The Automatic Activation Device is a microprocessor computer, that was developed through extensive engineering efforts in order to improve skydiving safety and revolutionize the sport. Essentially, in the event that a jumper is unable to deploy their parachute, the skydiving AAD will automatically deploy the reserve parachute at a certain altitude and certain speed. (The reserve parachute is the “backup” parachute inside each skydiving rig).
So How does it work?
You turn on your AAD on the ground when doing your morning gear check before jumping (at the level you going to land, that's how it's calibrate the correct altitude)
It's stays turn on for 14 hours, so If you arrived to the DZ and your see the AAD is already on on the gear you going to jump on, we recommend to turn it off and on again.
Arms at 1500feet AGL
Activates at 750 feet AGL (by default manufactory setting that can be changed) Usually student rig set to 1050 feet AGL and we recommend setting it to 950 feet AGL for your personal rig.
If your speed is close to freefall speed(~35m/s) at your AAD activation altitude it will activate a cutter that severs the reserve closing loop. This cut the reserve closing loop and allow the reserve to begin its opening sequence. This is all the AAD will do (cut the loop).
Some AADs have also a low speed mode that it can be activated at a lower speed(~13m/s) after noticing a big speed difference(after deployment)
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Cypres or Vigil?
*Validate the dates and the price directly from manufactory website!
Cypres
$1,200
Maintenance Services:
For units with DOM 01/17 and later the maintenance can be performed on a voluntary basis 5 and 10 years after the original DOM. Service Life is 15.5 years.
Vigil
$1,190
The Vigil® cutter and electronic components are designed to have a life expectancy of 20 years from the Date Of Manufacture (DOM).
Maintenance not mandatory:
"Similar to modern cars, where maintenance is typically not required for electronic components unless indicated by a red flashing signal on the dashboard, the Vigil® aims to provide a similar user experience."
Vigil AADs with a date of manufacture prior to 1st October 2018 have a practical battery life of 10 years +/- maximum of 3 months from the date of manufacture. And must be replaced (mandatory) after 10 years +/- maximum of 3 months from the date of manufacture.
Vigil AAD with a date of manufacture after 1st October 2018 has an effective battery life of 12 years. The battery in new Vigil units must be replaced (mandatory) between 8 and at least 12 years after the date of manufacture.
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