# U N I T E D STAT E S PA RAC H U T E AS S O C IAT I O N 

# SAFETY & TRAINING ADVISOR

HANDBOOK

# USPA SAFETY	&	TRAINING
ADVISOR
HANDBOOK

January 2015

If found,	please	return	to:

name	__________________________________________ address	________________________________________ city,	state,	zip	__________________________________ phone	__________________________________________ email	___________________________

_______________

©	201 5 United	States	Parachute	Association all	rights	reserved United	States	Parachute	Association 5401	Southpoint	Centre	Blvd

. Fredericksburg,	Virginia	22407 540.604.9740	(phone) 540.604.9741	(fax)

www.uspa.org

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# Table of Contents

Introduction

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 3 The	S&TA	Symbol

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 3 The S&TA	and	the	S&TA	Handbook

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 3 

## The	Role	of	the	Safety	&	Training	Advisor

................................ ................................ ............................. 3
What	Is	an	S&TA?

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 3 Appointments	and	Reappointments

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 3 S&TA	Responsibilities

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ 3 Limits	of	Appointment	by	Location

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 4 Communications

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 4



## Overview	of	USPA	Documents

................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 4
USPA	Governance	Manual

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 4 Skydiver’s	Information	Manual

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 4 Instructional	Rating	Manual

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 5 Skydiver’s	Competition	Manual

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 5 The	USPA	Group	Membership	Manual

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 5



## Accidents	and	the	S&TA

................................ ................................ ................................ ............................... 5

Serious	Accidents	and	Fatalities

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 5 Investigation	and	Reporting	of	Accidents

................................ ................................ ................................ ............................ 6 Investigating	Non

- Fatal	Incidents

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................. 6 Investigating	Fatalities

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 6 Submission	and	Disposal	of	Accident	Reports

................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 7
Non

- Fatal	Incident	Reports

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 7 Fatality	Reports

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 7 The	Accident	Report	Form

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 7 USPA	Policy	Regarding	Proprietary	and	Privileged	Information

................................ ................................ ................ 7 Background

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 7 Policy

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 8 

## FAA	Regulations

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 8
Extraordinary	Skydives	and	Exhibition	Jumps

................................ ................................ .................... 8 Extraordinary	Skydives

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................. 8 Exhibition	Jumps

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 8 Wingsuit	Skydiving	Special	Concerns

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 8 Requirement	Checks	for	New	Wingsuiters	and	Coaches

................................ ................................ ................................ ................ 8 First	Flight	Curriculum	and	Progression

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................ 9 Special	Gear	Concerns

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 9 Gear	Checks

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 9 Safe	Exits

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 9 Pilot	Communication

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 9 Navigation

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 9



## D

- License	Verification	and	Renewal

................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 9

Licenses

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 10 Rating	Renewals

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 10



## Forms

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................... 10

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# Introduction

The S&TA Symbol

USPA	adopted	the	inverted	triangle	symbol	for	the USPA	Safety	& Training	Advisor	upon	instituting	the S&TA	program	in	March	1985.	The	volunteer	S&TA corps	lies	at	its	center,	acting	as	representative	and communicator	among	the	three	facets	of	USPA:	the dues

- paying	USPA	members,	their	elected	USPA	Board and	the	profess ional	USPA	Headquarters	staff.



## The S&TA and the S&TA Handbook

S&TAs	are	the	USPA	Regional	Directors ’ designated representatives	in	the	field	to	advise	skydivers	and drop	zone	management	and	staff	on	USPA	policies. S&TAs	also	facilitate	the	administration of	USPA safety,	training,	rating	and	awards	programs. The	Safety	&	Training	Advisor	Handbook	provides USPA	Safety	&	Training	Advisors	with	the	necessary guidance,	instructions	and	references	to	fulfill	their responsibilities.	As	a	resource	for	the	S&TA,	th e	S&TA Handbook	augments	the Skydiver’s	Information Manual	(SIM),	the	Instructional	Rating	Manual (IRM) and	the	USPA	Governance	Manual.


# The Role of the Safety & Training Advisor

What Is an S&TA?

Skydiving	continues	to	be	conducted	with	minimal control	and supervision	by	local,	state	and	federal agencies.	The	federal	government,	in	particular,	has long	since	recognized	that	the	most	capable	people	of regulating	skydiving	are	those	who	do	it.	Specifically, the	Federal	Aviation	Administration	has	recognized
US PA	as	best	suited	for	promoting	and	supporting self

- regulation.

At	the	very	core	of	self

- regulation	is	the	USPA	Safety	& Training	Advisor.	This	S&TA,	an	unpaid	volunteer,	is appointed	to	the	position	by	the	USPA	Director	for	his or	her	USPA	Region.	For	t he	skydivers	and	staff	at	the drop	zone,	the	S&TA	is	the	conduit	between	the members	and	their	governing	body.

The	S&TA	interacts	directly	with	the	Regional	Director and	USPA’s	administrative	staff	at	USPA	Headquarters in	Fredericksburg,	Virginia,	on	beha lf	of	all	USPA members

— t emporary, r egular	and	Group Members

. 

## Appointments and Reappointments

In	most	cases,	the	Regional	Director	will	appoint	an S&TA	for	a	specific	drop	zone,	whether	or	not	that drop	zone	is	a	USPA	Group	Member.	The	Regional
Director	m ay	also	appoint	multiple	S&TAs	for	a	single drop	zone	if	the	demand	for	services	so	warrants.	In special	cases,	a	Regional	Director	may	require	an advisor	for	an	area	containing	more	than	one	drop zone.	The	Regional	Director	may	also	appoint	one	or
more	S& TAs

- at

- large	for	the	entire	USPA	Region.	Some USPA	employees	function	as	S&TAs	at	large	and	can perform	S&TA	duties	as	necessary.

Specific	qualifications	of	S&TAs,	procedures	for appointment	and	administrative	processing procedures	are	provided	in	Section 1

- 4	of	the	USPA Governance	Manual.

• The	term	of	each	S&TA	expires	on	March	31	of the	year	following	the	election	of	the b oard	of d irectors	unless	the	appointment	is surrendered	or	revoked.

• Each	appointment	is	reviewed	by	the	Regional
Director at	least	annu ally.



## S&TA Responsibilities

The	principal	responsibility	of	the	S&TA	is	to	promote safe	skydiving.	Toward	that	goal,	the	S&TA	serves specific	advisory	and	administrative	functions:

• Observes	skydiving	operations	to	verify compliance	with	the	Basic	Safety Requirements

.

• Informs	the	Regional	Director	of	all	flagrant and/or	recurring	safety	violations

.

• In	grave	cases,	takes	summary	action	under
Section	1

- 6	of	the	USPA	Governance	Manual

.

• Provides	safety	and	training	advice	to skydivers,	drop	zone	operators	and rating holders

.

• Reviews	plans	for	exhibition	jumps

.

• Verifies	that	drop	zones	qualify	as “sanctioned”	by	meeting	the	minimum	drop zone	requirements	(see	the	BSRs	in	the Skydiver’s	Information	Manual)

.

• Assists	and	advises	with	extraordinary skydive	operation s	(see	the	BSRs	and Advanced	Progression	section	in	the Skydiver’s	Information	Manual)

.

• Investigates	accidents	and	submits	reports (see	“Accidents	and	the	S&TA”	in	this manual)

.

• Verifies	the	requirements	on	D

- License applications	and	rating	renewals	(see	“ D License	and	Rating	Renewal”	in	this	manual)

.

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.

• Unless	excused	by	the	Regional	Director, attends	an	annual	S&TA	meeting	called	by	the Regional	Director

.

• The	Regional	Director	may	designate other related	tasks	as	necessary

. 

## Limits of Appointment by Location

Except	for	specified	S&TAs	at	large,	each	S&TA	is appointed	for	a	specific	drop	zone	or	location.	S&TAs appointed	for	a	specific	location	may	exercise	their duties	only	at	that	location.	I n	cases	where	a	visiting S&TA	is	requested	to	take	care	of	an	administrative duty

, such	as	signing	for	a	rating	renewal	or administering	a	D

- l icense	test,	the	visiting	S&TA should	refer	the	member	to	the	local	S&TA	for	that drop	zone	or	location.	If	there is	no	S&TA	assigned	for that	specific	location	and	it	is	within	the	S&TA’s	USPA Region,	a	visiting	S&TA	may	provide	services	to	the member	and	should	advise	his	or	her	Regional Director.	In	cases	where	a	visiting	S&TA	observes	a safety	violation	or	other	h azardous	activity,	the	local S&TA	should	be	informed	of	the	action.	If	the	visiting S&TA	feels	that	appropriate	actions	have	not	been taken	by	the	local	S&TA,	the	Regional	Director	should be	notified.

Once	relocating	to	another	USPA	Region,	an	S&TA’s

appo intment	is	terminated.	He	or	she	may	be reappointed	by	the	USPA	Director	for	the	new	USPA Region.



## Communications

Self

- regulation	is	enhanced	if	there	is	continual information	flow	among	the	S&TA,	the	Regional Director	and	USPA	Headquarters.	To	assist	in	t his effort, h eadquarters	maintains	a	list	of	all	S&TAs.	Each S&TA	should	update	the	Regional	Director	and	USPA Headquarters	with	changes	in	address,	phone	number and	email	address.

USPA	Headquarters	periodically	publishes	the “ USPA Professional ” newslette r	sent	via	email	to	all	USPA rating	holders,	drop	zone	owners	and	S&TAs.	All	the bulletins	are	archived	on	the	USPA	website,

www.uspa.org , for	access	by	anyone.	Also	of	interest to	S&TAs	is	the “ USPA	Update, ” sent	to	all	members, and	other	special	bulletin s,	all	found	on	the	website.



# Overview of USPA Documents

USPA	publishes	several	manuals	to	assist	you	with	the information	that	you	will	need	as	an	S&TA. Following is	a	list	of	pertinent	information	that	can	be	found	in each	manual:



## USPA Governance Manual

( not	distributed	to	S&TAs)

The	USPA	Governance	Manual	outlines	the	structure, procedures	and	policies	that	govern	the	USPA	Board	of Directors	and	each	of	its	committees.	Of	particular interest	to	S&TAs	include:

• Section	1

- 1,	The	Constitution	and	By

- Laws

• Section	1

- 2,	Structure,	Procedures	and Responsibilities

• Section	1

- 4,	Regional	Directors

• Section	1

- 6,	Disciplinary	Actions

• Section	5,	Safety	&	Training

• Section	7,	Membership

The	principal	USPA	committee	affecting	the	S&TA	is the	Safety	&	Training	Committee .	Another	committee of	note	to	the	S&TA	is	the	Group	Membership Committee,	which	oversees	the	USPA	Group	Member program	for	drop	zones.	Regional	Directors	appoint the	S&TAs	for	the	drop	zones

— USPA	Group	Member

or	not

— in	their	USPA	Regions.	The	USPA	Members hip Committee	oversees	all	USPA	awards,	some	of	which require	the	signature	of	an	S&TA.

