Poynter D., Turoff M. Parachuting: The Skydiver's Handbook

Santa Barbara: Para Publishing, 2007. — 593 p.This Handbook is directed to those looking into the sport for the first time as well as the advance jumper. Every phase of skydiving, canopy flying, safety and equipment is covered. An appendix of skydiving terminology is included.
Skydiving is the closest humankind can come to unfettered flight. The Handbook helps both novice and experienced jumpers get the most out of the sport. The book details every phase of skydiving, canopy flying, safety, and equipment. It thoroughly explores freefall progression, learning to skydive, canopy progression and formation flying, specialized jumping, and every aspect of parachutes. With hundreds of photographs, illustrations, and charts, this revised and updated edition conforms with the new regulations of the U.S. Parachute Association.About the Authors.
Jump? Out of an Airplane?
Your First Jump and Your Second and Your Third.
Parachuting Down Through the Ages A Brief History.
Skydiving Emergencies.
Your Freefall Progression.
Your Canopy Progression.
Skydiving Equipment.
Specialized Jumps.
Advancement in Skydiving.
Appendix.