Exit order depends on a few factors – here’s how to keep every group safe from freefall to canopy.
Exit Order Basics
When setting the exit order for a specific load there are a few things that need to be considered before making the decision:
- Type of jump
- Canopy sizes
- Opening altitudes
- Winds aloft: Is the jump run into the wind, downwind, or crosswind?
Understanding this helps determine where static groups will drift and where moving groups can safely exit and go.
Tracking and Angle Jumps
As tracking and angle jumps become increasingly popular, there’s been a lot of discussion around where these groups should be placed in the exit order. In practice, as long as jump leaders are educated and responsible, they can often exit in a variety of positions while still achieving enough separation from other groups, and be able to safely return to the landing area.
However, in certain conditions, such as strong upper winds opposite to the jump run, it may make more sense to have belly groups (especially larger ones) exit first.
Choosing the Right Order
For moving groups, exiting first or last opens up the possibility of staying closer to the jump run line while still allowing them to create enough separation from other groups. This can be achieved by using the airspace behind the first group (if going first), or ahead of the last group (if going last).
Situational Awareness Under Canopy
Regardless of the exit order, it’s crucial that everyone is aware of what their spot relative to jump run will be after opening. This situational awareness helps them prevent flying into other groups, even after the initial opening spot was good—something that we see often happening even in between static groups.
Setting canopy holding areas, a place where groups can safely gather and wait under canopy for the following group to open, helps keep everyone safe. With practice, it becomes easier to spot groups exiting after yours even while they are still in freefall. This gives you useful information about when it’s safe to begin moving into your landing pattern. Being able to quickly find the group after yours is a valuable and essential skill that applies across all disciplines of skydiving.
Leadership and Communication
Finally, when choosing the exit order, it’s imperative that leaders of moving groups are aware of what the rest of the load is doing, and ensure their plan is compatible with that specific load. Clear communication and precise execution of your plan builds trust with others at the DZ and reinforces your role as a responsible leader.
