- In this video, let's talk about different types of
malfunctions that you can encounter in your skydive.
(upbeat music)
Hey there! This is Catherine Bernier from Skydive Vibes,
sharing the passion of skydiving and helping you become a
better skydiver.
So, if you're new here, well, consider subscribing and
clicking the little bell icon to be notified whenever
I post a new video.
As skydivers, we are prepared since day one to
recognize and react properly to possible malfunctions.
There are three possible types of problems that you can
experience in a skydive.
Why is it important to know the different types?
Well, it will help you react the right way and take the
best decision in those situations.
So the three types are routine opening problems,
low speed malfunctions, and then high speed malfunctions.
The routine opening problems are situations where your
canopy is opened above your head, but there's minor
problems with it.
Examples are closed end cells, having a slider up, and
minor line twists.
In most cases, these problems can be fixed easily and
the parachute can be landed safely.
When we talk about malfunctions, I did say there's
two categories: low speed malfunctions and
high speed malfunctions.
The main difference between those two is the time you
have to react.
High speed malfunctions occur when part or none of
the canopy deploys.
The skydiver then remain at or close to its normal
free fall speed.
Example of those are hard pull or (mumbles) deployment
handle, pilot chute in tow, horseshoe malfunction,
bag lock, and streamer.
Each of those high speed malfunctions require rapid
decision and reaction by doing the right emergency
procedures.
Low speed malfunctions occur when part or all the canopy
is deployed.
However, the canopy might not have taken a proper
rectangular shape, is not flying straight, is not
controllable or cannot be landed safely.
The parts of the canopy that are already deployed
helps the skydiver to slow down his free fall speed,
resulting in giving him more time to react.
Regardless, a rapid decision and reaction by doing
the right procedures is required.
Here are the possible low speed malfunctions.
Line over, broken line or canopy damage, tension knots,
toggle lock, and severe line twists.
Now, there is a specific low speed malfunction that I
want to address, and it's the double canopy out.
This situation occurs when both your main and reserve
canopy are out at the same time.
This situation can happen if you initiate your deployment
of your main canopy at a very low altitude.
In this case, your AAD may activate and then pull out
the reserve canopy.
In some cases also, it can happen if you're spiraling
and accelerating your canopy flight too much under the
altitude where the AAD can fire.
This situation can easily be avoided if you pull on time,
you initiate your emergency procedures by 2500 feet, and
if you fly your canopy conservatively below 1500 feet.
In all of those cases, problems, high speed malfunctions,
low speed malfunctions, it's very important that you
learn, review, and practice your emergency procedures
on the regular basis.
The best times to practice are on the ground after gearing
up or prior to boarding the aircraft and in flight prior
to exit as part of your regular pre-exit gear check.
In all of those cases as well, it's recommended that you
take a decision by 2500 feet, and then when needed,
to execute your emergency procedures right away.
And you should always avoid cutting away below 1000 feet.
In a future video, I'll discuss all of those specific
malfunctions, how they occur, how can you prevent them,
and how to react to them.
So, again, make sure to subscribe not to miss any of those,
and if you want to watch other videos in my skydiving
safety playlist, simply click here, and for another video
from Skydive Vibes, click here.
On that, keep jumping, stay safe, and blue skies.