The	USPA	Governance	Manual	also	lists	the	duties	of the	Regional	Directors	and	offers	them	guidance	with the	selection	criteria	for	choosing	the	S&TA	at	each drop	zone

.

In	Section	1

- 6,	the	USPA	Governance	Manual	outlines disciplinary	actions	that	are	available	to	the	S&TA,	the Regional	Director	and	the	USPA	Board	of	Directors. Each	S&TA	needs	to	understand	his	or	her	potential role	in	USPA	disciplinary	actions.

The	US PA	Governance	Manual	is	available	as	a	free download on line	at	www.uspa.org.



## Skydiver’s Information Manual

The	SIM	contains	information	regarding	student training,	awards,	licenses,	exhibition	jumps, extraordinary	skydives	and	recommendations regarding	all of	the	various	skydiving	disciplines.	It also	contains	a	number	of	applications	and	forms	for USPA	awards,	licenses	and	the	PRO	Exhibition	rating. The	SIM	is	updated	every	two	years.

The	Basic	Safety	Requirements	and	information	on waivers	to	the	BSRs	ar e	found	in	Section	2	of	the	SIM. USPA	members	are	required	to	abide	by	the	BSRs. Except	for	the	BSRs	and	the	FAA	regulations pertaining	to	skydiving	that	are	included	within	the SIM,	all	other	areas	of	the	SIM	are	recommendations.

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The	SIM	is	also	available	as	an online reference	at

www.uspa.org.



## Instructional Rating Manual

(not	distributed	to	S&TAs)

The	IRM	contains	the	course	training	information	for all	USPA	instructional	rating	courses:

• USPA	Coach

• USPA	Instructor	in	Accelerated	Freefall,
Instructor

- Assisted	Deployment,	Static	Line and	Tandem

• Instructor	Examiner

Instructions	and	requirements	for	obtaining	the	initial rating

, as	well	as	renewing	the	rating	annually

, are listed.	The	IRM	includes	all	forms	and	proficiency cards	needed	for	every	rating	course,	so	one	manual may	be	used	at	multiple	rating	or	rating	discipline

courses.

The	USPA	Board	revises	the	IRM	primarily	at	USPA Board	meetings	held	twice	each	year. USPA Headquarters	compiles	all	the	changes	and	updates the	IRM	every	two	years,	and	the	revision	date	is printed	on	the	title	page	and	in	the	bottom	margin	of each	page.	Candidates	attending	a	certification	course are	required	to	have	an	IRM	that	has	been published within	two	years	of	the	date	of	that	course.

“IRM	Essentials”	is	a	document	containing	key excerpts	from	the	IRM,	specifically	for	those	preparing for	an	instructional	rating	course	and	rating	holders seeking	rating	renewal	information.	It	is	av ailable	at no	charge online at	www.uspa.org

. 

## Skydiver’s Competition Manual

(not	distributed	to	S&TAs)

The	SCM	contains	the	rules	and	regulations	regarding all	USPA	skydiving	competition	disciplines.	It	also includes	information	regarding	the	USPA	Competit ion Judge	Rating,	USPA	Nationals	site	selection	and	United States	Parachute	Team	delegation	and	financial procedures.

The	SCM	is	available	from	the	USPA	Store	or online at
www.uspa.org.


## The USPA Group Membership Manual

(not	distributed	to	S&TAs) The	USPA Group	Membership	Manual	contains information	on	the	USPA	Group	Member	program,	the Group	Member	pledge	to	abide	by	the	rules,	and	use	of the	USPA	Airport	and	Airspace	Access	Defense	Fund.

The	USPA	Group	Membership	Manual	is	available upon	request	from	US PA	Headquarters.



# Accidents and the S&TA

Serious Accidents and Fatalities

The	USPA	Safety	&	Training	Advisor	is	one	of	USPA’s most	valuable	assets	in	the	event	of	a	serious skydiving	accident.	A	difficult	situation	can	be	made easier	by	having	an	establishe d	plan	in	place,	including a	current	notification	list	for	the	appropriate	officials and	advis o rs	and	what	steps	need	to	be	taken.	S&TAs are	encouraged	to	take	a	basic	first

- aid	course, available	through	the	American	Red	Cross.

Each	S& TA	should	become	familiar	with	the	following advice	on	how	to	deal	with	fatalities	and	serious incidents	for	the	benefit	of	the	victim,	the	skydiving establishment	and	to	help	later	with	the	investigation.
1. Call	for	medical	assistance.	A	call	to	911	will

a lert	the	police	and	rescue	personnel.
2. Administer	first	aid	using	qualified	personnel if	there	is	a	chance	that	the	individual	may	be alive,	even	if	it	means	disturbing	the	evidence.
3. Secure	the	area.	Remove	all	unnecessary people	from	the	scene.
4. Do	not	all ow	anyone	to	tamper	with	the equipment	beyond	what	is	necessary	for	the treatment	of	the	victim.	Historically,	law enforcement	or	rescue	personnel	cut	the equipment	off	of	the	victim	before	an informed	skydiving	official	can	investigate	the scene.	Especial ly	in	the	event	of	a	fatality, disturbing	or	destroying	the	equipment	can make	it	difficult	or	impossible	to	conclude what	went	wrong.	The	S&TA	or	someone	in charge	of	handling	accidents	at	the	drop	zone should	advise	local	officials	of	the	importance of	p reserving	the	scene	before	they	disturb	it. 5. Stop	jumping.	In	most	cases	it	would	be	a	wise decision	to	halt	jumping	while	rescue	and initial	investigation	efforts	are	underway.
6. In	the	event	of	a	fatality,	notify	the	local	FAA Flight	Standards	District	Offi ce	and	USPA Regional	Director	or,	if	during	business	hours (9

- 5	Eastern	Time),	USPA	Headquarters	(540

- 604

- 9740).	You	should	have	emergency numbers	available	at	the	drop	zone	for	the FSDO	and	the	USPA	Regional	Director.	Once USPA	Headquarters	is	notified	of a	fatality,	the Director	of	Safety	&	Training	will	advise	the

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7. Secure	the	victim’s	personal	effects.
8. Secure	the	victim’s	logbook,	a	copy	of	the liability	release,	emerge ncy	contacts,	manifest record,	DZ	training	log	(if	applicable)	and	any other	related	documents.	Copies	of	various documents	may	need	to	be	reviewed	by	the coroner,	local	law	enforcement	authorities	or the	next

- of

- kin.	However,	only	the	drop	zone owner	shou ld	give	permission	to	provide access	to	copies	of	DZ	documents,	and	original DZ	records	should	never	be	surrendered.	An attorney’s	advice	may	be	helpful.
9. Notify	the	next

- of

- kin.	For	every	jumper,	the drop	zone	should	have	an	up

- to

- date	release and	emergenc y	contact	information.	In	most cases,	it	is	better	to	let	the	local	law enforcement	contact	the	next

- of

- kin.
10. Make	sure	that	everyone	present	understands that	there	must	be	no	social	media	posts regarding	the	fatality	until	the	immediate family	has	been	con tacted.



## Investigation and Reporting of Accidents

Fatalities,	accidents	and	other	significant	incidents	are an	unfortunate	part	of	skydiving	that	must	be addressed	by	drop	zone	staff	and	S&TAs.	Skydivers learn	important	lessons	from	the	mistakes	of	others, so	the	role	of	the	S&TA	as	impartial	investigator	is critical	to	the	skydiving	community.	The	S&TA	should try	to	file	an	effective	report.

To	create	an	accurate	account,	USPA	needs	the	S&TA to	gather	information	about	incidents	and	accidents, including	wi tness	accounts	and	the	personal observations	of	the	investigator.

USPA	keeps	reports	confidential	by	following	the procedures	included	in	this s ection.	The	integrity	and effectiveness	of	the	reporting	system	relies	on	each USPA	official	to	follow	USPA’s procedures	exactly	as outlined.

Investigating Non - Fatal Incidents Significant	incidents	can	range	from	minor	to	serious and	may	include	injuries,	noteworthy	malfunctions, unsafe	procedures,	unusual	or	ethically	unacceptable skydives,	or	other	extraordinary occurrences concerning	skydiving	operations.

Reports	of	non

- fatal	incidents	should	be	as	detailed	as possible.	Use	the	USPA	Accident	Report	Form whenever	possible,	and	complete	all	applicable sections.	The	S&TA	should	compile	and	forward	the report	to	U SPA.	In	the	event	of	the	S&TA’s	absence,	he or	she	should	appoint	a	USPA	Instructor.	Additional copies	of	the	USPA	Accident	Report	Form	may	be downloaded	from	the	USPA	website.

Investigating Fatalities The	USPA	Regional	Director	will	generally	call	on	an
S &TA	to	investigate	and	prepare	an	official	report	on	a fatal	accident.	Whenever	possible,	the	investigating USPA	official	should	be	someone	other	than	the	drop zone	operator.	Also,	if	the	investigation	requires	a rigger,	he	or	she	should	not	be	the	one	sup ervising	the packing	at	the	drop	zone	or	the	one	who	packed	the reserve	of	the	deceased	jumper.	Other	circumstances may	put	a	particular	S&TA	or	other	resource	too	close to	an	accident	and	interfere	with	the	impartiality	of the	investigation.	Following	the plan	below	can	help keep	the	investigation	on	track:
1. Advise	local	officials	that	the	FAA	might	wish to	investigate	before	the	body	is	removed. Before	local	officials	insist	on	disturbing	the accident	scene	or	removing	the	body,	try	to photograph	it	from	a s	many	angles	as possible.	This	will	help	to	provide	accurate information	in	the	future.
2. Begin	the	investigation	immediately.	Identify yourself	as	an	appointed	USPA	official	and offer	assistance	with	the	investigation.
3. If	you	are	not	an	FAA	certified rigger,	it	may be	helpful	to	enlist	an	impartial	rigger	to	help.
4. Investigate	the	equipment.	Local	officials	do not	have	the	expertise	with	skydiving equipment	that	is	necessary	to	assess	the situation	and	should	be	discouraged	from confiscating	it	until	yo ur	investigation	is complete.	You	should	arrange	to	investigate the	equipment	further	at	another	time,	in	case it	becomes	necessary. 5. As	soon	as	possible	after	the	accident,	obtain as	many	witness	statements	as	possible	and attach	the	written	statements	to the	USPA Accident	Report	Form.
6. Record	the	pertinent	information.

a. The	USPA	Accident	Report	Form	has itemized	entry	lines	for	the information	needed	for	a	thorough investigation	in	most	cases. b. Filling	out	each	section	completely will	help	ensure	that	the	ne cessary information	has	been	recorded.

c. The	USPA	Accident	Report	Form	is included	in	the	back	of	this	manual, and	you	can	download	it	from	the USPA	website	at	www.uspa.org. d. The	information	can	also	be submitted	securely	using the	online Accident	Report F orm available	at

www.uspa.org

.

