Seven insights for creating a safer DZ culture…
Photo by Felix Wetterberg
Having worked as a skydiving coach on four continents for many different dropzones, I’ve noticed a few good practices that definitely decrease risk. I wanted to share some of these in the hope that they can be implemented across more DZs, to keep things as safe as possible…
1. Upper and Ground Winds and Gusts Display
Having visible wind readings all day means jumpers can make informed decisions about whether or not to jump. Without them clearly displayed, it’s less likely that jumpers will be checking and less likely that jumpers will end up in winds not appropriate for their skill level or wingloading. At Skydive Spaceland dropzones, they’ve created a “load clock” which is displayed on monitors throughout the dropzone. These monitors show the loads and what their call is, as well as upper winds, canopy winds and ground winds (minimum, maximum and spread). Having this means that jumpers can see the changing wind conditions and be informed enough before loading the aircraft. Because Spaceland promotes good decision-making, if someone sees the ground winds are above their wind limit, they can pull off a load at any time without facing the penalty of losing a jump ticket. This creates a safe environment both in having this information displayed as well as not penalising anyone for pulling off a load due to marginal conditions.
2. Large map of dropzone landing area and surrounding areas
This may seem obvious to some, but I still bump into the occasional DZ that doesn’t have a large map with a clear view of the dropzone and surrounding areas available. Having this printed out, in good quality, for the fun jumpers helps them discuss important items such as holding areas, jump run, angle flying flight path, outs and no fly zones.
3. Angle Flight Path Display Board
Hopefully the concept of “going left” or “going right” as a communication of an angle jump is dissolving and giving way to much more detailed discussions for these kinds of skydives. One way to keep not only angle flyers safe, but the entire load sharing the sky with them, is to have a visual display of each angle jump’s flight path. We use a large print out of the DZ landing area (plus a few miles surrounding areas) that we can use Sharpee pens over to draw out each angle group’s path, opening area and holding area. Side note: this is also used by wingsuiters to draw out their path to help eliminate out landings.
4. Large arrow for landing direction
Again, for many this may sound like a pretty obvious addition to a landing area. However, there are many dropzones still not using landing direction indicators. The easier to read the better. An arrow is a no-fail system that works across many different countries. Having a large arrow will help to eliminate incorrect landing patterns.
5. Seatbelts For An Entire Load
Having enough seatbelts for an entire load of skydivers is a minimum requirement from any DZ to its customers. Yet, there are a lot of jump planes out there without the right amount of seatbelts, or with seatbelts that aren’t used. With the amount of emergency landings we see per year, this is something every DZ should rectify immediately.
6. Ground Crew In Landing Area
Having someone counting canopies and watching canopy patterns steps up the safety big time. How would a DZ know if something was happening in their pattern that needs to be discussed, or if there’s anyone landing off, or if there’s an accident. Not all DZs have someone in the landing area watching to see everyone land. For me, this is a no-brainer.
Photo by Nicholas Lott
7. Standards of Communication That Encourage Safety and Learning
There’s an art to being able to handle emotions when discussing things as important as safety. A good communicator understands the importance of approaching complicated, emotional situations with professionalism and an openness that will allow for learning to happen, instead of defensiveness. A good DZM and Safety Officer will choose openness and professionalism over belittling and anger when an incident comes up that needs to be addressed. A good DZ will help grow this kind of environment and because of this, safety items will be handled and discussed openly without shame for all to learn from, making everyone safer in the long term.
Let’s keep our sport safe and let’s spread the knowledge around!
