About Cloud Jumping

Contents

Cloud Regulations

APF Operational Regulation PART 6 - SAFETY, RESPONSIBILITY AND SUPERVISION states:

6.4 Weather Limitations

6.4.1 Cloud and Visibility
Except where Descents are made in accordance with the authorised written approval of the APF, all descents must be made in meteorological conditions that:
(a) permit the target to be clearly visible throughout the descent; and
(b) do not require the parachutist to enter cloud.

However, rules have been ratified by CASA and are placed here so members can familiarise themselves with APF directions and start to plan their own manual that will be needed to comply with The Standard.

If a DZ wants to be able to conduct cloud jumping operations, they must submit a Cloud Jumping Procedures Manual to the APF.

If approved, an Authorisation & Specification document for approval under APF RS 60 will be issued by the APF. (maximum 3 years)

Cloud Jumping Procedures Manual

Text is available from the Downloads section below in a "generic" manual to assist others in preparing their own manual.

Once a submission is COMPLETE, send it to the APF Office electronically c/o the APF Technical Officer, who will then contact you with any recommended changes.

Once the review of the manual has been completed by the Technical Officer, the submission will also be reviewed by both the APF National Aviation Officer & Safety and Training Manager and sometimes the local STO.

Downloads

GETTING STARTED!! Download and study ALL the following publications to start your preparation, then BEFORE you start, contact the APF Technical Officer for further clarification and any queries. APF Contact Page

CAAP 152-1 including APF Advisory to assist with Cloud Standard compliance (PDF)

CJPM Generic Manual - October 2023

PLUS - Appendices below:

Hazard Risk Model
Sample Compliance Record

Sample Amendment Record

Sample Parachutist Endorsement Master List

PLUS - Check List:

Final Check List (Must be completed to assist in review of the manual)

Fees

A service fee of $500 will be charged for first time submissions to contribute to the cost of processing applications, which has proven to be a very time consuming and complex exercise.

At the expiry of an APF Authorisation, a new submission will need to be made. There will be a $250 fee for each new application.

NOTE: An organisation will be invoiced for the Service fee at the completion of the review/approval process. I.e Please do not make any payment upon submitting a manual for review.

Note

The Hazard Model's results are looked at very closely. It is absolutely necessary that you be able to justify the figures that are inputted to the Collision Hazard Risk Model.

That is, you must provide somewhere in the body of your CJPM or as part of the Hazard Model appendix, explanation as to how the data was gathered.

It has been accepted previously for example, the counting of all aircraft flying over the DZ in a fortnight and multiplying by 26. The DZ area is defined usually as a minimum of a 1NM radius. This specified area may be found in the club's LoA with Airservices.

There would be other ways to gather this data. Most submissions gather their data from Airservices.

NOTE: PARACHUTING OPERATIONS THAT OPERATE IN TOTALLY CONTROLLED AIRSPACE - DO NOT NEED TO COMPLETE THE HAZARD MODEL. Contact the Technical Officer at the APF for further information.

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