SUBPART 3: SKYDIVING OPERATING RULES

SUBPART C

Skydiving Operating Rules

105.71 Applicability

These procedures apply to all jumps made in the A.R.E, except those made under military orders and those made because of in-flight emergencies.

105.73 Definition

For the purpose of this subpart "skydiving" is used as equivalent to "parachute jump" and means the descent of a person, to the surface from an aircraft in flight, when he or she intends to use, or uses, a parachute during all or part of that descent.

105.75 General safety requirements

Persons engaged in skydiving shall:

(a) Carry a valid certificate for the type of operation that they are conducting;

(b) Carry a valid certificate of physical fitness for skydiving from an approved physician in accordance with the declaration of fitness to parachute jump prescribed by the ECAA;

(c) All student skydives are to be made under the direct supervision of a currently and appropriately rated jumpmaster aboard the aircraft; and

(d) All student skydivers should be above the age of 18 years.

105.77 Pre-jump safety checks

These checks should be made according to the approved checklists appropriate to the procedures and equipment in use at the drop zone. In some cases, these checks will be the principal responsibility of the pilot, instructor, rigger, ground crew chief, or others, but a jumpmaster should not assume that others have carried out these responsibilities.

105.79 Approved parachutes

(a) Parachutes approved for use under this subpart must meet the following minimum standards;

(b) Be manufactured under a type certificate or a technical standard validated by the ECAA:

(1) Each parachute must have a parachute serviceable document issued from the ECAA for the purpose of determining the period of parachute serviceability;

(2) Each parachute approved for use under this subpart must be serviceable and the expiration date located on the parachute serviceable document must not be exceeded.

(1) Must be determined by an ECAA approved inspector; and

(2) Is granted after the inspection of the parachute and it’s associated hardware.

(d) Each skydiver will have a valid insurance certificate covering all aspects of risk associated with skydiving and third party liability with regard to persons or property.

105.81 General responsibilities and authority of the pilot in command and jumpmasters towards skydiving

(a) Responsibilities of the pilot in command:

(1) No pilot in command of a civil aircraft may allow a parachute to be carried on that aircraft unless it is of an approved type;

(2) No person may make a parachute jump while, and no pilot in command of an aircraft may allow a person to make a parachute jump from that aircraft if that person appears to be:

(i) Under the influence of intoxicating liquor; and

(ii) Using any drug that affects his faculties in any way contrary to safety.

(3) No pilot in command of an aircraft may allow a parachute jump to be made from that aircraft, and no person may make a parachute jump if that jump creates a hazard to air traffic or to persons or properties on the surface; and

(4) No pilot in command will allow a parachute jump unless the aircraft is operated at the correct and pre-briefed altitude, airspeed and engine power.

(b) Responsibilities of the jumpmaster:

(1) Brief the skydivers prior to the operation on the following items:

(i) The purpose of the jump;

(ii) The altitude of the jump;

(iii) The altitude of parachute opening;

(iv) The sequence of the skydivers involved in the jump; and

(v) The description of the drop zone.

(2) Inspect the skydiver documents, parachutes and associated equipment prior to departure on the skydiving operation;

(3) Inspect the aircraft as follows:

(i) Exit door(s) from both inside the aircraft and outside the aircraft;

(ii) The wire and the linkage for the static line and installation; and

(iii) Warning alarm system, lights or communication system used for jumping.

(4) Ensure the select drop zone is correctly understood by the pilot and the jumpers, is properly marked and is safe for conducting parachute landings.

(5) Ensure that the aircraft is at the correct altitude and airspeed for the drop.

105.83 Parachute equipment and packing requirements

No person may make a parachute jump, and no pilot in command of an aircraft may allow any person to make a parachute jump from that aircraft, unless that person is wearing a single harness dual parachute pack, having at least one approved main parachute and one approved auxiliary parachute that are packed as follows:

(a) The main parachute must have been packed by a certificated appropriate parachute rigger or by the person making the jump, within 120 days before the date of its use;

(b) A certificated and appropriately rated parachute rigger must have packed the auxiliary:

(1) Within 120 days before the date of use, if its canopy, shroud, and harness are composed exclusively of nylon, rayon or other similar synthetic fiber or material that is substantially resistant to damage from mold, mildew, or other fungi and other rotting agents propagated in a moist environment within 60 days before the date of use, if composed of any amount of silk, pongees, or other natural fiber, or material, not mentioned above; and

(2) No person may make a parachute jump using a static line attached to the aircraft and the main parachute, unless an assist device, described and attached as follows, is used to aid the pilot chute in performing its function, or if no pilot chute is used, to aid in the direct deployment of the main parachute canopy.

