In the beginning where Ash falls from the sky look at the spot where he falls. You can clearly see the outlines of several mats. You can also see this in ED2.
The reason you see the same thing in both movies is because they put the same footage in AOD, not wanting to do the stunt again. I mean, have YOU ever tried tossing yourself out of the air at an unpadded ground? Didn't think so.
(Disclaimer: I am in no way responsible for any person or persons who now wish to throw themselves at the ground from any distance, causing injury or death, you impressionable people.)