United States Parachute Association > Experienced Skydivers > SIM > Chapter 4 > Chapter 4-4

4-4: Pre-Jump Safety Checks and Briefings copy link

A. Equipment Preparation

Preparing all skydiving equipment and procedures prior to each jump is critical to preventing accidents. This information is intended to provide instructional staff and other licensed jumpers with guidance in developing an appropriate personal checklist.

In some cases, others—the pilot, instructor, coach, rigger, ground crew chief, etc.— will have principal responsibility for these checks; however, no one should assume that others have carried out these responsibilities. Initially, the USPA Instructor performs these pre-jump safety checks and briefings for their students. As students progress, they should begin to learn to do them for themselves. Through leadership and attitude, instructional staff can foster a respect for safety that will serve the beginning skydiver well when they assume sole responsibility for their skydiving activities.

USPA highly recommends that every jumper, regardless of experience level, engage in a mutual gear check with another licensed jumper. This peer-review process serves as an essential safety verification step to identify and rectify any oversights or errors in equipment preparation. The practice of mutual gear checks cultivates a culture of collective responsibility and vigilance, enhancing safety standards in skydiving activities.

Progressing students and all experienced jumpers should review the items on these lists to familiarize themselves with the wide range of details. This section includes checklists for:

  • aircraft preflight
  • ground-crew briefing
  • pilot briefing
  • skydiver briefing
  • equipment check
  • before-takeoff check
  • takeoff
  • spotting
  • jump run
  • descent and landing in aircraft
  • post-jump debriefing
B. Briefings

Aircraft preflight (primarily the responsibility of the pilot, but the supervising instructional rating holder should check):

  • placards: in place (as required)
  • seats removed (as required)
  • door stop (under Cessna wing) removed
  • sharp objects taped
  • loose objects secured
  • steps and handholds secure, clean of oil
  • aircraft altimeter set
  • filing and activation of notice to airmen (NOTAM)
  • aircraft radio serviceable
  • static-line attachment secure
  • knife in place and accessible
  • remote spotting correction and communication signals operational (larger aircraft)
  • winds-aloft report or wind-drift indicators available
  • seat belts available and serviceable
  • passenger hand straps near door removed

A load organizer (a senior jumper or instructional rating holder) should coordinate to ensure that everyone is in agreement by conducting a ground crew briefing. This briefing should include communications procedures to meet BSR requirements for ground-to-air communication (smoke, panels, radio, etc.), jump order, distance/time between groups on exit, landing pattern priorities, and control of spectators and vehicles. For student operations, the briefer should be a USPA Instructor and discussion should include:

  • wind limitations
  • setting up and maintaining a clear target area
  • critiques of student landings
  • maintenance of master log
  • accident and first-aid procedures

The load organizer also coordinates with the pilot on jump-run altitudes and direction, communications (ground to air, jumpmaster to pilot, air traffic control), aircraft attitudes during corrections on jump run, and jump-run speed and cut. If applicable, the briefing should include locking the wheel brake (the parking brake is not to be used). In addition, the briefing should address the gross weight and center of gravity requirements and limitations, procedures for aircraft emergencies, and procedures for equipment emergencies in the aircraft.

The load organizer also briefs the skydivers, discussing items such as seat-belt-off altitude (1,500 feet AGL or designated by DZ policy); movement in the aircraft, especially during jump run; aircraft emergency procedures, including communication procedures; and parachute-equipment-emergency procedures.

A USPA instructor briefs students after reviewing the student log or record. The jump plan includes exit and freefall, including jump commands, emergency procedure training or review, canopy control and landing pattern, and drop zone appearance and hazards using an aerial photo or map. The discussion should also include conduct in the aircraft such as protection of operation handles and pins, movement, and mental preparation before the jump.

C. Equipment Checklist

Each individual skydiver should ensure that their own equipment is inspected four times prior to each jump:

  1. before putting it on
  2. immediately after putting it on
  3. prior to boarding
  4. prior to exit

Utilizing a gear-check routine that you perform in the same order each time is both efficient and helps prevent inadvertently missing an item. The following list of items, used in any logical order, is an example of a pre-flight checklist:

  • helmet: proper fit and the chin strap threaded correctly
  • goggles or glasses: secure and clean
  • three-ring release system: properly assembled and periodic maintenance performed
  • reserve static line (RSL): hooked up and routed correctly (refer to manufacturer’s instructions)
  • altimeters: checked and set; visual altimeters do not block operation handles
  • main parachute:
    • main canopy properly sized
    • container properly closed, pull-up cord removed, and closing loop in good condition
    • pilot chute: secure in the pouch, bridle routed correctly and secure, pin secure on the bridle and seated in the closing loop, and slack above the pin (if applicable); if using a pull-out pilot chute (not approved for student use): handle secure, pin seated, free movement of the handle through pin extraction (see manufacturer’s instructions)
    • practice-main-deployment-handle secure (student)
  • harness:
    • straps routed correctly and not twisted
      1. chest strap
      2. leg straps
      3. belly band, if applicable
    • snaps secured and closed and/or friction adapters properly threaded
    • adjusted for proper fit
    • running ends turned back and sewn
    • loose ends tucked into keepers
  • belly band (if used):
    • correctly routed
    • adjusted
    • friction adapter properly threaded
  • reserve:
    • proper size for jumper
    • pin condition: seated, not bent, and closing loop(s) in good condition
    • pilot chute seated
    • packing data card in date and seal in place
    • reserve-handle pocket condition
    • pin-cover flap closed
    • overall appearance
  • risers: not twisted and toggles secure
  • suspension and control lines: not exposed
  • personal accessories:
    • footwear: proper type and fit, no open hooks or buckles
    • protective clothing
      1. jumpsuit pockets closed
      2. other outerwear compatible with jumping
      3. gloves as needed
    • empty pockets
    • earplugs (if desired)
  • automatic activation device (AAD):
    • serviced according to manufacturer’s schedule
    • in the correct mode for the jump (changeable-mode AADs)
    • proper routing of cable(s)
    • control unit secured in proper location
    • turned on and calibrated (offset for altitude if needed)
  • condition of all touch fastener (aka Velcro) and tuck tabs
  • overall fit and appearance