USPA Skydiving B License Practice Test 2025 - Free Skydiving License Practice Questions and Exam Preparation.

The factors that influence a skydiver's descent rate predominantly include body position, equipment type, and weight.

Body position is crucial because it affects the amount of drag experienced by the skydiver. For instance, a belly-to-earth position will generally produce more drag and slow down the descent compared to a head-down position, which is more streamlined. This variation in body position alters the descent rate significantly, demonstrating the importance of body orientation during freefall.

The type of equipment also plays a role, as different jumpsuits and altimeters can affect the aerodynamics of the skydiver. Specialized gear is designed for various styles and skill levels, affecting how quickly a skydiver can fall.

Weight directly affects descent rate because a heavier skydiver will typically descend faster than a lighter one, assuming consistent body position and equipment. This is due to the balance between gravitational force and drag; a heavier individual generates more downward force, leading to a higher terminal velocity.

Together, these factors highlight how combined elements of body position, gear type, and weight constitute the primary determinants of descent rates during a skydive. Other options, like weather conditions or the presence of other skydivers, can influence the overall experience and safety but do not have