Skydiving glossary: 145 terms every jumper uses, explained

Equivalents: fr Parachutisme · sv Fallskärmshoppning · no Fallskjermhopping · es Paracaidismo · de Fallschirmspringen · ru Прыжки с парашютом · it Paracadutismo · ar القفز المظلي · pl Skoki spadochronowe · da Faldskærmsudspring · pt Paraquedismo · nl Parachutespringen · fi Laskuvarjohyppääminen

The sport of jumping from an aircraft, flying in freefall, then landing under a parachute. In French it is “parachutisme”, and a single jump is “un saut en parachute”. At PACMA, you exit at about 4,000 m above the Tadla plain in Morocco.

Also called: parachuting, skydive

Equivalents: sv Fallskärm · no Fallskjerm · es Paracaídas · de Fallschirm · ru Парашют · it Paracadute · ar المظلة · pl Spadochron · da Faldskærm · pt Paraquedas · fi Laskuvarjo

A canopy that slows the descent of a person or a load. The word is French, from “para-” (protecting against) and “chute” (fall), and English kept it unchanged. A modern sport parachute is a steerable wing: main canopy, reserve and AAD packed together in one harness-container.

Equivalents: fr Parachutiste · sv Fallskärmshoppare · no Fallskjermhopper · es Paracaidista · de Fallschirmspringer · ru Парашютист · it Paracadutista · ar المظلي · pl Skoczek spadochronowy · da Faldskærmsudspringer · pt Paraquedista · nl Parachutist · fi Laskuvarjohyppääjä

A person who skydives. In French: “parachutiste”. “Parachutist” also exists in English but mostly refers to military jumpers. A student is still in training; a licensed skydiver jumps independently.

Equivalents: fr Dropzone (DZ, zone de saut) · sv Hoppfält (dropzone, DZ) · no Hoppfelt (dropzone, DZ) · es Zona de salto (dropzone, DZ) · de Sprungplatz (Dropzone, DZ) · ru Дропзона (DZ, парашютный аэродром) · it Dropzone (DZ, zona di lancio) · ar منطقة القفز (dropzone، DZ) · pl Strefa spadochronowa (DZ) · da Dropzone (DZ, springplads) · pt Zona de saltos (dropzone, DZ) · nl Dropzone (DZ) · fi Hyppykenttä (dropzone, DZ)

A place where skydiving happens: an airfield, its landing area and everything that keeps the jumps running (manifest, packing area, briefing room). Short form: “DZ”. PACMA's drop zone is at Beni Mellal airport, at the foot of the Middle Atlas, a 2-hour drive from Casablanca.

Also called: DZ, dropzone

Equivalents: fr Saut en tandem · sv Tandemhopp · no Tandemhopp · es Salto en tándem · de Tandemsprung · ru Прыжок в тандеме · it Lancio in tandem · ar القفزة الترادفية · pl Skok w tandemie · da Tandemspring · pt Salto tandem · nl Tandemsprong · fi Tandemhyppy

A skydive for two: you are attached by a harness to a tandem instructor who handles the exit, the deployment and the landing. No experience is needed, just a short briefing. At PACMA: around 50 seconds of freefall from 4,000 m, for €250.

Also called: tandem jump, tandem skydiving

Equivalents: fr Chute libre · sv Fritt fall · no Fritt fall · es Caída libre · de Freier Fall · ru Свободное падение · it Caduta libera · ar السقوط الحر · pl Swobodne spadanie · da Frit fald · pt Queda livre · nl Vrije val · fi Vapaapudotus

The part of the jump between leaving the aircraft and opening the parachute. From 4,000 m it lasts about 50 seconds at close to 200 km/h belly-to-earth, until deployment at around 1,500 m. The falling feeling fades within seconds: the air holds you up.

Also called: free fall

Equivalents: fr Voile · sv Skärm · no Skjerm · es Campana · de Schirm · ru Купол · it Vela · ar المظلة المفتوحة (canopy) · pl Czasza · da Skærm · pt Velame · nl Scherm · fi Varjo (kupu)

The parachute once it is open. Sport canopies are rectangular ram-air wings made of cells that fill with air; they fly forward and are steered with two toggles. The main canopy is used on every jump, the reserve only if something goes wrong.

Also called: wing

Equivalents: fr Moniteur · sv Instruktör · no Instruktør · de Lehrer · ru Инструктор · it Istruttore · ar المدرّب · pl Instruktor · da Instruktør · pt Instrutor · nl Instructeur · fi Kouluttaja

An experienced skydiver qualified to train students or take passengers. At an FFP-approved club like PACMA, instruction follows the federation's rules: tandem instructors for tandem jumps, PAC (AFF) instructors for training.

Equivalents: fr Saison de parachutisme · sv Fallskärmssäsong · no Fallskjermsesong · es Temporada de paracaidismo · de Fallschirmsprungsaison · ru Парашютный сезон · it Stagione di paracadutismo · ar موسم القفز المظلي · pl Sezon spadochronowy · da Faldskærmssæson · pt Temporada de paraquedismo · nl Springseizoen · fi Laskuvarjokausi

The period when a drop zone is open. In northern Europe many centres close or slow down in winter; PACMA does the opposite: the season runs from the first weekend of December to the first weekend of April, from 5 December 2026 to 4 April 2027, every day from 8:30 am to 6 pm.

