The Formation Skydiving (FS) Endorsements: 2 Way and Group

Introduction

One of the requirements to achieve an "A" CoP is that the applicant must complete the 2 Way FS Endorsement. A skydiver requires an "A" CoP prior to participating in 2 Way jumps with a "B" CoP holder, who has at least 100 jumps and has been granted approval by a Coach 2 to partake in such jumps. This system allows the new "A" CoP holder to practice the skills learned in the 2 Way FS endorsement with another competent participant. Prior to participating in group skydiving (3 or more skydivers), one must attain the "B" CoP which includes the Group FS Endorsement and the written exam, as well as other practical requirements.

References:

PIM 2B Section 4.5, page 29 -- Relativity Control
PIM 2B Section 4.6, page 32 -- Level Control
PIM 2B Section 8, page 78 -- Relative Work Endorsement
CSPA Skills Grid (2009)

The 2 Way FS

PIM2B highlights that the participant must complete Stages 12 and 13 of the Recreational Skills Grid which include:

Preparation:

relaxation
mental practice

In flight:

spotting for 2 ways

Freefall:

level control
pin practice
docking procedures / grips
break-off procedures

Canopy Control:

riser manoeuvres
canopy avoidance drills

Technical Information:

FS signals
jumpsuit selection
the use of weights

The 2 Way FS endorsement requires a minimum of 5 training and evaluation jumps with a Coach 2, as detailed in PIM2B. The end goal is that the novice skydiver can perform the following in a 2 Way formation skydive:

Get there – Stay there – Get away!

It should be as simple as it sounds: the novice should be able to keep relative to the Coach 2 following the exit, maintain their relative control in both horizontal and vertical planes, and be able to move a safe distance away from the 2 way at break off. The following are suggestions to help maximize the learning for this endorsement.

Exits

Exits should be free-flown (no grip) to make the novice fly his/her body and maintain heading control. For many of the dives, the novice should work on their Diving exit, while the Coach 2 leaves poised at the same time. Later on, you can experiment with variations to exits. During the first jump(s) the Coach 2 compensates for levels while the novice deals with closing a short distance (2 m horizontally for Proximity Drills, or 1m vertically for Level Drills) using only leg extension to provide forward movement. The Coach’s responsibility is to provide a fixed target for the novice to aim for while ensuring that they do not back up, but compensating for minor proximity differences from the novice so that the novice has a high success rate of getting to the coach.

Docking

The novice docks with the coach palm-to-palm (no actual grip), monitors altitude after each manoeuvre and calls break-off at the appropriate altitude (e.g. 4000’ minimum). A recommended grip for these docks is a “palm pressure grip”, in which the Coach 2 holds their palms up facing the novice and the novice places their palms against the Coach’s and maintains them with light positive forward pressure [Picture or Diagram?] This exercise teaches the novice that they must fly “relative”, applying slight positive forward pressure into the Coach, rather than taking physical grips and hanging on.

Break-off

It is very important for the novice to check their altitude and always follow proper break-off procedures. For the Solo working on the 2 Way Endorsement, the minimum requirement is that they can “Get Away!” This requires only turning from centre, and moving forward for 3 seconds, using the legs only, in a straight line toward a target on the horizon, stopping, waving and deploying at the pre-set altitude. Note that this is not a track, but it does provide an exercise on which to build the break off routine.

Freefall Exercises

The progression may begin with either Proximity or Level drills, but the two should not be combined until the novice has demonstrated that they are capable of closing the gap in both dimensions.
Prior to beginning any Formation Skydiving drills, the Coach should ensure that the novice is falling:

flat, and
In a neutral (box or mantis) position

Any hard arch at the hips, a chest arch, or de-arch at the hips (bum-high), should be corrected before working on relative flying skills.

