USPA Skydiving B License Practice test

What risk may increase if a jumper is recovering altitude under a freefall formation?

1. Increased drag

2. Collision with the formation

3. Loss of canopy control

4. Increased descent rate

The correct answer is: Collision with the formation

When a jumper is recovering altitude under a freefall formation, the most significant risk is collision with the formation. This situation arises because as the jumper attempts to regain altitude, they may unintentionally ascend into the airspace occupied by other jumpers in the formation. Freefall formations typically involve multiple jumpers in close proximity to one another, making it essential for each individual to be aware of their positioning relative to others. If a jumper focuses solely on altitude recovery without monitoring their surroundings, they might inadvertently collide with another jumper, which could lead to serious injuries or equipment damage. Maintaining awareness of the entire formation is crucial while attempting to recover altitude. Jumpers are trained to manage their body position and movements during freefall to prevent collisions while still working on maneuvers that increase or maintain altitude. Understanding this risk emphasizes the importance of situational awareness in skydiving and the need for effective communication among jumpers during formations. Increased drag, loss of canopy control, and increased descent rate may pose risks in other contexts, but they are not primarily associated with the act of recovering altitude in a freefall formation. Understanding the unique dynamics of freefall formations helps highlight why collision is the predominant concern in this scenario.