Equivalents: fr Avion de largage · sv Hoppflygplan · no Hoppfly · es Avión de lanzamiento · de Absetzflugzeug · ru Самолёт для выброски · it Aereo da lancio · ar طائرة إسقاط المظليين · pl Samolot do skoków spadochronowych · da Faldskærmsfly · pt Avião de paraquedismo · nl Springvliegtuig · fi Hyppykone

An aircraft fitted out to carry skydivers up and drop them: wide door, bench seats or a bare floor, quick climb. At PACMA it is a Pilatus PC-6 Porter, with a second one added at busy times.

Also called: jump ship, jump aircraft

Equivalents: ar طائرة Pilatus PC-6 Porter

A Swiss short take-off aircraft widely used for skydiving. PACMA's carries 9 skydivers plus the pilot and climbs to about 4,000 m in 15 to 20 minutes, with views over the Tadla plain and the Atlas peaks.

Also called: PC-6, Porter

Equivalents: fr Montée · sv Uppstigning · no Stigningen · es Subida · de Steigflug · ru Набор высоты · it Salita in quota · ar الصعود · pl Wznoszenie · da Flyveturen op · pt Subida · nl Klim · fi Nousu

The flight between take-off and exit. At PACMA it takes 15 to 20 minutes to reach about 4,000 m: time to enjoy the view, go over the instructions with your instructor and tighten the last straps.

Also called: climb to altitude, plane ride

Equivalents: fr Altitude de largage · sv Uthoppshöjd · no Utsprangshøyde · es Altura de lanzamiento · de Absprunghöhe · ru Высота выброски · it Quota di lancio · ar ارتفاع القفز · pl Wysokość skoku · da Udspringshøjde · pt Altitude de saída · nl Exithoogte · fi Hyppykorkeus

The height at which skydivers leave the aircraft. The higher it is, the longer the freefall: at PACMA about 4,000 m, which gives nearly 50 seconds of freefall before deployment at around 1,500 m. For AFF (PAC), FFP rules set an exit between 3,000 and 3,500 m.

Also called: jump altitude

Equivalents: fr Rotation (load) · sv Lift (load) · no Løft (load) · es Rotación (load) · ru Подъём (load) · it Rotazione (load) · ar رحلة الصعود (load) · pl Wylot (load) · da Load (flyvetur) · pt Voo (load) · nl Load (vlucht) · fi Nousu (load)

One flight of the aircraft with the skydivers on board. People talk about “load 5” of the day. Each load of PACMA's Pilatus carries up to 9 skydivers.

Also called: lift

Equivalents: es Manifiesto · ru Манифест · ar مكتب التسجيل (المانيفست) · pt Manifesto

The office that runs the jumps: it puts everyone on a load, makes the calls, sells jump tickets and checks licensed skydivers' documents. It is your first stop when you arrive at the DZ.

Also called: manifest office

Equivalents: fr Appel (call) · sv Call (utrop) · no Call (opprop) · es Llamada (call) · ru Вызов (call) · it Chiamata (call) · ar النداء (call) · da Kald (call) · pt Chamada (call) · nl Call (oproep) · fi Kuulutus (call)

A manifest announcement giving the time left before a load boards: “20 minutes”, “10 minutes”, “5 minutes”. The idea is the same everywhere: gear up at the first calls, walk to the aircraft at the last one.

Equivalents: fr Place (slot) · sv Plats (slot) · no Plass (slot) · es Plaza (slot) · de Slot (Platz im Load) · ru Место (slot) · it Posto (slot) · ar المكان (slot) · pl Miejsce (slot) · da Plads (slot) · pt Lugar (slot) · nl Slot (plaats in de load) · fi Paikka (slot)

One place on a load. You “book a slot” at manifest; a tandem takes two slots, the passenger's and the instructor's.

Equivalents: fr Axe de largage (jump run) · sv Jump run (släpplinje) · no Jump run (slipplinje) · es Eje de lanzamiento (jump run) · de Absetzkurs (Jump Run) · ru Линия выброски (jump run) · it Asse di lancio (jump run) · ar محور الإسقاط (jump run) · pl Linia zrzutu (jump run) · da Jump run (udspringslinje) · pt Eixo de largada (jump run) · nl Jump run (aanvliegroute) · fi Pudotuslinja (jump run)

The straight line the aircraft flies over the drop zone to let skydivers out. It is chosen according to the winds aloft, so everyone opens in the right place and can reach the landing area.

Equivalents: fr Spot (point de sortie) · sv Spot (uthoppspunkt) · no Spot (utsprangspunkt) · es Spot (punto de salida) · de Spot (Absetzpunkt) · ru Точка отделения (spot) · it Spot (punto d'uscita) · ar نقطة الخروج (spot) · pl Spot (punkt wyjścia) · da Spot (exitpunkt) · pt Spot (ponto de saída) · nl Spot (exitpunt) · fi Spotti (uloshyppypiste)

The exact point above the ground where the first group exits. A good spot depends on the wind and lets everyone glide back to the landing area. “Spotting” means choosing it from the door.

