18 Appendix of Skydiving Abbreviations, Terms, and Colloquialisms
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This article is from the Skydiving FAQ, by Barry Brumitt with numerous contributions by others.
18 Appendix of Skydiving Abbreviations, Terms, and Colloquialisms
AAD Abbrev. n, "Automatic Activation Device". A altitude sensing
device
used to automatically activate the opening sequence for a
parachute. Most commonly refers to their application to sport
reserve parachutes, but also used in other non-sport scenarios
such as ejection seats, etc.
AFF Abbrev. n, "Accelerated FreeFall". A training program for first
jump
students where the skydiving skills development rate is
accelerated over that of the older static line program.
boogie n, A gathering of jumpers for the purposes of jumping and
socializing.
Typically, boogies will have large aircraft, unusual aircraft
(balloons, helicopters), special events (record attempts), or
some sort of competition as a focal point to attract jumpers
from widely diverse regions.
bounce Colloquialism v, term for landing, after freefall, without the
aid of a
parachute. Also: hammer in, frappe, go in.
canopy n, parachute.
CFS Abbrev., "Canopy Formation Skydiving". The new "official" term for
a
discipline of skydinvg in which jumpers *under canopy* fly
their parachutes together to form various formations. However,
most skydivers still refer to it as "CRW". (See CRW.)
CRW Abbrev., "Canopy Relative Work". Describes the maneuvering done
by
jumpers *under canopy* to fly their parachutes together to
form various formations. Sometimes referred to as CReW
(Crew). See CFS.
DZ Abbrev. n, "Drop Zone". A place where parachuting operations take
place. This is may be a designated area, or frequently, a
commercial business which supplies aircraft, instruction, gear
sales and services.
flare v, to pull down on both of the canopy's steering toggles in
order to
lower descent rate and forward speed just prior to landing. The
forward
speed is traded-off for lift. A flare performed too late has no effect,
a flare performed too early can result in a stall in which the canopy
looses forward speed and drops straight down. A correctly performed
flare results in an exceptionally soft landing.
FS Abbrev., "Formation Skydiving". The new "official" term for a
dicipline
of skydiving in which two or more jumpers fly relative to each
other *in freefall* in order to form various
formations. However, most skydivers refer to it as Relative
Work, or "RW." (See RW.)
hook turn n, A high-speed turn with either the steering toggles or the
front
risers performed at very low altitude in order to build up
speed before landing. See "turf surf."
JM Abbrev. n, "JumpMaster". A jumper trained and certified to
supervise
students and/or novices during their jump.
main n, the primary parachute.
opening shock n, The force experienced by the jumper due to the sudden
deceleration from terminal velocity due to the deployment of a
parachute.
RW Abbrev., "Relative Work". Describes the freefall maneuvering
whereby
two or more jumpers fly relative to each other *in freefall*
in order to form various formations. See FS.
reserve n, the secondary, or backup, parachute.
round n, a class of parachutes designed to simply decelerate a body in
a
fluid medium. The classic parachute.
square n, a class of parachutes designed to inflate and take the shape
of an
airfoil. These are more accurately rectangular in shape and
are semi-rigid wings.
turf surf v, (also, to "surf it") a high-speed style of landing. The
jumper
builds up speed (see Hook Turn) and then flares mere moments
before touchdown, resulting in a spectacular landing in which
the jumper skims mere inches above the ground at 30-40mph, for
up to 100 yards. Or, if the jumper flares too late, resulting
in a spectacular landing in which the jumper impacts the
ground, leading to medical bills, orthopedic surgery, and/or
death. Attempt this maneuver at your own risk!
USPA Abbrev. n, "United States Parachute Association".
whuffo Colloquialism, n, A person who is not a skydiver (from the often-asked
phrase "Whuffo you jump out of them airplanes?").
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