Each phase of a skydive jump requires a specific and strict action protocol. In this section, we will address the details of the parachute deployment process, the functionality check, and the navigation protocols after deployment.
To provide a detailed overview of the procedures involved in the deployment process, we will thoroughly describe the following safety measures and the phases they comprise:
• Phases and priorities of deployment.
• Correct body position and deployment sequence.
• Canopy check.
• How to achieve maximum performance.
• Deployments in clouds.
• Collisions under canopy.
Phases and priorities of deployment
Among the multiple procedures that make up a skydive, the most fundamental and mandatory is to deploy the parachute. However, deployment must respect other priorities in order to maximize safety. According to Section 1-A of the Skydiver’s Information Manual (SIM) from the United States Parachute Association (USPA), the deployment priorities are:
- Deploy the parachute.
- Deploy at the correct altitude.
- Deploy at the correct altitude in a stable body position.
Likewise, the deployment process is composed of three phases:
• Activation: the moment when the deployment handle is grabbedand thrown into the relative wind so that the pilot chute inflates.
• Extraction: occurs when the main closing pin no longer locks the main container, allowing extraction of the deployment bag that contains the canopy.
• Inflation: the process by which the canopy cells pressurize with
Correct body position and deployment sequence
It is important to maintain a correct body position during deployment, as asymmetric body configurations can cause high-speed or low-speed malfunctions. At the moment of deployment, a neutral position (“box position”) must be maintained, and the following sequence executed in order:
- Wave: Alert other skydivers that you are about to deploy your parachute by giving the arm movement signal (“wave-off”).
- Arch: Maintain the neutral body position with a well-pronounced arch.
- Reach: Locate the main deployment handle with the right hand, compensating with the left hand in front of the face to maintain balance.
- Pull: Extract the main deployment handle, throwing it into the relative wind. Once the pilot chute is extracted, return to the neutral position.
Canopy check
Once the canopy has deployed, the first check must be performed to confirm its roper condition:
• Is the canopy there?
• Does the canopy have the correct shape and size?
• Has the slider descended at least halfway down the lines?
• Is the canopy steerable? Perform a full controllability check to confirm that the parachute can turn in all directions and can be properly flared. If it is not ontrollable, the emergency procedure must be executed before reaching the decision altitude.
After confirming the canopy is functioning properly, proceed to the holding area, always aware of altitude, traffic, position relative to the ground, and wind strength.
The flowchart designed by the USPA that describes the canopy check is shown below:
(Image from https://www.uspa.org/skydiveschool/a on 06/17/2025)
How to achieve maximum performance?
Like any wing, parachute canopies are designed to fly with maximum performance, allowing maneuvers to be executed efficiently and safely, especially during landing, when the vertical component of speed is transformed into horizontal lift through the maneuver known as “flare,” which enables a level touchdown relative to the ground.
Once the canopy has passed the controllability check, it can be configured for maximum flight performance through the following two actions:
- Collapse the slider: This minimizes drag from the relative wind, allowing the canopy to fly more efficiently and providing a stronger flare during landing.
- Loosen the chest strap: By loosening this strap, the center of gravity of the canopy-pilot system shifts forward, resulting in a more natural and comfortable position during landing. Additionally, this allows the wing to fully extend across its span, bringing the lines and risers to maximum extension, which significantly improves control sensitivity and effectiveness—both during turns and in the flare.
Deployments in clouds
Deploying the parachute inside a cloud poses a high risk, as low visibility may cause collisions with other skydivers during deployment or under canopy flight.
If deployment occurs inside a cloud, perform the controllability check quickly and immediately initiate a flat turn to the right until exiting the cloud, always scanning for traffic.
Remember that flat turns are executed by first flattening the wing with a half-flare (to chest level) and then applying a small downward input with the right hand or a small upward input with the left hand. The goal of this maneuver is to reduce both the descent rate and horizontal speed, improving visual perception of traffic and allowing more time to react if necessary.
Collisions under canopy
The best way to avoid a collision is prevention. Always remain aware of the location of other skydivers. Most canopy collisions occur shortly after deployment, when two jumpers open too close to each other, or below 1,000 feet while following the landing pattern. Greater separation altitudes, better planning, and increased horizontal
distance can help ensure clear airspace during deployment. Each time you deploy your canopy, look ahead to spot other parachutes that may be flying directly toward you. Use rear risers as soon as inflation allows. Fly perpendicular to the aircraft’s line of flight until identifying jumpers who exited after you. Remain vigilant throughout the descent and check the airspace before initiating any turn.
Collisions between canopies and the events that precede them can be complex, making it impossible to offer a single solution for all situations. The following accepted procedures apply to the most common scenarios:
• If canopies approach head-on, both pilots must turn to the right. The same applies if canopies approach from the left. In the case of an approach from the right, both skydivers must turn left to avoid a collision.
• If a collision is unavoidable, cross the left arm over your handles, turn your face away from the impact point, and extend your legs as much as possible to prepare for impact.
The scenarios resulting from a canopy collision vary widely, and the reaction will depend on the specific situation. However, the first immediate measure after a collision should be to establish communication with the other pilot in order to make the most appropriate decision together.
Conclusion
It must be remembered that the deployment procedure is a systematic standard protocol in which it is always necessary to deploy the parachute while respecting the three priorities mentioned and immediately performing the functionality checks, then proceeding safely to the holding area while always aware of altitude, position
relative to the ground, air traffic, and the wind sock. We hope the information presented here is useful and helps consolidate these procedures clearly, enriching your understanding of their purpose and ensuring they are adopted and systematically applied during every skydive.
References and further reading
• USPA. Skydiver’s Information Manual, 2025 edition. Chapter 1,
Category A (Integrated Student Program – Arch).
• USPA. Skydiver’s Information Manual, 2025 edition. Chapter 4-1,
Section F (Canopy Emergencies).
• “Practical tips for cloud clearance”: Retrieved from https://
www.uspa.org/about-uspa/uspa-news/practical-tips-for-cloudclearance on June 17, 2025.
• “How does a parachute work”: Retrieved from https://
www.uspa.org/first-time-student-skydivers/skydiving-equipment
on June 17, 2025.
