USPA Skydiving B License Practice test

What is the purpose of maintaining a safe distance from clouds while skydiving?

1. To maintain visibility and avoid collisions

2. To ensure correct deployment height

3. To prevent body obstruction

4. To avoid turbulence

The correct answer is: To maintain visibility and avoid collisions

Maintaining a safe distance from clouds while skydiving primarily serves to ensure visibility and avoid collisions. When skydivers approach or enter cloud cover, visibility can become severely restricted, making it difficult to see other jumpers, aircraft, or the landing area. This lack of visibility increases the risk of mid-air collisions, which can have serious consequences during freefall. By staying clear of clouds, skydivers are better able to maintain situational awareness, check their altitude, and be aware of their surroundings. The other aspects mentioned, such as ensuring correct deployment height and preventing body obstruction, are important in their own contexts but are not the main reasons for maintaining distance from clouds. Correct deployment height focuses on knowing when to deploy the parachute, which is influenced by altitude but not directly related to the presence of clouds. Body obstruction can refer to a variety of factors during the dive, yet it doesn't capture the essential purpose of avoiding clouds. Lastly, while turbulence is a consideration, especially in the vicinity of clouds, the immediate need and priority for keeping a safe distance relates to visibility and collision avoidance.