Also called: spotting

Equivalents: fr Largueur · sv Jumpmaster (hoppledare i planet) · es Jumpmaster (largador) · de Absetzer (Jumpmaster) · ru Выпускающий · it Direttore di lancio (jumpmaster) · ar مسؤول الإسقاط (jumpmaster) · pl Skoczek wypuszczający (jumpmaster) · pt Jumpmaster (largador) · nl Jumpmaster (largueur) · fi Hyppymestari (jumpmaster)

A qualified skydiver in charge of the drop on board: checks the spot, calls the exit order and makes sure the door and the sky below are clear. “Largueur” is the French (FFP) term.

Also called: JM

Equivalents: fr Sortie (d'avion) · sv Uthopp · no Utsprang · es Salida (del avión) · de Absprung (Exit) · ru Отделение (от самолёта) · it Uscita (dall'aereo) · ar الخروج من الطائرة · pl Wyjście z samolotu · da Exit (udspring) · pt Saída (do avião) · fi Uloshyppy

The moment you leave the aircraft. In a tandem, the instructor shuffles to the door with you sitting in front: head back, hands on your harness, and off you go. On a first AFF (PAC) jump, you exit between your two instructors, who hold you by the harness.

Also called: aircraft exit

Equivalents: fr Ordre de sortie · sv Uthoppsordning · no Utsprangsrekkefølge · es Orden de salida · de Absprungreihenfolge · ru Порядок отделения · it Ordine di uscita · ar ترتيب الخروج · pl Kolejność wyjścia · da Rækkefølge ved exit · pt Ordem de saída · nl Exitvolgorde · fi Uloshyppyjärjestys

The order in which groups leave the aircraft, set before boarding. Typically belly groups go first, then freeflyers, with students and tandems often last; each drop zone sets its own rule.

Equivalents: fr Séparation à la sortie · sv Separation vid uthopp · no Separasjon ved utsprang · es Separación en la salida · de Abstand beim Absprung · ru Интервал при отделении · it Separazione all'uscita · ar الفاصل عند الخروج · pl Separacja przy wyjściu · da Separation ved exit · pt Separação à saída · nl Exitseparatie · fi Uloshyppyväli (separaatio)

The time left between two groups exiting so they open far apart. It depends on the winds aloft: the stronger the headwind on jump run, the longer the gap. It is one of the key safety rules on board.

Also called: separation

Equivalents: de Hop and Pop · ar القفز والفتح الفوري (hop and pop)

A jump where you deploy almost immediately after exit, with hardly any freefall, often from a low altitude. It is used for canopy practice or getting back into the sport after a break.

Also called: hop n pop, hop & pop

Equivalents: de Wind Dummy · ar مستكشف الريح (wind dummy) · fi Wind dummy (tuulikoe)

The first skydiver to jump when conditions are uncertain, to read the wind under canopy and help the drop zone decide whether others can go. The name is a gentle joke: a dummy sent to test the wind.

Equivalents: fr Sac-harnais · sv Rigg (sele och container) · no Rigg (sele og container) · es Arnés y contenedor (equipo) · de Gurtzeug (Rig) · ru Ранец с подвесной системой · it Imbragatura-sacca (rig) · ar الحزام والحقيبة (rig) · pl Uprząż z pokrowcem · da Seletøj (rig) · pt Equipamento (container e arnês) · nl Rig (harnas met container) · fi Valjaat ja kontti (rig)

The system a skydiver wears: an adjustable harness and a container holding the main canopy, the reserve and the AAD. In a tandem, the instructor wears a larger two-person rig.

Also called: harness-container, container

Equivalents: fr Voile principale · sv Huvudskärm · no Hovedskjerm · es Campana principal · de Hauptschirm · ru Основной купол · it Vela principale · ar المظلة الرئيسية · pl Spadochron główny · da Hovedskærm · pt Velame principal · nl Hoofdscherm · fi Päävarjo (pääkupu)

The parachute used on every jump, packed after each jump by the skydiver or a packer. It is deployed with the pilot chute; if there is a problem, it is cut away before the reserve is deployed.

Also called: main

Equivalents: fr Parachute de secours · sv Reservskärm · no Reserveskjerm · es Paracaídas de reserva · de Reserveschirm · ru Запасной парашют · it Riserva (paracadute di riserva) · ar المظلة الاحتياطية · pl Spadochron zapasowy · da Reserveskærm · pt Paraquedas de reserva · nl Reserveparachute · fi Varavarjo (varakupu)

A second parachute, packed in the same container, used only if there is a problem with the main. It is packed by a qualified rigger and inspected regularly: at least once a year in France, every 180 days in the United States.

Also called: reserve, reserve canopy

Equivalents: fr Déclencheur de sécurité · sv Automatisk utlösare (AAD) · no Nødåpner (AAD) · es Dispositivo de apertura automática (DAA) · de Öffnungsautomat (AAD) · ru Страхующий прибор (AAD) · it Dispositivo di apertura automatica (AAD) · ar جهاز الفتح التلقائي (AAD) · pl Automat spadochronowy (AAD) · da AAD (automatisk udløser) · pt Dispositivo de abertura automática (AAD) · nl AAD (automatische opener) · fi Automaattinen laukaisulaite (AAD)

A small electronic unit that automatically opens the reserve if the skydiver is still in freefall at low altitude and high speed. Every parachute at PACMA has one. The best-known models are CYPRES and Vigil.

