PCA BASE jump (pilot chute assist)
This was Gary's first jump this season, it's been almost a year since he last jumped, so I gave him a 'Pilot Chute Assist' to warm him back into it.
Nice first jump back for Gary, he got maximum canopy time to make some turns and re-familiarise himself with his controls.
What is a PCA BASE jump?
It is a very fast and effective method for canopy deployment. The 'PCA'er' will hold the jumpers pilot chute in one hand, and the jumper's bridle in the other hand. If the jumper was to slip on exit, we can still pop their pins for them and ensure they get a canopy out. This is the preferred method for teaching first time BASE jumpers. All the jumper has to do is concentrate on their exit, the rest of the responsibility lies with the PCA'er.
As I was PCA'ing Gary, I ensure there are no snags as he climbs over the rail, once Gary gives me his pilot chute and bridle it is then MY RESPONSIBILITY . Keeping it above and away from the rail, and making sure I don't pop his pins as he is climbing the rail, and ensuring the bridle is routed correctly and has no twists.
I won't discuss the actual technique because I am not an instructor, but you can see the general idea in the video below:
Again, as the PCA'er I need to make sure I am ready the entire time. He may slip on the exit or fall as he is climbing over the rail and if this happens I need to have fast reactions, NOT drop the pilot chute or bridle, but continue with the plan as if he hadn't slipped. The PCAee has to have 100% trust in the PCA'er. This bridge is 120m high, so 'IF' I dropped him, as in let go of everything, he would still get a canopy out, but he could open very low. If we were on a lower object, it could end up in a fatality.
THIS IS NOT AN INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO, I AM NOT A BASE JUMPING INSTRUCTOR. IT IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. DO NOT GO AND ATTEMPT TO PCA YOUR BUDDY BECAUSE YOU SAW MY POST.
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