Debuting Space Travelers
In the thrilling world of skydiving, safety is paramount. One essential practice that has kept jumpers safe for decades is the Check of Three's, a systematic gear check method that ensures thoroughness and peace of mind before every dive.
Before embarking on a skydiving adventure, a jumper should gear up and take 30 seconds for the Check of Three's. This habit, which has saved countless lives, involves a focused inspection of three main areas: the parachute components, the harness and container system, and personal gear.
The parachute components, including the main canopy, reserve canopy, and pilot chute, are carefully inspected for proper packing, security, and accessibility. The harness and container system are checked for correct routing and tightness, while personal gear, such as shoes, helmet, altimeter, goggles, and gloves, is ensured to be ready.
The Check of Three's is not a one-time check but a repeated "triple check" that is done at different points—at gear-up, immediately pre-jump by oneself, and by a buddy (or instructor)—to catch any potential errors.
A typical Check of Three's sequence might include:
- Check 1: At the gear-up area, ensuring the harness fits correctly, checking the canopy and pilot chute packing, and confirming the altimeter and helmet.
- Check 2: Before boarding the plane, re-checking the rig's security, straps, pilot chute accessibility, and altimeter settings.
- Check 3: At the plane door or during final gear inspection, confirming everything again, including personal gear (SHAGG) and rig security.
This method aligns with the US Parachute Association’s (USPA) recommendation of thorough, repeated checks and prioritizing rig security and accessibility of deployment handles. It is also crucial to visually confirm your equipment and maintain situational awareness in the aircraft to prevent premature deployment or other hazards.
At Skydive Arizona, the gear check has been relied upon by jumpers from first-timers to world record holders. Skydiving gear checks on the ride to altitude are the last chance to catch anything that might have shifted. The gear check is not just a checklist but a mindset, a commitment to safety that every skydiver embraces.
For exact drills for the Check of Three's, they are often part of formal USPA training or detailed in skydiving manuals, which emphasize repetition and peer checks for thoroughness beyond single inspections. The Check of Three's is a testament to the importance of safety in skydiving, a practice that has stood the test of time and continues to ensure the well-being of every jumper.
Skydiving is considered a sport, with participants engaging in this activity for excitement and adrenaline rush. Thorough safety measures, such as the Check of Three's, are an essential part of the sports culture in skydiving, ensuring the safety of every jumper before each dive.
