Head-Down 403

Engineer big-way formations

Engineering the shape itself: lanes, stepping and build order.

What the course is about

You'll learn to design the formation a head-down big-way builds: the base, the build order, the wacker lines and the steps in head level. This follows Head-Down 401, which sizes the group, slots people and designs the breakoff, because this course designs what that group builds.

In Australia, every jumper on a head-down jump of more than 3 needs a Freefly Crest (Head-Down), and above 10 a Star Crest as well.

What comes before it

Head-Down 401

Screen 2 · What you are watched on

What you are watched on

The same short list a coach ticks, in the same words. Nothing is hidden from you.

1.2

Lay out the formation (round or line, wacker lines, approach lanes) so approach lanes do not cross.

Can you lay a formation out so that no two approach lanes cross?

1.3 Safety critical

Engineer the head-level stepping into the build so the formation absorbs closing stingers as a stepped spiral, matched to the group's skill level.

Can you build head-level stepping into the design so the formation absorbs closing stingers, matched to the skill in the group?

2.3 Safety critical

Sequence the build inside-out so no flyer stings an unstable edge.

Do you sequence the build from the inside out, so nobody is asked to sting an unstable edge?

Screen 3 · Safety and altitudes

Safety and altitudes

Everything here is a recommendation with a reason behind it. The drop zone you are jumping at, and your own limits on the day, decide what happens.

Safety-critical items on the short list

1.3

Engineer the head-level stepping into the build so the formation absorbs closing stingers as a stepped spiral, matched to the group's skill level.

Can you build head-level stepping into the design so the formation absorbs closing stingers, matched to the skill in the group?

2.3

Sequence the build inside-out so no flyer stings an unstable edge.

Do you sequence the build from the inside out, so nobody is asked to sting an unstable edge?

Everything this course says about breakoff and deployment

3.3

Confirm the design composes with the breakoff plan (waves match the build's outer-to-inner order).

The altitudes here are the guides this site recommends, with the reasons on the full course page. Where the drop zone briefs something different, fly what the drop zone briefs.

Screen 4 · After the jump

After the jump

From the course's closing section, judge the build.

4.1

Judge from video whether the formation built to the design, and where the shape failed.

4.2

Attribute a failed build to a design cause (base too big, steps too steep, lane crossing, wrong build order) and revise the design.

4.3

Record the design and the result for the next iteration.

One fault, one correction

Before the video, and before anyone else speaks, name the one fault from the jump and the one thing you will change on the next jump. Keep it to one of each, so you have one clear thing to fly.

Write them into your notes at the bottom of this card, and they will be here next time you open it.

Record this jump

You can record the jump yourself, because your own read of your flying is worth keeping. A record counts as verified once a coach signs it.

Your notes for this course

Saved on this device only, with no account. They will be here next time you open this card.

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This card is a summary. The full Head-Down 403 course page carries the reasoning, the sources and everything left off here. All briefing cards.