Can AI Help Us Skydive Better?

Key Takeaways 
AI is a great tool for skydiving students and instructors, not a replacement for hands-on learning. Although AI currently plays a minimal role in skydiving, it has proven invaluable for virtual reality training methods and GPS tracking. We anticipate that more coaches and avid skydivers will integrate AI into their teaching and learning in the near future. One way skydivers use AI to learn right now is through LLM research and conversation. 

* Note: Do not take AI as fact; it is critical to double-check with a certified skydiving instructor before implementing information gleaned from artificial intelligence. 

Can AI help us skydive better? Absolutely! AI (artificial intelligence) has aided our understanding of concepts across every spectrum imaginable, from medicine to math, and skydiving is no exception. When it comes to AI and learning to skydive, there are currently minimal resources, but our industry is ripe for AI incorporation. This article will take a deeper look at ways AI may be integrated into the skydiving world and how it continues to progress traditional training methodologies. 

The Role Of AI In Learning & Understanding Skydiving Concepts 

AI is already used in the aviation industry to optimize flight operations. By analyzing data in real time, AI can enhance such key elements as predictive maintenance, fuel efficiency, and air traffic management. It’s also used to support safety and customer experience through pilot assistance systems and personalized passenger services.

So, will AI ever replace the benefit of skydiver-to-skydiver knowledge sharing? No, never. Skydiving is a physical, deeply personal, and super communal sport, and AI will not undermine the invaluable exchange of wisdom that skydivers have with one another.  

That being said, there is nothing in the world like skydiving, so wrapping your mind around certain things can be difficult. That’s why large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Grok can be incredibly helpful to gain an understanding of skydiving concepts. 

For example, if a newer jumper is curious about why fall rate is so important or the benefits of flying mantis, asking an LLM can give them the insight they’re looking for in a jiffy. And, LLMs can rephrase things and refine feedback to add clarity until a concept really clicks. 

A big pro about LLMs is that they never sleep! If a student (or any skydiver) is up late and curious about something they experienced on a jump earlier in that day, they can ask an LLM and confirm it with their instructor or peers when they’re up or at the DZ the next day! 

Skydiving Freefall With AI: Flying Without Jumping 

What technology is used in skydiving? There is a lot of sophisticated technology used in skydiving. From devices that are designed to automatically deploy parachutes to audible and digital altimeters, technology in the sport continues to rapidly evolve. 

There is a big difference between typical skydiving technology and AI technology. For example, audible altimeters and AADs are amazing pieces of equipment, but they don’t learn, adapt, or make decisions; they just follow a pre-programmed formula. They’re not AI, but rather just really great tools that aid us in keeping safety first in our sport. 

Artificial intelligence and skydiving may seem like polar opposites, but they can go hand-in-hand. Tools like freefall and parachute flight simulators, such as the HAVELSAN Parachute Simulator and PARASIM developed by STI, are virtual reality, not AI. However, they are precisely designed with the skydiver in mind, and we predict they will use AI tools to aid in skydiver progression in the near future. 

The S1M flight simulator by Flight-1 combines unique and precise engineering from real Flight-1 canopy coaches with advanced virtual reality. Tools like this are on track to integrate predictive AI in the future and craft an all-encompassing experience that can train skydivers like no other. 

AI & Learning How To Land A Parachute

The Parachute Landing Assistant (PLA) by Flight-1 uses a LIDAR system to alert canopy pilots (skydivers flying a parachute) when to begin and finish their flare when landing. Tools like the PLA have the opportunity to integrate AI into facets of their design, like tracking success and determining gaps in development that the human eye may overlook. 

Tools like the FlySight GPS track things like rotation, acceleration, and the line of someone under a parachute. FlySight is particularly handy for those trying to dial in their canopy flying for competition purposes or for perfecting high-performance landings. Although this tool is advanced and can give real-time audible feedback to the skydiver, the AI aspect would come into play if the skydiver took an extra step, such as, plugging their personal flight data into a tool, like an LLM, to get assistance in coming up with a training plan. 

Will AI Replace Human Coaches In The Sky?

Where will AI be in 10 years in the skydiving industry? Well, we can’t tell the future but we are confident that AI will continue to progress in exciting ways across the skydiving industry. AI has the potential to help coaches and instructors fine-tune their students’ progression. By assisting in debriefs and forming hyper-individualized training plans, AI can ‘up’ the efficiency of the student skydiving experience and help produce more competent and confident skydivers. 

Will AI ever replace the real deal? Not a chance. Skydiving instruction from highly-trained, experienced, and rated mentors is indispensable. Skydiving and AI technology can work together, but human support in an extreme sport is absolutely essential.
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