Also called: AAD, automatic activation device

Equivalents: ar جهاز CYPRES

A widely used AAD made in Germany. Its service life is 12.5 years, or 15.5 years for units manufactured since 2017.

Equivalents: ar جهاز Vigil

A Belgian-made AAD, the other major model on the market, with a 20-year service life.

Equivalents: fr Extracteur · sv Pilotskärm · no Pilotskjerm · es Extractor (pilot chute) · de Hilfsschirm (Pilot Chute) · ru Вытяжной парашют («медуза») · it Estrattore (pilotino) · ar المظلة الساحبة (pilot chute) · pl Pilocik · da Pilotskærm · pt Extrator (pilot chute) · fi Apuvarjo (pilot chute)

A small round parachute you throw into the airflow to deploy: it inflates, pulls the bridle, opens the container and extracts the main canopy. It is thrown from a pouch at the bottom of the container (BOC).

Also called: PC, hand deploy

Equivalents: fr Pochette BOC · sv BOC-ficka · no BOC-lomme · es Bolsa BOC · de BOC-Tasche · ru Карман BOC · it Tasca BOC · ar جيب BOC · pl Kieszeń BOC · da BOC-lomme · pt Bolsa BOC · nl BOC-zakje · fi BOC-tasku

An elastic pouch at the bottom of the container (hence “BOC”) that holds the pilot chute. To deploy, you reach back with your right hand, grab the handle and throw.

Also called: BOC

Equivalents: fr Drisse · es Cinta del extractor (bridle) · de Verbindungsleine (Bridle) · ru Соединительная стропа (bridle) · it Briglia · ar حبل السحب (bridle) · pl Linka pilocika (bridle) · pt Bridle (fita do extrator) · nl Bridle (verbindingslijn) · fi Vetohihna (bridle)

The strap connecting the pilot chute to the main canopy. As it tightens, it pulls the closing pin and lifts the deployment bag out of the container.

Equivalents: ru Слайдер · ar المنزلق (slider) · fi Slideri (slider)

A square of fabric with four grommets that slides down the lines. It slows the canopy's inflation so the opening is gradual and comfortable, then comes down to the risers.

Equivalents: fr Suspentes · sv Linor · no Liner · es Líneas (suspentes) · de Fangleinen · ru Стропы · it Funi (linee di sospensione) · ar الحبال · pl Linki nośne · da Liner · pt Linhas (cordas de suspensão) · nl Lijnen · fi Punokset

The thin cords connecting the canopy to the risers. There are dozens of them; at the back, the steering lines are connected to the toggles.

Also called: suspension lines

Equivalents: fr Élévateurs · sv Bärremmar (risers) · no Bærestropper (risers) · es Bandas (risers) · de Tragegurte · ru Свободные концы · it Bretelle · ar الأشرطة الرافعة (risers) · pl Taśmy nośne · da Risers (bærestropper) · pt Fitas de suspensão (risers) · fi Kantohihnat (risers)

The four straps linking the lines to the harness, two on each side. The rear risers carry the toggles and can also be pulled to steer.

Also called: riser

Equivalents: fr Poignées de commande · sv Styrhandtag · no Styrehåndtak · es Mandos · de Steuerschlaufen · ru Клеванты (ручки управления) · it Maniglie di comando · ar مقبضا التحكّم · pl Uchwyty sterownicze · da Styrehåndtag (toggles) · pt Manobradores · nl Stuurlussen (toggles) · fi Ohjauskahvat

The two handles used to fly the canopy: pull the right one to turn right, pull both to slow down. In a tandem, the instructor may let you steer for a moment.

Also called: steering toggles

Equivalents: fr Caissons · sv Celler · no Celler · es Celdas · de Kammern · ru Секции купола · it Cassoni · ar الخلايا · pl Komory · da Celler · pt Células · nl Cellen · fi Kennot

The compartments of a canopy, open at the front. Air rushes in and pressurises them, giving the canopy its wing shape. Sport canopies most often have 7 or 9 cells.

Also called: ram-air

Equivalents: fr Charge alaire · sv Vingbelastning · no Vingebelastning · es Carga alar · de Flächenbelastung · ru Нагрузка на купол · it Carico alare · ar حمولة الجناح · pl Obciążenie czaszy (wing loading) · da Vingebelastning · pt Carga alar · nl Vleugelbelasting (wing loading) · fi Siipikuormitus

The ratio between the jumper's exit weight and the canopy's surface area, expressed in pounds per square foot. The higher it is, the faster and more demanding the canopy: students fly large, lightly loaded canopies.

Equivalents: fr Système 3 anneaux · sv Trering (3-ringssystem) · no Treringssystem (3-ring) · es Sistema de tres anillas · de 3-Ring-System · ru Система трёх колец · it Sistema a tre anelli · ar نظام الحلقات الثلاث · pl System trzech pierścieni · da 3-ringssystem · pt Sistema de três argolas · nl 3-ringsysteem · fi Kolmirengasjärjestelmä (3-ring)

The mechanism attaching each riser to the harness with three interlocking rings. It lets you release the main canopy in one movement, by pulling the cutaway handle.

