Flying on the Edge

Prox Flight: The Fine Line Between Insanity and Brilliance

As skydivers, we've all been there - the rush of freefall, the thrill of flying our bodies through the air, and the satisfaction of a smooth landing. But for some, the ordinary just isn't enough. Enter prox flight, the art of flying ridiculously close to other skydivers, objects, or even the ground. I've spent 15 years in the sport, logging over 3,000 jumps, and I've seen my fair share of prox flights - some of which have left me questioning the sanity of my fellow jumpers.

For those who may not know, prox flight involves flying in close proximity to other skydivers or objects, often at high speeds and with minimal separation. It requires an incredible amount of skill, focus, and situational awareness. A good prox flight can be a thing of beauty, with jumpers weaving in and out of each other, their canopies mere inches apart. But a bad prox flight can be a recipe for disaster, with the potential for mid-air collisions, entanglements, and even fatalities.

So, what drives skydivers to push the limits of prox flight? For some, it's the thrill of the unknown, the rush of adrenaline that comes with flying on the edge. For others, it's the challenge of executing a flawless prox flight, the satisfaction of pulling off a difficult maneuver. Whatever the motivation, one thing is clear: prox flight is not for the faint of heart.

I recall a particularly insane prox flight from a few years ago, where two jumpers flew their canopies in a tight, sweeping turn, mere feet above the ground. The exit altitude was a staggering 2,500 feet, with a pull altitude of 1,500 feet. The landing was a heart-stopper, with both jumpers touching down within inches of each other. It was a masterclass in prox flight, with each jumper anticipating the other's every move, their canopies dancing in perfect harmony.

The Technicalities of Prox Flight

So, what goes into a successful prox flight? First and foremost, it requires an intimate understanding of your canopy, its performance characteristics, and its limitations. You need to know how your canopy will respond to different control inputs, how it will behave in various wind conditions, and how it will interact with other canopies. This is where experience comes in - the more jumps you have under your belt, the better you'll understand your canopy and its quirks.

A good prox flight also requires exceptional situational awareness. You need to be able to read the wind, anticipate the movements of other jumpers, and adjust your flight path accordingly. This is where AFF (Accelerated Free Fall) training comes in handy, as it teaches you how to navigate complex freefall scenarios and make quick, decisive decisions. And, of course, a healthy dose of BOC (Base of Container) awareness never hurts, as it allows you to anticipate the deployment of your canopy and plan your flight path accordingly.

• Pre-jump planning: Before you even exit the plane, you need to plan your prox flight, taking into account factors like wind direction, air traffic, and the skill levels of the other jumpers involved.
• Clear communication: Once you're in the air, clear communication is key. You need to be able to communicate your intentions, your flight path, and any changes to the plan.
• Situational awareness: This is where experience and training come in. You need to be able to read the wind, anticipate the movements of other jumpers, and adjust your flight path accordingly.
• Adaptability: Prox flight is all about adaptability. You need to be able to adjust your flight path on the fly, responding to changes in the wind, the movements of other jumpers, and any other factors that may affect your flight.

Of course, with great power comes great responsibility. Prox flight is not without its risks, and jumpers need to be aware of the potential hazards involved. A miscalculation or a momentary lapse in concentration can have disastrous consequences, resulting in a d-bag (deployment bag) deployment at the wrong altitude, a PC (pilot chute) in tow, or even a mid-air collision.

As skydivers, we all need to be mindful of our own limitations and those of our fellow jumpers. We need to respect the sport, respect each other, and always prioritize safety above all else. So, the next time you're tempted to push the limits of prox flight, remember: it's not just about the thrill of the ride - it's about the skills, the knowledge, and the respect for the sport that make it all possible.

In conclusion, prox flight is a high-wire act that requires a unique combination of skill, experience, and sheer audacity. While it's not for everyone, for those who dare to push the limits, the rewards can be immense. So, if you're feeling brave, strap on your automatic activation device (AAD), check your reserve static line (RSL), and get ready for the ride of a lifetime. Just remember to keep your wits about you, your eyes on the horizon, and your pull altitude firmly in mind.