Training Methods

Static Line – RAPS

The static line or RAPS method is a common way for people to do their first (and second, third…) skydive. RAPS stands for Ram Air Progression System and is so named because the type of parachute used is a square Ram Air parachute (as opposed to a Round parachute used by the military and in the olden days of sport parachuting).

What is a Ram Air Parachute?

A Ram Air Parachute is a square or rectangular canopy that is controllable and makes it possible to make soft landings every time. They are made from nylon and consist of a top and bottom skin, open at the nose(front end) and closed at the tail (back end). It is also split into either 7 or 9 cells by vertical ribs between the top and bottom skins of the canopy. When the canopy opens, air flows into the parachute through the nose and pressurises the canopy creating a semi-rigid airfoil shape – much like the wing of an aeroplane. This means that the canopy flies like any other aircraft and can be turned and flared (reduce the descent rate) for landing.

What is a Static Line?

A static line is the name of the line that is attached to both the aeroplane and to the container on your back that has your parachute inside it. This line is about 15 feet long. When the jumpmaster tells you to jump, you leave the plane and fall away. As you reach the end of the static line, it pulls open the container on your back and extracts the parachute automatically. This means that you don’t have to worry about deploying the parachute yourself. The static line isn’t permanently attached to your parachute – once the deployment sequence starts you will no longer be joined to the plane so you won’t be dragged along behind it!!

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