On-Line information for Skydivers

 

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NOTE: The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily endorsed by the APF

FAA 180 Day re-pack cycle 1) PIA/USPA Press release 2) Full FAA Details

Basic Body Flight for B-rels and Beyond: A thesis by Alan Moss. This thesis is targeted at “B rel” students and their instructors. It is intended to be used in conjunction with the “B” rel manual. The objective is to describe existing freefall positions and introduce new ideas to aid progression in flat flying techniques. It also includes information for students which is valuable after obtaining a “B” licence. The thesis encompasses freefall body positions, desired movement and instructional techniques.

Lower Light 70's photo gallery! These photos of the South Australian Sport Parachute Club's early days are from Steve Swann's collection, with contributions from Bernie Keenan and Col Parsons.

PIA SYMPOSIUM 2007 SPEAKERS NOTES

Flotation Equipment: (Click here for Sample of Approved Equipment to comply with APF Op Reg 5.1.6., 6.1.7.a & 6.1.7.6 NOTE: This is just one design of a Life Preserver that meets the standards acceptable in the definitions of the APF Operational Regulations)

Fly or Fry by Rob McMillan. Student Handbook: This student manual contains 'food for thought' and practical ideas regarding how to better spend your time flying your wing. The notes will teach some basics about canopy flight. Though before attempting anything new or different, don't hesitate to as a canopy flight tutor to help plan the flight.
Tutor Handbook: This booklet contains information for the Canopy Tutor to help prepare for and run a canopy control course for the novice and intermediate skydiving pilot.

Skydiving and Pregnancy by Leanne Critchley. Becoming a skydiver is a life changing event and a wonderful experience. So is having a baby! Although the two are not mutually exclusive, the decision to have a baby creates the need for some complex decision making for the skydiving parents-to-be. So here are some of the facts, some of the things to think about, some experiences of other women. Then it's up to each individual to make decisions according to what is right for her, her partner and her baby.

Team Canopy Training Exercises: by Tim Bates (VPC State Coach Aug 03 - Nov 05) Drop Zone landing areas are like the busiest airports in the country! We survive (busy) DZ landing areas using a combination of skill, communication and luck - which two would you rather rely upon? Some tips for teams to make the most out of their jumps by briefing canopy exercises into the jump from the start.

Airspeed Skills Camp Notebook This program is the culmination of many years of work, originally started by the founding members of Arizona Airspeed. When this began, Jack Jefferies, Mark Kirkby, Kirk Verner, Dan BC originally wanted to pass on their vast knowledge of skydiving to improve the skydiving community as a whole. Many of the systems they have in place are from the work that that these 4 guys initiated. Then, just as now, the primary focus of the camp is PERSONAL BEST AND TEAM BEST.

The Red Zone  "Specific Risks in Sport Parachuting" by Dave Wilkie – This document is comprised of a number of brief outlines of specific risks associated with sports parachuting. The scenarios outlined here have caused serious and often fatal injuries to skydivers either here in Australia or elsewhere in the world. These scenarios are presented here with the intention of increasing awareness of these specific risks, promoting discussion and hopefully reducing the incidence of adverse outcomes.

Safety Checklist: Skydivers can benefit from more frequent and thorough equipment checks, emergency procedures practice, and enhanced canopy control awareness. This checklist was produced by the USPA as a result of one of their national Safety Days and is reproduced here with their permission. It has been modified by the APF Technical Officer to suit Australian Specifications.

Wing Loading & It's Effects: A seminar by Performance Designs, Inc. Speaker: John LeBlanc

Exit separation by Steve Geens: (PDF) "How much time between exits?" – this paper will give you some understanding and answers to this common question.

Choosing a parachute: Once members have completed their student training one of their first questions is "What sort of parachute should I buy?"

Assessing your glide angle - the Accuracy Trick: Or "Can I make it back to the drop zone?"

Avoiding Collisions under canopy by Fiona McEachern How to avoid them and what to do if you have one...

Human Factors Systems Safety - Australian Skydiving by Mike Flanagan, section Head Human Factors Systems Safety - CASA. (2006) This report is in response to a request received from the Sports & recreation section to consider Human Factors (HF) issues associated with recent accidents. To investigate whether HF principles can make a contribution to increasing the safety of the sport.

A History of Parachuting: From the 12th century ...

A History of Australian Parachuting since 1958 by Frank Mines (PDF)

"United We Fall" Early jump stories

How High Can One Safely Parachute from? 1) Article from New Scientist 20 July 2006 and 2) Contribution to article by APF member Roger Clifton

kittinger.jpg (13609 bytes) The Long, Lonely Leap – The story of Joe Kittinger's jump from 102,800 ft