Also called: 3-ring, three-ring system

Equivalents: fr Poignée de libération · sv Cutaway-handtag (frikopplingshandtag) · no Cutaway-håndtak (frikoblingshåndtak) · es Empuñadura de suelta · de Trenngriff · ru Ручка отцепки · it Maniglia di sgancio · ar مقبض التحرير · pl Uchwyt wyczepiania · da Cutaway-håndtag (frakoblingshåndtag) · pt Punho de libertação · nl Cutaway-hendel · fi Irrotuskahva (cutaway)

A handle, often a red pad on the right side of the chest, that releases the main canopy. It is always pulled before the reserve handle, on the left.

Also called: cutaway pillow

Equivalents: fr Poignée de secours · sv Reservhandtag · no Reservehåndtak · es Empuñadura de la reserva · de Reservegriff · ru Ручка запасного парашюта · it Maniglia della riserva · ar مقبض المظلة الاحتياطية · pl Uchwyt zapasu · da Reservehåndtag · pt Punho do reserva · nl Reservegreep · fi Varavarjon kahva

A handle, usually metal and on the left side of the chest, that deploys the reserve. Students rehearse the cutaway-then-reserve sequence on the ground until it becomes a reflex.

Also called: reserve ripcord

Equivalents: fr RSL · de RSL (Reserve Static Line) · ru RSL (страхующая связка запасного) · it RSL · ar حبل الفتح الاحتياطي (RSL) · pl RSL · pt RSL

A lanyard linking a main riser to the reserve pin: when the main is cut away, it immediately pulls the reserve open, saving time. Some systems, known as MARDs, go further and use the departing main to extract the reserve.

Also called: reserve static line, MARD

Equivalents: fr Bouclette et aiguille de fermeture · sv Stängningsloop och stängningspinne · no Lukkeloop og lukkepinne · es Bucle y pin de cierre · de Verschlussloop und Verschlusspin · ru Петля и шпилька замка · it Asola e pin di chiusura · ar حلقة الإغلاق وإبرتها · pl Pętla i zawleczka zamykająca · da Lukkeløkke og lukkepind · pt Laço e pino de fecho · nl Sluitlus en sluitpin · fi Sulkulenkki ja sulkutappi

A small loop of cord holding the container flaps closed, locked by a closing pin. Its wear is checked at every pack job, and the pin is part of every pre-boarding gear check.

Also called: closing loop, closing pin

Equivalents: fr Altimètre · sv Höjdmätare · no Høydemåler · es Altímetro · de Höhenmesser · ru Высотомер · it Altimetro · ar مقياس الارتفاع · pl Wysokościomierz · da Højdemåler · pt Altímetro · nl Hoogtemeter · fi Korkeusmittari

An instrument showing your height above the landing area, worn on the wrist or chest. It is set to zero on the ground before each jump. In a tandem the instructor watches it; on AFF (PAC) you learn to check it constantly.

Also called: alti

Equivalents: fr Alarme sonore (audible) · sv Ljudande höjdvarnare (audible) · no Lydvarsler (audible) · es Alarma sonora (audible) · de Akustischer Höhenwarner (Audible) · ru Звуковой высотомер (audible) · it Allarme acustico (audible) · ar المنبّه الصوتي (audible) · pl Wysokościomierz dźwiękowy (audible) · da Akustisk højdealarm (audible) · pt Alarme sonoro (audible) · nl Audible (akoestische hoogtemeter) · fi Äänikorkeusmittari (audible)

A small altimeter placed in the helmet that beeps at preset altitudes (break-off, deployment). It complements the visual altimeter without replacing it.

Also called: audible

Equivalents: fr Casque · sv Hjälm · no Hjelm · es Casco · de Helm · ru Шлем · it Casco · ar الخوذة · pl Kask · da Hjelm · pt Capacete · nl Helm · fi Kypärä

Head protection, soft or hard shell, worn by students and by most skydivers. It can hold an audible and, for camera flyers, a camera.

Equivalents: fr Lunettes de saut · sv Hoppglasögon · no Hoppbriller · es Gafas de salto · de Sprungbrille · ru Очки для прыжков · it Occhiali protettivi · ar النظارات الواقية · pl Gogle · da Springbriller · pt Óculos de salto · nl Springbril · fi Hyppylasit

Soft goggles that protect your eyes from the wind in freefall. Some models fit over prescription glasses: just tell your instructor.

Equivalents: fr Combinaison · sv Hoppoverall · no Hoppdress · es Mono de salto · de Sprunganzug · ru Комбинезон · it Tuta · ar البذلة · pl Kombinezon · da Springdragt · pt Fato de salto · nl Springpak · fi Hyppyhaalari

A one-piece suit worn over your clothes. It protects you, and its cut changes your fall rate: baggy for belly flying, close-fitting for freefly.

Also called: suit

Equivalents: fr Coupe-suspentes · sv Linkniv (hook knife) · no Linekniv (hook knife) · es Cortalíneas (hook knife) · de Hakenmesser · ru Стропорез · it Tagliafuni · ar سكين قطع الحبال · pl Nóż do linek (hook knife) · da Linekniv (hook knife) · pt Corta-linhas (hook knife) · nl Hook knife (lijnmes) · fi Punosveitsi (hook knife)

A small knife with a guarded blade, stowed on the harness, used to cut a line or strap in an entanglement. Rarely used, but commonly carried by experienced skydivers.

