Physical Insight

1) Skydivers carry two parachutes as a safety precaution. This is so that if one parachute malfunctions, there is still a backup parachute. The main parachute is put in a deployment bag while the backup parachute (also known as the reserve) is also carried at the back

2) Before skydivers jump, they have to make preparations. Firstly, they have to ensure that their equipment is packed properly. Next, they have to coordinate exactly when and where to jump off so that they can determine the best place to land. When on the ground, the skydivers practise their moves first and also climbs on board in reverse order. They then strap themselves in the jump seats.

3)As the aircraft is in the air, the pilot flies the plane over the jump site to allow the skydivers to get ready. When the plane is above the right spot, the skydivers will line up and jump out. Skydivers will then leave the plane and stay close together.

4) Jumpers start to open the parachute by extracting the pilot chute folded in a pouch in the parachute system. The pilot chute fills with air and pulls the parachute container open, dragging the packed parachute out. The parachute then opens and fills with air, becoming a canopy that slows downt he skydiver. This step takes about five seconds.

5) The skydiver can steer the parachute using toggles which are located above the skydiver's head. The toggles are attached to one side of the parachute each. Pulling the toggle causes the skydiver to turn in that particular direction. Pulling both toggles would slow down the speed of the jumper.

6) A normal parachute ride would last about 2 to 3 minutes. When the skydivers are about to reach the landing site, they will turn and face the wind direction so that they will land at a lower speed. When the skydivers are about to land, they will bend their knees and prepare to touch the ground. When they touch the ground, they will then start running forward as there is still a force pushing them. In some cases, however, the skydivers will have to roll on the ground to avoid injury.