If you're thinking about your first tandem jump, safety comes first. Below, we reveal how Skydive Latvia's safety architecture works on every jump — from people and training, to equipment and maintenance, to weather decisions.
Safety 360°: people × procedures × technology
People: instructors with experience and licenses
The instructor is your safety “autopilot”. Skydive Latvia instructors work according to international standards and local requirements, each performs hundreds of jumps annually and has accumulated more than a thousand jumps during their career. Our team has both extensive day-to-day practice with passengers and regular checks and training. Typical prerequisites for a tandem instructor: several years of experience, the highest athlete’s license, a special tandem course, medical compliance and regular repetition of training for emergency procedures.
Procedures: clear protocols and go/no-go decisions
- Double checks before each phase (suspension, fasteners, signals, plan).
- Standardized gestures and commands for in-flight communication.
- Go/no-go criteria for weather, visibility, and wind — if any parameter is out of range, we postpone the jump.
- Event logs and learning - everything is documented and improved.
Technique: multiple layers of security
- Two parachutes — main and reserve, with regular inspections and professional repacking within specified deadlines.
- AAD (Automatic Activation Device) — a computer that automatically activates a reserve parachute in an emergency.
- RSL (Reserve Static Line) - helps to quickly deploy the reserve parachute after the main parachute is disconnected.
- Suspension system - four attachment points and careful adjustment to the passenger.
Airplane and pilots: why you feel safe even “before you leave”
Pilatus Porter PC-6 — a safe STOL workhorse
We use the Pilatus Porter PC-6 — one of the world's most recognized parachute aircraft. It is a STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) aircraft with a large wing area and effective flaps, which ensure low landing speed and short landing distances. Thanks to its aerodynamic properties and piloting, the PC-6 is able to land safely even without a running engine — on small fields with appropriate surfaces and procedures. In everyday life, this means wider backup options and peace of mind.
International pilot team
Skydive Latvia flies with pilots from EU countries - including France, Switzerland, Spain and Germany. The pilots are specialized in skydiving operations (open-door flights, precise take-off/gliding profile), and the team's combined experience is measured in thousands of flight hours , which translates into a calm, predictable flight and safe decisions.
Why do we set the bar so high?
In addition to civilian jumps, we also conduct military training and work under military contracts . This means that equipment maintenance, documentation, adherence to protocols, and flight culture are maintained at the highest level - without compromise.
Why do we sometimes postpone the leap, even when it “seems like it’s good”?
It may be sunny on the ground, but it’s a different world up there. We make our decisions based on real measurements and experience: wind gusts, cloud base, visibility, risk of turbulence. If something is out of bounds, it’s for your safety . We’d rather say “no” today than say “yes” to a safe jump next time.
Passenger safety checklist (1 minute before booking)
- Be honest about your health and medications; if something is unclear, ask a question .
- 12–24 hours before the jump — no alcohol ; eat lightly 2–3 hours before arrival.
- Dress comfortably and wear closed-toe sports shoes ; leave jewelry at home.
- No personal cameras/GoPros - filming is done by the instructor/operator for safety reasons.
- Be prepared for flexible weather - weather safety is a priority.
How to choose a safe tandem jump center
Before you decide, ask these questions (and feel free to ask us too):
- What is the instructor license and renewal of the last qualification?
- How often is the reserve parachute repacked and who does it?
- What is your go/no-go criteria list in wind, clouds, and visibility?
- How are daily inspections of equipment carried out and where are they documented?
Myths and realities about tandem skydiving safety
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Myth: “If you are 4 km away, it is impossible to breathe.”
Reality: You can breathe normally — it feels like you're in a strong wind. -
Myth: “If the main one doesn’t open, it’s all over.”
Reality: The system has a reserve parachute and electronic devices to assist in emergencies. -
Myth: “The instructor only holds ‘behind’.”
Reality: The instructor guides everything from takeoff to landing, following protocols. -
Myth: “Safety = just equipment.”
Reality: Security starts with people and procedures , technology is one of the layers.
Ready for a safe start?
We will be happy to answer any safety questions before booking. When you are ready, book your tandem jump . If you want a step-by-step guide to the jump, check out the full tandem jump process (step by step) in Riga .
About the author: Sergey Plotnikov
AFF instructor. Tandem instructor. Wind tunnel instructor. In the sport for 20 years. Over 2000 jumps.
Communication LinkedInFrequently Asked Security Questions (FAQ)
What is AAD and does it work on every hop?
AAD is an electronic device that automatically deploys a reserve parachute in an emergency. It is not normally used - it acts as an airbag if human factors interfere with respecting time/altitude limits.
Why are passengers not allowed to bring personal cameras?
Safety first: loose objects can fall, hit others, or get tangled in slings. The video is recorded by an instructor or operator with special rigging and procedures.
What does a “no-go” decision mean?
This means that some parameter (wind, clouds, visibility) is outside safe limits. We choose not to create an unsolvable risk — it is better to postpone it to a safe time.
How often is the equipment inspected?
Equipment is checked before each day of jumping and before each jump, and reserve parachutes are checked at regular intervals in accordance with the requirements of the manufacturer and aviation authorities.
What if I still feel anxious?
This is normal. Tell your instructor how you feel - they will adjust the briefing and pace. For most people, the anxiety subsides immediately after getting off the plane.
How to practically choose a safe drop zone (short “how-to”)
- Check licenses and industry affiliations (e.g., federations).
- Ask about the deadlines for repacking the reserve parachute and who does it.
- Clarify the go/no-go criteria — don't let them be "based on feel."
- How are daily inspections of equipment carried out and where are they documented?
If the questions are answered clearly, you are probably in the right place. If the answers are evasive, feel free to choose another one.