The Technological Aspects of Free-falling from Great Heights

In the thrilling world of skydiving, technology is constantly evolving to improve safety and efficiency for adrenaline-seeking enthusiasts. One such innovation is the Burble Software, a unique booking system used by licensed skydivers to reserve slots on aircraft and notify drop zones of their exact coordinates. This technology, a game changer in the industry, makes reservations and notifications more efficient and convenient.

Skydivers can attach a message to their notification using the Burble Software, letting the office know if they are okay, need a ride, or are close enough to walk back. In the event of an off-site landing, this feature ensures quick and accurate communication, reducing potential confusion and delays.

Another significant innovation in skydiving safety is the CYbernetic Parachute RElease System (CYPRES). Invented by the company Cybernetic Systems Inc., CYPRES AADs use a specialized ground calibration feature that can adjust based on air pressure and weather to accurately determine altitude and speed. This technology is a crucial safety measure, ensuring a canopy is deployed in case of emergency.

Helmut Cloth is credited with creating more efficient CYPRES AADs. His passion for skydiving and drive to improve the sport led to advancements in this life-saving technology.

Skydiving equipment engineers are driven by a similar passion. They focus on various ways to quickly and efficiently indicate altitude to skydivers, with the audible altimeter and the peripheral vision LED skydiving altimeter being examples of this focus.

The audible altimeter, designed to help skydivers orient and stay aware of their altitude in potentially distracting or dangerous situations, uses aural cues. Humans respond quickly to aural cues, making the audible altimeter useful in skydiving. The first alarm on most audible altimeters is often used to indicate it is time for the group skydive to end, while the second alarm is used to indicate it is time to deploy the parachute.

The third alarm on most audible altimeters is a high-pitched siren that indicates an altitude where it is imperative a decision be made quickly. This feature ensures skydivers are alert and prepared for any sudden changes in their descent.

A recent innovation in altimeters is the peripheral vision LED skydiving altimeter. Unlike audible and numbered altimeters, these devices provide continuous and immediate feedback of altitude via the hue of a light in a skydiver's peripheral vision. This allows skydivers to maintain their focus on their jump while still being aware of their altitude.

The FLYSIGHT is another innovative piece of skydiving technology. This GPS receiver, designed for skydiving, specifically for swooping and wing suiting disciplines, tracks a skydiver's glide ratio, horizontal speed, vertical speed, or elevation during a jump. After a jump, a skydiver can review the data captured by the FLYSIGHT and view a graph with plots between various parameters and time or distance.

The technology behind skydiving is constantly evolving, with innovations like the peripheral vision LED skydiving altimeter and the Burble Software improving safety and efficiency in the sport. As skydiving continues to grow in popularity, these advancements will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of this exhilarating activity.