Skydiving 102 Trivia Quiz

Answer: Either

Modern day parachutes will have either 7 or 9 cells which inflate and fly much like an airplane wing. In the old days, parachutes were round in shape and had little to no control by the pilot.

Answer: Shoes, Helmet, Altimeter, & Goggles

It is amazing, but sometimes, these items are easily forgotten when hurrying to get on the aircraft. Shoes are needed for landing, you never know when you might have to land where the ground may not be as soft as a grassy field. A helmet is required by USPA.

It may seem silly, but rules are in place for a reason. You will need an altimeter to know how high up from the ground you are throughout the fall. Finally, you need goggles in order to keep your eyes open as you free fall.

Answer: False

Your three straps, 2 leg and 1 chest, should be connected and cinched tight prior to getting on any aircraft. Essentially, you should be prepared to jump out early if given the order by the pilot in an emergency.

Answer: Fasten your seat belt

Always fasten your seat belt. This is a rule set forth by the United States Parachute Association. Basically, you need to be kept from being thrown about in an emergency. Pilots can land malfunctioning aircraft, but they may not be the softest landings you encounter.

The seat belt will keep you from being thrown about, which is safer than trying to bail out of the craft without enough altitude.

Answer: Do as you are told by the pilot

Jump pilots are trained professionals. They know if they can land a disabled aircraft. Always do as you are told by the pilot. By jumping out of a disabled aircraft, you may make the situation even worse for the pilot. With sufficient altitude, more than likely he/she will give the order to exit the aircraft, but you may be told to sit tight and buckle down. If so, do as you as you are told, it may save your life.

Answer: The hill

The hill is the beginning of the free fall once you first exit the aircraft. In this area, you are moving forward with the momentum of the aircraft as well as falling downwards. After clearing this area, you are falling down faster than you are moving forward.

Answer: 3500-2500 feet

Beginning skydivers are taught to begin the opening sequence no lower than 3500 feet. Rules allow for skydivers to open lower as they progress through their license progression, 2500 feet being the lowest recommended opening altitude.

Answer: All of these

Although they are more rectangular in shape, the word square is often used by older guys who are more familiar with "rounds". The parachute, or canopy, is referred to as ram air since it flies forward through the air, much like the wing of an aircraft.

Answer: Open the reserve parachute when you cannot

A great insurance policy for any skydiver is an AAD. There are a few different brands, but they all do the same thing. They will open the reserve if you cannot. Imagine being unconscious, not realizing how close you are to the ground, or not being able to reach or pull your ripcord or pilot chute.

It reads altitude and fall rate and will cut the reserve pull cable if you are falling too fast and/or are too close to the ground.

Answer: Otter

The DeHavilland Twin Otter is one of the most popular jump ships currently used. In fact, it's so popular that they are being produced again after a 25 hiatus.