | The black webbing connected between the three ring release system and the suspension lines. |
| Toggles | The parachute is controlled by pulling the steering toggles located on the back of the rear risers. By pulling down on the right toggle, the parachute will turn to the right. By pulling down on the left toggle, the parachute will turn left. |
| Suspension Lines | Lines between the riser and the parachute. These lines range from 550 pounds to 1000 pounds of tensile strength. |
| Slider | The slider is the square canopy material which slides up and down the suspension lines. Its function is to inhibit the opening shock and provide continuity of suspension line separation upon parachute deployment. |
| Parachute | The main parachute is a large seven or nine cell ram air parachute, referred to as a 'Square.' The ram air type parachute is an inflatable wing and operates on the principle of lift. The leading edge of the wing is open and the trailing edge is closed. As air flows into the leading edge, the parachute inflates into a wing. As the wing glides forward, it produces lift. The parachute is controlled by pulling the steering toggles. |
| Deployment (D) Bag | The Deployment Bag is what the parachute is packed into before it goes into the container. Its function is to contain the parachute during the opening sequence. |
| Pilot Chute | The pilot chute pulls the deployment bag out of the container. |
2. Equipment Responsibilities - You have responsibilities regarding
your student parachute and the drop zone has responsibilities regarding your
parachute:
2.1 Drop Zone Responsibilities - According to the Federal Aviation Administration's FAR 105.43, "(1) The main parachute must have been packed by a certificated parachute rigger, or by the person making the jump, within 120 days before the date of its use, (2) The auxiliary must have been packed by a certificated and appropriately rated parachute rigger within 120 days before the date of use..."
2.2 Skydiver's Responsibilities - Ensure; 1) to review the packing data card of the reserve (auxiliary) parachute and that it is within date according to FAR 105.43, 2) the rigger's seal and thread has not been broken, 3) the RSL is connected and properly routed, 4) the AAD is properly connected and turned on to the proper altitude, 5) the equipment is properly donned, and 6) you receive no less than 3 Jumpmaster Personnel Inspections (JMPI's), commonly referred to as "Gear Checks." You will receive two (2) JMPI's on the ground using two (2) different Jumpmasters and you will receive a third gear check from your Jumpmaster in the aircraft prior to exiting.
3. Proper Equipment Donning Procedures - The proper donning method is as follows and will be demonstrated in class:
3.1 Check the Reserve Data Card and the Rigger's seal.
3.2 Check to ensure the RSL is connected.
3.3 Check to ensure the AAD is on.
3.4 Pick the harness up by the right shoulder like you would a book bag and place it on your right shoulder slipping your left arm carefully (so as not to pull the Reserve Ripcord Handle) under the left shoulder strap.
3.5 Connect and secure your leg straps first (make sure they aren't twisted or misrouted) and tighten until snug using an alternating milking fashion and that both leg straps are of equal length.
3.6 Place your altimeter on your chest strap, then route your chest strap through the friction bar and secure the running end through the rubber band.
3.7 Put your student radio on over the chest strap (it snaps on).
3.8 Put on your helmet and goggles.
3.9 Tell your Jumpmaster you need two (2) JMPI's (Gear Checks).