Automatic Activation Devices (AAD) in Parachuting: Ensuring Your Safety

Skydiving can be an exhilarating and dangerous sport, requiring the coordination of multiple systems to ensure the safety of the jumper. One of the most critical systems is the automatic activation device (AAD). Contrary to popular belief, in most cases, a parachute will open without the jumper manually pulling the ripcord. However, the use of an AAD is crucial to prevent a potentially fatal situation.

How Does an AAD Work?

Modern sport parachute rigs don't typically use manual ripcords for the main parachute; instead, they are only used on the reserve. An AAD is designed to automatically deploy the reserve parachute if the jumper is falling faster than a certain speed and crosses a predefined altitude. This mechanism is a last-ditch safety measure in case the jumper is injured or unconscious and unable to manually deploy a parachute.

Unlike a static line, which is used in military parachutes to deploy the chute, civilians and athletes incorporate an AAD to ensure a safe landing. For my fifth solo jump, without an AAD, the consequences could have been fatal.

Real-Life Experience

On my fifth solo, I made the mistake of relying on my old altimeter, the Alti-2, which, due to its age and misalignment, got stuck at around 5000 feet. I nearly lost consciousness during the freefall, and the experience lasted what felt like an eternity. Luckily, I had an AAD-equipped reserve parachute. Despite the AAD deploying, it provided an additional layer of safety by ensuring that even if I failed to deploy the main chute, the reserve would activate in time.

According to recent regulations in most countries, it is mandatory to have an AAD when skydiving. The AAD works by monitoring the pressure change and altitude, typically disarming once below a preset altitude of 800-1500 feet. If the requirements are met, it fires an explosive charge, cutting the line holding the spring of the reserve parachute in place. This ensures a quick and safe deployment, often within 8 seconds.

Statistics and Risks

While AADs are incredibly reliable, there have been instances where they failed. According to the CYPRES, the oldest and most tested AAD, it has saved the lives of around 4000 to 5000 individuals over its 30 years of worldwide use. Although this number is significant, it pales in comparison to the millions of skydives made annually. This highlights the rare occurrence of needing an AAD.

Despite the low risk, it is crucial to understand the importance of an AAD as the 'airbag' of skydiving. Always insist on using an AAD, even if you can waive it, as it is your last line of safety.

In conclusion, while the chances of needing an AAD are slim, it is a vital safety measure that every skydiver should rely on. Safety should always be the top priority in any extreme sport, and an AAD can significantly reduce the risk of fatality.