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### 2015 7 7. Most	skydiving	fatalities	occur	from	either human	error	or	a	problem	with	the equipment.	It	is	important	that	the investigation	uncover	the	true	cause	of	the fatality.	This	requires	that	the	investigator	be impartial	and	unbia sed.	Opinions	and conjecture	will	only	harm	the	investigation and	could	lead	to	an	incorrect	conclusion.
8. Failure	to	submit	accident	reports	to	USPA Headquarters	for	accidents	that	result	in	a fatality,	injury	that	requires	medical	attention
or	activation	o f	an a utomatic a ctivation d evice may	result	in	the	Regional	Director	revoking the	S&TA	appointment.



## Submission and Disposal of Accident Reports

To	maintain	confidentiality	of	the	report	and	to protect	the	integrity	of	the	USPA	accident	and	fatality reporti ng	system,	USPA	observes	the	following operating	procedures.	S&TAs	should	carefully	follow the	procedures	outlined	for	their	role.

Non - Fatal Incident Reports 1. The	investigating	S&TA	or,	in	the	absence	of an	S&TA,	a	USPA	Instructor	whom	the	S&TA assigns,	sho uld	print	or	type	a	detailed	report of	each	significant	incident	and	send	the original	report	to	USPA	Headquarters.
2. USPA	Headquarters	stores	any	information	to identify	trends	for	USPA	and	the	skydiving industry.
3. Names	and	locations	are	not	stored	in	the

e lectronic	database.
4. The	submitted	reports	are	destroyed	once	the accident	information	is	entered	into	the electronic	database. 5. Submitting	the	information	using	the	online accident	report	form	found	at	www.uspa.org will	help	ensure	accuracy	and	also	keep	th e information	secure.
6. USPA	Headquarters	may	publish	a	brief synopsis	of	the	report	in Parachutist

, excluding	the	date,	specific	location	and names	of	anyone	involved.

Fatality Reports 1. The	S&TA	or	other	reporting	USPA	official notifies	USPA	Headquarters	wit h	a preliminary	report.
2. Upon	receipt	of	the	initial	report,	verbal	or otherwise,	USPA	Headquarters	notifies	the USPA	Board	of	Directors	and	the	president	of the	Parachute	Industry	Association	of	any pertinent	details.
3. Upon	receipt	of	the	final	report	from the	S&TA or	other	USPA	official	investigating	the accident,	USPA	Headquarters: a. enters	the	pertinent	data in	an electronic	database,	removing	the name	of	the	deceased	and	the location	of	the	accident

. b. contacts	the	reporting	S&TA	if	there is	any	additional	i nformation	needed

. c. disposes	of	any	information pertaining	to	the	identity	of	the deceased	jumper,	the	investigating official,	the	location	and	any
witnesses

. d. prepares	a	narrative	report	for

p ublication	in Parachutist magazine of	the	relevant	events	of	the accident

, excluding	the	date,	specific	location and	names	of	anyone	involved

. 4. No	later	than	March	1	of	each	year,	USPA Headquarters	sends	the	electronically	stored data	of	all	fatalities	(without	identities	of victims,	investigators,	locations	or	witnesses ) from	the	previous	year	to	the	author	of	the annual	fatality	summary	for Parachutist

m agazine,	who	is	selected	by	USPA Headquarters. 5. The	author	of	the	annual	fatality	report	is	to destroy	the supplied	accident	report	data	no later	than	30	days	after	the	p ublication	of	the annual	fatality	report	summary	in Parachutist

m agazine.

The Accident Report Form 1. Accurate	use	of	the	accident	report	form	will help	to	ensure	that	all	of	the	necessary information	is	submitted	to	USPA

. 2. Detailed	information	in	the	narrativ e	will	help USPA	produce	an	accurate	summary	of	the accident

. 3. The	types	of	injuries	must	be	included	in	both fatal	and	non

- fatal	reports

. 4. If	the	report	is	non

- fatal,	provide	the prognosis	for	the	jumper’s	recovery

. 5. All	of	the	factors	that	led	to	the accident	must also	be	included	in	order	to	help	determine how	the	accident	occurred

. 

## USPA Policy Regarding Proprietary and Privileged Information

Background The	success	of	USPA’s	safety	reporting	program depends	upon	the	free	exchange	of	information betwe en	field	reporters ( e.g.,	S&TAs ) and	USPA Headquarters.	As	long	as	reporting	officials	believe that	the	information	will	be	used	only	for	statistical and	educational	purposes	and	that	the	reports themselves	will	not	be	released	to	third	parties,	the

repor ting	system	will	continue	to	serve	the	best

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generating	data.

Policy USPA	incident	and	accident	reports,	whether	formal	or informal,	will	be	considered	privileged,	confidential documents	for	use	only	by	the	reporting	party	and USPA	officials	as	necessary	to	enhance	safety	through education	and training.

Any	and	all	requests	by	third	parties	to	access	such information	or	documents	will	be	referred	to	the	USPA Executive	Director,	who,	in	consultation	with	the	USPA President,	will	determine	the	need	to	refer	to	counsel.

Failure	to	adhere	to	these	procedures	will	subject	the violating	USPA	member	to	disciplinary	action	in accordance	with	Section	1

- 6	of	the	USPA	Governance Manual.



# FAA Regulations

As	an	S&TA,	it	is	important	that	you	are	familiar	with the	Federal	Aviation	R egulations	that	govern skydiving	operations	in	the	United	States.	Pertinent passages	from	the	FARs	are	included	in	the	Skydiver’s Information	Manual	for	easy	reference.

Skydiving	remains	largely	unregulated	by	the	FAA because	of	the	valuable	relationship between skydivers	and	the	FAA	that	USPA	officials	have	forged over	the	years.	However,	there	are	rules	that	have been	established	and	outlined	in	various	sections	of the	FARs	to	regulate	skydiving	flights	and	procedures, aircraft	modifications,	skydiving	e quipment	and parachute	packing.	These	rules	are	established primarily	to	protect	the	public

— those	on	the	ground and	others	using	the	airspace.

The	local	Flight	Standards	District	Office	of	the	FAA can	be	a	valuable	resource	on	matters	that	pertain	to the FAA.	You	should	visit	your	local	FSDO	and introduce	yourself	to	those	who	are	involved	with skydiving	operations.	They	are	important	contacts that	you	want	to	make	before	you	need	to	conduct business	with	the	FAA.


# Extraordinary Skydives and Exhibition Jump s

Extraordinary Skydives

Extraordinary	skydives	include	night	jumps,	water jumps,	jumps	from	above	15,000	feet	MSL,	exhibition jumps,	preplanned	breakaway	jumps	and	other	jumps requiring	special	equipment	or	procedures	that	might be	unfamiliar	to	most	jump ers.

S&TAs	should	refer	to	the	SIM	to	provide	the	BSR

required	information	and	USPA

- recommended	advice to	jumpers	on	the	specific	nature	of	the	skydive	that they	will	be	performing.	The	S&TA	should	also	review the	SIM	for	recommended	prior	experience	and licensing	of	each	skydiver	involved.

Before	advising	jumpers,	the	S&TA	should	be	familiar with	all	FARs,	BSRs	and	USPA	recommendations,	as well	as	the	specific	jump	operations	being	planned.



## Exhibition Jumps

Exhibition	jumps	are	defined	in	the	SIM,	and	se veral BSRs	specifically	apply	to	the	requirements	for skydivers	making	exhibition	jumps.	USPA	and	the	FAA have	agreed	on	additional	definitions	for	types	of demos,	based	on	the	size	and	layout	of	the	landing area.	These	definitions	are	included	in	the	SIM and	in the	FAA	Inspector’s	Handbook.

USPA	administers	the	PRO	Exhibition	rating	to	qualify jumpers	for	exhibitions	into	stadiums	with	spectator stands	on	more	than	one	side	of	the	field	and	other restricted	landing	areas	defined	in	the	SIM s ection	on PRO ratings.	Refer	to	that	section	for	instructions	on administering	initial	PRO r ating	applications	and	other PRO	and	demonstration	jump	information.

Third

- party	liability	demonstration	jump i nsurance	is available	for	USPA	members	who	are	performing demo	jum ps.	Regular	membership	third

- party	liability skydiving	insurance	does	not	cover	demos.	Third

party	demo	insurance	is	contingent	on	the	observance of	USPA	rules	and	recommendations	for	exhibition jumps.	The	application	for	demonstration	jump insurance	reque sts	that	an	S&TA	be	consulted	for	any demonstration	jumps that	are performed	in	their	area.



## Wingsuit Skydiving Special Concerns

The	discipline	of	wingsuiting	presents	some	different safety	concerns	because	of	the	increased	surface	area of	the	jumper	wearin g	the	wingsuit,	the	ability	to	fly longer	horizontal	distances,	and	reduced	mobility during	and	after	deployment.	These	are	guidelines	for S&TAs	to	make	wingsuiting	safer.

Requirement Checks for New Wingsuiters and Coaches The	Basic	Safety	Requirements	st ate:	“Any	person performing	a	wingsuit	jump	must	have	at	least	200 wingsuit	skydives,	and	hold	a	current	USPA	license”. The	S&TA	should	ensure	that	new	wingsuiters	meet this	requirement.	The	S&TA	is	also	responsible	for

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First Flight Curriculum and Progression SIM	section	6

- 9	contains	a	general	first flight curriculum	and	information	about	gear,	exits, navigation,	and	deployment	as	well	as recommendations	about	moving	to	more	advanced wingsuits	as	part	of	a	safe	progression.	Upsizing wingsuits	too	fast	(just	as	downsizing	canopies	too fast)	can	result in	serious	injuries	to	the	aircraft, wingsuit	skydiver,	and	other	jumpers.	The	S&TA should	maintain	awareness	of	wingsuiters’	gear	and progression,	themselves	or	through	a	designated experienced	wingsuit	representative.

Special Gear Concerns The	S&TA	shoul d	be	familiar	with	the	main	gear recommendations	for	wingsuiting:

A	larger	pilot	chute	(minimum	28	inch	diameter), longer	bridle	(minimum	8	feet),	and	lightweight	pilot chute	handle	are	essential	to	allow	the	pilot	chute	to clear	the	larger	burble	of	the wingsuit	on	deployment. A	lightly	loaded,	docile	main	canopy	(1.4:1	or	lower recommended	wing	loading).

Gear Checks Leg	straps	are	not	visible	under	most	wingsuits	and the	gearing

- up	process	is	more	complicated	when	it includes	a	wingsuit.	The	S&TA	can enforce	a	"RIG FIRST,	THEN	WINGSUIT"	approach	to	wingsuit gearing

- up.	First,	the	rig	should	be	fully	on	and	ready to	skydive.	Then,	adjustments	to	the	wingsuit	can	be made	(booties,	zipping	up,	etc.)	Loaders	at	the	plane should	confirm	chest	strap	visually and	leg	straps either	visually	before	boarding	or	by	asking wingsuiters	to	shrug	for	a	self

- check	and	confirm verbally.

Sa f e Exits Because	of	increased	surface	area,	wingsuit	skydivers are	at	higher	risk	of	tail	strikes	on	exit.	Whether exiting	from	insid e	the	plane	or	from	a	floater	position, wingsuiters	must	close	their	wings	until	they	clear	the aircraft.	S&TAs	can	confirm	this	knowledge	and understanding	and	post	signage	near	manifest	and/or on	board	the	aircraft.