(c) The assist device must be long enough to allow the parachute container to open before a load is placed on the device;

(d) The assist device must have static load strength of:

(1) At least 28 pounds but not more than 160 pounds if it is used to aid the pilot chute in performing its function; and

(2) At least 56 pounds but not more than 320 pounds, if it is used to aid in the direct deployment of the main parachute canopy.

(e) The assist device must be attached:

(1) At one end of the static line above the static line pins, or if static is not used, above the static line ties to the parachute cone; and

(2) At the other end of the pilot chute apex, bride card or bride loop, or if no pilot chute is used, to the main parachute canopy.

(f) No person may attach an assist device required by paragraph (b) of this section to any main parachute unless he has a current parachute rigger certificate issued under these regulations or is the person who makes the jump with that parachute.

105.85 Drop zone general requirements

(a) All drop zones must have ground to air communication to assist the student in canopy control.

(b) Manned ground-to air communications (e.g., radios, panels and lights) are to be present on the drop zone during skydiving operations.

(c) Hazards defined as telephone and power lines, towers, buildings, open bodies of water, highways, automobiles and clusters of trees covering more than 3000 square meters, must be briefed.

(d) Areas used for skydiving should be unobstructed, with the following minimum radial distance to the nearest hazard:

Classification	Using round canopy	Using ram-air canopy
Student	300 meters	100 meters
“A” parachute certificate holder	200 meters	100 meters
“B” parachute certificate holder	100 meters	50 meters
“C” parachute certificate holder	50 meters	Unlimited

105.87 Jumps over or into congested areas or open air assembly persons

(a) No person may make a parachute jump, and no pilot in command of an aircraft may allow a parachute jump to be made from that aircraft, over or into a congested area of a city, town or settlement, or an open air assembly of persons unless a certificate of authorization for that jump has been issued under this section. However, a parachute may drift over that congested area or open air assembly with a fully deployed and proper functioning parachute if he is at a sufficient altitude to avoid creating a hazard to persons and property on the ground.

(b) An application for a certificate of authorization shall be submitted in a form and manner acceptable to the ECAA at least four days before the day of that jump.

(c) Each holder of a certificate of authorization shall present that certificate for inspection upon the request of any local official.

105.89 Jumps over or onto airports

(a) Unless the airport management has given prior approval, no person may make a parachute jump, and no pilot in command of an aircraft may allow a parachute jump to be made from that aircraft:

(1) Over an airport that does not have a functioning control tower in the A.R.E.; or

(2) Into any airport.

(b) However, a parachute may drift over that airport with a fully deployed and properly functioning parachute, if he is at least 2000 feet above that airport's traffic pattern, and avoids creating a hazard to air traffic or to persons and property on the ground.

105.91 Jumps on or into control zones with function control towers:

(a) No person may make a parachute jump, and no pilot in command may allow a parachute jump to be made from that aircraft on or into a control zone in which there is a functioning control tower, or in violation of the terms of an authorization issued according to this Part.

(b) Each request for an authorization must be submitted to the control tower having jurisdiction over the control zone concerned and must include the information required by this subpart.

105.93 Jumps on or into airport radar service areas

(a) No person may make a parachute jump and no pilot in command may allow a parachute jump to be made from that aircraft on or into an airport radar service area without, or in violation of the terms of an ATS authorization.

(b) Each request for authorization must be submitted to the control tower at the airport for which the airport radar service area is designated.

105.95 Jumps on or into dangerous areas

(a) No person may make a parachute jump, and no pilot in command of an aircraft may allow a parachute jump to be made from that aircraft on or into dangerous areas.

(b) Jump on or into new areas can be only made if the appropriate authority having jurisdiction over these areas hasn’t designated them as dangerous for personal jumps.

105.97 Jumps on or into other airspace

(a) No person may make a parachute jump, and no pilot in command of an aircraft may allow a parachute jump to be made from that aircraft on or into airspace unless the nearest (air traffic control facility was notified or that jump at least 1 hour before the jump is to be made, but not more than 24 hours before the jumping is to be completed.

