What are the consequences if there is a power failure during indoor skydiving? It might seem that a power failure while you are soaring in the air poses a significant risk. This article offers a detailed look at what happens in such an event and what safety measures are in place to ensure your safety. Read about the immediate consequences, safety protocols and long-term measures that are taken to minimize risks and ensure a smooth indoor skydiving experience.
Immediate effects on flight experience
If a power failure were to occur during your indoor skydiving experience, the main and most immediate impact would be loss of buoyancy. What would happen next?
Sudden stop
The whole thing works on the principle of powerful fans that create an updraft to keep you in the air. Without power, these fans will shut down immediately.
Slow descent
But don’t worry, you won’t drop like a stone. The air already in the tunnel will slow your fall for a few moments.
Safety net
To ensure your safety, indoor skydiving areas are equipped with large, padded nets at the bottom that are designed for just such situations – to catch fliers in the event of a power outage or other emergency.
All in all, it would be a brief moment of surprise followed by a safe landing into the net. So, while the thought of a power outage in flight may sound a little scary, the systems and safety measures in wind tunnels are designed to ensure your safety first.
What powers indoor skydiving?
The key to indoor skydiving is the strong airflow generated by special fans. How does it work?
There are huge fans at the bottom of the wind tunnel that suck in air and push it up through the flight chamber. This air can reach speeds of over 125 mp/h or 200 km/h, which is enough to carry you away so you can experience the sensation of free fall.
The fan system is designed to provide a steady and even airflow. This means you can fly, do flips, spins and experiment with different body positions without risking uncontrolled movements.
What does this entail?
- Fans: These are the key components that generate the air needed for flight. They are very powerful and can regulate the air speed according to the needs of the flyer.
- Flight chamber: The transparent tube in which you fly. It is designed to make the airflow as stable as possible and provide a safe experience.
- Control: instructors can adjust the air speed to match your weight, experience and the type of maneuvers you want to try.
Safety protocols during a power outage
Safety protocols during power outages are essential to ensure the safety of participants in wind tunnels for indoor skydiving.
Businesses like iFly, a leading indoor skydiving operator, are equipped with comprehensive backup power systems and procedures designed to ensure a smooth transition and minimize any impact on flyer safety. The approach to security here is not something to be taken lightly.
Facilities like iFly, which you can find information about on their website, have implemented extensive backup power systems and carefully thought out procedures for emergency situations.
These systems and procedures are designed to ensure that even in the event of a power outage, the transition to backup power will be smooth and the safety of airmen will not be compromised.
In addition to automatically starting backup generators to ensure that essential operations continue and safety lighting is maintained, manual procedures for shutting down equipment are also implemented in iFly. These procedures allow personnel to react quickly and manage the situation until full equipment functionality is restored.
The design of evacuation routes and emergency exits is also a key aspect of safety measures. These are designed to maximise accessibility and safety to allow for the rapid and organised evacuation of all those present if necessary. These safety features play a vital role in protecting the participants and ensuring that even in unexpected situations such as a power outage, indoor skydiving remains a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Tip: Wondering if anyone has ever got hurt in iFly? Read our article on this topic.
Long-term implications and preparedness
Like any technologically demanding activity, power outages can occur. These outages may not just be a temporary inconvenience; they can have a significant impact on overall operations.
When the power suddenly goes out, the tunnel stops working and requires a shutdown, sometimes for a long period of time. This interruption requires thorough inspections and special maintenance protocols to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Therefore, thorough preparation is key, which includes regular testing of backup generators, updates to evacuation plans, and training of personnel in emergency procedures. Being prepared for these situations not only minimizes the time the facility is out of service, but also allows for a quick resumption of operations, which is critical to ensuring a safe and seamless experience for clients. Additionally, it demonstrates the facility’s commitment to high standards of security and operations, which maintains customer confidence and satisfaction.
It is a good idea for customers to inquire in advance about the facility’s backup power sources and familiarize themselves with evacuation plans. In the event of a power outage, it is important to remain calm and follow the instructions of the instructors.
Overall, preparedness for power outages is essential to ensure the smooth running and safety of indoor skydiving, and facilities that invest in these measures clearly demonstrate their commitment to providing a quality service.
Key takeaways
In the event of a power outage during indoor skydiving, it is crucial that despite the surprise and uncertainty that such a situation can cause, safety measures and protocols are in place designed to protect all participants.
With strong safety nets, backup power systems and carefully planned evacuation routes, it is ensured that even in the event of a sudden power outage, your safety will be paramount at indoor skydiving facilities like iFly.
The importance of preparing and regularly checking back-up systems and training staff in emergency procedures is essential not only to ensure safety, but also to minimise the impact on operations and maintain customer confidence and satisfaction.