Once you have become qualified as a skydiver, there are a series of check which take place before you exit the aircraft:
- Take the parachute out of the bag and give it a good systems check ensuring handles are in place, velcro has not become too bound, harness is in good order, pin is all the way in, flaps closed.
- Switch on your automatic activation device and watch it calibrate itself.
- Manifest on a lift and prepare a dive (dirt diving) with the others you plan to jump with. Talk about safety in the plan.
- When the 10 minute call is given, do a quick once-over on your rig and then put it on. Ensure the leg straps are tightened evenly, the flap is closed and the chest strap properly put through the buckle.
- Get a friend or instructor to check you out. At many dropzones, this is compulsory.
- Board the aircraft, sit down and check your handles.
- At run-in time (the aircraft has levelled off at the exit altitude and its usually around 2 minutes to the green light), get your friend to quickly check your pin. At this point check your main toggle to ensure it is in the correct position.
- Jump!