Pilot Communication S&TAs,	drop	zone	o wners,	and	jumpers	should communicate	with	pilots	about	an	appropriate	cut	in airspeed	on	jump	run	that	will	make	exits	safer. Navigation S&TAs	should	oversee	a	flight	pattern	and	airspace rules.	The	three	main	reasons	for	this	are	to	ensure that	wingsuit ers:

1. Avoid	other	canopy	traffic
2. Adhere	to	the	drop	zone’s	airspace restrictions	and	avoid	other	aircraft,	and
3. Land	on	the	drop	zone. S&TAs	or	their	designated	experienced	wingsuit representatives	can	advise	new	wingsuiters	on	the rules	and	post	cle ar	guidelines	at	manifest.	S&TAs	can require	jumpers	new	to	the	drop	zone	to	do	a	non

wingsuit	skydive	first	to	become	familiar	with	the aerial	view,	jump	run,	and	airspace.	Below	is	a	basic sample	of	possible	wingsuit	flight	patterns.



# D - License Verific ation and Renewal

USPA	can	issue	licenses	and	renew	ratings	only	with complete	and	correctly	submitted	applications.	USPA Headquarters	returns	rejected	applications	to	the applicant.	Rejects	can	present	a	hardship	for	the	USPA member,	who	may	be	traveling or	otherwise inconvenienced	in	trying	to	get	an	S&TA	to	correct	a mistake	on	an	application.

Before	signing	any	license	or	rating	renewal application,	verify	that	your	own	membership,	ratings and	appointment	as	an	S&TA	are	current.

USPA	officials, including	S&TAs,	may	not	verify	the requirements	for	renewing	their	own	ratings.

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## Licenses

A	USPA	Instructor	may	administer	the	test	and	verify all	qualifications	for	A,	B	and	C	licenses,	but	a	D	license requires	an	S&TA	or	higher	USPA	official.	Refer	to	th e instructions	for	USPA	skydiving	licenses	in	the Skydiver’s	Information	Manual	for	all	license verifications.



## Rating Renewals

An	S&TA	or	higher	USPA	official	is	required	to	verify renewal	applications	for	instructional	ratings	and	the
PRO r ating.	Refer	to the	renewal	requirements	for instructional	ratings	listed	in	the	Introduction	and Orientation	section	at	the	beginning	of	the	training syllabus	for	each	instructional	rating	and	duplicated	in “IRM	Essentials,”	available	for	free	on	the	USPA website	at	www .uspa.org.	For	PRO	rating	and	renewal, refer	to	the	SIM	section	on	the	PRO	rating.	Rating renewal	instructions	also	appear	on	the	standard USPA	membership	and	rating	renewal	application.



# Forms

Attached	are USPA forms	for	your	reference.	For	the

most	curren t,	up

- to

- date	forms	published	by	USPA, click	on	Downloads	under	the	USPA	Members	tab	at

www.uspa.org.

Accident	Report	Form
A

- License	Progressions	Card	for	ISP	(4

- page)
A

- License	Proficiency	Card	(2

- page) Canopy	Piloting	Proficiency	Card
B

- D	License	Appli cation Coach	Proficiency	Card AFF	Instructor	Proficiency	Card IAD/Static

- Line	Proficiency	Card Tandem	Proficiency	Card
A

- D	License Exams
A

- D	License Exam Answer	Key s PRO	Rating Exam #1 PRO	Rating Exam #2 PRO	Rating Exam Answer	Key

### Age:__________ Height: __________ Exit Weight: ______ Wing Loading: _______ Sex: ❏ Male ❏ Female

**Student or USPA License held:** ❏ Student ❏ A ❏ B ❏ C ❏ D ❏ None **Time In Sport: ______________ Number of jumps:** T otal: ___________ Last 30 days: ________ Last 12 mo.:

_____ **Student jump (by type):** ❏ SL ❏ IAD ❏ AFF ❏ T andem ❏ Coach ❏ Other: ____________________ **Experienced (check all that apply):** ❏ Formation Skydiving ❏ Freeflying ❏ V ideo ❏ Canopy Formation

❏ Demo ❏ Night ❏ W ater ❏ Freestyle ❏ Skysurfing ❏ Canopy Swooping ❏ Other: __________________ **Harness and container system:** Manufacturer: ______________________________ Model: ______________________
**Main Canopy:** Manufacturer: ______________________________ Model: ______________ Square feet: ________ **Main packed by:** ❏ Jumper ❏ F AA Rigger ❏ Supervised packer Condition: ____________________________
**Reserve Canopy:** Manufacturer: __________________________ Model: ______________ Square feet: __________

**AAD:** Manufacturer: ______________________ Model: ______________________ Turned on? ❏ Yes ❏ No

**RSL:** ❏ Yes ❏ No Hooked up? ❏ Yes ❏ No

**Visual Altimeter:** ❏ Analog ❏ Digital ❏ None **Location:** ❏ W rist ❏ Chest ❏ Other: ________________

**Audible Altimeter:** ❏ Yes ❏ No **Tu r**  **ned on?** ❏ Yes ❏ No **Helmet?** ❏ Yes ❏ No Type: __________ **Did the equipment, as far as can be determined, comply with Federal regulations?** ❏ Yes ❏ No **Include any other relevant equipment information (use a a separate page if necessary). ________________________**

**____________________________________________________________________________________________________** 

### United States Parachute Association ® 

### Publications May 2007 Accident Report Form 

# Accident Report

**Purpose:** USPA collects information on skydiving accidents for the sole purpose of enhancing safety and preventing accidents.

Applicability: This form should be submitted in all cases in which a skydiving incident raises a safety issue, involves an injury requiring attention at a medical facility, orresults in a death. It can also be used to report near-accidents or other incidents from which a lesson can be learned.

**Instructions:** A USPA Safety & Training Advisor or (in the absence of an S&TA) a USPA Instructor assigned by the S&TA should complete this form. In the event of a fatality involving more than one person, please use a separate form for each individual.

Submit this original form to: Director of Safety & Training, USPA Headquarters, 5401 Southpoint Centre Blvd., Fredericksburg, VA 22407; (540) 604-9741 (fax).

**Confidentiality:** To ensure confidentiality of both the accident victim and the reporting official, USPA Headquarters will separate and destroy Section 2 of this form as soon as any necessary adjustments to the deceased member’s data
record is made. **Do not retain any copies of this form.** 

## Section 1: Complete for all incidents.

Section 2: Required for fatal accidents only.

**Name of deceased:______________________________________________ USPA membership #: ________________**
**Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________**
**Address 2: __________________________________________________________________________________________**
**City: __________________________________________________ State: ________ Zip: ____________________ Location of incident: __________________________________________________________________________________**  **Date and time of incident: ______________________________________________________________________________**Equipment Jump DemographicType Info.VictimInfo.

## Section 1 (cont.): Complete for all incidents.Description Weather Aircraftof Incident Info. 

### T **ype of aircraft:**

_______________________________________________________________________________________ **Other applicable aircraft and pilot information:**

___________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________ **Visibility:**

_________________ **Ceiling:**

________________ **Surface winds:**

____________ **T emperature:** 

__________ **Other applicable weather conditions:**

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Provide a description of the incident including factual information obtained from the investigation and any witness accounts. Do not add speculation or conjecture to the investigation report. Use a separate sheet, if necessary, and attach all statements to this form. All accompanying documentation will be destroyed with this report.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

**Name: __________________________________________________________________ USPA #:__________________**
**Ratings: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone number: ________________________________________ E-mail: ______________________________________** 
**Signature: __________________________________________________________________ Date: __________________** 

## Section 2 (cont.): Required for fatal accidents (optional for non-fatal reports).InvestigatorInfo.

### This official document is your temporary license. Please DO NOT send the original to USPA. Send a copy or fax the complete original. 

## C ategory 

## A

FJC Date

______ Meth.

____

Adv. Criteria C/I Sign Lic.#

• Aircraft & exit safety

_________ ______
• Safe exit

_________ ______ AFF a nd

T

a

ndem O

nly • Overall FF awareness

_________ ______ • Stable for last 10 secs.

_________ ______ • Altitude aware

_________ ______ • Asst. pull w/in 1,000'

_________ ______ • Land 60 deg. w/asst.

_________ ______
• Land 100m w/asst.

_________ ______ • Category quiz Date

_________ ______ 

## A

- li c ense c he c k dive

License Requirement Instructor Lic. #

• Ch eck dive with USPA Instructor (See SIM Sec. 3-2.A.1.c)

________ ______ • 25 skydives

________ ______ • A-license oral exam

________ ______ • A-license written exam

________ ______ (See SIM Sec. 3-2.A.1.a) • Joined USPA

________ ______ All blocks on this record must be initialed or signed as indicated.


### Application instructions:

Email, fax or mail this completed form to USPA to register your license. DO NOT SEND THIS
ORIGINAL DOCUMENT. Keep this document in a safe place until you receive a new membership card. Include the registration fee of:

$

______ License Fee ($30) $

______ Expedite with fax or email confirmation ($20) Fax # or email address (for expedites only)

______________________________________ $

______ Total

Applicant’s Signature

_____________________________ 

### Official USPA A-license stamp:
This stamp and signature of a USPA Instructor or I/E verifies that the applicant has completed all qualifications for the USPA A skydiving license and performed satisfactorily on the USPA A-license check dive. This temporary USPA A license expires 60 days from the date signed.

Instructor’s Name

____________________ Signature

__________________________

USPA #

____________________________

Date

______________________________ Drop Zone Name

____________________ 

## C ategory 

## B

Exit and Freefall Date

________ I

______ Canopy Date

________ I

______ Emerg. Review Date

________ C/I

______ Equipment Date

________ C/I

______ Spot. and A/C Date

________ C/I

______ Adv. Criteria C/I Sign Lic.#

• Stable throughout

_________ ______ • Leg control

_________ ______ AFF a nd tandem o nly • Solo pull w/in 500'

________ ______

S tat ic line a nd I A D o nly • 3 successive practice pulls

________ ______
• Descent strategy

_________ ______ • Clearing before turns

_________ ______ • Land 30 deg. w/asst.

_________ ______ • Asked to join USPA

_________ ______ • Category quiz Date

_________ ______ 

## U S P A A L i c ense 

## P rogression 

## C ard and 

## A pp li c ation

Name

__________________________________________________________ USPA #

______________
Address

________________________________________________________________________________ City, State, and Zip

______________________________________________________________________ Telephone

_____________________________________________________________________________ Email

________________________________________________________________________________ © 2014 United States Parachute Association October 2014



## C

ategory 

## C

Exit and Freefall Date

________ I

______ Canopy Date

________ I

______ Emerg. Review Date

________ C/I

______ Equipment Date

________ C/I

______ Spot. and A/C Date

________ C/I

______

Adv. Criteria C/I Sign Lic.#

• Control w/in 5 secs.

