Iraqi Aero Federation team trains for national parachuting championship

WASIT — The Iraqi Aero Federation team is conducting weekly training jumps in coordination with army aviation as it prepares for the local parachuting championship — a key step in selecting Iraq’s national team.

Trainees receive regular lessons on handling rare but critical emergencies, including severed cords, canopy tears, and parachute twists.

“The Iraqi Aero Federation organizes free-fall parachute jumps in collaboration with army aviation and the agricultural airfield in Al-Suwayra,” said Harith Hussein, head of the Iraqi Aero Federation. “We practice weekly as we prepare for the local championship.”

Athletes face significant financial burdens, with much of the cost falling on them personally.

“We have five players from the centers and clubs affiliated with the Aero Federation, all funding their activities from their own pockets,” Hussein said. “The union’s budget has not been received since last April.”

Parachuting coach Mohammed Ramadan emphasized the steep cost of equipment.

“Parachute prices vary by model and manufacturer, ranging between $8,000 and $12,000,” he explained. “The cost depends on size, type, and specific features requested by the parachutist. The best-quality parachutes are American-made.”

He added that different types of parachutes serve different purposes.

“There are seven-cell parachutes for sports and target-landing competitions, nine-cell parachutes for training and missions, and tandem parachutes for two-person jumps,” Ramadan said. “We provide lessons on handling emergencies like cord failure, canopy tears, or parachute twists, though such cases are rare.”

Parachutist Qaisar Ali Khalaf, who has practiced the sport since 2015 and completed training in 2017, said he returned after recovering from injury to compete in the Arab Championship in the Kurdistan Region in 2021.

“Anyone with courage and determination can practice this sport, and the union’s doors are open,” Khalaf said. “But it is expensive compared to other sports. A parachute costs over $10,000, a helmet is $500, and we cover everything ourselves, even the cost of renting the club.”