Why is it important for AFF and tandem students to exit the aircraft on "Go" (or arch)?

The importance of exiting the aircraft on "Go" (or arch) lies primarily in ensuring a synchronized exit by students and instructors. A synchronized exit is crucial for the safety of both the student and the instructor. When students jump at the same time as their instructors, it helps to establish and maintain a controlled dive in freefall. This coordination allows the instructor to immediately take control of the situation if necessary, ensuring that both the student and instructor are in close proximity to one another during the critical moments right after exiting the aircraft.

This synchronization also helps in minimizing the risks associated with the dynamic changes in body position as both students and instructors transition from the aircraft to freefall. By exiting together, the likelihood of turbulence and erratic movements is reduced, allowing for a more stable freefall experience. Furthermore, it supports smoother deployment of parachutes since the instructor can better oversee the student's position and body orientation, assisting them in adjusting their arch if necessary, ultimately leading to safer landing practices.

While other factors such as avoiding mid-air collisions, maintaining aircraft stability, and counting jumps are vital considerations in skydiving, the primary focus during the exit phase for AFF and tandem jumps is to ensure that both student and instructor leave the aircraft as one cohesive unit. This