{"id":30980,"date":"2025-07-11T08:24:42","date_gmt":"2025-07-11T15:24:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/?p=30980"},"modified":"2025-07-13T18:33:57","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T01:33:57","slug":"skydiving-gear-checks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/blog\/skydiving-gear-checks\/","title":{"rendered":"Skydiving Gear Checks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A skydiving gear check is the process of thoroughly inspecting your gear prior to a jump. Gear for skydiving is complex and understanding what\u2019s what helps build confidence \u2013 for first-timers, <a href=\"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/skydiving\/learn\/\">solo skydiving students<\/a>, and experienced jumpers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s In A Skydive Gear Check?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ll get into more detail later. First let\u2019s take a look at what we check and what we\u2019re checking for when we perform a skydiving gear check. In short:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>3-rings. <\/strong>Are they routed properly? Are they free of filth?\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>RSL.<\/strong> Is the Reserve Static Line properly routed and connected?\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Straps.<\/strong> Are the chest strap and leg straps routed through the metal friction adapter properly? Is there any wear and tear on them or the friction adapter? Is their excess cleanly stowed?\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Handles.<\/strong> Are the cutaway and reserve handles seated correctly and securely? Are the cutaway cable and reserve cable able to move at will?\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reserve pin.<\/strong> Is the pin seated correctly and is it sealed by an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.faa.gov\/\">FAA<\/a>-certified rigger?\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AAD.<\/strong> Is the AAD turned on, and was it turned on here, today?\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Main pin and closing loop. <\/strong>Is the main pin placed properly through the closing loop, and does the closing loop have less than 10% wear?\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bridle. <\/strong>Is the bridle routing correct?\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pilot chute.<\/strong> Is the pilot chute able to be reached comfortably by the jumper?\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Altimeter.<\/strong> Is the altimeter showing a reading of \u201czero\u201d on the ground? And, is it set to the proper setting if it\u2019s a digital altimeter?\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Helmet. <\/strong>Do the helmet and goggles (if using an open-face helmet) fit well?\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shoes. <\/strong>Are shoes tied or otherwise secured to the jumper&#8217;s feet?\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"960\" src=\"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/skydiver-fist-bumping-perris.jpg\" alt=\"skydivers fist bumping while loading airplane \" class=\"wp-image-24862\" srcset=\"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/skydiver-fist-bumping-perris.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/skydiver-fist-bumping-perris-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/skydiver-fist-bumping-perris-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/skydiver-fist-bumping-perris-1120x747.jpg 1120w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/skydiver-fist-bumping-perris-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/skydiver-fist-bumping-perris-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/skydiver-fist-bumping-perris-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/skydiver-fist-bumping-perris-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/skydiver-fist-bumping-perris-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/skydiver-fist-bumping-perris-160x107.jpg 160w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/skydiver-fist-bumping-perris-80x53.jpg 80w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/skydiver-fist-bumping-perris-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/skydiver-fist-bumping-perris-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/skydiver-fist-bumping-perris-120x80.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s The Check of Threes?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>Check of Threes <\/em>is commonly used to remember critical components of parachute gear checks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><em>Three rings.<\/em><\/strong><em> <\/em>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=xTopBcDrIAY\">three-ring release system<\/a> \u2013 created by the iconic Bill Booth \u2013 uses a series of large, medium, and small metal rings that loop through each other and are secured by the cutaway cable. This clever design spreads the effect of gravity on the skydiver and the forces of canopy flight across the rings, reducing the overall strain and demanding less force needed to cut away the main canopy.<br><br>The RSL, which is connected to the main risers near the three-ring system, is also inspected at this point in the Check of Threes to ensure it\u2019s properly routed and securely attached to the correct grommet.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><em>Three attachment points.<\/em><\/strong><em> <\/em>The harness of the skydiving rig has three straps \u2013 a chest strap and two leg straps. Each of these are routed through a metal friction adapter. When we\u2019re checking the attachment points, we\u2019re ensuring there isn\u2019t wear on the straps or adapter, and that the strap is routed properly through the adapter. It\u2019s common to see skydivers checking others\u2019 straps by not only looking at them, but tugging on them.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><em>Three handles.<\/em><\/strong><em> <\/em>Skydiving rigs are equipped with three handles \u2013 the hacky on the pilot chute (which initiates <a href=\"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/blog\/how-does-a-parachute-work\/\">deployment of the main parachute<\/a>), the cutaway handle, and the reserve parachute handle. When we check these, we\u2019re ensuring that they\u2019re secure! They\u2019re held in place by strong velcro \u2013 seriously! And yes, the velcro really withstands the speed of a skydive.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4279-min-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30986\" srcset=\"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4279-min-scaled.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4279-min-1760x2347.jpg 1760w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4279-min-1600x2133.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4279-min-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4279-min-1280x1707.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4279-min-1120x1493.jpg 1120w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4279-min-960x1280.jpg 960w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4279-min-800x1067.jpg 800w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4279-min-640x853.jpg 640w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4279-min-480x640.jpg 480w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4279-min-320x427.jpg 320w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4279-min-160x213.jpg 160w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4279-min-80x107.jpg 80w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4279-min-360x480.jpg 360w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4279-min-240x320.jpg 240w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4279-min-180x240.jpg 180w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4279-min-60x80.jpg 60w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Nitty Gritty of Skydiving Gear Checks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With the basics behind us, let\u2019s take a more in-depth look into the components we consider with each skydiving gear check:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><em>Main closing pin and loop.