Other partial malfunctions include tears in the canopy fabric or broken lines. These are often the result of old or faulty parachute equipment. There's not much you can do about these in the moment. But not all malfunctions are partial. Very rarely, a parachutist may experience a " total malfunction. That's where the reserve parachute comes in. All skydivers are equipped with a reserve chute. Unlike the main, which may be packed by any experienced diver, a reserve chute can be packed only by an FAA-certified operator.
This extra precaution ensures that the parachute will be properly positioned. Reserves rarely fail, but when they do, it's almost always due to a manufacturing mistake or an act of God. While a total malfunction might sound scarier than a partial, it can actually be better news.
Sometimes, the reserve parachute becomes entangled with a partly deployed main; no main deployment means that the reserve can open unimpeded. As Bell likes to remind new skydivers, the reserve chute is there for a reason. If you feel unsafe, don't be afraid to pull the ripcord. Or, in Bell's words: "When in doubt, whip it out.
Even if you're knocked unconscious, your odds of surviving a parachuting accident are pretty good. Modern rigs are usually outfitted with an automatic activation device, or AAD , which uses computerized sensors to monitor the diver's speed and altitude.
If the parachutist reaches 1, feet meters above ground at a speed of 78 mph kilometers or faster, the AAD will automatically deploy the backup parachute. Devices like these, Bell says, make skydiving today considerably safer than it was even 20 years ago. In , the U. In that number was just 11 in 2. You have the agility to zip around, but it never reaches speeds that are concerning.
The primary design of the reserve parachute revolves entirely around its very important function: to open quickly, on heading, and with stability. Because the reserve parachute is utilized in the event there is an issue with the main parachute, there are little frills when it comes to the reserve parachute. It has a job to fulfill and does it very well. Furthermore, the reserve parachute can only be handled by extremely qualified hands.
In fact, reserve parachutes can only be inspected and packed by a certified parachute rigger who has received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration. Reserve parachutes in every parachute container are inspected and repacked every days.
Each time the reserve is repacked it is inspected and only upon meeting certain requirements is issued approval as a Technical Standard Order from the aforementioned FAA. All of the instructors at Skydive Cincinnati are thoroughly trained to use a reserve parachute.
In fact, it's quite possible that in their extensive time in the sport, your instructor has had to deploy and land a reserve parachute.
This means they serve as the living proof that even if the skydiving parachute malfunctions, it can be a-okay! Still have questions about how a parachute works? Purchase Gift Certificates. Book Now Menu. Close Book Online Now!
What if a Skydiving Parachute Malfunctions? Home Dropzone Articles Details. Typically, about one in every thousand parachutes will experience a malfunction that requires the use of the reserve parachute. According to the National Safety Council , a person is more likely to be killed getting struck by lightning or stung by a bee than during a skydive.
The United States Parachute Association—of which Skydive Paraclete XP is a proud member—has kept careful record of skydiving safety statistics since all the way back in Those numbers are proud as punch to report that the safety of skydiving is better now than it has ever been. That said: We know you still have questions.
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