FREEFALL
Dive Plan #1: Forward Movement to Dock
- Coach observes spot.
- Front floater exit position (outside strut) until successful.
- Initiate count after coach OK.
- Face the direction of flight until stable (two to three seconds).
- Coach moves into position and docks.
- Check altitude and nod.
- Coach backs up five feet and adjusts levels as necessary.
- Move forward and take grips.
- Altitude check every five seconds or after each maneuver, whichever comes first.
- Coach backs up ten feet; move forward and take grips.
- Altitude check every five seconds or after each maneuver, whichever comes first.
- Repeat until breakoff.
- Initiate break-off at 5,500 feet and turn to track.
- Coach remains in place and evaluates track.
- Wave off and pull by 3,500 feet.
Dive Plan #2: Down and Up
- Coach observes spot.
- Rear floater exit position (inside strut) until successful.
- Initiate count after coach OK.
- Face direction of flight until stable.
- Turn to face coach.
- Coach moves into position and docks.
- Check altitude and nod.
- Coach backs up five feet and increases fall rate.
- Remain in position and match coach’s fall rate.
- Altitude check every five seconds or after each maneuver, whichever comes first.
- Coach slows fall rate.
- Remain in position and match coach.
- Repeat until response is quick and accurate.
- Break off at 5,500 feet.
- Coach remains in place and evaluates track.
- Wave off and pull by 3,500 feet.
Dive Plan #3: Docking with Problems
- Coach observes spot.
- Review either floater position.
- Initiate count after coach OK.
- Face direction of flight until stable.
- Turn to face coach.
- Coach moves into position and docks.
- Check altitude and nod.
- Coach backs up ten feet and changes fall rate.
- Match coach’s fall rate to level and dock.
- Altitude check every five seconds or after each maneuver, whichever comes first.
- Repeat until response is quick and accurate.
- Break off at 5,500 feet.
- Coach remains in place and evaluates track.
- Wave off and pull by 3,500 feet.