Also called: line cutter

Equivalents: fr Matériel école · sv Elevutrustning · no Elevutstyr · es Equipo de escuela · de Schülerausrüstung · ru Учебное снаряжение · it Attrezzatura da allievo · ar معدات المتدرّبين · pl Sprzęt szkolny · da Elevudstyr · pt Equipamento de escola · nl Leerlingenmateriaal · fi Oppilasvarusteet

A rig designed for students: a large, forgiving canopy, an AAD and often an RSL. Schools generally provide it during training.

Also called: student rig

Equivalents: fr Location de matériel · sv Hyrutrustning · no Riggleie · es Alquiler del equipo · de Leihausrüstung · ru Аренда снаряжения · it Noleggio dell'attrezzatura · ar استئجار المعدات · pl Wypożyczenie sprzętu · da Lejeudstyr · pt Aluguer de equipamento · nl Huur van materiaal · fi Vuokravarusteet

Gear hired on site by a licensed skydiver without their own rig. At PACMA, rental is added to the jump ticket (€10 per jump), and you can also have your main packed by the team (€5).

Also called: rental rig, gear rental

Equivalents: fr Vérification du matériel · sv Utrustningskontroll · no Utstyrskontroll · es Revisión del equipo · de Ausrüstungscheck · ru Проверка снаряжения · it Controllo dell'attrezzatura · ar فحص المعدات · pl Kontrola sprzętu · da Udstyrstjek · pt Verificação do equipamento · nl Materiaalcheck · fi Varustetarkastus

A check made before boarding and again before exit: straps, pins, handles, AAD. In a tandem, your instructor checks your harness and the four attachment points; on AFF (PAC) you learn to do your own.

Also called: pin check, equipment check

Equivalents: fr Procédures de secours · sv Nödprocedurer · no Nødprosedyrer · es Procedimientos de emergencia · de Notverfahren · ru Действия в особых случаях · it Procedure di emergenza · ar إجراءات الطوارئ · pl Procedury awaryjne · da Nødprocedurer · pt Procedimentos de emergência · nl Noodprocedures · fi Hätämenettelyt

The actions to take if a deployment goes wrong: recognise the problem, decide in time, cut away the main if needed, deploy the reserve. Taught from the first AFF (PAC) jump and rehearsed on the ground; in a tandem, the instructor handles them.

Also called: EPs

Equivalents: fr Incident d'ouverture · sv Felöppning · no Feilåpning · es Apertura anómala · de Fehlöffnung · ru Отказ парашюта · it Malfunzionamento in apertura · ar خلل في الفتح · pl Nieprawidłowe otwarcie · da Fejlåbning · pt Avaria de abertura (malfunction) · nl Malfunctie (openingsstoring) · fi Avaushäiriö

An incorrect opening of the main canopy: it fails to come out, fails to inflate fully, or keeps spinning. The gear has an answer for each case: the cutaway and the reserve parachute.

Also called: mal

Equivalents: fr Libération · sv Cutaway (frikoppling) · no Cutaway (frikobling) · es Suelta (cutaway) · de Cutaway (Abtrennen) · ru Отцепка · it Sgancio · ar التحرير (cutaway) · pl Wyczepienie (cutaway) · da Cutaway (frakobling) · pt Libertação (cutaway) · nl Cutaway (afkoppelen) · fi Irrotus (cutaway)

Releasing the main canopy by pulling the cutaway handle, before deploying the reserve. The three-ring system and the RSL make the sequence quick.

Also called: breakaway

Equivalents: fr Hauteur de décision · sv Beslutshöjd (hard deck) · no Beslutningshøyde (hard deck) · es Altura de decisión · de Entscheidungshöhe · ru Высота принятия решения · it Quota di decisione · ar ارتفاع القرار · pl Wysokość decyzji · da Beslutningshøjde (hard deck) · pt Altitude de decisão · nl Beslishoogte (hard deck) · fi Päätöskorkeus (hard deck)

An altitude, set in advance according to the jumper's experience, below which you stop trying to fix a problem with the main and go straight to your emergency procedures.

Also called: hard deck

Equivalents: fr Directeur technique (DT) · sv Teknisk chef (DT) · no Teknisk leder (DT) · es Director técnico (DT) · de Technischer Leiter (DT) · ru Технический директор (DT) · it Direttore tecnico (DT) · ar المدير التقني (DT) · pl Dyrektor techniczny (DT) · da Teknisk leder (DT) · pt Diretor técnico (DT) · nl Technisch leider (DT) · fi Tekninen johtaja (DT)

The person responsible for safety and how jumps are run at an FFP-approved club. At PACMA, the DT makes the weather calls and may ask a licensed skydiver for a check jump. The role is close to that of a chief instructor or a USPA S&TA.

