What To Expect
Tandem Skydiving The First Time
In this video, Operations Manager, Mayon Hight, covers the simple steps of what to expect when you make a Tandem Skydive at Skydive Snohomish.
Video Transcript:
Hi! Welcome to Skydive Snohomish! My name is Mayon and I’m the Operations Manager here at Skydive Snohomish! Skydiving has been a passion of mine for many years, and I cannot wait to share the joy of human flight with you all!
DOOR!
See you on the ground!
*Music*
Now that we’re on the ground, let’s go over the simple steps involved in tandem skydiving, and show you why Skydive Snohomish is one of the best places to skydive in the world!
History of Skydiving at Skydive Snohomish
Skydiving has been going on here at Harvey Field since the early 1950’s when skydiving first evolved into an organized sport. Snohomish played host to many skydiving meets and competitions in those early days and it was a place that many of the pioneers in the sport called home. Today, we’re still a full service skydiving operation, and we are excited you are here to experience this amazing sport! We hold safety as our #1 priority; from the equipment we use to the staff we employ. It’s our goal for our clients to have a high level of confidence in us so they can relax and have an exciting adventure that will always be remembered. As we begin our training remember these 3 rules:
the three Rules
- Rule Number 1 – Smile and have fun!
- Rule Number 2 – Arch!
- Rule Number 3 – Feet up for landing!
Tandem skydiving really is that easy. Let’s begin our training!
Tandem training
In tandem skydiving you’ll be accompanied by a certified tandem instructor. Your instructor will help coach and guide you throughout the entire experience and you can have confidence that they are an experienced and highly skilled skydiver.
Tandem instructor qualifications
To qualify for a tandem instructor rating a skydiver must have a minimum of 500 freefall skydives, 3 years in the sport, and pass the same medical examination as the captain of a commercial airliner.
Equipment
All clothing and equipment that will be provided today is well-maintained, state-of-the-art, and specifically manufactured for skydiving.
Your goggles should be as tight as possible without being uncomfortable. Gloves and hats may be provided on cooler days. The jumpsuit provides another layer in cooler temperatures, protects your clothing when you slide in for landing, and is the uniform that makes you look like a professional skydiver!
The harness you’ll be wearing is exactly the same as the instructor’s, with four points of connection that lock directly into the parachute system.
Parachute system
Skydive Snohomish uses parachute systems designed specifically for tandem skydiving. These parachute systems have been chosen based on their track record of reliability and safety. The system includes two modern, highly maneuverable parachutes that are packed and maintained under the direct supervision of FAA licensed parachute riggers. The system also includes an automatic activation device or AAD. The automatic activation device is a computer that measures speed and altitude. It automatically opens the parachute in the event your instructor is unable to do so. Though we have never had a situation requiring the use of an AAD, these computers are an additional safety device we want you to be aware of.
the arch
Once you leave the airplane you will need to establish a body position that promotes stability. We call this position the arch. You will physically practice this position with an instructor prior to your jump. Notice the hips are the lowest point. Head is up, knees and shoulders are higher than the hips. Below the knee, legs are slightly extended. Your elbows are at 90-degree angles. At first it requires some effort to establish the arch but after about 10 seconds in freefall you can relax a bit because the resistance of the wind will actually help you in maintaining it.
AirPLANES
You will be skydiving out of aircraft that have been modified specifically for use in skydive operations. Our aircraft hold between 4 and 18 passengers and climb to a skydiving altitude in 15 to 20 minutes. All aircraft are maintained by FAA licensed airframe and powerplant technicians.
LOADING
Once you are geared up your instructor will walk with you to the aircraft.
Approach from the side and behind the wing, and do not enter the aircraft until your instructor gives you permission. When you enter the aircraft you will climb 5 steps. Be careful not to bump your head and follow your instructor. Once you are seated your instructor will secure your seatbelt. Also take note that the quarters in the aircraft can be tight.
Taxi Out & Takeoff
For the ride up, you will be facing the tail of the aircraft and straddling the bench seats in between your legs. Another skydiver will likely be sitting just in front of you.
This arrangement allows for orderly loading and efficient seating in the aircraft. When you sit down in the aircraft your harness will appear to be loose. This is normal. Your instructor will further tighten the harness shortly before exit.
At 1500 feet, you will see skydivers taking their seatbelts off. This means you have reached an altitude that is high enough for skydivers to jump if necessary. Three to five minutes before exiting the airplane your instructor will go through the whole routine with you one more time.
