Skydiving at night

[luv2jump 0]

Saw folks doing it last night on tv. Looks fun. Is a dyter (did I spell that right) a good idea? What are some of the differences other than the obvious?

Thanks

[jt40ronin 0]

imho a dytter is always a good idea, just never get too dependent on it. As for night jumps (which i am preparing for myself) there are a couple of things you can do. You could use a digitude, which is a digital altimeter with a light. You can tape a glow stick to your wrist. Also I think alitmaster is developing or has a glow in the dark back panel.

[flyangel2 2]

Make sure all the jumpers get a good debrief before the jump. I don't do them any more. I have found the older I got, the less I saw at night. Even with parked cars shinning their headlights in the correct direction to land. Good luck.

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey

[WFFC 1]

Night jumps kick ass! I've got 10 or 12 now. Still remember the first one though, jump #51, dead center in the peas...

[eddytheeagle 0]

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Is a dyter (did I spell that right) a good idea? What are some of the differences other than the obvious?

I had so much fun on the 3 night jumps I did. At night, it's very easy to lose track of altitude, just because you don't see the ground! Sounds very obvious, but is has happend to a lot of people before! So, yes take an audible with you if you have one! Also, be aware that the wind aloft pick up at night, while on the ground, it might be completely windless!

And, a first night jump is like doing your very first jump again. Have fun!

Don't underestimate your ability to screw up!

[Tonto 1]

I have close to 50 now. They are a blast - but you need to plan them carefully. An illuminated alti is a must, Dytter, Pro Dytter, Time out etc a good idea, small torch to check for broken lines advisable. Recomend a solo to start, then FS or FF or CF with an experienced, current night exponent.

BEWARE THE SHADOW!

More people have hurt themselves hooking away from the "Dude below them on the black canopy" than all other injuries combined. Its your shadow. Say it! It's your shadow.

Enjoy.

t

It's the year of the Pig.

[Jethers203 0]

Added to what he said, a strobe light is pretty necessary. I think it is even required and must be visible up to a certain distance. You can buy them that will strap to your arm.

Also, good ground crew is a must. Have a lighted windsock, cars with headlights, and even a lighted area to show wind direction (those little tap lights are the shit).

As far as altimeters go, don't buy anything fancy. A regular altimeter with a little glow stick taped to the glass will be plenty.

Last, have a flashlight on a lanyard around your neck and tucked into your jumpsuit. This is good to check to see if you have a good canopy and could assist with lighting the ground.

Have Fun!!!!!

[wmw999 2,442]

If you're in freefall with other jumpers, it's a good idea to have night lights in consistent places -- e.g. everyone has them front-to-back on top of their helmet, on the altimeter, and on the right riser.

That makes it much easier to recognize which way people are pointing from farther away.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[betzilla 56]

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Also I think alitmaster is developing or has a glow in the dark back panel.

They have an altmeter with a glow-in-the-dark face, and their new audible/digital/freefall computer has a backlit face too. I hear they'll be shipping them early next month.

[MattM 0]

just jump with your eyes closed...

Matt

[DBCOOPER 5]

"Make sure all the jumpers get a good debrief before the jump".That way you can go right to the beer.

Replying to: Re: Stall On Jump Run Emergency Procedure? by billvon

If the plane is unrecoverable then exiting is a very very good idea.