USPA Skydiving B License Practice test

What should a jumper do during a canopy entanglement with another jumper below 1,000 feet?

1. Cut away immediately

2. Communicate and deploy reserve

3. Fly as close to the ground as possible

4. Try to separate before deploying

The correct answer is: Communicate and deploy reserve

In the scenario of a canopy entanglement with another jumper below 1,000 feet, the recommended action is to communicate and deploy your reserve parachute. This approach acknowledges the urgency of the situation while prioritizing safety. Communicating with the other jumper, if possible, helps to assess the situation and may provide crucial information regarding the entanglement. Deploying the reserve parachute is essential in this context. Canopy entanglements can lead to a dangerous situation, especially at lower altitudes where there is limited time to rectify the problem. By deploying the reserve, the jumper can ensure they have the best chance of a safe landing, as the reserve canopy is designed to operate under emergency conditions and may be less prone to the issues that caused the entanglement. In contrast, cutting away immediately might not always be the best option if you're not certain of the other jumper's status or position, and premature actions could exacerbate the situation. Flying as close to the ground as possible can limit your options and prevent you from making necessary maneuvers, while attempting to separate before deploying can lead to confusion and miscommunication, which is particularly risky at low altitudes. Hence, the correct strategy emphasizes communication and deploying the reserve to mitigate risk effectively