Pre-requisites

Many flyers will want to learn entering the tunnel in a 2-way formation mainly for the enjoyment and added challenge that it presents but also for skydivers wishing to imitate the exit portion of a skydive. Before you will be able to learn entering the wind tunnel while holding or being held by another in a 2-way formation, you will need to demonstrate that you are able to enter the airflow solo, fly a neutral body position, along with the eight points of motion, without any considerable issues.

If you plan to be the flyer who enters other than forwards during the 2-way entrance, you will need to practice that move solo prior to adding the second flyer.

Objectives

The primary objective is to be able to safely and successfully begin in the staging area of the tunnel, build the anticipated 2-way formation while standing at the entrance doorway, enter the wind tunnel keeping the formation intact, and finish in the center of the wind tunnel with both flyers stable, on the same level and without any movement.

Preparation

You and your flying partner will discuss with your instructor which entrances are the safest and most successful to try. Build the formation while standing in the tunnel staging area. The first flyer to enter the airflow should be as close to the edge of the door as possible, using the doorframe for added support and stability. At the same time, the second flyer should be positioned as close to the first flyer as possible to allow the pair to enter as a “chunk” with little space in between them. Both flyers will want to squat slightly to allow themselves to enter low. Both flyers should use the bend in their legs to help provide the power to move away from the door toward the center of the tunnel.

Technique and Drills

Basic

Side Body Entrance:

• The first flyer will stand at the edge of the door, sideways to the airflow. The flyer can lift the foot closest to the wind up off the floor and balance on one foot. This helps with leading with that raised foot and can help with initiating stability
• The second (inside) flyer will pick up an arm and a leg grip (side body formation), standing close to the first flyer
• Both flyers should squat slightly and look at each other for the correct timing
• Either flyer can time the entrance with designated “ready… set… go!” count
• On the “go” command, the first flyer pushes sideways into the wind, quickly raising their grounded foot and begin belly-flying toward the center of the wind tunnel, providing space for the second flyer to enter
• The second flyer will remain close to the first flyer, pushing forward into the wind, matching the speed and altitude of the first flyer
• Once both flyers reach the center of the tunnel, you should both aid the stopping of movement by opposing any drive that you have.

Advanced

2-Way Star Entrance

• The first flyer stands at the edge of the door, with his/her back to the airflow. One foot can be lifted off the floor and balance on one foot. This helps with leading with that raised foot and can help with initiating stability
• The second (inside) flyer picks up both wrists of the first flyer (star formation), standing close to the first flyer
• Both flyers should squat slightly and look at each other for the correct timing
• Either flyer can time the entrance with designated “ready… set… go!” count
• On the “go” command, the first flyer will push backwards into the wind, quickly raising their grounded foot and begin belly-fly toward the center of the wind tunnel, providing space for the second flyer to enter
• The second flyer will remain close to the first flyer, pushing forward into the wind, matching the speed and altitude of the first flyer. It is important not to get ahead of the first flyer as this can cause the first flyer to fall backward onto the wind before they are able to raise their feet off the floor
• Once you reach the center of the tunnel, both flyers should aid the stopping of movement by opposing any drive that you have.

Post-flight questions / suggestions

• How did your performance match the initial objectives?
• Were you able to enter the tunnel and maintain stability throughout?
• Was the entrance timing correct and did the entrances feel smooth?
• What techniques did you feel comfortable with and what can you improve on during the next session?

While continuing to build on your 2 way flying abilities, ever advancing sequences from the 2 way dive pool, learning superpositioning moves will benefit these more difficult draws and then later your sights will be set on flying with more than one partner.