If jumpers are planning on pulling by 3,500' AGL, what is the minimum time required between passes?

• A. 1 minute
• B. 2 minutes
• C. 3 minutes
• D. 4 minutes

Answer: (B)

The correct choice of a minimum time of 2 minutes between passes is based on the need to ensure the safety of jumpers during their descent and the necessary clear airspace for the aircraft conducting the jump. When jumpers pull their parachutes at an altitude of 3,500 feet AGL, they typically deploy their chutes with enough altitude remaining to manage their descent safely.

The 2-minute interval allows for adequate separation between jumpers, ensuring that the first group has enough time to land safely before the next group exits the aircraft. This consideration is vital to avoid mid-air collisions and to ensure that the airspace over the drop zone is clear for the subsequent passes, providing safety for both the jumpers and the aircraft.

Factors such as the altitude at which jumpers will deploy their parachutes and their descent rates inform the calculation for the required pass intervals. Therefore, the timing is essential for maintaining operational safety during parachute operations. The choice of 2 minutes is a standard that is derived from established safety protocols and provides the necessary buffer for jump operations.