What communication method is commonly used among skydivers during jumps?

During skydiving jumps, hand signals are the preferred communication method for a variety of reasons. When skydivers are in freefall, the noise from wind moving past them can make verbal communication nearly impossible. Therefore, hand signals become an effective way to convey important messages or information, such as indicating altitude levels or intentions during the jump.

In addition to the practical aspect of overcoming the sound barrier, hand signals can be quickly understood and easily executed during freefall, allowing skydivers to communicate effectively with each other despite the high-speed environment.

Using other methods, such as written notes or visual markers on the ground, is not feasible in the context of freefall, where time is limited and immediate communication is essential. While verbal commands may be effective on the ground or during planning sessions, they do not serve well during the actual jump itself due to the high levels of noise and the dynamic nature of the environment.