<\/em><\/strong><em> <\/em>When we check these, we\u2019re making sure they\u2019re in good health and in the right spot! The main closing loop should have less than 10% wear. How do you measure 10%? A good rule of thumb is: if you\u2019re debating, it\u2019s time to change it! Closing loops that are too frayed can result in a premature deployment of the main canopy.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><em>Reserve closing pin and loop. <\/em><\/strong>How much wear can a reserve closing loop show? Zero percent! <a href=\"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/blog\/happens-parachute-fails-open-skydive\/\">Reserve parachutes<\/a> have a sort of zero-tolerance policy \u2013 they need to be in pristine condition. This is one reason they\u2019re unpacked, inspected, and repacked by an FAA-certified rigger every 180 days. Yes, this happens regardless of if you\u2019ve used the reserve or not!\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><em>Automatic Activation Device.<\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/blog\/skydiving-safety-aad\/\"><em> <\/em>AADs<\/a> are small computers situated in the container designed to deploy the reserve parachute in the event that the <a href=\"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/blog\/what-happens-if-you-pass-out-skydiving\/\">skydiver is unable to<\/a>. They perform using a pressure and velocity system \u2013 if they determine the skydiver is falling too fast (velocity) and is too low (air pressure), they are designed to activate a small blade to cut the reserve cable, which deploys the reserve parachute. AADs save lives!\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><em>Altimeter. <\/em><\/strong>Altimeters show us how high we are \u2013 they\u2019re pretty darn important in the skydiving world! When we check them prior to a jump, we\u2019re making sure they\u2019re displaying \u201czero\u201d and are fastened snugly on the skydiver&#8217;s hand or wrist.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Wondering how much full skydiving gear costs? It depends. Many people buy used gear, with the full setup costing a couple grand. Others (normally as they progress in the sport) might spend more than $10,000 on gear. It may sound like a lot, but you can\u2019t put a price on something that will save your life and enable you to do something that brings you much joy!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4282-min-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30988\" srcset=\"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4282-min-scaled.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4282-min-1760x2347.jpg 1760w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4282-min-1600x2133.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4282-min-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4282-min-1280x1707.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4282-min-1120x1493.jpg 1120w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4282-min-960x1280.jpg 960w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4282-min-800x1067.jpg 800w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4282-min-640x853.jpg 640w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4282-min-480x640.jpg 480w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4282-min-320x427.jpg 320w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4282-min-160x213.jpg 160w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4282-min-80x107.jpg 80w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4282-min-360x480.jpg 360w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4282-min-240x320.jpg 240w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4282-min-180x240.jpg 180w, https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_4282-min-60x80.jpg 60w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do You Ever Check The Parachute?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the parachute is <em>inside <\/em>the rig during a traditional gear check, it\u2019s checked before every single jump when it\u2019s packed! Every <a href=\"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/blog\/pack-a-parachute\/\">parachute packer<\/a> \u2013 whether that\u2019s you or someone you\u2019ve hired \u2013 will consciously check the status of the risers, grommets, lines, canopy, pilot chute, deployment bag and bridle during every pack job.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pro tip: Take care of your parachute packer! They take a great deal of responsibility into their hands when they prepare your canopy for deployment and landing, i.e. their work saves your life! What are we hinting at? The answer to this frequently asked question: <em>Do you tip your skydive<\/em><em> parachute packer? <\/em>You can! Tipping is never expected, but it\u2019s always appreciated. Tipping isn\u2019t always about money; packers work hard for long hours and save you the hassle of having to spend time sweating on the mat instead of grabbing a snack (if you\u2019re at Skydive Perris, check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/bombshelter-restaurant\/menu\/\">Bombshelter Restaurant\u2019s menu<\/a>!) before your next jump. So, maybe bring them something too, like an electrolyte drink or a sandwich!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Often Should You Gear Check?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/blog\/skydive-canopy-choice\/\"><strong>You should<\/strong><strong> gear check<\/strong><strong> so often that it becomes second nature<\/strong><\/a><strong>. <\/strong>Gear checks are expected to be done by the jumper using the gear prior to putting it on and after putting it on. Before boarding the airplane, it\u2019s customary to get a gear check from at least one other qualified skydiver \u2013 a second set of eyes could save your life! Many jumpers also check their own gear and others prior to leaving the aircraft. This is trickier to do in a crowded airplane, but it\u2019s possible and common! Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld (a.k.a. Dan BC), one of the greatest skydivers in history and a fierce advocate of safety in skydiving, reminds jumpers regularly that they should always \u201cexpect everything that could go wrong to go wrong on every jump\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What is the fatality rate of skydiving? According to the United States Parachute Association\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uspa.org\/discover\/faqs\/safety\">2024 report<\/a>, there were 0.23 skydiving fatalities for every 100,000 skydives made last year. To put this ratio into context, that\u2019s approximately one fatality for every 434,783 jumps. This number represents the lowest number of annual skydiving deaths in recorded history \u2013 a statistic we have been able to achieve, in part, through diligent safety checks, individual accountability, and a commitment to keeping complacency at bay. We are acutely aware that skydiving is an inherently risky sport, which is why we are so meticulous about mitigating risk wherever possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Have questions about skydiving gear checks, or anything else related to our industry? Feel free to <a href=\"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/contact\/\">reach out to us! <\/a>We\u2019re here to support you and to responsibly advance the sport of skydiving. Blue skies!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A skydiving gear check is the process of thoroughly inspecting your gear prior to a jump. Gear for skydiving is complex and understanding what\u2019s what helps build confidence \u2013 for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":31062,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"0","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":"[]","_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[62,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-30980","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-safety","category-skydiving"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30980","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30980"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30980\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31065,"href":"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30980\/revisions\/31065"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31062"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30980"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30980"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30980"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}