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