_________ ______
• Relaxed fall

_________ ______ • FF heading awareness

_________ ______

• Wave-off

_________ ______

• FF w/one I (AFF)

_________ ______
• Solo pull at correct alt.

_________ ______ • Plan pattern for wind

_________ ______ • Fly pattern w/min. asst.

_________ ______

• Flare w/min. asst.

_________ ______ • Category quiz Date

_________ ______ Valid for 60 days.

(Stamp not required for registration at USPA Headquarters.)



### Solo transition course (from tandem) (may be completed after Category A or B) Date



### _________ Method

______ Instructor



### __________

expiration date (or enclose new membership application)

MO YR 3-digit security code credit card number



### Note: Each shaded line must be initialed by a current USPA Instructor. All other lines may be initialed by a current USPA Coach or Instructor. Email copy to: safety@uspa.org

Mail copy to: U.S. Parachute Association 5401 Southpoint Centre Blvd. Fredericksburg, VA 22407

Or fax original to: (540) 604-9741

❑ ❑ ❑ Foreign payments must be with VISA, Discover or MasterCard.

## C ategory 

## F

Exit and Freefall Date

________ C/I

______ Canopy Date

________ I

______ Emerg. Review Date

________ C/I

______ Equipment Date

________ C/I

______ Spot. and A/C Date

________ C/I

______

Adv. Criteria C/I Sign Lic.#



### • Tracking sequence w/in 30 degrees (3)

(1)

__________ ______ (2)

__________ ______ (3)

__________ ______ • Clear and pull (5,500')

_________ ______ • Clear and pull (3,500')

_________ ______ • 180-degree turns in deep brakes (4)

(1)

__________ ______ (2)

__________ ______ (3)

__________ ______ (4)

__________ ______ • Braked approach

_________ ______ • Land 25m w/o asst. (2)
(1)

__________ ______ (2)

__________ ______ • Pack w/asst.

_________ ______ • Check other jumper’s gear

__________ ______ • Select spot

_________ ______ • Spot w/min. asst.

_________ ______ • Category quiz Date

_________ ______ 

## C

ategory 

## D

Exit and Freefall Date

________ I

______ Canopy Date

________ I

______ Emerg. Review Date

________ C/I

______ Equipment Date

________ C/I

______ Spot. and A/C Date

________ C/I

______
Adv. Criteria C/I Sign Lic.#

• Solo exit, stable w/in 5 secs.

__________ ______ • 90-degree FF turns w/in 20 degrees (4)

(1)

__________ ______ (2)

__________ ______ (3)

__________ ______ (4)

__________ ______ • 180-degree FF turns w/in 45 degrees (2)

(1)

__________ ______ (2)

__________ ______ • 360-degree FF turns w/in 45 degrees (2)

(1)

__________ ______ (2)

__________ ______ • 90-degree rear riser turns with brakes set (2)

(1)

__________ ______ (2)

__________ ______ • 90-degree rear riser turns with brakes released (2)

(1)

__________ ______ (2)

__________ ______ • 180-degree rear riser turn with brakes released

__________ ______ • 360-degree rear riser turn with brakes released

__________ ______ • Stand-up landing

_________ ______ • Land w/in 50m (asst.)

_________ ______ • Operate AAD

_________ ______ • Observe jump run

_________ ______ • Category quiz Date

_________ ______



## C

ategory 

## E

Exit and Freefall Date

________ C/I

______ Canopy Date

________ I

______ Emerg. Review Date

________ C/I

______ Equipment Date

_______ C/R/I

_____ Spot. and A/C Date

________ C/I

______
Adv. Criteria C/I Sign Lic.#

• Stability recovery w/in 5 secs. (2)

(1)

__________ ______ (2)

__________ ______ • Jump without FF supervision

__________ ______

• Barrel roll

_________ ______ • Backloop

_________ ______ • Frontloop

_________ ______ • Land w/o asst. w/in 50m

_______ ______ • Calculate opening point

________ ______ • Participate w/jump run

_________ ______ • Category quiz Date

_________ ______ 

## C ategory 

## H

Freefall Date

________ C/I

______ Canopy Date

________ I

______ Emerg. Review Date

________ C/I

______ Equipment Date

_______ C/R/I

_____ Spot. and A/C Date

_______ C/P/I

_____
Adv. Criteria C/I Sign Lic.#
• Swoop and dock w/min. asst. (2)
(1)

__________ ______ (2)

__________ ______

• Break-off at alt. w/o prompt

______ ______

• Track 100' w/in 10 degrees

_______ ______ • 90-degree front riser turns (2)

(1)

__________ ______ (2)

__________ ______ • 180-degree front riser turns (2)

(1)

__________ ______ (2)

__________ ______ (Front riser turns may be waived if too difficult.) • Land 20m w/o asst. (3)
(1)

__________ ______ (2)

__________ ______ (3)

__________ ______ • Replace closing loop

_________ ______ • Assemble 3-ring

_________ ______ • Category quiz Date

_________ ______ 

## C

ategory 

## G

Exit and Freefall Date

________ C/I

______ Canopy Date

________ I

______ Emerg. Review Date

________ C/I

______ Equipment Date

_______ C/R/I

_____ Spot. and A/C Date

_______ C/P/I

_____ Adv. Criteria C/I Sign Lic.#

• Redock from 10' w/o asst. (2)
(1)

__________ ______ (2)

__________ ______ • Redock w/adj. fall rate (2) (1)

__________ ______ (2)

__________ ______ • Break-off at alt. w/o prompt

______ ______

• Track 50' w/in 10 degrees

_______ ______ • Reverse canopy turns (4)

(1)

__________ ______ (2)

__________ ______ (3)

__________ ______ (4)

__________ ______ • Land 20m w/o asst. (2)
(1)

__________ ______ (2)

__________ ______ • Pack w/o asst.

_________ ______ • Spot w/o asst.

_________ ______ • Category quiz Date

_________ ______ 

# Note: Prior to freefall self-supervision (typ ically after the first jump in Category E),
all students must meet the standards listed in the USPA BSRs. Clearance to freefall self-supervision requires the endorsement of an appropriately rated USPA Instructor (signature in logbook). Under the supervision of a USPA Instructor, a USPA Coach may train only the freefall portions of Categories E-H.6. Check equipment for another skydiver. Jump #

______ I

______ Lic. #

_____________
7. Perform manufacturer-recommended owner service on a canopy release system.
Date

________ I

______ Lic. #

_____________
8. Change or adjust a main closing loop.
Date

________ I

______ Lic. #

_____________
9. Show knowledge of FAA rules on parachute packing intervals and required personnel.
Date

________ I

______ Lic. #

_____________ 

## A

ircr a

ft a nd spotting

1. Demonstrate understanding of seat belt use and applicable FARs.
Date

________ I

______ Lic. #

_____________
2. Identify local runway headings, lengths, and aircraft approach and departure patterns.
Date

________ I

______ Lic. #

_____________
3. Using an aviation winds aloft forecast, select the correct exit and opening point. Jump #

______ I

______ Lic. #

_____________ 4. Recite cloud clearance and visibility require

ments for above and below 10,000 feet MSL.
Date

________ I

______ Lic. #

_____________ 5. Receive a briefing on weight and balance, the effect of a jumper on aircraft control surfaces when outside an aircraft, spotting, and radio and onboard communication procedures.
Date

________ I

______ Lic. #

_____________ 6. In routine jump conditions, plan with a jump pilot and spot the aircraft without assistance. Jump #

______ I

______ Lic. #

_____________ 

## E m e rg e ncy r e

vi e w (Each qualifying review session **must** be conducted **after initial solo jump training** on later dates.)

1. In a training harness, recognize and take appro

priate action for all parachute malfunctions (two review sessions following the first-jump course)

.
Date

________ I

______ Lic. #

_____________
Date

________ I

______ Lic. #

_____________
2. Review power line avoidance and landings. Jump #

______ I

______ Lic. #

_____________
3. Review tree avoidance and landings. Jump #

______ I

______ Lic. #

_____________ 4. Review building avoidance and landings.
Date

________ I

______ Lic. #

_____________ 5. Review water avoidance and landings.
Date

________ I

______ Lic. #

_____________ 6. Review aircraft emergency procedures.
Date

________ I

______ Lic. #

_____________ 

## L ic e ns e e x

a

min a

tion License Requirement Instructor Lic. #

• Check dive with USPA instructor
(See SIM Sec. 3-2.A.1.c)

_________ _______ • 25 Skydives

_________ _______ • A license oral exam

_________ _______ • A license written exam

_________ _______ • Joined USPA

_________ _______ 

### Application instructions:
Email, fax or mail this completed form to USPA to register your license. DO NOT SEND THIS ORIGINAL DOCUMENT. Keep this document in a safe place until you receive a new membership card. Include the registration fee of:
$

_______ License Fee ($30) $

_______ Expedite with fax or email confirmation ($20)

Fax # or email address (for expedites only)

__________________________________________

$

_______ Total 

### Official USPA A-license stamp:
This stamp and signature of a USPA Instructor or I/E veri

fies that the applicant has completed all qualifications for the USPA A skydiving license and performed satisfactorily on the USPA A-license check dive. This temporary USPA A license expires 60 days from the date signed.

Instructor’s Name

_______________________ Signature

_____________ __________________ USPA #

______________ Date

______________ Drop Zone Name

_______________________ Valid for 60 days.

(Stamp not required for registration at USPA Headquarters.) 

