Formation skydiving, also known as Relative Work (RW), is an event where four cadets exit together from an aircraft in flight and attempt to build as many formations as possible in thirty-five seconds of freefall. The exit altitude for competition is generally 10,500' AGL, and a skydiver wearing a camera helmet films the entire dive. The competition includes a series of points that are drawn from a designated Dive Pool prior to competition. The Dive Pool includes two types of formations: Blocks and Randoms. A Block consists of two formations with an additional maneuver that must be performed while transitioning from the first formation to the second. A Random is a single formation that must be built. At the conclusion of each dive, judges analyze the video to determine the number of formations built within the time limit. Any improper grips or incorrect formations will result in a penalty to the overall score.
Prior to boarding the aircraft for a jump, the team will "dirt dive" on the ground. They also practice exiting from a mockup aircraft door to perfect the timing and positioning of the exit. In a team sport with such little working time, no verbal communication, no room for error, and limited training, each jumpber must be completely focused and prepared to work as a cohesive unit on every jump.
The Black Knights have four competitive 4-way teams. Yearlings on the team participate in 2-way formation skydiving to hone their individual flying skills. At the conclusion of the Collegiate Nationals competition, four Yearlings are placed together to form a new 4-way team. They will spend their remaining two years on the team training and competing in 4-way formation skydiving.
