Part 2 of 6—Understanding the Different Positions (Slots)
In competitive formation skydiving, because smaller moves are faster moves, competitors engineer their dives with conservation of motion in mind. On a correctly engineered dive, a hypothetical line develops that runs from the rear to the front of each formation. The shortest moves will usually leave everyone in the same position on that line from one point to the next. This means that if a jumper begins a move in the middle of the line, he stays in the middle; if he begins at one end, he stays at one end, etc. These positions (or slots), from the back to front of the formation, are Tail, Rear Center (sometimes called “Inside Center” due to the position on exit), Front Center (or “Outside Center”) and Point. When flying pieces, the Tail and Rear Center are generally piece partners (the “rear piece”), and the Point and Front Center are piece partners (the “front piece”). more »
A lifetime member of USPA, Travis Donley, D-27204, is well known for his American flag jumps, including two over New York City to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks. When not performing high-profile demonstration jumps with Team Fastrax, Donley skydives at Start Skydiving in Middletown, Ohio, where he works as a Tandem, Static-Line, IAD and AFF Instructor, Safety & Training Advisor and FAA Senior Rigger. 