## E

xit a nd fr ee f all ski ll s

1. Demonstrate freefall control on all axes, with a backloop, front loop, and barrel roll.

Date

________ I*

_____ Lic. #*

_____________

2. Dive a minimum of 100 feet after another jumper and dock safely without assistance from the other jumper (two times). Jump #

______ I

______ Lic. #

_____________ Jump #

______ I

______ Lic. #

_____________

3. Plan and independently execute a break-off from a group skydive with a minimum 100 feet of horizontal separation from another jumper or group. Separation must be gained independently in a straight track within ten degrees of a radial heading from the center of the formation. Jump #

______ I

______ Lic. #

_____________

4. Locate and open clear of other jumpers and wave off to signal deployment. Jump #

______ I

______ Lic. #

_____________

5. Jump and deploy while stable within five sec

onds after exit from 3,500 feet AGL. Jump #

______ I

______ Lic. #

_____________

6. Complete 25 skydives.

Date #

______ I

______ Lic. #

_____________ 

## C

a

nopy ski ll s

1. Plan and fly a landing approach pattern that promotes smooth traffic flow and avoids obstacles. Jump #

______ I

______ Lic. #

_____________

2. Demonstrate a stand-up landing. Jump #

______ I

______ Lic. #

_____________

3. Perform a braked approach and landing. Jump #

______ I

______ Lic. #

_____________ *All verification blocks require the initials and C- or

D-license number of a USPA Instructor or I/E. 4. Land within 20 meters of a preselected target on at least five jumps. Jump #

______ I

______ Lic. #

_____________ Jump #

______ I

______ Lic. #

_____________ Jump #

______ I

______ Lic. #

_____________ Jump #

______ I

______ Lic. #

_____________ Jump #

______ I

______ Lic. #

_____________ 5. Perform rear-riser turns (brakes set and released). Jump #

______ I

______ Lic. #

_____________ 6. Above 2,500 feet, perform a maximum-perfor

mance 90-degree toggle turn, followed immediate

ly by a turn of at least 180 degrees in the opposite direction (two times). Jump #

______ I

______ Lic. #

_____________ Jump #

______ I

______ Lic. #

_____________
7. Above 1,000 feet, perform front riser dives and turns (may be waived if insufficient strength). Jump #

______ I

______ Lic. #

_____________
8. Accurately predict the presence and effects of turbulence in the landing area. Jump #

______ I

______ Lic. #

_____________ 

## E quipm e nt know le dg e

1. Demonstrate knowledge, inspection, donning, use, and owner maintenance of all equipment to be used on the jump.
Date

________ I

______ Lic. #

_____________
2. Calculate the wing loading of both main and reserve canopies and compare the sizes against the manufacturer’s published recommendations.
Date

________ I

______ Lic. #

_____________
3. Demonstrate the understanding, use, and disconnection of a reserve static line.
Date

________ I

______ Lic. #

_____________ 4. Demonstrate the understanding and use of an automatic activation device.
Date

________ I

______ Lic. #

_____________ 5. Pack a main parachute without assistance.
Date

________ I

______ Lic. #

_____________ 

## USP A A L ic e ns e 

## P rofici e ncy 

## C a

rd a nd 

## A pp l ic a

tion

Name

__________________________________________________________ USPA #

______________ Address

________________________________________________________________________________ City, State, and Zip

______________________________________________________________________ Telephone

_____________________________________________________________________________ Email

________________________________________________________________________________ ©2014 United States Parachute Association October 2014 (or enclose new membership application)

❑ ❑ ❑

Applicant’s signature

_______________________ Mail copy to U.S. Parachute Association, 5401 Southpoint Centre Blvd., Fredericksburg, VA 22407; or fax to (540) 604-9741, or email to safety@uspa.org three-digit security code MO YR expiration date Foreign payments must be with VISA, Discover or MasterCard.

## C anopy dis c overy drills



### Jump 1) Evaluation Jump

• Collapse slider

• Loosen chest strap

• Check brake line length

• Practice flares up high

• Plan and execute a distinct downwind, base

and final approach



### Jump 2) Basic Aerodynamics, Effective Flaring and Riser Turns

• Practice flares, five with eyes open

• Practice flares, five with eyes closed

• 90, 180, 360-degree turn with rear risers

• Plan and execute a distinct downwind, base

and final approach



### Jump 3) Stalls

• Rear riser flare (simulated landing)

• Full ram-air stall using toggles

• Full ram-air stall using rear risers

• Plan and execute a distinct downwind, base

and final approach



### Jump 4) Flat Turns and Crosswind Landings

• Flare from 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 brakes (simulated landing)

• 180-degree braked turn (1/4, 1/2, 3/4 brakes)

• Plan and execute a crosswind oriented downwind,

base and final approach



### Jump 5) Long Spot

• Return from long spot Comparison:

• Using toggles

• Using rear risers

• Plan and execute a distinct downwind, base

and final approach 

## I nstru c tions

This completed and signed canopy proficiency card is required to obtain a USPA B license. Candidates must include a copy of this card with the USPA B license application to USPA Headquarters in order for USPA to issue the B license. USPA does not issue advanced canopy ratings or qualify canopy piloting instructor examiners.

USPA requires drop zone management to verify the qualifications of the S&TA and verifying officials. A current USPA Safety & Training Advisor (S&TA), Instructor Examiner, Coach Examiner, or Board Member must verify that the training has been completed by endorsing this proficiency card. See Section 6-10 of the USPA Skydiver's Information Manual (SIM) for the

course director requirements. Candidates must perform these training jumps during dedicated clear-and-pull skydives from at least 5,000 feet.

Canopy Pilot: By observing recommendations outlined in Section 6-10 and 6-11 (and other related sections) of the SIM, you have exhibited a level of commitment to safe canopy piloting.



## T raining



### Reviewed SIM Section 6-10

Authorized Signature:

________________________________________________________
USPA Membership or License Number:

____________________________________ Date:

_________



### Reviewed SIM Section 6-11

Authorized Signature:

_________________________________________________________
USPA Membership or License Number:

____________________________________ Date:

_________



## C

anopy pilot information

Name:

____________________________________________________________________

USPA Number:

___________________________ Expiration Date: ______/______/______

Mailing Address:

_______________________________________________________________ _______

Add’l. Address:

_______________________________________________________________ _______
City:

___________________ State:

_____ Zip or Postal Code:

__________ Country:

_______________ Weekday Phone: (______)

___________________ E-mail:

____________________________________

License Number:_____________________________ Total Sport Jumps:

____________________________
Canopy Type and Size:

_______________________________________________________________ __



## S ignature identifi c ation (S&TA, IE, CE, BOD)

(Print Name):

_______________________________________________________________ (Signature):

________________________________________________________________ USPA Membership or License Number:

_________________________________________ Verifying Official's Name:

_______________________________________ Signature:

______________________________

License:

________________________________

Date:

__________________________________

Verifying Official's Name:

_______________________________________ Signature:

______________________________

License:

________________________________

Date:

__________________________________

Verifying Official's Name:

_______________________________________ Signature:

______________________________

License:

________________________________

Date:

__________________________________

Verifying Official's Name:

_______________________________________ Signature:

______________________________

License:

________________________________

Date:

__________________________________ Verifying Official's Name:

_______________________________________ Signature:

______________________________

License:

________________________________

Date:

__________________________________ 

## USPA C ANOPY PILOTING PROFI C IEN C Y

C ARDOCT.2013

# ❏ ❏	 ❏ OR 

# ❏ check Make U.S. checks only payable to “USPA.”



### Total Jumps

Total Freefall Time

Mail to USPA • 5401 Southpoint Centre Blvd. • Fredericksburg, VA 22407 • with $30 for each license requested; or Email to safety@uspa.org or F ax (540) 604-9741 with your credit card authorization. 

# UNITED STATES PARACHUTE ASSOCIATION® LICENSE APPLICATION

License Number(s) Issued:



### Type 

# ❏ B ❏ C ❏ D

2. SKILL TABLES

Fill in the number of the highest license you currently hold and all the information requested for each license that is higher than the one you currently hold, up to and including the license you are applying for. For each license requirement met, write in either the number of the jump, the date of the training or the score, accordingly. The verifying official must initial each block of the skill verification table and sign the verification box. Refer to the Skydiver’s Information Manual, Section 3, for specific requirements.



### NOTE: License applications must be signed by a verifying official.
A D-license application requires the signature of a member of the USPA Board of Directors, a Safety & Training Advisor or an Instructor Examiner. Applications for B and C licenses may be signed by any current USPA Instructor or higher. I certify that I have personally checked the applicant’s logbook(s) and found documentation that the applicant has met all applicable requirements as specified in the Skydiver’s Information Manual, Section 3-1. ◊ List jump numbers used to meet the accuracy requirements:

________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Please type or print.) 

### Name

__________________________________________________________ Street Address

___________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________ City

_____________________________________ State

_____________ Zip

__ Country___________________ U.S. Citizen ❏ Yes ❏ No DOB___ /



### ___ /



### ___

X

_________________________________________

Signature of Applicant

Accuracy (10 jumps)

Maneuvers
Water Training

Canopy Course (See SIM 3-1)

Exam Score

Requirements Jump No. or date Initial

Night Jump #1

Night Jump #2

Exam Score

Requirements Jump No. or date Initial

Accuracy (25 jumps)

Maneuvers

Exam Score

Requirements Jump No. or date Initial

◊ ◊ 

## 1. EXPERIENCE (Fill in both categories)



## 3. KNOWLEDGE

A USPA Instructor administers the written exam(s) (B, C, and D licenses), records the passing score(s) in the skill table(s), and initials the box(es).



# ❏ Experience table completed—Block 1. 

# ❏ All appropriate boxes on skill table completed—Block 2. 

# ❏ Signature (in verification box) of appropriately-rated verifying official—Block 4. 

## 5. CHECK LIST 4. VERIFICATION (Please print or type) 

# #______________

LICENSE Number (or fill out below) 

# B #______________

LICENSE Number* 

# A #______________

LICENSE Number (or fill out below) 

# C D

Name of verifying official (Print legibly) Membership number and title

Signature of verifying official Date 

### USPA #

NOTE: D LICENSE REQUIRES SIGNATURE OF S&TA OR HIGHER. 

### * If applying for A-license provide a photocopy of a completed USPA A-License Application, signed by a USPA Instructor, Instructor Examiner or

member of the USPA Board of Directors. U.S . payments: Mail check or money order payable to “USPA” or pay by VISA, MasterCard or Discover. Foreign payments: Only VISA, MasterCard and Discover accepted for foreign payment. No foreign checks or money orders. 

### $

_____ License Fee ($30 each license) $

_____ Expedite with fax or email confirmation (add $20) $

_____ Total Phone #

__________________________________ Fax # or email address

_______________________

month year expiration date 3-digit security code on back of card

12/141.

_______ 2.

_______ 3.

_______ 4.

_______
5.

_______ 6.

_______ 7.

_______ 8.

_______ 9.

_______ 10.

______
11.

______ 12.

______ 13.

______ 14.

______
15.

______ 16.

______ 17.

______ 18.

______ 19.

______ 20.

______ 21.

______ 22.

______ 23.

______ 24.

______ 25.

______ 26.

______ 27.

______ 28.

______ 29.

______ 30.

______ 31.

______ 32.

______ 33.

______ 34.

______ 35.

______ 36.

______ 37.

______ 38.

______ 39.

______ 40.

______ 1.

_______ 2.

_______ 3.

_______ 4.

_______
5.

_______ 6.

_______ 7.

_______ 8.

_______ 9.

_______ 10.

______
11.

______ 12.

______ 13.

______ 14.

______
15.

______ 16.

______ 17.

______ 18.

______ 19.

______ 20.

______ 21.

______ 22.

______ 23.

______ 24.

______ 25.

______ 26.

______ 27.

______ 28.

______ 29.

______ 30.

______ 31.

______ 32.

______ 33.

______ 34.

______ 35.

______ 36.

______ 37.

______ 38.

______ 39.

______ 40.

______ 1.

_______ 2.

_______ 3.

_______ 4.

_______
5.

_______ 6.

_______ 7.

_______ 8.

_______ 9.

_______ 10.

______
11.

______ 12.

______ 13.

______ 14.

______
15.

______ 16.

______ 17.

______ 18.

______ 19.

______ 20.

______ 21.

______ 22.

______ 23.

______ 24.

______ 25.

______ 1.

_______ 2.

_______ 3.

_______ 4.

_______
5.

_______ 6.

_______ 7.

_______ 8.

_______ 9.

_______ 10.

______
11.

______ 12.

______ 13.

______ 14.

______
15.

______ 16.

______ 17.

______ 18.

______ 19.

______ 20.

______ 21.

______ 22.

______ 23.

______ 24.

______ 25.

______ 

### APPLICATION CHECKLIST The verifying official signing the license application should double check that each of these items has been completed:
A. Applicant’s personal information

B. Experience verification: 1. Number of jumps 2. Freefall time

C. Skill verification: Verify (with your initials) that the jump number, date, or score for each requirement is correct and can be found in the applicant’s logbook, OR enter the applicant’s appropriate license number in the box provided.