Also called: chief instructor, S&TA

Equivalents: fr Attente météo · sv Väntan på väder (weather hold) · no Værstopp (weather hold) · es Espera por meteorología · de Wetterpause · ru Ожидание погоды · it Attesa meteo · ar الانتظار بسبب الطقس · pl Przerwa pogodowa · da Vejrpause (weather hold) · pt Espera meteorológica · nl Weerstop (weather hold) · fi Sääodotus

A pause in jumping when wind, clouds or rain do not allow safe skydiving. The technical director makes the call. At PACMA, if the weather stops your jump, it is moved free of charge to another date in the season or turned into a credit.

Also called: weather delay, weather hold

Equivalents: fr Pliage du secours (périodicité) · sv Reservpackning (intervall) · no Reservepakking (intervall) · es Plegado de la reserva (periodicidad) · de Reservepacken (Packintervall) · ru Переукладка запасного парашюта (периодичность) · it Ripiegamento della riserva (periodicità) · ar طيّ المظلة الاحتياطية (الدورية) · pl Ułożenie zapasu (termin) · da Reservepakning (interval) · pt Dobragem do reserva (periodicidade) · nl Vouwen van de reserve (vouwinterval) · fi Varavarjon pakkausväli

The reserve must be opened, inspected and repacked by a qualified rigger at regular intervals, even if unused: at least once a year in France (Code du sport), every 180 days in the United States. The date is recorded on a data card kept in the rig.

Also called: reserve repack

Equivalents: fr Plieur de secours (rigger) · sv Reservpackare (rigger) · no Reservepakker (rigger) · es Plegador de reservas (rigger) · de Rigger (Reservepacker) · ru Риггер · it Ripiegatore abilitato (rigger) · ar مختص طيّ المظلات الاحتياطية (rigger) · pt Dobrador de reservas (rigger) · fi Varavarjon pakkaaja (rigger)

A specialist qualified to pack reserve parachutes and to maintain and repair gear. Reserve repacks and the signature on the data card are the rigger's job.

Equivalents: fr Pliage · sv Packning · no Pakking · es Plegado · de Packen · ru Укладка · it Piegatura · ar الطيّ · pl Układanie spadochronu · da Pakning · pt Dobragem · nl Vouwen · fi Pakkaus

Getting the main canopy ready for the next jump: untangle, fold, put it into the deployment bag, then close the container. Licensed skydivers learn to pack their own, or can have a packer do it.

Also called: pack job

Equivalents: fr Plieur · sv Packare · no Pakker · es Plegador · ru Укладчик · ar مختص الطيّ · pl Układacz · da Pakker · pt Dobrador · nl Vouwer · fi Pakkaaja

A person who packs other skydivers' main canopies at the drop zone, for a fee. At PACMA, a main pack costs €5.

Equivalents: fr Vol relatif (VR) · sv Formationshoppning (FS) · no Formasjonshopping (FS) · es Trabajo relativo (TR) · de Formationsspringen (FS) · ru Групповая акробатика (FS) · it Lavoro relativo (RW) · ar الطيران الجماعي (FS) · pl Skoki formacyjne (RW/FS) · da Formationsspring (FS) · pt Trabalho relativo (FS) · nl Formatiespringen (FS) · fi Muodostelmahyppy (FS)

A discipline where several belly flyers take grips on each other to build shapes in freefall. In competition, a team builds as many formations as possible within a set working time.

Also called: FS, relative work, RW

Equivalents: ru Фрифлай · ar الطيران الحر (freefly) · fi Freefly (vapaalento)

Freefall flying in every orientation: sitting, standing, head-down, on angles. Faster than belly flying, it requires a close-fitting suit and good control.

Also called: freeflying

Equivalents: fr Tête en bas (head-down) · sv Huvudet nedåt (head-down) · no Hodet ned (head-down) · es Cabeza abajo (head-down) · de Head-down (kopfüber) · ru Вниз головой (head-down) · it A testa in giù (head-down) · ar الرأس إلى الأسفل (head-down) · pl Głową w dół (head-down) · da Hovedet nedad (head-down) · pt De cabeça para baixo (head-down) · nl Head-down (hoofd naar beneden) · fi Pää alaspäin (head-down)

A freefly position with your head towards the ground, and a fast one: often over 250 km/h. It takes a lot of practice, often in a wind tunnel.

Also called: head down, HD

Equivalents: fr Position assise (sit-fly) · sv Sittposition (sit-fly) · no Sittende stilling (sit-fly) · es Posición sentada (sit-fly) · de Sit-Fly (Sitzposition) · ru Положение сидя (sit-fly) · it Posizione seduta (sit-fly) · ar وضعية الجلوس (sit-fly) · pl Pozycja siedząca (sit-fly) · da Siddende stilling (sit-fly) · pt Posição sentada (sit-fly) · nl Sit-fly (zithouding) · fi Istuma-asento (sit-fly)

A freefly position sitting as if on a chair, facing the horizon. It is often the first position learned after belly flying.

Also called: sit flying, sitfly

Equivalents: fr Vol en angle · sv Vinkelflygning (angle flying) · no Vinkelflyging (angle flying) · es Vuelo en ángulo · de Angle Flying · ru Полёт под углом · it Volo in angolo · ar الطيران بزاوية · pl Lot pod kątem (angle) · da Vinkelflyvning (angle flying) · pt Voo em ângulo · fi Kulmalento (angle flying)

Freefall flying on a diagonal path, halfway between falling and tracking, often in groups. It calls for precise control of speed and separation.