After reviewing the routine they will have you put on your goggles. The goggles should be as tight as possible without being uncomfortable.
Next, your instructor will lock and confirm all four connection points into the parachute system, then perform a final gear check. Once you’ve reached the correct altitude over Harvey Field the pilot will give a signal and you may hear skydivers yelling out “DOOR.” This means the door is about to open and it’s time to skydive!
Once the door is open, you and your instructor will scoot toward the door. Once you reach the end of the bench, you and your instructor will exit either standing or seated. For the standing exit, put your feet on the edge of the door and let your instructor lead you out. For the seated exit, put your feet outside and touch your heels under the aircraft. For both exit techniques, you will place your hands on the harness and tilt your head back so you are looking up at the sky.
Freefall
You will need to establish the arch immediately upon exiting the aircraft. Remember to hold the safety position until your instructor signals you to release. If necessary, your instructor will help you into the proper body position. Stay loose and work together with them.
The normal freefall rate for a single skydiver is 120 miles per hour. Two jumpers attached in a tandem skydive fall at roughly 180 miles per hour. Shortly after exiting your instructor will release a small parachute called a drogue. The drogue decreases your fall rate to 120 miles per hour just like a solo skydiver. We recommend that you keep your eyes out on the horizon. You will see so much more than just staring at the ground, and your head needs to be up to properly be in the arch position. This is especially important if you are being video recorded. It will ensure that we see your face rather than the top of your head during your skydive.
Sometimes people experience difficulty breathing. Often it’s because they have taken a full breath and are holding it. Try exhaling or making an excited scream. Think Rule Number 1 – Smile and breathe in through your teeth.
Under Parachute
When your instructor opens the parachute it can take five full seconds to inflate. The feeling that comes with the parachute opening is indescribable!
You will likely need to equalize the pressure in your ears. This can be accomplished by swallowing or by pinching your nose, closing your mouth, and gently attempting to exhale through your nose.
Once your instructor has checked the parachute, he or she will adjust your harness, helmet, and goggles for comfort. Just as the equipment can be adjusted, so can the parachute ride. We can make it fast and exciting… or slow and calming. It’s up to you. This is your experience! It is not common but if people get sick while skydiving it’s because of turns under parachute, so be sure to let us know right away. If you start to feel nauseous we can often help.
Landing
We plan for the safest landings possible which is to slide in on your backsides. To perform this landing properly, it is very important that your instructor touches down first. About five to ten seconds before landing your instructor will have you lift your legs up and in front of you. This improves the probability of a safe landing for you and your instructor, so lift and hold those legs way up until touching down.
After your landing, stay by your instructor’s side and wait for their direction. When you are walking back to the tandem staging area, remember to look both ways when crossing the taxiway and yield to any moving aircraft.
Once you have returned to the tandem staging area, your instructor will need a moment to take off the parachute. During this time, remove your harness and jumpsuit and replace them on the equipment racks. After you have geared down, your instructor will return to congratulate you and present you with a personalized skydiving certificate.
You are currently in the Main Building, with inside manifest and the classroom. Through the sliding glass door you will see the tandem staging area under the hanger straight ahead. This is where you will meet your instructor for gear up. To your right you can find the restrooms and the Outside Manifest window. Just beyond the tandem staging area is the Observation Area. Here, you can wait for your turn to gear up. This is also where the spectators will get the best view of your entire experience.
If you had your skydive video recorded, it will be delivered via email within 24 hours, and you can relive the experience and enjoy the excitement with your friends and family. If you have any questions, the Inside or Outside Manifest staff can help.
The load order is posted near the tandem staging area. You can refer to the load order for your load number. Flights leave every 20 to 25 minutes and you will begin your gear up as soon as the flight before yours takes off. When it’s time to gear up, you will need to empty your pockets. A location will be provided for your belongings in the tandem staging area. You will also want to use the restroom so when your instructor arrives there are no delays in the gear-up process.
While waiting for your gear up time, feel free to play any of the games and activities available at the drop zone, or check out our SkySno swag.
Remember the three rules –
Rule Number 1: Smile and Have Fun!
Rule Number 2: Arch!
Rule Number 3: Feet Up for Landing!
Thank you for your attention during this training video. Please stay in your seats. An instructor will be with you shortly.
