Choosing and integrating a skydiving simulator
Before comparing devices, start from your learning objectives. The criteria below help structure a specification, without favouring any manufacturer.
Selection criteria
Learning objective
Which phase of the jump, which audience, which skill? A device suited to landing does not help with freefall position.
Model fidelity
Ask how canopy or airflow behaviour is modelled, and how it was validated.
Scenarios and settings
Wind, terrain, malfunctions, difficulty levels: instructors must be able to build their own exercises.
Instructor tools
Session control, event triggering, recording and playback for debriefing.
Safety and ergonomics
Harness, structure, access, management of VR discomfort, operating instructions.
Space and infrastructure
Floor area, height, power, network: check compatibility with your premises.
Maintenance and support
Software updates, spare parts, assistance, operator training.
Total cost
Acquisition, installation, maintenance, instructor time: reason over the whole service life.
Data and traceability
Which data are recorded, where, for how long, and how they feed student records.
Integrating simulation into a progression
The steps below are general guidelines. The content of a progression is the responsibility of federations, authorities and the instructional team.
- 1
Position the simulation
Identify the stages where simulation adds value: before the first jump, before a new skill, as a refresher.
- 2
Set observable objectives
For each session: what the student must be able to do, and how the instructor verifies it.
- 3
Train instructors
Master the device, its limitations and how to run a debrief.
- 4
Brief, practise, debrief
Each session follows the same cycle as in-flight training.
- 5
Record and evaluate
Log sessions in the student's record and regularly reassess the device's contribution.
Refer to federations and authorities
The role of simulation in training, and any formal recognition, are defined by sport federations and the competent authorities in each country. Consult them before any project.