2008 Skydiver's Information Manual
A United States Parachute Association Publication

Administered prior to conducting jumps in the next category.

1. In flat and stable freefall at terminal velocity, how long does it take an average jumper to fall 1,000 feet?

5.5 seconds
(Category C syllabus)

2. What is the correct procedure for recovering from instability to the belly-to-earth position?

altitude, arch, legs, relax
(Category C syllabus)

3. Which is better, to pull at the planned altitude or to fall lower to get stable before pulling?

Pull at the planned altitude, regardless of stability.
(Category C syllabus)

4. What is the purpose of the wave-off before deployment?

to signal other jumpers
(Category C syllabus)

5. What is the purpose of the parachute landing fall (PLF), and why is it important for skydivers?

It protects against hard landings, and all skydivers have hard landings
(Category C syllabus)

6. What part of the landing pattern is most dangerous to skydivers?

the intersection of the base and final approach legs
(Category C syllabus)

7. How do higher wind speeds affect the planned landing pattern as compared to the pattern plan for a calm day?

shortens the final approach, shortens the base leg, lengthens the downwind leg, and places the planned pattern entry point farther upwind
(Category C syllabus)

8. In moderately strong winds, how far downwind of an obstacle would you expect to find turbulence?

10-20 times the height of the obstacle
(Category C syllabus)

9. What is the best procedure to use when flying your canopy in turbulent conditions?

Keep the canopy flying in a straight line at full flight (or as directed by the owner's manual).
(Category C syllabus or owner's manual)

10. What weather conditions and wind direction(s) are most likely to cause turbulence at your drop zone?

according to the local landing area and obstacles
(Instructor)

11. Why is it important to protect your parachute system operation handles when in and around the aircraft?

keeps them in place and prevents accidental or premature deployment
(Category C syllabus)

12. Describe the equipment pre-flight strategy to use before putting on your gear.

top to bottom, back to front
(Category C syllabus)

13. How does the three-ring main canopy release system disconnect the main parachute from the harness?

Pull the cables to release the cloth loop.
(closed parachute system briefing)

14. How do you know if a reserve parachute has been packed by an FAA rigger within the last 120 days?

information found on the reserve packing data card
(closed parachute system briefing)

15. How do you know the reserve container has not been opened since the FAA rigger last closed it?

rigger's packing seal on the reserve ripcord
(closed parachute system briefing)

16. If the surface winds are blowing from west to east, which direction will you face to fly the downwind leg of the landing pattern (instructor's illustration)?

east
(Category C syllabus)

17. What is the wing loading of the parachute you will use on your next jump?

Divide the exit weight by the square footage.
(Instructor)

18. Which canopy size (same model design) will exhibit quicker control response?

a. 210-square feet with a 210-pound jumper (geared up)
b. 170 square feet with a 170-pound jumper (geared up)
170 square feet/170 pounds
(Category C syllabus)

19. When is it OK to attempt a stand-up landing?

when the jumper has control of all the variables and has executed a good flare at the appropriate altitude
(Category C syllabus)