The Tech Behind Skydiving

Table of Contents 

• What is a skydive Automatic Activation Device? 
• What is an RSL? What’s a MARD? 
• What Is a 3-Ring Release System? 
• What is an audible altimeter? 
• What is a FlySight GPS? 
• Ready to take the leap?

Key Takeaways 

Skydiving tech makes jumping out of airplanes less stress-inducing. AADs automatically deploy reserve parachutes if you’re too low/fast. MARD and RSLs assist in reserve parachute deployment. Audible altimeters beep altitude alerts in your helmet for increased awareness, and FlySight GPS tracks real-time performance data – perfect for advanced flying. 

Why are we so confident about hurling ourselves from an airplane a couple miles up in the sky? On top of our training and experience, it’s the skydiving technology that we jump with! The technology behind skydiving is advanced and much more sophisticated than many people realize. 

Skydivers get a bad rep for being reckless and pro-risk, when the reality is that we’re actually very risk-adverse. We’re all about calculated risk. Skydiving gear is designed to mitigate risk wherever possible and help make the concept of jumping from an airplane not seem totally bizarre. Let’s take a deeper dive! 

What Is A Skydive Automatic Activation Device? 

An AAD – Automatic Activation Device – is a small computer that is fastened into the skydiving container (the part that looks like a backpack). AADs are designed to work on a pressure system. 

Firstly, AADs are able to determine how high a skydiver is by measuring changes in barometric (air) pressure. Secondly, AADs measure velocity and determine how fast the skydiver is falling. If the skydiver is falling too fast and is too low – indicating they’re still in freefall at an altitude they should have their parachute open – the AAD will fire and cut the closing loop to the reserve parachute, essentially deploying the reserve for the skydiver. 

What is an AAD for skydiving good for? If a skydiver becomes unconscious or incapacitated in a way that prevents them from deploying their parachute. AADs save lives! 

What Is An RSL? What’s A MARD? 

RSL: Reserve Static Line (or Lanyard) is a tool that connects the risers of the main parachute to the reserve parachute pin. In the event of a skydiver cutting away their main parachute, the force of the parachute leaving their body will release the reserve parachute pin and initiate deployment of the reserve canopy. When an RSL is used, the reserve parachute pilot chute is still used to aid deployment of the reserve canopy.  

MARD: Main Assisted Reserve Deployment is an advanced type of RSL. The MARD finesses the reserve deployment system and actually uses the main canopy (being cut away) in place of the reserve parachute pilot chute. Essentially, it initiates the reserve deployment even faster than a standard RSL would. 

What Is A 3-Ring Release System? 

The 3-ring system (invented by the legendary Bill Booth) is a mechanism that allows the main parachute to release from the harness of the skydiver in the event that they cut it away due to a malfunction. The 3-ring system is composed of 3 interlocking metal rings. These rings are held together with a small locking loop and the cutaway cable. The engineering behind the system distributes the weight of the parachute and skydiver! This means that it takes much less force for the skydiver to cut away their main canopy. 

Reserve parachutes have to be repacked every 180 days, and skydivers often use this requirement as an opportunity to “cut away” on the ground to see the 3-rings in action.   

What Is An Audible Altimeter? 

Skydive altimeters – often referred to as “skydiving watches” by non-skydivers – are used to tell us how high we are (they’re pretty dang important)! Altimeters can be analog or digital and are generally worn on the left wrist or top of hand of a skydiver. This position allows us to easily view our altitude multiple times throughout freefall and canopy flight without compromising our body position and affecting our flight. 

Another type of skydiving altimeter is an audible altimeter. These are worn inside the skydiving helmet and are positioned right next to the ear of the jumper. They’re calibrated uniquely by each skydiver to loudly beep or even speak at predetermined altitudes. For example, many skydivers have their “audible” beep or tell them a number at their typical break-off altitude and pull altitude. 

What Is A FlySight GPS? 

A FlySight is a new piece of skydiving equipment that’s gaining in popularity fast. FlySights are used to track patterns and flight data for skydivers, specifically when we’re landing under canopy, flying wingsuits, or in tight canopy formations – like flocking. 

FlySights provide data like glide ratio, and horizontal and vertical speeds, along with location data down to a few inches. The small device is attached to a skydiver’s helmet and can speak in real time to alert the jumper of any minute body position changes they can make to improve their performance. 

FlySights are awesome for jumpers looking to advance their skills on the competition stage! 

Ready To Take The Leap? 

We will never claim that skydiving is safe. Skydiving is an activity that’s inherently risky, but the technology, training, and collective dedication to a safety-first culture mitigates risk wherever possible. Have questions? Reach out! Come experience the tech behind skydiving – book your tandem jump today! We can’t wait to skydive with you!