The correct answer, which indicates that an average-sized jumper should fall for approximately 10 seconds after exiting at 5,000 feet before initiating a planned deployment at 3,000 feet, is based on the understanding of freefall speeds and time calculations in skydiving.
In freefall, a skydiver's terminal velocity is typically around 120 miles per hour, or about 54 meters per second, which can be approximated for easier calculations. When a jumper exits the aircraft at 5,000 feet, they will fall for a period before deploying their parachute. Falling from 5,000 feet to 3,000 feet means descending 2,000 feet during this time.
To estimate the fall time, we consider the freefall rate: a skydiver may take about 10 to 12 seconds to fall approximately 2,000 feet under typical freefall conditions, which aligns closely with the correct answer of about 10 seconds. Atmospheric conditions and slight variations in body position can also play a role in the actual time, but 10 seconds is a standard and reasonable estimate for planned deployments.
This timeframe is essential for ensuring that parachute deployment occurs within a safe altitude, maintaining adequate altitude for deployment and ensuring a stable