Speed Skydiving
In a stable, head-down position, the human body has an average terminal speed of around 240-290 kph (around 150-180 mph). Further minimizing body drag and streamlining the body position allows the skydiver to reach higher speeds in the vicinity of 480 kph (300 mph).
During competition, speed skydiving athletes each have eight jumps to attempt their fastest speed. This is measured by a position logging device (PLD) worn on their helmet. This device is GPS enabled, and the judges use the data to view the speed reached on each jump. The fastest three seconds while in the performance window determines the score.
Official rules: Skydiver's Competition Manual Chapter 15
Terminology
Exit Altitude:
Speed skydivers leave the plane at a minimum altitude of 13,000 feet above ground level (AGL). The maximum exit altitude is 14,000 feet AGL.
Break-off Altitude:
No speed measurements are taken into account below the breakoff altitude of 5,600 feet AGL. Competitors are slowing down and deploying their parachutes below this altitude
Rounds:
There are eight rounds in competition.
Performance Window:
The performance window is the scoring part of the speed jump, which starts at exit. The end of the performance window is either 7,400 feet below exit or at breakoff altitude, whichever is reached first.
Judging:
At least two National Speed Skydiving Judges assess each jump. The data from the PLD is used to obtain the highest three-second-average vertical speed through the performance window.