(b) ATS may accept from an ACPS a written notification of a scheduled series of jumps to be made over a stated period of time not longer than 12 calendar months. The notification must contain the information prescribed in paragraph 105.103, and also identify the responsible persons associated with that jumping activity, and be submitted at least 15 days but not more than 30 days, before the jumping is to be begin. ATS may revoke the acceptance of the notification for any failure of the ACPS to comply with its terms.

105.99 Jumps over or within restricted or prohibited areas

No person may make a parachute jump, and no pilot in command may allow a parachute jump to be made from that aircraft, over or within a restricted area or prohibited area unless the controlling authority of the area concerned has authorized that jump.

105.101 Landing areas

(a) Use the appropriate landing area, based on the qualifications of the jumpers, for students or "A" or "B" parachute licensed persons: The landing area should not be less than the drop zone for certified persons:

(b) Landing areas are divided into the two distinct categories:

(1) Level one: Parachutists who hold class "C" or "D" parachute certificate must select a landing area that permits the jumper to land not closer than 50 feet from any spectator and does not involve passing over persons of the surface at an altitude of less than 250 feet.

(2) Level two: Parachutists who hold a class "D" certificate prorating and who certify that they shall use a steerable square main and reserve canopy, shall be permitted to exit over or into congested area. The selected landing area must permit the jumper to land no closer than 15 feet from any spectator and does not involve passing over persons on the surface at an altitude of less than 50 feet.

105.103 Alternate landing areas

Regardless of the experience of the parachutists, "runoffs" or "escape areas" should be considered. Small target areas may be acceptable when a suitable alternate landing area is available in the event of unexpected conditions.

105.105 Information required when requesting authorization to jump over a certain zone

(a) The following information must be included in the request:

(1) The date and time jumping will begin;

(2) The size of the jump zone expressed in nautical mile radius around the target;

(3) The location of the center of the jump zone in relation to:

(i) The nearest VOR facility in terms of the VOR radial on which it is located and its distance in nautical miles from the VOR facility when that facility is 30 nautical miles from the drop zone target; or

(ii) The nearest airport, town or city, when the nearest VOR facility is more than 30 nautical miles from the drop zone target.

(4) The altitudes above the surface of which jumping will take place;

(5) The duration of the intended jump;

(6) The names, address and telephone number of the person requesting the authorization;

(7) The identification of the aircraft to be used; and

(8) The radio frequencies, if any, available in the aircraft.

(b) If the proposed or scheduled jumping activity authorized is canceled or postponed, the appropriate air traffic control should be promptly notified.

105.107 Flight visibility and clearance from clouds requirements

No person may make a parachute jump, and no pilot in command of an aircraft may allow a parachute jump to be make from that aircraft:

(a) Into or through a cloud: or

(b) When the flight visibility is less, or at a distance from clouds that is less, than that prescribed in the following table:

Altitude	Flight visibility	Distance from clouds
1 - 1200 feet or less above the surface regardless of the MSL altitude	3 statute miles	500 feet below, 1000 feet above, 2000 feet horizontal
2 - More than 1200 feet above the surface but less than 10000 feet MSL	3 statute miles	500 feet below, 1000 feet above, 2000 feet horizontal.
3 - More than 1200 feet above the surface and at or above 10000 feet MSL	5 statute miles	1000 feet below, 1000 feet above, 1 mile horizontal.

105.109 Night jump requirements

(a) No person may make a parachute jump, and no pilot in command of an aircraft may allow any person to make a parachute jump from that aircraft, between sunset and sunrise, unless that person is equipped with means of producing a light visible for at least three statute miles.

(b) Each person making a parachute jump between sunset and sunrise shall display the light required by paragraph (a) from the time that person exits the aircraft until that person reaches the surface.

(1) Lighted altimeter;

(2) Clear goggles;

(3) Jumper manifest;

(4) Target lighting equipment: sufficient lighting to illuminate the target, lighting can be provided by flashlights, electric lights or such devices, road flares or either pyrotechnics and open flames can be extremely hazardous and should not be used; and

(5) A Flashlight to check the canopy.

(d) Night jumps should be conducted in weather conditions of light winds, and good visibility and planned for a full moon.