For the Proximity Drill, the Coach 2 will maintain levels up or down as the novice closes a 2m gap using Initiate-Coast-Recover or Start-Coast-Stop; in this exercise, the novice should focus on horizontal proximity only. Once contact has been made, using palm grips, the novice should neutralize the body position and check altitude prior to continuing. (Note: Chest altimeters worn by the Coach 2 and novice are a great asset.) The Coach will then back off another 2m for the next practice. This exercise may take 1 or two jumps to achieve.

The other basic skill is Level Control. For these jumps the Coach 2 will provide a fixed target either 1m lower, or 0.5m higher than the novice. The novice should maintain a flat, neutral (box) body position throughout the dive except for movement of the hips to move down or up to match the Coach's level. The novice should be capable of matching fall rates and docking four times (twice up and twice down) prior to moving on. The goal is controlled level maintenance for small amounts of vertical separation (2m or less down, 1m or less up).

The key focus for a level drill is using the hips. Keeping the neutral body position, the jumper should focus on pushing the hips forward or down in order to increase descent rate, and should raise the hips only to decrease descent and thereby go up. The method of decreasing fall rate by cupping the entire body should be avoided at this stage in the novice's progression.

When the novice is comfortable with these basic skills, it is time to focus on the details, if they have not already been added. These details should include spotting for 2 ways, formation exit count (Ready-Set-Go is a skill which requires practice!), various exit positions, exit grips, in-air FS signals, various freefall grips, docking situations, safety issues, altitude awareness, riser manoeuvres and canopy opening avoidance drills.

Tracking can be introduced at any time, preferably after the basics are solidified; but it is critical that when introduced, an ENTIRE skydive be devoted to just tracking. One should NOT try tracking for the first time when they are at 4000 ft. The pressure of limiting altitude, not being able to see the altimeter and knowledge that it is getting close to pull time, is too distracting and dangerous. Tracking should not be introduced until after the novice has displayed good forward heading control using only the legs. Click here for the link Coaching the Track.

Following is one example of a 5-jump drill and evaluation program; it can be tailored to the particular drop zone or aircraft in use. Note that each jump may have 1 or more Training jumps prior to these actual evaluations. Variations can be made to this program; however, incremental development and progression is essential.

2 WAY FORMATION SKYDIVING ENDORSEMENT

Jump 1-2 - Proximity Drill, No Levels

Skills:

Box man position: novice body position is flat and neutral
Closing 2m horizontal distances,
Coach 2 will compensate for level differences
Docking using palm pressure grips only, no holding

Break-off:
flat, forward horizontal movement using legs only; arms should remain in Box position; focus should be on external target toward the horizon; 3 second count.

FS signals:
legs out, stop, relax, flatten arch, altitude check

Pass Criteria:
Minimum 3-4 pins from 9,500', more if higher altitude

Jump 3-4 - Level Control, Normal

Skills:

Box man position: novice body position is flat and neutral
No docking: Coach 2 will provide minor proximity corrections; major corrections require intervention or Proximity drill practice
1m down: should be greater focus
0.5m up: emphasize use of de-arch at Hips only (prior to widening the body stance which can be introduced later)

Break-off:
forward horizontal movement using legs only, introduce slight flattening or de-arch at hips; arms should remain in box position or wider; 3 second count.

FS signals:
legs out, stop, relax, flatten arch, more arch, altitude check

Pass Criteria:
Minimum 2 down and 2 up from 9,500', more if higher altitude

Note: the training can be reversed, starting with Levels then introducing Proximity. In either case the Coach 2 is responsible for helping to maintain proximity. In the event of a back slide by the Novice, the coach should show the Legs Out signal. If no response, the Coach 2 should stop in place, until the Novice recognizes, and corrects, this problem

Jump 5+

Would start to combine Proximity and Levels in a tighter, more responsive fashion. Less distance is covered, and movements should become sharper and show better control with a quicker response time. “Follow the leader”, keeping within short distance parameters, is a good control exercise.

