Category H: Hone Your Skills

Category H is your last category before your A-license. You already have the freefall and canopy basics. Now you'll sharpen them for bigger groups, and learn more of the safety and operations knowledge you need to jump on your own.

Section 1: Exit and Freefall

Dive to Dock

In Category G, you got level and moved forward to dock. In Category H, you'll dive to dock. You launch from inside the aircraft and dive down to your coach or a formation. You'll also practice redocks from farther away, both horizontally and vertically, than you did in G. This is the skill you'll use to join larger formations.

Breakoff and Tracking

Bigger groups need more room to break off.

• Breakoff altitude: For groups of five or fewer at a dropzone you know, the minimum is 1,500 feet above the highest planned deployment. For larger groups or mixed groups (hybrids), break off at least 2,000 feet above the highest planned deployment altitude in the group.
• Look around: Make a habit of looking to the sides and above you during breakoff, while you track, and as you wave off and deploy. Knowing where the other jumpers are lets you steer clear as soon as you open.

Section 2: Canopy Control

Low-Turn Recovery

Low-turn recovery is a canopy emergency procedure. You practice it so your hands already know what to do if you turn too low to get your wing level in time.

The key is to neutralize the turn, not just stop it. Pull down the toggle that's still up until it matches the low toggle, so both are in brakes. That stops the turn and slows both your descent and your forward speed.

Section 3: Emergency Review

Water Landings

You probably won't land in water by accident, but you need to be ready for it. You'll review the water landing procedure, including disconnecting your RSL and loosening your chest strap before you reach the water if you can, preparing to PLF, and how to flare. The most important rule: cut away only after your feet are in the water, because judging height over water is hard. Once you're in, get out of your harness if you need to.

For the full procedure, see our Water Training page.

If you jump a ram-air canopy and your exit, opening, or landing point is within one mile of open water, a flotation device is recommended.

Section 4: Equipment

In Category H, you'll take on more of your own equipment maintenance.

Three-Ring Maintenance

Take your three-ring release system apart once a month. Clean the cables with silicone spray or whatever the manufacturer recommends, and flex the webbing between the rings. Over time, cables build up a sludge-like coating that makes them bind, and that makes your cutaway handle harder to pull.

For a visual guide, watch our YouTube video.

Line Stows

Your line stows hold your lines in place until the right moment in deployment. Keep your rubber bands in good shape, and replace any that are stretched, worn, or broken. A good stow grips the line bight tightly and takes about 6 to 11 pounds of force to pull out.

Main Closing Loop

Replace your main closing loop once it shows 10 percent or more wear. A worn or loose closing loop raises your risk of a premature deployment, especially on freefly jumps, which put extra stress on the closing system. Set the closing loop tension correctly, and use only closing loop material approved by the manufacturer.

Learn how to make and replace a closing loop in our YouTube tutorial.

Section 5: Spotting and Aircraft

A few aircraft rules every licensed jumper should know.

Aircraft Radio

The jump aircraft must have a working radio, and the pilot must be in contact with air traffic control (ATC) before anyone jumps (FAR 105.13).

Notifying ATC

In most airspace, either a jumper or the pilot must notify the right air traffic control facility at least one hour, and no more than 24 hours, before jumping. Some dropzones have a written notification for their location that's renewed every year (FAR 105.25 and AC-105-2E).

Flying with the Door Off

Not every aircraft is safe to fly with the door open or removed. Aircraft approved to fly with the door removed may need extra modifications, and usually need FAA field approval. Other jump aircraft modifications, like in-flight doors, handholds, or steps, also need field approval or a supplemental type certificate.