What is the recommended pre-flight strategy for checking gear?

The recommended pre-flight strategy for checking gear is to approach the inspection in a systematic manner from top to bottom and back to front. This method ensures that you thoroughly examine all components of your gear systematically, leaving no area overlooked. By checking from the top to the bottom, you can identify any potential issues starting at the highest point of your equipment, such as the container and canopy, down to the lower parts, like the pilot chute and suspension lines.

Following this, moving back to the front enables you to confirm that all systems, including your reserve and primary parachutes, are properly packed and secure. This two-part inspection process enhances your attention to detail and establishes a comprehensive understanding of your gear, minimizing the risk of overlooking an important aspect that could affect your safety during a jump.

The systematic approach distinguishes itself from random checks, which lack the thoroughness and could lead to missing critical components of your gear inspection.