Remember the Goal:

Get There: maintain heading control and proximity during a close, no-link exit
Stay There: maintain close proximity and level control for a 2 way
Get Away: able to provide horizontal separation in a straight line from a 2 way

More skills can be developed after the novice is proficient with Proximity and Levels, such as combining Proximity and Levels of 2m and 1m within a single dive.

Next Jumps

Turning and Docking: This may take 3 or more dives to complete using specific drills for each specific turn type, using the several examples in PIM 2B:

Skills:

box man position
docking
turning, 1 type per jump:

Knee (turning using the shoulder), or
Shoulder (turning using the knee or leg), or
Centre turn.

communication
maintaining levels

Break-off:
forward horizontal movement with slight de-arch at the hips;

Pass Criteria:
3 turn types relative to coach from minimum 9,500'

Group Formation Skydiving Endorsement

The Group Formation Skydiving Endorsement is an extension of the 2 Way Endorsement and is also administered by a Coach 2. Prior to moving onto group skydiving, the "A" CoP holder MUST attain a "B" CoP which requires not only successful completion of this Group Freefall endorsement, but also other practical elements and the written exam.

The novice must perform a minimum of fifteen 2 Way skydives. These jumps can be with either a Coach 2, or a Coach 2-approved B CoP holder; the B CoP holder must be both proficient enough in their own FS flying ability and safe and so as to be of benefit to help the novice to improve.

The Drop Zone should have a 10-Jump program for the development of a Novice’s FS skills. This may consist of at least 10-jumps prior to beginning evaluation, or spread out every 5 or 6 jumps and then a progressive evaluation with a Coach 2.

The Group Freefall Endorsement entails a minimum of 3 Evaluation Skydives (typically more are required) during which time the Coach 2 evaluates and makes recommendations for improvement to the novice in the following areas:

Calculation and execution of the Exit spot and Opening spot (from the ground up)
Free flown exit followed by an approach to a dock: built up from one to 2 seconds.
Closing vertical and horizontal separation: dive to Delta
Proximity maintenance throughout the skydive
A flat track adequate for separation from a 4 way: minimal vertical altitude loss during the horizontal track
An opening avoidance drill under canopy: must be clearly practiced and demonstrated
A canopy dive recovery drill
Awareness and control during final canopy approach

The novice now has to adjust his/her level and proximity to match the partner or the Coach 2 and then dock. Emphasis is on matching levels prior to docking.

What follows are recommendations. The most important thing is that the final evaluation is thorough and consistent. The Coach 2 should help plan the first four or five skydives where specific drills are practiced, such as turn types, prior to the first evaluation skydive.

GROUP FORMATION SKYDIVING ENDORSEMENT

Evaluation Jump 1 - Partner Sequential

Skills:

Exit: ½ second delay, short delta dive
Box man position
Docking (open handed, not closed grip)
Catching
Turns (3 turn types over several Drill Dives leading up to the first Evaluation jump)
Communication
Proximity

Break-off:
(This assumes the Track has already had one whole dive dedicated to it). Allow plenty of time for a full 5 second track, while still flaring out and deploying by 3000 feet minimum. Start higher.

Pass Criteria:

smooth, controlled execution of the proper movements or action, (this is more important at this stage than the number of repetitions);
flying the formation rather than reaching;

Following this first evaluation jump, the Coach 2 should provide specific recommendations and remedies in order to aid the novice in their progression. The schedule for the next 4 to five skydives should be well laid out.

Evaluation Jump 2 - Sideways Movement

Skills:

Exit: 1 second delay, more aggressive dive to delta, quick closing
Box man position
Docking
Catching
Side sliding and orbit control

Break-off:

Pass Criteria:
3-4 docks, demonstrating the correct techniques from 9500' minimum

Final Evaluation:
The final free flown exit followed by a controlled approach to dock requires a minimum of a 2 second delay on exit. The novice should have a relatively smooth dive with a horizontal approach to the dock, and then dock within 3000’ (that is about 20 seconds) of exit altitude
Proximity maintenance entails the novice and coach facing off then testing the novice’s ability to follow a moving person (formation) in 3 dimensions (forward-backward, up-down, side-side) and then dock smoothly. Three moves should be tested in a dive from 9500 ft.

