1	Night Jump Briefing
2	Objectives General Overview of Night Jumps Equipment / Preparation Ride to Altitude Dive Sequence – Exits, Openings Canopy Ride Landing
3	General Overview Night Jumps can be a lot of fun, but can also be one of the riskiest jumps you make The purpose of this briefing is to provide you information so you know what to expect and can make a safe jump Safety is our first priority on this jump!
4	General Overview Basic Safety Requirements Must have a B-license or be B-qualified Let’s have a quick check and make sure No alcoholic beverages or other substances during today or this evening Even 1 beer grounds you There will be no drinking until you are done with the jump
5	General Overview What to expect Disorientation You will no longer have familiar landmarks or views, especially the horizon Depth perception is seriously reduced. It is more difficult to judge how high you are above the ground in freefall or under canopy Hypoxia, or reduced oxygen Hypoxia can kick in faster during a night jump causing dizziness, headaches and loss of peripheral vision Make sure you are watching for these signs Smokers may be at higher risk of this effect
6	Objectives General Overview of Night Jumps Equipment / Preparation Ride to Altitude Dive Sequence – Exits, Openings Canopy Ride Landing
7	Equipment / Preparation AADs – Cypres Be sure to turn off your Cypres and then rearm it Altimeters If you do not have one that lights up, be sure to use a glow stick or other light source on it Attach the glow stick so it illuminates at least the lower range (< 6,000 ft) Helmets or Goggles Be sure you use clear visors or goggles Visors can frost over, so be prepared to deal with it
8	Equipment / Preparation Lights You should have a light that is visible for 3 statute miles Glow sticks can be used for improved visibility in RW Be careful where you attach the sticks and where tape is placed to not cover vital components An easily accessible flashlight is recommended Used to inspect canopy or for signaling in the air or on ground Strobe lights can be used, but should not be activated until you are under canopy. Strobe light placement is critical, so ask questions if you plan to use one. Communications Cell phones are optional - can be useful if landing out Make sure you have Dropzone’s phone number Whistles can also be useful under canopy
9	Equipment / Preparation Winds Check wind speed and direction at all levels of jump Lower winds are different during night jumps Normally, surface winds are very low, but winds are stronger above 500 feet. Be prepared for this and do not turn in too deep. Landing area setup Cars will be situated in the landing are pointing in the direction to land Car lights should be at your back when landing Do not land too close to the cars Look at airport overview map – figure out directions
10	Objectives General Overview of Night Jumps Equipment / Preparation Ride to Altitude Dive Sequence – Exits, Openings Canopy Ride Landing
11	Ride to Altitude Cover glow sticks to protect night vision No solid lights or strobes are to be turned on until under canopy Be looking for signs of hypoxia in you and other jumpers Go over dive plans, including break off order, opening order and pull altitudes Get a good gear check
12	Objectives General Overview of Night Jumps Equipment / Preparation Ride to Altitude Dive Sequence – Exits, Openings Canopy Ride Landing
13	Dive Sequence Exits A jumpmaster will be assigned for the load The jumpmaster will be responsible for ensuring exit order and separation times Exit order will be determined based on formation type and size – similar to daytime exit order (Large RW, small RW, Large FF, small FF) Depending on number of jumpers on load, two passes may be done Groups may be split based on two passes Jumpmaster has final say in exit order
14	Dive Sequence Formations First time night jumpers should be jumping solo per USPA BSRs. Formation jumps for first time night jumps can only be done with approval from S&TA or DZO. Larger formations should be built with consideration to experience and abilities Break Off Plan for a higher break off than normal For formations, plan for staggered break offs from the formation. Stay within sight of each other and break off at planned altitudes.
15	Dive Sequence Openings Openings should have staggered altitudes to ensure separation under canopy and on landing Higher wing loadings and faster canopies should open lower, larger/slower canopies open higher PULL AT YOUR ASSIGNED ALTITUDE! Stay aware! Only person allowed to spiral down is the lowest opening canopy - all others should fly normal pattern
16	Objectives General Overview of Night Jumps Equipment / Preparation Ride to Altitude Dive Sequence – Exits, Openings Canopy Ride Landing
17	Canopy Ride After Opening Do a controllability check Use flashlight to check lines and canopy Look for airport and steer towards setup area If you have a malfunction, make your decision high During Canopy Ride Keep your head on a swivel If you see someone near, shout or use whistle Maintain altitude awareness and setup early No spirals unless you are the first one scheduled down Be sure to follow the designated landing pattern
18	Objectives General Overview of Night Jumps Equipment / Preparation Ride to Altitude Dive Sequence – Exits, Openings Canopy Ride Landing
19	Landings Remember lighting configuration of cars Land with car lights to your back Stay away from cars – target fixation Be prepared for a PLF Winds and air pressure are different than during day Flares may not be as good as daytime flares Be aware of Shadow Effect and do not make aggressive turns low to the ground Check-in immediately upon landing and receive confirmation that you are checked in
20	Landings Off Airport Landings Landing off is seldom fun, less so on night jumps Plan the jump, setup properly and avoid landing off Be aware of outs before getting on airplane Select a big open dark area that you know is a field or other safe landing location Prepare for PLF, use half brakes if not sure of distance to ground Pick a bearing for exiting the area before landing to avoid getting lost in a field Call into the dropzone as soon as you can
21	Closing Remember, Safety is first on this jump If at any time you do not feel comfortable making this jump, ask questions! You do not have to jump. If you don’t feel safe, ride the plane down. Let’s determine groups and opening orders Let’s determine the landing pattern and direction Everyone needs a gear check prior to boarding the plane, so let’s get geared up
22	"Chicagoland Skydiving Center" Chicagoland Skydiving Center