What to Do When Visibility is Poor During a Skydive

When you're floating sky-high, chasing the clouds at hundreds of miles per hour, the last thing on your mind should be the visibility below. But sometimes, Mother Nature throws us a curveball, and what seemed like a clear blue sky can quickly turn into a patchy grey haze. So, what should you do if visibility is poor during a skydive? Let’s break it down.

Abort and Go Back Up? Yes, Please!
Here’s the thing: if you're faced with low visibility, your best move is to abort the jump and return to the aircraft. Safety should always be your number one priority. Picture this—you’re gearing up to land, and suddenly, you can’t see your landing zone. Your heart races, and not in the exhilarating way you expected. Poor visibility can lead to confusion, making it tricky to tell how far you are from the ground or to spot potential hazards. That’s a risky cocktail of disorientation and uncertainty.

By opting to head back up to the aircraft, you’re making a smart, cautious choice. It’s like getting a do-over—allowing you to stay within a controlled environment where you can reassess the conditions. Maybe the sun will peek through those clouds, or perhaps you can choose a different spot to jump from later. Stepping back not only keeps you safe, but it also gives you the chance to make a well-thought-out decision.

Caution? Not Enough!
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Couldn’t I just proceed with caution? Maybe the visibility will get better?” While that might seem like a sensible option, it really doesn’t address the immediate risks involved. Sure, it sounds brave, but the reality is that every second counts in a skydive. If you’re not able to see your surroundings clearly, that bravery might lead you straight into trouble.

Making adjustments to your harness during poor visibility? Not a game-changer in this context, trust me. It won’t improve your ability to see what’s going on below you or help you gauge your altitude and distance. Plus, familiarity with your equipment should never distract you from the conditions you’re actually facing.

Standard Descent Rates? Think Again!
What about maintaining a standard descent rate? Sounds like a solid plan, right? Wrong! When visibility is murky, sticking to the norm could send you into dangerous territory. You’d be trying to maintain a pace that doesn’t account for real-life navigation challenges. I mean, imagine cruising down a foggy highway without your headlights—it’s just not a smart move.

So, why is this so crucial? When you’re up there, you need to remain aware of your altitude, your position, and ultimately, how you’ll land. If you can’t see, you can’t make the necessary adjustments. Aborting the jump allows you to avoid all these hitches that come with poor visibility.

The Bottom Line
In the world of skydiving, just like in life, it’s essential to know when to take a step back. Aborting your jump and returning to the aircraft isn’t just a choice; it’s the most responsible decision you can make. It eliminates unnecessary risks and keeps you safe, allowing you to wait for improved conditions. After all, there’s always another day for a jump.

So, the next time you’re donning that jumpsuit and strapping on your gear, remember this little nugget of wisdom: When in doubt about visibility, don’t hesitate to turn back. Safety first, right? Happy jumping!