(e) Target configuration for accuracy:

(1) Arrange lights in a circle around the target area at a radius of 25 meters from the center;

(2) Remove 3 or 4 of the lights closest to the wind line on the downwind side of the target and arrange them in a line leading into the target. This will indicate both wind line and wind direction, by following a flight path over this line of lights, the jumper will be on the wind line and upwind; and

(3) Place a red light at dead center, protected by a plexiglas cover flush with the surface.

(f) Extinguish all lights in the event of adverse weather or other hazardous jump conditions to indicate no jump. Ground to air radio communications should be available.

105.111 Radio equipment and use requirements

(a) Except when otherwise authorized by ATS:

(1) No person may make a parachute jump, and no pilot in command of an aircraft may allow a parachute jump to be made from that aircraft, on or into controlled airspace unless during that flight:

(i) The aircraft is equipped with a functioning two way radio communications system appropriate to the ATC facilities to be used;

(ii) Radio communications have been established between the aircraft and the nearest ATC facility at least 5 minutes before the jumping activity is to begin, for the purpose of receiving information in the aircraft about known air traffic in the vicinity of the jumping activity; and

(iii) The pilot in command and the jumpers in that flight have received the information described in (ii).

(2) The pilot in command of an aircraft used for any jumping activity on or into controlled airspace shall, during each flight:

(i) Maintain or have maintained a continuous watch on the appropriate frequency of the aircraft's radio communications system from the time radio communications are first established between the aircraft and ATS, until the advises ATS that the jumping activity is ended from that flight; and

(ii) Advise ATS that the jumping activity is ended for that flight when the last parachute jumper from the aircraft reaches the ground.

(b) If, during any flight, the required radio communications system is or becomes inoperative, any jumping activity from the aircraft on or into controlled airspace shall be abandoned. However, if the communications system becomes inoperative in flight after receipt of a required ATS authorization, the jumping activity from that flight may be continued.

105.113 Different altitudes jumping operation requirements

(a) Minimum opening altitudes above the ground are:

(1) Tandem jumps: 4000 feet AGL;

(2) All free fall students: 3000 feet AGL;

(3) All static line jumps: 2800 feet AGL;

(4) "A" and "B" certificate holders: 2500 feet AGL; and

(5) "C" and "D" certificate holders: 2000 feet AGL.

(b) Altitude classifications for jumps:

(1) Low altitude, less than 15000 MSL;

(2) Intermediate Altitude: from 15000 up to 20000 MSL;

(3) High altitude from 20000 up to 40000 MSL; and

(4) Extreme altitude above 40000 MSL.

(1) Sensitive altimeter and adequate protective clothing for skydivers from above 15000 MSL, in addition to the oxygen and body pressurization equipment listed below;

(2) Backup oxygen systems and components should be available on board the aircraft. Oxygen systems should only be filled with Aviator's Oxygen, which has the moisture removed, whenever freezing temperatures will be encountered.

(3) Intermediate altitude jumps: a separate oxygen mask should be provided for each skydiver and crew member;

(4) High altitude jumps: All skydivers must be equipped with an appropriate on board oxygen source and compatible bailout oxygen system with an automatic activation device (AAD); and

(5) Extreme altitude jumps: All skydivers must be equipped with compatible on board and bailout oxygen and body pressurization systems appropriate to the goal altitude, and an (AAD) is needed.

105.115 Water landing operations

(a) Check the landing site for under water hazards and obtain authorization and advise from local water jurisdiction.

(b) An altimeter should be used for free falls of thirty seconds or more.

(c) Provide no less than one recovery boat per jumper, or, if the aircraft drops one jumper per pass, one boat for every three jumpers.

(d) Boat personnel should include at least one qualified skydiver and stand-by swimmer with facemask, swim fins, and experience in life saving techniques including resuscitation.

(e) Each skydiver is to be equipped with flotation gear when his intended exit point, opening point or landing point is within one mile of an open body of water in which he could drown.

(f) Each jumper should be thoroughly briefed concerning the possible emergencies that may occur after water entry and the proper corrective procedures.

(g) Opening altitude should be no less than 3000 feet AGL to provide ample time to prepare for water entry.

(h) A second jump run should not be made until the jumper (s) from the first pass have safely boarded the pickup boat(s).

