A tandem skydive is when a skydiving instructor is connected by a harness to the skydiving student. This is so that the instructor can instruct the student throughout the diving process. This is the most common training method used in skydiving because the expectations of the student are minimal, which makes the student feel more confident.
Before you begin a tandem parachute jump, you will notice that the equipment is different from that used in a traditional parachute jump. For example, a drug parachute is used, while a regular skydive does not require this parachute. This parachute will deploy shortly after the plane to slow it down. The main parachute is also larger. It can range from 360 square feet and up. This is necessary because the parachute must support two people instead of one and, as usual, there is a reserve parachute as required by the FAA with an automatic activation device to deploy the parachute in the event a skydiver is in free fall. below a specific altitude. .
Here are 9 other things you can expect when doing a tandem skydive:
1. Before participating in a tandem parachute jump, you must sign a waiver form.
2. After meeting your instructor, you will need to put on some gear. This kit includes a jumpsuit, goggles and a harness. The harness is not typically used in solo skydiving. The harness is specific for tandem skydiving. The instructor then outlines specific rules including how to exit the plane and proper body shape when diving.
3. You will be taken to the desired height for a parachute jump. The aircraft door may be open so you can easily dive. You will need to jump at a specific time because the landing spot is specific. You can’t jump too early or too late. Expect this ride to take an average of 20 minutes and will most likely be cold and noisy.
4. You can also choose your jump height, which is usually between 9,000 and 14,000 feet.
5. Expect the jump to be more of a roll than a jump. You and your instructor are sitting on the floor of the plane, so you’ll slowly work your way toward the door until you’re sitting on the edge. When it’s time to execute your tandem parachute jump, the two of you will roll out of the plane so you can assume the jump position.
6. The instructor will instruct you to arch your back, giving your body a banana shape. This allows you to maintain your center of gravity. Your instructor will be glued to your back.
7. Tandem skydiving seems like it doesn’t take long. If you jump from 14,000 feet, you can expect the free fall to last 60 seconds. If you jump from 9,000 feet, you can expect the free fall to last less than 30 seconds. Conditions will be quite windy and you can expect that you won’t be able to hear much of anything because your body resistance and your monkey’s flapping of wings means conditions will be noisy.
8. You will feel the pull of the parachute as it deploys. It may take you to a higher altitude as the air catches you. From there, parachuting to the ground is like riding a swing. It’s quiet and relaxing, so you and your instructor can chat about the experience and the upcoming landing.
9. A few minutes after the parachute deploys, the instructor will instruct you to raise your legs so you can land. Your landing will be a slide in the sand. It’s smooth and you’ll be on your butt. Yes, you may see some divers land on their feet, but they can be more experienced divers. In this case, you are performing a tandem parachute jump, which means you will need to land the way your instructor tells you to avoid injury to both of you.
There is a risk associated with a tandem parachute jump. If you’re wondering about the risk, keep in mind that there are approximately 2 million parachute jumps worldwide each year. Approximately 35 deaths occur annually. Some of these deaths are not always the jumps themselves, but rather air travel.
The most important thing you can expect is to have a lot of fun with the thrill that skydiving invokes. Sometimes there is something about facing that risk that is exhilarating. While it’s good to assess the risk of a tandem skydive, it’s important to understand that driving your car to work is also a risky activity. Many safety precautions have been put in place to ensure that skydiving is an extremely enjoyable thrill ride.