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F
Insight
touchline
14
Jan Erik Wang, has been parachuting all of his working life. After 32 years of service with the Norwegian
armed forces, he now manages to satisfy his passion for skydiving whilst at work as Department
Manager and Quality Manager with the Norwegian Parachuting Association.
Touchline caught up with Jan just as he was heading for the snow covered Norwegian Mountains
for The Fermented Trout Festival! Jan tells us that it’s not actually a delicacy
more a curiosity, but it is consumed with Aquavit and
that is not too bad!
Why did you get involved in parachuting?
I got involved in parachuting as a youngArmy Officer, when joining
our Para unit. After some years and numerous military jumps, I
converted my Military licence to a Sport licence as well and I have
ever since been a Sport Skydiver.
How long have you been the Department Manager
& Quality Manager at the Norwegian Parachuting
Association?
I retired as a Brigadier after 32 years of service with the Norwegian
Armed Forces, which was five years ago. I went straight to
my present position as the Executive Officer Skydiving at the
Norwegian Air Sports Federation. Heading the largest section in a
small Federation I’m responsible for everything from A to Z.
What are your main responsibilities in your role?
It is about 30% administrative tasks, including facilitating
everything for the Board of the Skydiving section, running the
finances on daily basis, competitions and the national teams.
Safety and training (“S&T”), both nationally and internationally
through the International Parachute Committee (IPC) occupies the
rest of my time. Luckily this also includes a good portion
In this interview with Touchline, Jan gives us an insight
into the safety and risk management aspects of skydiving.
Jan’s 5 safety principles:
• Always jump within your comfort zone
• Do not downsize your main canopy until you are fully
capable to fly and handle your current one to its limits
• Focus on altitude awareness
• Fly an agreed and predictable
flight pattern when under canopy
• No low turns.
FOCUS on Risk Management
Part III
Jumping for Joy
pi
y