MILITARY FREEFALL PARACHUTIST – FLIGHT

1. MILITARY FREEFALL PARACHUTIST – FLIGHT Reference | Help | Français React to Low Speed Malfunctions Click a malfunction to view it INTRODUCTION Emergency Procedure Slider Hang-up Broken Brake Line Line Twists Brake Line Hang-up End Cell Closure Broken Suspension Lines Accidental Reserve Deployment Pilot Chute in Front of Cells Tension Knots A low speed malfunction is described as any abnormal operation of the main parachute, where full support or control is denied to the jumper. Low speed malfunctions may be observed after the deployment of the main parachute. If the parachutist is unable to gain control or full support of the main canopy he will make the decision to cut away and activate the reserve. If a low speed malfunction has not been rectified by 1500 feet AGL, the emergency procedure must be carried out. Use the pull out menu on the left to learn more to see each malfunction Home Next Scene 1 of

2. MILITARY FREEFALL PARACHUTIST – FLIGHT Reference | Help | Français React to Low Speed Malfunctions – Accidental Reserve Deployment There is a remote possibility that the reserve parachute may accidentally deploy. Should this happen, you will attempt to catch the reserve between your legs before it inflates. If the reserve inflates, you will attempt to fly and land both canopies. Cutting away your main canopy will only be done if the two parachutes go into a down plane configuration. When both canopies are deployed, they can adopt different configurations. Click a malfunction to view it Emergency Procedure Slider Hang-up Broken Brake Line Line Twists Brake Line Hang-up End Cell Closure Broken Suspension Lines Accidental Reserve Deployment Pilot Chute in Front of Cells Tension Knots Click a thumbnail to see a larger version • Bi-Plane Configuration • When the two canopies are in a bi-plane configuration the main parachute will most likely be in front with the reserve in behind since the lines on the reserve are shorter. This configuration should fly in a stable manner; however the following actions must be taken: • Disconnect the Reserve Static Line (RSL) if altitude permits. • Fly the bi-plane configuration using gentle input on the rear riser of the main parachute (or the brake lines if unstowed). • Do not unstow the brakes on the reserve. • Make sure you orient yourself facing into the wind and prepare for a PLF. • YOU WILL NOT FLARE YOUR PARACHUTE. • Side-by-Side Configuration • In this configuration the two canopies will be side-by-side with the edges touching. This configuration should fly in a stable manner; however the following actions must be taken: • Undo the RSL if altitude permits. • Fly the side-by-side configuration using gentle input on the dominant canopy (rear risers or brake lines if unstowed). • NOTE: There is a chance that a side-by-side configuration could turn into a down plane with little warning. This can catch parachutists by surprise just before landing and can result in serious injury or death. • You must be prepared to cut away your main canopy at any point if the canopies start going into a down plane. • If the canopies remain in a side-by-side, gently steer facing into the wind and prepare for a PLF. • YOU WILL NOT FLARE YOU PARACHUTE. • Down Plane Configuration • In the down plane configuration, the two canopies are separating from each other causing each of them to dive straight down at a high rate of speed. This is a very dangerous situation that the parachutist must recognise and then quickly carry out the following actions: • If the canopies are not tangled: • Undo the RSL if altitude permits. • Pull the cutaway handle to release the main parachute. • Land normally with your reserve parachute. • If the canopies are entangled: • Try to reel in the less inflated of the two and work to get the other canopy clear and flying level. Depending on the entanglement, this may not be possible. • Continue to work to clear the mess and don’t give up! Home Next Scene 1 of