Prerequisite: 3-Way Flying.
Desired outcome: Fly with three other people while maintaining control and stability, progressing from predetermined formations and the four-way random dive pool to selected A, AA, and AAA class sequences.
Manual scope: Lesson Plan #10 places the four-way random dive pool in Level 3, while Lesson Plan #11 places the A, AA, and AAA class dive pools in Level 4. The progression chart consolidates this work into the Level 4 four-way card, so both stages are presented here.
Key points:
- Maintain visual contact and begin with basic formations and small movements before increasing complexity.
- Dirt dive each sequence, assign slots, and rotate positions as appropriate.
- Move smoothly and simultaneously, stop before taking grips, and build level formations.
- Use preferred grips without reaching or relying on a grip for stability.
- For entrances, fly to the assigned slot and establish control before beginning the sequence.
- Use a generated dive-pool draw to plan class sequences; competition is recommended by the manual but is not required.
Coaching and safety: Brief the flight plan, wind speed, heading, tunnel access, entrances, recovery, and separation. Fly only the briefed sequence and keep every task within the group's demonstrated skill level. If one flyer becomes unstable, that flyer waits for the instructor while stable flyers move low and away.
Manual source: Formation Skydiving Coach Manual, Lesson Plans #10 and #11.
Resources: