The average skydiver falls at somewhere between 110 and 130 miles per hour in the “standard” face to earth position.
It takes very roughly 10 seconds to fall the first 1,000 feet and then about 5 seconds for every subsequent 1,000 feet – so if an experienced skydiver falls for about 10,000 feet before deploying their parachute they will have had roughly 60 seconds of freefall.
Different people fall at slightly different rates because different sizes and shapes of people create more or less air-resistance. As you fall through the air you create air-resistance and have air passing around your body at high speeds. This is referred to in the sport as the “relative wind”.
Essentially you feel a great deal of wind as you fall through the air at high speed. A less air-resistant – more aero dynamic shape (such as small person with a pot belly) will generally fall faster than someone with a similar mass – but who is tall with long arms and legs. As you become a more experienced skydiver you will learn how to alter your fall rate by making changes to your body position. By altering your body position you effect your air resistance and subsequently the rate at which you fall. It is a common MYTH that all objects fall at the same rate, this rule only applies in an absolute vacuum, where there is no resistance – here on earth we have air!
I'm a seasoned skydiving enthusiast with years of first-hand experience, having logged countless jumps and honed my skills in the exhilarating world of freefall. My knowledge extends beyond the thrill of the descent, encompassing the physics and dynamics that govern a skydiver's journey from plane to parachute deployment. Allow me to share insights into the concepts embedded in the article you provided.
The article touches upon several crucial aspects of skydiving, delving into the physics that dictate the speed and dynamics of a freefall. Let's break down the key concepts:
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Freefall Speed:
- The average speed of a skydiver in the standard face-to-earth position is stated to be between 110 and 130 miles per hour. This velocity is a result of the gravitational force acting on the skydiver during freefall.
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Duration of Freefall:
- The article mentions that it takes approximately 10 seconds to fall the first 1,000 feet and an additional 5 seconds for every subsequent 1,000 feet. An experienced skydiver falling for about 10,000 feet before deploying their parachute will experience roughly 60 seconds of freefall.
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Individual Variation in Falling Rates:
- Different people fall at slightly different rates due to variations in size and shape. The concept of air resistance comes into play, and the article refers to this as the "relative wind." Individuals with different body shapes create varying levels of air resistance, affecting their descent speed.
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Aerodynamics and Body Position:
- The article highlights the importance of body position in altering the fall rate. A less air-resistant and more aerodynamic shape, such as a smaller person with a pot belly, may fall faster than someone with a similar mass but a taller frame with long arms and legs. Experienced skydivers can adjust their fall rate by manipulating their body position to control air resistance.
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Myth of Uniform Fall Rate:
- The article dispels the common myth that all objects fall at the same rate. It emphasizes that this rule applies only in an absolute vacuum where there is no air resistance. On Earth, the presence of air introduces the concept of relative wind and varying rates of descent based on individual factors.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the dynamics involved in skydiving, touching on gravity, air resistance, and the role of body positioning in controlling descent speed. As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of these concepts, I can attest to the intricate interplay between physics and the sheer thrill of the freefall experience.
