tandem vector owner's manual
tandem vector owner's manual
tandem vector owner's manual
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SIGMA TANDEM SYSTEM OWNER’S MANUAL<br />
ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENTS<br />
Rapid drogue throw:<br />
It is not necessary to deploy the drogue immediately upon exit. As a matter of fact, throwing the drogue too soon<br />
after exit can be dangerous. There have been cases of Tandem Instructors throwing the drogue directly into the tail<br />
of the aircraft. (Obviously a dangerous situation since the drogue could entangle with the aircraft - it has happened).<br />
Therefore: Exit, gain stability, and then throw the drogue.<br />
Untimely pulls:<br />
A. High<br />
B. Low<br />
A. High pull:<br />
Problem: Here is the scenario for the most common complication that arises on Tandem jumps where the student<br />
knows where the handle is and knows how to pull it: The Tandem pair exits the aircraft. The student panics and pulls<br />
the drogue release handle after the Tandem Instructor deploys the drogue and the main deploys instantly.<br />
This can endanger anyone exiting with the pair, above and in line with the relative wind, such as a cameraman, since<br />
he may inadvertently be directly over the pair as the main deploys unexpectedly.<br />
B. Low pull:<br />
Problem: This situation may occur when the student is assigned to pull the secondary drogue release. Following the<br />
pull signal the student gropes and has difficulty in finding the secondary drogue release handle. Meanwhile, the<br />
Tandem Instructor reaches back for the drogue release handle. So he waits, sure that the student will get it any<br />
second. Meanwhile, the delay causes the pair to open below the planned altitude.<br />
In the very worst case scenario, the Tandem Instructor reaches back for the primary drogue release handle but<br />
cannot find it. He then deploys the reserve - just as the student finally finds the handle and deploys the main....<br />
REACTION: On every jump, the Tandem Instructor should throw the drogue and perform practice pulls to both<br />
drogue release handles, as well as the reserve ripcord. This simple exercise can eliminate the above mentioned<br />
scenario.<br />
PROBLEM: Instability following exit.<br />
FREEFALL CONTROL PROBLEMS<br />
REACTION: Upon exit, the Tandem Instructor must assume the hard arch position, with arms and legs fully extended.<br />
ANALYSIS: If the student has the hands on the harness, and the legs are bent at the knees with an arched body<br />
position, the Tandem pair will be stable almost instantly. If the Tandem Instructor fails to arch and the student’s arms<br />
are out with poor lower body control, the pair might stability difficult to achieve. A good body position from the<br />
Tandem Instructor will almost always overcome the shortcomings of the student’s body position.<br />
PROBLEM: Student grabs the Tandem Instructor's right arm and is holding on tight.<br />
REACTION: If he has the right arm, You must be able to deploy the drogue. Convince student to release your arm or<br />
you will have to deploy the reserve.<br />
Page 2:X Section 4: Malfunctions & Emergencies • Chapter 1 - Reserve Procedures 11301 - 00.00.0000