An altimeter is a device that enhances the safety of the skydiver. While it is not a requirement to use one, it is highly beneficial. The safety benefits obtained by using an altimeter are somewhat of a necessity for new skydivers but can also be useful to a seasoned professional. Read more about altimeters and why they are necessary for skydiving below:
What are they for?
The altimeter is a device that can be worn on the wrist or may be found in the helmet of a skydiver, depending on the type. These devices are used to alert the skydiver when they have reached the appropriate altitude level to deploy their parachute. They will be alerted by various means. An analogue arrow shows the altitude of the skydiver when using an analogue altimeter, a digital altimeter shows the skydivers altitude by means of a digital number, and an audible altimeter uses an audible alert to let the skydiver know that they should deploy their parachute.
How they work
These altimeters are used to indicate a skydivers’ altitude by monitoring their barometric pressure. What this means is that they can determine the altitude of a skydiver due to the change of atmospheric pressure as they are falling. The lower the pressure is, the greater your altitude.
Why they are important
Skydiving is a sport that requires high levels of control to ensure accuracy. If skydivers are inaccurate with certain actions, such as the deployment of their parachute, this could be a major risk to their lives. Altimeters are a great tool to ensure the accuracy of the parachute deployment in terms of their altitude. This meter will allow them to safely deploy their chute before falling beyond the minimum altitude for deployment.
