The Student Skydiver's Handbook

This handbook is designed to supplement the practical instruction you will be receiving from our instructors, all of whom are certified by the United States Parachute Association. During the course of your training we will cover the basic principles around which skydiving is built. While actual dive sequences and hands-on training will be given to you by our instructors, this handbook will explain the concepts behind the activities and allow you to study important principles at home. Skydiving terms are clickable the first time they appear, which takes you to the glossary.

Be sure to have your jumpmasters explain any concepts that remain unclear. Although underlying principles will not change, they may be easier to understand through a different explanation, drawing, or analogy than the ones offered here. I encourage your questions; some of the principles covered are not immediately obvious. As the author, I also invite your comments and criticism - this first edition is sure to have many oversights and flaws.

1. In the Aircraft
2. Exits
3. Flying Your Body
4. The Skydiving Universe
5. After the Freefall
6. Canopy Performance
7. Landings
8. After the Landing

Blue skies and safe skydiving;

Bryan Burke
National Director

Chapter 1: In the Aircraft