Category C : Third Jump

By the time you've reached Category C, you've proved to your instructors your ability to assume a solid neutral body position while in freefall. You've established your ability to relax and remain altitude aware even while performing maneuvers like turning and forward movement. You waved-off and deployed your canopy without prompting or assistance and at the correct altitude.

Emergency review of aircraft emergencies and what to do in the case your parachute system opens while in the plane.

Category C is focused on gaining even more control over relaxation and minute controls in freefall. Your mantra for this dive is "Altitude, Arch, Legs, Relax." If you can remember that you should have no difficulty with this dive. No turns, no movement - just perfect that neutral body position and make small corrections to compensate if your heading drifts or you're drifting forward or backward while in freefall. Heading control comes naturally to those who relax. Keeping yourself from sliding forwards or backwards is achieved by being aware of where your legs are and by concentrating on that perfect, neutral body position - pelvis down, legs extended 45 degrees toes pointed, shoulders level, eyes on the horizon, arms neutral - and breathing.

Climbout and exit are exactly the same as for your previous jumps. In fact, Category C is almost exactly the same as Category A with a few modifications.

After your initial Circle of Awareness you will perform a couple of practice touches. A final check with your instructors to perfect your body position and, if your body position is good, you will be released by your instructors. After your release you will perform one additional handle touch, remembering to Arch, Legs, Breathe, Touch Handle, then back to your neutral body position.

For the rest of the dive, in between reciting the mantra "Altitude, Arch, Legs, Relax" simply monitor your heading and make small corrections in your body position to correct for drift. You learned how to turn in Category B, this is exactly the same. Just remember that a small correction goes a long way to correcting drift.

At your assigned altitude of 5,500 feet, wave-off and deploy your canopy.

Your understanding of canopy control will now include how to plan different approach patterns that compensate for various wind speeds and directions. You will learn how to fly safely with other jumpers and fly a predictable landing pattern to minimize conflicts with other jumpers while under canopy. You will learn how to predict and deal with turbulence caused by wind flowing over obstacles or convective turbulence caused by heated surfaces like asphalt runways and parking lots.

You'll learn more about how to better deal with the inevitable off-field landing.

Next (Category C - Exit and Freefall) >>

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