Also called: angles, atmonauti

Equivalents: ru Вингсьют · it Wingsuit (tuta alare) · ar بذلة الأجنحة (wingsuit) · fi Wingsuit (siipipuku)

A suit with fabric wings between the arms and body and between the legs, turning the fall into a glide. From aircraft, it is flown by experienced skydivers.

Also called: wingsuit flying

Equivalents: fr Voile contact (VRV) · sv Kalottformation (CRW) · no Skjermformasjon (CRW) · es Trabajo relativo de campana (CRW) · de Kappenformationsspringen (CRW) · ru Купольная акробатика (CRW) · it Vela contatto (CRW) · ar تشكيلات المظلات (CRW) · pl Formacje kopułowe (CRW) · da Skærmformation (CRW) · pt Trabalho relativo de velame (CRW) · nl CRW (canopy formation) · fi Kupumuodostelma (CRW)

A discipline where skydivers with open canopies dock on each other to build formations under canopy. It requires specific gear and training.

Also called: CRW, CF, canopy relative work

Equivalents: fr Précision d'atterrissage · sv Precisionslandning · no Presisjonslanding · es Precisión de aterrizaje · de Zielspringen · ru Точность приземления · it Precisione in atterraggio · ar دقة الهبوط · pl Celność lądowania · da Præcisionslanding · pt Precisão de aterragem · nl Precisielanden · fi Tarkkuuslaskeutuminen

The oldest competitive discipline: landing with your heel on an electronic target a few centimetres wide. It is flown with dedicated, very stable canopies.

Also called: accuracy

Equivalents: fr Grande formation (big-way) · sv Storformation (big-way) · no Storformasjon (big-way) · es Gran formación (big-way) · de Großformation (Big-Way) · ru Большие формации (big-way) · it Grande formazione (big-way) · ar التشكيل الكبير (big-way) · pl Duża formacja (big-way) · da Storformation (big-way) · pt Grande formação (big-way) · nl Big-way (grote formatie) · fi Suurmuodostelma (big-way)

A formation skydive with dozens or even hundreds of jumpers, often dropped from several aircraft at once.

Also called: big way, large formation

Equivalents: fr BASE jump · sv Basehopp (BASE jump) · no Basehopp (BASE jump) · es Salto BASE · de BASE-Jumping · ru Бейсджампинг (BASE) · it BASE jump · ar القفز القاعدي (BASE jump) · pl BASE jump · da BASE jump · pt BASE jump · nl BASE-jumpen · fi BASE-hyppy

Jumping from a fixed object (Building, Antenna, Span, Earth: hence “BASE”), with no aircraft. It is a separate activity from skydiving and is not offered at PACMA.

Also called: BASE jump, base jump

Equivalents: fr Parapente · sv Skärmflygning (paragliding) · es Parapente · de Gleitschirmfliegen · ru Параплан (парапланеризм) · it Parapendio · ar الطيران الشراعي بالمظلة (paragliding) · pl Paralotniarstwo · pt Parapente · nl Paragliden · fi Varjoliito

Free flight under a wing launched on foot from a slope, with no aircraft and no freefall. It is often confused with skydiving, where you jump from a plane and experience freefall first.

Also called: paraglider

Equivalents: ru Буги (парашютный буги) · ar مهرجان القفز المظلي (boogie) · fi Boogie (laskuvarjoboogie)

A festive gathering of skydivers at a drop zone over several days, with organisers, sometimes extra aircraft and themed jumps.

Also called: skydiving boogie

Equivalents: de Blue Skies · ar عبارة «Blue skies»

Skydivers' hello and goodbye, whatever their language: a wish for blue skies, meaning good jumps. You will also see it at the end of messages.

Equivalents: fr Dirt dive (répétition au sol) · sv Dirt dive (genomgång på marken) · no Dirt dive (øving på bakken) · es Dirt dive (ensayo en tierra) · de Dirt Dive (Probe am Boden) · ru Dirt dive (репетиция на земле) · it Dirt dive (prova a terra) · ar التمرين الأرضي (dirt dive) · pl Dirt dive (próba na ziemi) · da Dirt dive (gennemgang på jorden) · pt Dirt dive (ensaio no solo) · nl Dirt dive (oefening op de grond) · fi Dirt dive (harjoitus maassa)

A ground rehearsal, standing up, of the planned jump: exit, formations, break-off. Groups do it before boarding so everyone has the same plan in mind.

Also called: dirt-dive

Equivalents: ar لقب «Whuffo»

An affectionate name for non-jumpers, from “What for you jump out of airplanes?”. Companions are welcome at PACMA, with a great view of the landings.

Equivalents: fr Tente caïdale · sv Caïdaltält · no Caïdal-telt · es Jaima tradicional marroquí · de Caïdal-Zelt · ru Традиционный марокканский шатёр · it Tenda caidale · ar الخيمة القائدية · pl Namiot caïdal · da Caïdal-telt · pt Tenda caidal · nl Caïdaltent · fi Caïdal-teltta

A large traditional Moroccan tent put up for receptions. At PACMA it houses the lunchtime buffet by the runway (70 MAD), for skydivers and companions alike.