Do Skydivers Always Have a Reserve Parachute?

When considering the safety measures in skydiving, the answer is a resounding yes. By legal and safety standards, every skydiver must use a “single harness dual parachute pack with at least one main and one auxiliary parachute”. This ensures that even if the primary parachute fails, a reserve parachute is on hand to save the life of the jumper.

The term used for the auxiliary parachute is “reserve.” The main parachute is packed in the same backpack as the reserve, but they serve different purposes. The main parachute is designed for enjoyment and is the primary device that carries the skydiver from a high altitude to the ground. The reserve parachute, on the other hand, serves as a safety net in case the main parachute fails.

Some Personal Experiences with Reserves

Having had the experience of sport skydiving, there have been times when the reserve parachute played a critical role. On one occasion, the reserve parachute contributed significantly to ensuring a safe landing. However, it’s important to note that while civilians like myself can attest to this, military aircrew and paratroopers might face different circumstances. In combat situations, paratroopers who jump at low levels (200-500 feet AGL) might not have the time to recognize and deploy a reserve chute, as it would be unlikely to have enough time to function effectively and might merely add unnecessary weight.

Emergency Parachutes for Aircrew Members

Regarding pilots and aircrew members, the situation is different. For instance, when flying aerobatic airplanes, the pilot is required to wear an emergency parachute, but there is no secondary reserve. Instead, the parachute serves as a backup to the primary safety measures provided by the aerobatic plane. In the case of skydivers, the primary way of descent is the main parachute, and the reserve is the secondary mode in the event of failure.

Conclusion

In summary, sport skydivers are required to have both a main and reserve parachute as mandated by safety regulations. This ensures additional layers of protection, but military aircrew and low-level paratroopers might not always follow this protocol due to the nature of their operations. The reserve parachute serves as the critical safety backup in the event of a primary system failure, making it a vital component of skydiving safety.