Head Up Flying

August 2000
  

Head-up Flying

For Beginners

The first in a three part series by Giles Fabris

If you want to start freeflying, most people will give the same advice: master head-up flying first. 

Head-up is initially easier than head-down as there are no orientation problems and most FS jumpers have tried it before.

Gaining control in head-up positions will allow you to go on sunset big-ways. As long as you are safe and in control, you will be welcome and can gain knowledge just by being there.

 

"The most beautiful dream that has haunted the heart of man since Icarus is today reality"
Louis Bleriot

Freefly Survival
Vertical Relative Work (vrw) requires a whole new set of skills. Do not assume you have these skills just because you have experience in other disciplines - although freeflying will benefit from the skills that you do have.

Rules around the world
 Examine safety and other issues both in your home country and abroad. It's useful to look at that different knowledge, skills, training and equipment. Some associations have more rules than others. Most regulations are well intended, were designed to try and ensure people's safety and reflect the general level of awareness of freeflying in that organisation.
On the flipside of the coin is an attitude with less rules. Individuals look after themselves and have more choice in their decisions (eg number of low experience freeflyers per group etc), more freedom to hurt themselves or others. This article does not give opinions on either system; just be aware that other ways exist.

When on a new DZ
 Find out how and why they work to different rules or lack of them. A good start is local people with experience. Locals seem to get hurt less than visitors because they know all these important rules as well as special stuff relevant to their DZ. Stuff to note:

  • Do they have a load master plan?
  • When do you exit when freeflying?
  • How do you decide who exits first?
  • How do you decide who exits last?
Accidents usually occur due to really simple things not being known or forgotten. Think of freeflying as a new way of flying.
A New Way of Flying

Equipment
 Every freeflyer's nightmare is a premature opening. This is much more serious than our 'slower brothers and sisters' flying face to earth. Firstly, the jumper may be transitioning and become entangled; secondly, they will be going faster than the recommended canopy opening speed; potentially fast enough to hurt, seriously injure or even blow up the reserve.

 

Deployment System
 Bottom of container (BOC) throwaway or a pullout deployment are vital as the pilot chute and bridle must be stowed tightly away from the airflow. Freeflying with a leg strap throwaway is just not acceptable. Keep your closing loop tight and in good condition, inspect it for any wear on a regular basis (every pack job) and check any velcro for wear.
Just because someone says they're safe does not mean they are!
Be Secure
 Make sure that your jumpsuit or clothing cannot blow up and cover all your handles. Tie bottoms off and tuck tops in, secure ankles. Whilst obvious that equipment such as bridles and risers should be secure, do not forget the minor items need tightening too - shoelaces, helmet straps, video bungees, goggles.
Altimeters
 Altis can be worn where comfortable, as long as you can read them in the flying position you're using. Most people know there is a burble (low pressure area) created above the chest when sit-flying, and a head burble when in a head-up position. Hence, an error of a few hundred feet on a helmet-mounted audible, should come as no surprise.

I strongly advise the use of an audible altimeter and I've found the best to be a Pro-Dytter ProTrack. Some associations require that an audible alti must be worn on freefly jumps. I do not advise beginners to use a chest-mount altimeter as an early problem for a lot of head-up flyers is a reclined, on-the-back position. Remember, all altis can fail.
Clothing
 1. Winged suits or drag on top, tight legs - this is great if all you want to do is sit-flying or stand positions, but useless if for head-down flying. These suits are perfect if everyone has got one. They are also great for doing sitflying with belly flyers and filming tandems in sit. Be careful with the wings at pull time (spinning), do a couple of practice pulls up high first.

2. Freefly suits are a good choice - although beginners may find them more difficult to stand up in to start because of the extra drag around the legs. They also have more all round drag for more ease in many different positions.

3. The cheap option - buy a cheap sweatshirt and pants; ones with a drawcord at the waist and tight ankles. Tuck your top into the bottoms and tie tightly to avoid the nightmare of clothing blowing out and covering your handles.

Webbed gloves - are okay for some freestylists and skysurfers, and great to slow down to film tandems whilst freeflying. Try them first and do lots of practice pulls on all handles and knives. They are not recommended for head-up flying - well, not by me anyway!

The next page has more detail on kit. 
Head Up Flying for Beginners ... Page 2 ... Page 3 ... Page 4 ... Page 5  


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