D. Knowledge verification: Check that the written exam answer sheet is complete with a passing score recorded on the application.

E. Final Verification: 1. Sign the verifying official’s certification statement and print your name, license number (or title), and date. 2. Mail the completed license application along with the fee.

LICENSE EXAM INSTRUCTIONS
A. Exam administrator: 1. Give the applicant this answer sheet and the questions to the exam. Do not permit references or other assistance during the exam. After the test, collect the materials and grade the exam. 75% (19 or more for the B-license and C-license exams; 30 or more required for the A-license and D-license exams) is required to pass. 2. Record the score on the license application and in the applicant’s logbook. The applicant not passing will be eligible to retake this exam after seven days. To qualify for a higher license, the applicant must have passed all lower class license exams.

B. Applicant: 1. Write your name on this answer sheet. 2. Select the best available answer for each question and write the corresponding letter in the space provided. 3. When you finish, return this answer sheet and all exam questions to the person administering the test to you.



## NOTE: USPA license exams must be administered by a USPA Instructor, Instructor Examiner, Safety & Training Advisor, or a member of the USPA Board. APPLICANT (Please Type or Print)

Name:



### ________________________________ Signature:



### ___________________________
USPA Membership No.

______________________________________ Date________ /

________ /

________ 

# UNITED STATES PARACHUTE ASSOCIATION® LICENSE EXAM ANSWER SHEET

SCORE :

______ SCORE :

______ SCORE :

______ SCORE :

______C a n didate : Refer to the rating requirements listed in the Introduction and Orientation section of the USPA Coach Rating Course outline in the USPA Instructional Rating Manual. Some requirements are listed there alone, and some are listed only on this proficiency card.
Sign-off dates prior to the course may not be more than 24 months old as of the course start date. Many requirements may be performed in con

junction with a USPA Coach Rating Course. V erifyi n g O ffi c ials : Use this form to record that the candidate has met all necessary requirements for the USPA Coach rating. The level of official verification is indicated with each requirement. Each of the undersigned certifies that he or she has personally verified those qualifications listed.

BEFORE THE USPA COACH RATING COURSE:

1. Correctly answered at least 80% of the questions on the

USPA Coach Final Examination.

Course examiner signature Date

2 Assisted in one complete solo first-jump course.

USPA Instructor signature Date

AT THE USPA COACH RATING COURSE:

3. Successfully conducted two satisfactory training ses

sions from the topics listed in the Coach Rating Course

Evaluation outline.

Evaluator signature Date

Evaluator signature Date 4. Demonstrated the ability to teach the following topics from Categories F-H of the ISP.

• floater exit Evaluator signature Date

• diver exit Evaluator signature Date

• forward and dock Evaluator signature Date

• fall rate Evaluator signature Date

• tracking with awareness Evaluator signature Date

5. Demonstrated the ability to conduct a satisfactory debriefing.

Evaluator signature Date
6. Correctly performed a pre-jump equipment check.

Evaluator signature Date 

### I certify that

___________________________________________________________________ has:

name of candidate 

### USPA COACH RATING APPLICATION

Name

_______________________________________________ USPA #:

_______ Expiration Date:______/______/______/

Mailing Address

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Add’l. Address

________________________________________________________________________________________ City

______________________________ State

_______ Zip or Postal Code

______________ Country

___________ Weekday Phone (

_______ )

_____________________ E-Mail

_______________________________________________ DOB:______/______/______/ Sex: ❑ M ❑ F Occupation:

____________________________________

License Number:

_____________________ (Must be USPA B or higher)

Total Freefall Time:

__________________ Total Sport Jumps:

________________ Applicant’s Signature (for future authentication purposes):

_____________________________________________________ $35 Rating Fee: ❑ Paid by candidate with application ❑ Returned with After-Action Report

❑ ❑

Signature:

____________________________________________________ MO YR expiration date 3-digit security

code 

# C oa c h 

# R ating 

# C ou r se 

# P r ofi c ien c y 

# C a r d**Coach Coach**  7. Successfully completed two air evaluations.

Evaluator signature Date

Evaluator signature Date

8. Participated in all portions of the USPA Coach

Rating Course.

Course examiner signature Date 

### RATING RECOMMENDATION
I have personally examined and recommend this applicant for the USPA Coach rating. He or she has demonstrated the abili

ty to, under the supervision of a USPA Instructor, teach the general (non-method-specific) sections of the first jump course, conduct group freefall skills training, supervise stu

dents making group freefall training jumps, and conduct recur

rency training and jumps with licensed skydivers.

Course examiner name (please print) Member #

Course examiner signature

Course Date

___________________

Original Course Location 

## Page 2 CANDIDATE NAME__________________________ Member # ________________

COURSE/EXAMINER VERIFICATION CHECKLIST (Examiners, please verify the following)

❑ Examiner membership and rating expiration date__________

❑ Course Location_____________________(must be a current USPA Group Member drop zone)

❑ Candidate USPA Membership expiration date___________

❑ Full Course ❑ Challenge Course (See Section 1 of course syllabus for requirements)

❑ Proof of non-USPA Coach rating (challenge only)**Coach**

### I certify that

___________________________________________________________________ has: C a n didate : Refer to the rating requirements listed in the Introduction and Orientation section of the USPA AFF Instructor Rating Course outline in the USPA Instructional Rating Manual. Some requirements are listed there alone, and some are listed only on this Proficiency Card.
Sign-off dates may not be more than 24 months old as of the course start date. Many requirements may be performed in conjunction with a USPA AFF Instructor Rating Course. V erifyi n g O ffi c ials : Use this form to record that the candidate has met all necessary requirements for the USPA AFF Instructor rating. The level of official verification is indicated with each requirement. Each of the undersigned certifies that he or she has personally verified those qualifications listed.
*Current USPA Instructors need not meet starred requirements. 

# AFF I nst r u c to r 

# R ating 

# C ou r se 

# P r ofi c ien c y 

# C a r d

name of candidate

PRIOR TO ARRIVAL AT THE USPA INSTRUCTOR

RATING COURSE:

1. Assisted in two AFF first-jump courses.

AFF Instructor signature Date

AFF Instructor signature Date

2. Assisted in two Category C and two Category D AFF
ground preps.

CATEGORY C AFF Instru ctor signature Date

CATEGORY C AFF Instructor signature Date

CATEGORY D AFF Instructor signature Date

CATEGORY D AFF Instructor signature Date 3. Observed all AFF ground preps in Categories A through E.

AFF Instructor signature Date
4.* Correctly taught freefall stability and basic freefall maneuvers, including freefall turns, backloops, barrel rolls, front loops, and tracking.

USPA Instructor signature Date
5.* Prepared an effective canopy flight plan and provided ground-to-air (for example, radio) instruction for winds up to 14 mph.

USPA Instructor signature Date
6.* Participated in the spotting and aircraft lessons from Categories D through H (or equivalent training).
(initials:) Category D

______ Category G

_______ Category E

______ Category H

_______ Category F

______

USPA Instructor signature Date 

### USPA AFF INSTRUCTOR RATING APPLICATION

Name

_______________________________________________ USPA #:

_______ Expiration Date:______/______/______/

Mailing Address

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Add’l. Address

________________________________________________________________________________________ City

______________________________ State

_______ Zip or Postal Code

______________ Country

___________ Weekday Phone (

_______ )

_____________________ E-Mail

_______________________________________________ DOB: ______/______/______/ Sex: ❑ M ❑ F Occupation:

___________________________________

License Number:

_____________________ (USPA C or higher required.)

Total Freefall Time:

__________________ (six hours minimum required.) Total Sport Jumps:

________________

Applicant’s Signature (for future authentication purposes):

_____________________________________________________ $50 Rating Fee: ❑ Paid by candidate with application ❑ Returned with After-Action Report

❑ ❑

Signature:

____________________________________________________ MO YR expiration date 3-digit security

code**AFF**7.* Made 10 jumps to teach and observe basic group freefall skills (verification of 10 entries in the candidate’s logbook).

AFF Course Examiner signature Date
8. Correctly answered at least 80% of the questions on the USPA AFF Instructor Final Examination.

Course examiner signature Date

AT THE USPA INSTRUCTOR RATING COURSE:

9.* Demonstrated competence to gear up and check a student.

USPA Instructor signature Date
10 On practice release jumps using an AFF Instructor as a
student:

**• stabilized inverted student** AFF evaluator signature Date

**• stopped a spin** AFF evaluator signature Date

**• deployed for a student** AFF evaluator signature Date
11. Completed one satisfactory Category C and one Category D ground preparation evaluation.

**• Category C** AFF evaluator signature Date

**• Category D** AFF evaluator signature Date 12. Completed three satisfactory air evaluations, Category C main side, Category C reserve side, and Category D (modified).

**•** Category C (m) AFF evaluator signature Date

**•** Category C (r) AFF evaluator signature Date

**•** Category D AFF evaluator signature Date 13. Participated in all portions of the USPA AFF Instructor Rating Course.

Course examiner signature Date



### RATING RECOMMENDATION I have personally examined and recommend this applicant for the USPA AFF Instructor rating. He or she has demonstrated the ability to train and jump with AFF students and to train and supervise non-method-specific students for the USPA A license.

Course examiner name (please print) and member #

Course examiner signature

Date

__________________________

Course Location



### COURSE/EXAMINER VERIFICATION CHECKLIST (Examiners, please verify the following)

❑ Examiner membership and rating expiration date__________
❑ Course Location_____________________(must be a current USPA Group Member drop zone)
❑ Candidate USPA Membership expiration date___________
❑ Full Course ❑ Challenge Course (See Section 1 of course syllabus for requirements)

❑ Proof of non-USPA AFF rating (challenge only) 

## Page 2 CANDIDATE NAME__________________________ Member # ________________**AFF IAD/Static-Line** 



### I certify that

___________________________________________________________________ has: C a n didate : Refer to the rating requirements listed in the Introduction and Orientation section of the USPA IAD and Static-Line Instructor Rating Course outline in the USPA Instructional Rating Manual. Some requirements are listed there alone, and some are listed only on this profi

ciency card.
Sign-off dates may not be more than 24 months old as of the course start date. Many requirements may be performed in conjunction with a USPA
IAD or Static-Line Instructor Rating Course. V erifyi n g O ffi c ials : Use this form to record that the candidate has met all necessary requirements for the USPA IAD or Static-Line Instructor rating. The level of official verification is indicated with each requirement. Each of the undersigned certifies that he or she has personally verified those qualifi

cations listed.
*Current USPA Instructors need not meet starred requirements. 

