Definition
A parachute jump is the intentional descent of a person from an aircraft in flight, using a parachute or intended to use a parachute, that is required to be conducted in accordance with 14 CFR Part 105. It does not include emergency bailouts.
Plain English
Someone deliberately leaving an aircraft in flight to come down by parachute. The FAA has specific rules covering when, where, and how this can happen.
Context Anchor
Seen in operating rules for flights that carry parachutists, especially when the flight is near airports, over people, in clouds, or in controlled airspace.
Derivation
Parachute comes from the French para- (to protect against) and chute (a fall) — literally 'against the fall.' Jump is the everyday English word. Together: a deliberate fall, slowed by a protective canopy.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots must know when parachute jumps are permitted and what equipment rules apply to stay legal and keep everyone safe.
Intuition Check
Do not assume parachute jump means an emergency escape from an aircraft. In this FAA operating-rules context, it usually means a planned jump activity that must meet specific rules before the person exits the aircraft.
Example Sentence 1
Before takeoff, the pilot checked NOTAMs and saw that parachute jump operations were active over the nearby drop zone until sunset.
Example Sentence 2
Certain aerobatic maneuvers require that all occupants wear parachutes in case a parachute jump becomes necessary.