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Welcome to our Skydiving Terminology Glossary, your ultimate resource for understanding the language of the sky. Whether you’re a first-time jumper or an experienced skydiver, navigating the world of skydiving can be daunting with its unique jargon and technical terms. This glossary is designed to demystify the terminology and help you feel more confident and informed as you prepare for your jump. From the basics of freefall to the intricacies of parachute deployment, we’ve compiled clear and concise definitions to ensure you’re well-versed in the language of skydiving. Explore the terms, enhance your knowledge, and get ready to embrace the thrill of the skies with a deeper understanding of the sport.
Below is a list of common skydiving terminology to help you get acquainted with the language of the sport.
The height above the ground or sea level, measured during the jump. Key altitudes include exit altitude, deployment altitude, and landing altitude.
A device that alerts skydivers of specific altitudes, often integrated into altimeters or audible altimeters.
A safety device that automatically deploys the parachute if the skydiver has not done so manually by a certain altitude.
A training method for solo skydiving where students jump with instructors and learn to freefall and deploy their parachute.
An instructor who specialises in Accelerated Freefall training, guiding students through their initial jumps.
The vertical distance above the ground or sea level.
The parachute itself, which slows the descent of the skydiver.
The skill of controlling and manoeuvring the parachute during the descent to ensure a safe landing.
The process of opening the parachute. This can be done manually or automatically.
A discipline where skydivers jump together and form specific formations in freefall.
The phase of the jump where the skydiver is falling through the air before deploying the parachute.
A freefall position where the skydiver’s head is facing upwards, often used for stability and specific skydiving techniques.
A freefall position where the skydiver’s head is facing downward, allowing for higher speeds and different aerial manoeuvres.
An experienced skydiver responsible for overseeing the jump, ensuring safety procedures are followed, and assisting with equipment checks.
The planned route and approach a skydiver takes to land safely and accurately.
A problem with the parachute system, such as a failure to deploy correctly or a parachute that does not inflate properly.
The primary parachute used for descent. It is manually deployed by the skydiver.
The altitude measured by an altimeter, used to gauge the correct timing for parachute deployment.
A type of jump where a novice skydiver is harnessed to an experienced instructor, who manages the jump, freefall, and parachute deployment.
The constant speed reached by a skydiver during freefall when the force of gravity is balanced by air resistance.
A device that measures and displays the rate of descent or ascent during freefall or canopy flight.
A type of skydiving where the skydiver wears a special suit with fabric wings, allowing for controlled, horizontal flight.
Techniques used to manoeuvre the parachute during descent, including steering and adjusting speed.
The process of detaching the main parachute to deploy the reserve parachute in case of a malfunction.
The flight path of the aircraft over the drop zone, ensuring that skydivers exit over the correct area for a safe landing.
A small parachute used to pull out the main canopy during deployment.
A device used in training where a cord automatically deploys the parachute when the skydiver exits the aircraft.
A malfunction where the parachute partially or fully deflates, requiring immediate action to resolve.
An Accelerated Freefall jump where students exit the aircraft with instructors and learn to deploy their parachutes independently.
A small parachute used in tandem skydiving to slow the descent and stabilise the freefall before the main parachute is deployed.
These terms cover various aspects of skydiving, from basic concepts to specific techniques and equipment, helping you better understand and communicate about the sport.