Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1000484
ALL ABOARD – IT'S TIME FOR THE TEST It is time not only to test your own skills, but also the knowledge you gained during the course – the first jump is only the beginning, but for many people it can also be the last one, due to various reasons. I do not want to be pessimistic, I just want to highlight that, above all, it can appear that you are not as brave as you think. For safety reasons and full convenience of the jump, before the jump we receive a parachute adjusted to our weight (if a „lighter" jumper receives a parachute for a heavy person, it will take longer for it to open, which can evoke too much sensations that people can handle in one jump). The instructor checks the fitting of hip bands (they should be symmetrical and well-drawn, otherwise we can be drifted to one side) and the chest band, our knowledge in recognizing the grips for the release of the main canopy and the auxiliary canopy, and knowledge in radio communications. For your first jumps, I recommend boots that cover the ankle, because in case of an injury of the ankle joint, our first jump will be our last. If you have the possibility, it is worthwhile to minimize the case of Murphy's law. Before each jump, no matter whether the last one was 10 minutes or 6 hours ago, there is a briefing during which we are provided with the basic information on the topography of the airport, meteorological conditions, the drop zone, the area within which we lose altitude, and the method for build-up of the round and landing spot. Before taking off, we arrange who will jump first, because the sequence of getting on board depends on it. Few last attempts to check our jumping method with all the equipment. When the engine starts, we are attached to the beam and move on. In summer, even on very hot days, the temperature will be different in the air, that is why the suit will serve as thermal insulation. The flight itself is the coldest part. The temperature will have the greatest impact on the persons who jumps first and sits on the edge (at the so-called gasket). Later on, the temperature will be acceptable – emotion will warm everybody up. But when the day is not that hot, I advise wearing something warm underneath the suit – it can be pretty chilly up there. When we are close to the drop zone, we receive a signal from the dispatcher that it is time. There is still time for us to drop out – it will be much harder later on. You must remember that if you fail the challenge, your flight companion, who could have probably been more determined, will not jump as well because it is impossible to change seats once the plane is in the air. Upon your attempt to exit the plane, remember that it flies at the speed of about 120 km/h (it slightly decelerates when the jumpers are performing the jumps) so it can be quite a challenge to reach the „door frame", especially if you are light. In such cases, you can count on your instructor. You grasp the beam at the door with your one hand and the wing strut with your second hand. You position your foot on the s t e p a n d look at the camera, which is usually located on the wing. The purpose of it is not for cool shots, but to let the gusts of wind properly position our body. I know that the urge to look down is more tempting, but you will probably start flipping and get entangled into the parachute cords (and you really do not want that). I personally have never heard of a jumper who would quit while standing on the step, but maybe such a situation happened. Very often the impact of air does its job and helps the hesitant ones leave the airplane. www.fragoutmag.com