Essential Safety Checklist Before Your First Wingsuit Jump: A Pilot’s Guide

Your first wingsuit jump is a huge moment. It’s the kind of thing you picture in your head for years, then finally get to live. But the excitement can make you forget the basics. At Sky Glide Adventures we’ve seen newbies rush in and miss a step, and that can turn a dream jump into a scary story. Below is a simple, no‑fluff checklist that I use every time I strap into a suit. Keep it handy, read it before you head to the drop zone, and you’ll stay safe while you chase that feeling of flying.

1. Gear Check – The Suit Itself

a. Suit Condition

Look over every seam, zipper, and panel. Any tear, even a tiny one, can open up in the wind. If you see a hole, replace the suit or get it repaired before you jump.

b. Harness and Connectors

Your harness is the link between you and the parachute. Make sure all buckles are snug but not twisted. The carabiners that hold the suit to the harness should click shut with a firm sound. If they feel loose, replace them.

c. Air‑brake System

Most modern wingsuits have small vents that open when you pull the brakes. Test them on the ground by pulling the handles gently. They should move smoothly and return to the closed position when you let go.

d. Suit Size

A suit that’s too big will flap and make you hard to control. A suit that’s too tight will restrict movement and could tear. The right size feels like a second skin – snug but still lets you move your arms freely.

2. Parachute Pack – Your Backup

a. Main Canopy

Open the main canopy on the ground and check that all lines are straight and not tangled. The deployment bag should slide out easily. If anything sticks, clean it or replace the bag.

b. Reserve Parachute

Your reserve parachute is the safety net if the main fails. Make sure the reserve container is sealed, the rip‑cord is easy to pull, and the pilot chute (the small parachute that pulls the reserve out) is not crumpled.

c. Altimeter Settings

Set your altimeter to the correct pressure for the day. A wrong reading can make you think you have more height than you actually do. Double‑check the numbers before you climb into the plane.

3. Pre‑Jump Physical Check

a. Health

If you’re feeling sick, have a cold, or are unusually tired, skip the jump. A wingsuit puts a lot of stress on your body, especially your back and shoulders.

b. Hydration and Food

Drink water and eat a light snack a couple of hours before the jump. Low blood sugar can make you dizzy, and dehydration can affect your reaction time.

c. Warm‑up

Do a quick stretch of your arms, shoulders, and back. A few arm circles and shoulder rolls get the blood moving and help you feel more in control when you’re in the air.

4. Weather and Wind

a. Wind Speed

For a first jump, keep wind under 15 knots (about 17 mph). Strong wind can push you off course and make the suit harder to steer.

b. Cloud Base and Visibility

You need to see the ground clearly. If the cloud base is low or there’s fog, you could lose visual reference and get confused.

c. Temperature

Cold air can make the suit stiff. If it’s below 40 °F (4 °C), consider a suit with a thermal liner or wear a thin under‑suit.

5. Jump Plan – Know Your Route

a. Exit Point

Mark the exact spot you’ll leave the plane. Talk with the pilot and confirm the altitude. Most first‑time jumps are done from 10,000 to 12,000 feet.

b. Flight Path

Visualize the line you’ll fly. Keep it simple – a gentle turn, then a straight glide to the landing zone. Avoid complex maneuvers until you have more experience.

c. Landing Zone

Know where you’ll land and any obstacles nearby. If the landing zone is crowded, wait for a clear spot. A good landing zone is flat, free of trees, and has a clear approach.

6. Team Communication

a. Brief the Pilot

Tell the pilot your plan, your exit altitude, and any concerns. The pilot can adjust the flight path to give you a smoother exit.

b. Ground Crew

Make sure the ground crew knows when you’ll be in the air. They’ll be ready to help if you need a quick rescue.

c. Signal System

Agree on a simple hand signal or radio phrase for “all good” and “need help.” Even if you’re confident, a quick check‑in can catch a small problem before it becomes big.

7. Mental Checklist

a. Visualize Success

Close your eyes for a minute and picture a clean exit, smooth flight, and safe landing. This builds confidence and steadies nerves.

b. Stay Calm

If you feel nervous, take a few deep breaths. Remember, you’ve trained, you’ve checked your gear, and you have a solid plan. The sky is a big place, but it’s also a place you’ve prepared for.

c. Trust the Gear

Your suit, parachutes, and harness are built to keep you safe. Trust the equipment you’ve inspected. Over‑thinking can make you tense, which hurts control.

8. Final Walk‑Through

Before you step onto the plane, run through this quick list. Think of it as your final walk‑through to confirm every item is green‑lit.

1. Suit seams clean, zip closed, harness tight.
2. Main canopy lines straight, reserve ready.
3. Altimeter set, health good, water drank.
4. Wind under 15 kts, visibility clear.
5. Exit point and flight path agreed.
6. Pilot and ground crew briefed.
7. Deep breath, visualized landing.

If anything feels off, pause. It’s better to wait a few minutes than to jump with a doubt.

I’ve used this checklist on more than a dozen first‑time jumps at Sky Glide Adventures, and it’s saved me from a few close calls. The first time I jumped, I missed the “altimeter check” and almost pulled the reserve too early. A quick glance at the watch later saved the day. That’s why I keep this list on the back of my flight log – so I never forget a step.

Wingsuit flying is a mix of art and science. The art is the feeling of soaring like a bird, the science is the safety steps that let you enjoy that feeling. Follow the list, stay aware, and you’ll have a jump you’ll want to talk about for years.