105.117 Skydiving emergency procedures

(a) Each skydiving operation should establish procedures for all foreseeable abnormalities. Every pilot and non-student jumper should thoroughly understand these procedures. All students should be familiar with them, but they should take direction from their jumpmaster.

(b) Before each jump the skydiver should review the procedures to avoid emergency situations and the procedures to respond to emergencies if they do occur.

105.119 Relative work operations

(a) Jumpers on collision course, either in free fall or under the canopy, should turn to the right. Continual awareness throughout the jump is absolutely necessary to avoid collision. Both free fall and canopy collisions have the potential for fatal results,

(b) Both main and reserve ripcord handles should be guarded.

(d) Protective headgear must allow adequate hearing capability for voice commands, in addition to collision protection.

(e) Avoid jumping in turbulent air or gusty wind conditions.

105.121 Demonstration jump operations

(a) Minimum landing area for PRO rating holders, may not be less than 500 square feet per four jumpers, and an additional 800 square feet per jumper is required for any jumper landing within 30 seconds of the last of any four jumpers,

(b) All demonstration jumps should be conducted with a maximum 15 mph ground wind limitation.

(d) Jumpers making demonstration jumpsover or into congested areas must use a square main and square reserve canopy.

(e) Two-way radio communication between the aircraft airlifting the parachute and the landing area shall be continuously maintained for all jumps.

(f) Provisions shall be made by the skydiving approved organization to keep spectators out of the landing area.

(g) The parachute jump shall not be conducted when the ceiling is less than 2500 feet and the visibility is less than 5 miles.

105.123 Ground wind limits for parachutists of different categories

(a) For "B" or less: 10 mph.

(b) For "C" : 15 mph.

(d) These limits will under no circumstances be exceeded.

(e) Every ACPS must use an anemometer or any appropriate device for measuring ground speed.

(f) Suspension of parachuting will be ordered for the categories of parachutists concerned after two gusts above the limit have taken place within five minutes, After parachuting has been suspended it will not be resumed for at least thirty minutes during which no gusts above the limit have occurred.

(g) The strength and direction of winds below 2200 feet AGL will be measured by the use of wind drift indicators (WDI):

(1) ACPS= Aeroclubs or Centers involved in parachute skydiving activities;

(2) AFF= Accelerated Free Fall;

(3) AGL= Above Ground Level;

(4) ECAA= Egyptian Civil Aviation Supervisory Authority;

(5) FSSS= Flight Safety Standards Sector;

(6) FF= Free Fall;

(7) IAD= Instructor assisted deployment;

(8) JM= Jump Master;

(9) MSL = Mean sea level;

(10) PC = Parachuting certificate;

(11) RW = Relative work;

(12) SL = Static Line; and

(13) S & TA = Safety and training advisor;

105.125 Drop zone requirements

(a) The drop zone must be equipped with a windsock for use of the skydivers for indication of wind direction.

(b) Wind speed must be indicated in miles per hour using an anemometer, which must be installed, and operating in the most appropriate position in the drop zone.

105.127 Aircraft used for parachute jumping

(a) All aircraft must comply with the provisions required by the manufacturer for those aircraft types with one cabin door opening.

(b) For other aircraft types the following requirements must be met:

(1) The manufacturer must list the aircraft type as approved for use in parachute jumping operations;

(2) The aircraft type certificate or supplemental type certificate states that the aircraft is compatible for use in parachute jumping operations;

(3) The pilot owner handbook or its supplement must contain performance data to be used when the aircraft is performing parachute jumping operations; and

(4) The aircraft must be equipped with a jump kit approved by the manufacturer and installed on the aircraft for the purpose of parachute jumping operations.

105.129 Pilot in command qualifications

(a) The pilot in command of an aircraft being used in parachute jumping operations must have the following qualifications:

(1) Adequate knowledge of the special operating limitations and procedures required for flight with door activation and or removed in flight;

(2) Adequate knowledge of aircraft loading of skydivers and equipment with regard to mass and center of gravity of the aircraft; and

(3) A minimum experience of 300 hours total flying time with 50 hours of flying time as pilot in command of the aircraft type used in the parachute jumping operations.

(b) The pilot in command must be certified by the ECAA prior to acting as pilot in command while conducting parachute jumping operations.

Classification