Jump 3 – Final Evaluation

Skills:

Exit: Full 2 second delay, more aggressive delta
Box man position
Docking
Catching
Turning, Side sliding

Break-off:
Flat Horizontal Track and distance for separation from a 4 way, open before 3000 feet

Pass Criteria:

from 9500' (minimum, more manoeuvres expected if higher altitude)
Close a 2 second delay within 3,000’ or 25 seconds from exit, showing control of approach
3 to 4 points (or more if higher altitude), demonstrating the correct techniques of the jump, controlled approach and dock
Solid Track, with adequate horizontal separation from a 4 way, minimal loss of vertical altitude (maintain close to horizontal level)

For example, the first move would have the Coach 2 move back 6 feet, down 3 feet and turn 90 degrees. For the second move, the Coach 2 would be positioned sideways 6 feet, up 3 feet and turned away 90 degrees. The third move could place the Coach 2 forward 6 feet and up 3 feet. All docks by the novice on the Coach 2 must be approached as face-to-face 2 way docks. The novice should exhibit control in all movements leading up to the dock.

The Track:

Click here for the link Coaching the Track.

The requirement for a flat track is that it be adequate distance for separation from a 4 way. This is a more refined track than for the 2 Way Endorsement for the "A" CoP. It must be a track capable of providing good horizontal separation; with small, often unpredictable canopies being common for new jumpers, a novice needs as much horizontal separation as he or she can get prior to opening! One entire dive, including lots of ground training and formation of the body, should be dedicated to teaching the track. Build on what the novice should know from the 2 way endorsement: that is, they should know how to provide forward movement for horizontal separation, including flattening or de-arching of the hips.

The Track is an integral part of the Group Endorsement. It should be demonstrated as a part of the break off procedures on 4 dives, demonstrating directional control and altitude maintenance.

Opening Avoidance:

The opening avoidance drill is performed immediately after canopy opening so that the novice can turn in one direction or the other using rear risers before undoing the toggles. This skill can be observed from the air or ground.

Canopy Dive & Recovery:

The canopy dive & recovery drill is a 180 degree front riser turn, followed immediately by a flare, above 2000 ft. The purpose of this drill is to experience a rapid increase in vertical descent and speed, and the forces required to flare out from it.

Final Approach:

"Awareness during final" means ensuring that one is aware of the other canopies in the circuit during landing. Everyone’s head should be constantly scanning from side to side, as well as above and below for possible traffic.

Technical Knowledge:

The novice should know the answers to the following questions for the FS Endorsement:

Define: Initiate, Coast, Recover, Final approach zone
Describe the correct sequence of the break off procedure, and at which altitude it is recommended to occur.
Name the four common exit positions from a 182/206 aircraft or large cargo door.
After a FS jump, is it safe to do unplanned CFS? Why?
Is participating in FS without being FS Endorsed breaking a BSR?
While participating in a FS jump, the formation begins to funnel. What are your actions?
While beginning your final approach, you notice the approach and target area is congested with other canopies. What should you do to ensure a safe landing?
In order to close a long vertical distance, where should you dive in order to minimize the possibility of a mid-air collision?
While on a 5-way jump, you find yourself low on the formation. You begin to slide underneath it. What are your immediate actions?
As a B CoP holder, are you allowed to do FS skydives with an A CoP holder? Explain?
As you are tracking away at break off, you notice another jumper tracking right at you. What are some options you can take to prevent an incident?
While participating in a 4 way FS jump, you notice your altimeter is reading below break off altitude. Describe your immediate actions?
After your canopy has deployed, you notice another canopy is about to collide with yours (horizontally). What is your immediate action?
When learning the basic skills or FS, why are "big formations" not necessarily "better"?
What are some procedures you can perform during the ride to altitude that will enhance your performance?