# IAD and 

# S tati c 

# -L ine 

# I nst r u c to r 

# R ating 

# C ou r se 

# P r ofi c ien c y 

# C a r d

name of candidate

PRIOR TO ARRIVAL AT THE USPA INSTRUCTOR RATING COURSE:

1. Assisted in two IAD or static-line first-jump courses.

❑ IAD or ❑ Static-Line Instructor signature Date

❑ IAD or ❑ Static-Line Instructor signature Date
2. Assisted in training a skydiver on at least three practice deployment IAD or static-line jumps, including debrief

ing.

❑ IAD or ❑ Static-Line Instructor signature Date

❑ IAD or ❑ Static-Line Instructor signature Date

❑ IAD or ❑ Static-Line Instructor signature Date 3. Conducted four simulated or actual IAD or static-line jumps with experienced jumpers (B license and 100 jumps) acting as
students.

❑ IAD or ❑ Static-Line Instructor signature Date

❑ IAD or ❑ Static-Line Instructor signature Date

❑ IAD or ❑ Static-Line Instructor signature Date

❑ IAD or ❑ Static-Line Instructor signature Date

4.* Observed ground preps in Categories B, C, E, and F.

USPA Instructor signature Date 

### USPA IAD AND STATIC-LINE INSTRUCTOR RATING APPLICATION

Name

_______________________________________________ USPA #:

_______ Expiration Date:______/______/______/

Mailing Address

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Add’l. Address

________________________________________________________________________________________ City

______________________________ State

_______ Zip or Postal Code

______________ Country

___________ Weekday Phone (

_______ )

_____________________ E-Mail

_______________________________________________ DOB: ______/______/______/ Sex: ❑ M ❑ F Occupation:

_____________________________________

License Number:

_____________________ (USPA C License or higher equivalent.)

Total Freefall Time:

__________________ Total Sport Jumps:

________________ Applicant’s Signature (for future authentication purposes):

_____________________________________________________ $50 Rating Fee: ❑ Paid by candidate with application ❑ Returned with After-Action Report

❑ ❑

Signature:

____________________________________________________ MO YR expiration date 3-digit security

code**IAD/Static-Line**5. *Assisted in training at least two first-solo freefall stu

dents, including debriefing.

USPA Instructor signature Date

USPA Instructor signature Date 6. *Correctly taught freefall stability and basic freefall maneuvers, including freefall turns, backloops, barrel rolls, front loops, and tracking.

USPA Instructor signature Date 7. *Prepared an effective canopy flight plan and provided ground-to-air (for example, radio) instruction for winds up to 14 mph.

USPA Instructor signature Date 8. *Participated in the spotting and aircraft lessons from Categories D through H (or equivalent training).

(initials:) Category D

______ Category G

_______ Category E

______ Category H

_______ Category F

______

USPA Instructor signature Date
9.* Made 10 jumps to teach and observe basic group freefall skills (verification of 10 entries in the candidate’s logbook).

Course Examiner’s signature Date 10. Correctly answered at least 80% of the questions on the USPA (check one) ❑ IAD or ❑ Static-Line Instructor Final Examination.

Course examiner signature Date
AT THE USPA INSTRUCTOR RATING COURSE:

11. Demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of static-line rig

ging procedures for both direct-bag and static-line assist (static-line only).

Course examiner signature Date 12. *Demonstrated competence to gear up and check a student.

Evaluator signature Date 13. *Demonstrated competence to spot for a student.

Evaluator signature Date 14. Received personal instruction from an USPA IAD or Static-Line Instructor (per rating sought) on the following

emergency areas:

• aircraft Course examiner signature Date

• static-line student in tow Course examiner signature Date
15. Completed one satisfactory IAD or static-line Category B training evaluation.

Course examiner signature Date
16.* Completed one satisfactory Category D freefall and canopy training session and air evaluation.

Course examiner signature Date
17. Conducted at least two actual IAD or static-line jumps.

Course examiner signature Date

Course examiner signature Date
18. Participated in all portions of the USPA (check one)

❑ IAD or ❑ Static-Line (check one) Instructor Rating

Course.

Course examiner signature Date



### RATING RECOMMENDATION
I have personally examined and recommend this applicant for the USPA IAD or Static-Line Instructor rating. He or she has demonstrated the ability to train and supervise ❑ IAD

❑ static-line (check one) students and to train and supervise non-method-specific students for the USPA A license.

Course examiner name (please print) and member #

Course examiner signature Date

Course Location Training Method (IAD or Static-Line)

COURSE/EXAMINER VERIFICATION CHECKLIST 

### (Examiners, please verify the following)

❑ Examiner membership and rating expiration date__________

❑ Course Location_____________________(must be a current USPA Group Member drop zone)

❑ Candidate USPA Membership expiration date___________

❑ Full Course ❑ Challenge Course (See Section 1 of course syllabus for requirements)

❑ Proof of non-USPA Static-Line/IAD rating (challenge only) 

## Page 2 CANDIDATE NAME__________________________ Member # ________________**IAD/Static-Line**C a n didate : Refer to the rating requirements listed in the Introduction and Orientation section of the USPA Tandem Instructor Rating Course outline in the USPA Instructional Rating Manual. Some requirements are listed there alone, and some are listed only on this proficiency card.
Sign-off dates may not be more than 24 months old as of the course start date. Many requirements may be performed in conjunction with a USPA Tandem Instructor Rating Course. Course only requirements must be completed within 12 months of the start of the course. V erifyi n g O ffi c ials : Use this form to record that the candidate has met all necessary requirements for the USPA Tandem Instructor rating. The level of official verification is indicated with each requirement. Each of the under

signed certifies that he or she has personally verified those qualifications listed.
*Current USPA Instructors need not meet starred requirements. 

# T andem 

# I nst r u c to r 

# R ating 

# C ou r se 

# P r ofi c ien c y 

# C a r d

I certify that

___________________________________________________________________ has:

name of candidate

PRIOR TO ARRIVAL AT THE USPA INSTRUCTOR RATING
COURSE:

1. Assisted in two tandem first-jump courses toward Category A requirements.

USPA Tandem Instructor signature Date

USPA Tandem Instructor signature Date

2. Assisted in two Category B tandem ground preps.

USPA Tandem Instructor signature Date

USPA Tandem Instructor signa ture Date

3.* Assisted in two Category D ground preps.

USPA Instructor signature Date

USPA Instructor signature Date 4.* Observed ground preps in Categories B, C, E, and F.

USPA Instructor signature Date
5.* Correctly taught freefall stability and basic freefall maneu

vers, including freefall turns, backloops, barrel rolls, front loops, and tracking.

USPA Instructor signature Date
6.* Prepared an effective canopy flight plan and provided ground-to-air (for example, radio) instruction for winds up to 14 mph.

USPA Instructor signature Date
7.* Participated in the spotting and aircraft lessons from Categories D through H (or equivalent training).

(initials:) Category D

______ Category G

_______ Category E

______ Category H

_______ Category F

______

USPA Instructor signature Date 

### USPA TANDEM INSTRUCTOR RATING APPLICATION

Nam e

_______________________________________________ USPA #:

_______ Expiration Date:______/______/______/

Mailing Address

_______________________________________________________________________________________
Add’l. Address

________________________________________________________________________________________ City

______________________________ State

_______ Zip or Postal Code

______________ Country

___________ Weekday Phone (

_______ )

_____________________ E-Mail

_______________________________________________ DOB:______/______/______/ Sex: ❑ M ❑ F Occupation:

___________________________________

License Number: ________________ (USPA D license required.)

FAA Medical Exp. Date ___________ (include copy of medical with this application)

Total Freefall Time:

___________________ Total Sport Jumps: _____________ (minimum 500 required.)

Applicant’s Signature (for future authenticati on purposes):

_____________________________________________________ $50 Rating Fee: ❑ Paid by candidate with application ❑ Returned with After-Action Report

Signature:

____________________________________________________ ❑ ❑ MO YR expiration date 3-digit security

code**Tandem**8. Demonstrated five practice tandem cutaways wearing tandem equipment and with a simulated student in the student harness in the presence of a USPA Tandem Instructor or Tandem Instructor Examiner.

Supervising USPA Tandem Instructor signature Date
9.* Made 10 jumps to teach and observe basic group freefall skills (verification of 10 entries in the candidate’s logbook).

Course examiner signature Date 10. Correctly answered at least 80% of the questions on the USPA Tandem Instructor Final Examination.

Course examiner signature Date
AT THE USPA INSTRUCTOR RATING COURSE:

11. During tandem jumps, demonstrated the ability to per

form all the following:

• Establish and maintain stability throughout the jump.

Evaluator signature Date

• Recover from intentional, planned instability on exit.

Evaluator signature Date

• Heading control during tandem freefall and droguefall.

Evaluator signature Date
12. Earned a score of Satisfactory on all sections and sub

sections of the Tandem In-Air Skills and Instruction Evaluation Form and the Training, Supervision, and Debriefing Evaluation Form.

Course examiner signature Date
13. Co rrectly and completely rigged a simulated student for a tandem jump and completed a satisfactory pre-jump check of all associated systems.

Evaluator signature Date
14. Conducted five successful initial tandem evaluation jumps.

1. Evaluator signature Date

2. Evaluator signature Date

3. Evaluator signature Date

4. Evaluator signature Date

5. Evaluator signature Date
1 5.* Correctly prepared and checked a solo student’s equip

ment, including canopy selection, prior to rigging up.

USPA Instructor signature Date 16.* Completed one satisfactory Category D freefall and canopy training session and air evaluation during a Tandem Instructor Rating Course.

Course Examiner signature Date 17. Participated in all portions of the USPA Tandem Instructor Rating Course.

Course examiner signature Date 18. Has a minimum of 3 years of experience in parachuting.

Course examiner signature Date 19. Conducted five practice tandem jumps.

1. Sup ervising USPA Tandem Instructor signature Date

2. Supervising USPA Tandem Instructor signature Date

3. Supervising USPA Tandem Instructor signature Date

4. Supervising USPA Tandem Instructor signature Date

5. Supervising USPA Tandem Instructor signature Date



### RATING RECOMMENDATION
I have personally examined and recommend this applicant for the USPA Tandem Instructor rating. He or she has demon

strated the ability to train and jump with tandem students and to train and supervise non-method-specific students for the
USPA A license.

USPA T andem Instructor Examiner name and Member #

USPA Tandem Instructor Examiner signature

Date

__________________________

Course Location

Tandem Equipment Used for Rating 

## Page 2 CANDIDATE NAME__________________________ Member # ________________**Tandem**

COURSE/EXAMINER VERIFICATION CHECKLIST 

### (Examiners, please verify the following)

❑ Examiner membership and rating expiration date__________

❑ Course Location_____________________

(must be a current USPA Group Member drop zone)

❑ Candidate USPA Membership expiration date___________

❑ Full Course

❑ Manufacturer Rating Conversion (See Section 1.F.2, 3, 4)

❑ Foreign Tandem Instructor Rating Conversion (See Section

1.F.5)