PARACHUTIST STORE Search Register Login Governance / About USPA USPA At A Glance The United States Parachute Association (USPA) is a voluntary non-profit membership organization of individuals who enjoy and support the sport of skydiving. The association is incorporated in New York and follows the by-laws contained in the USPA Governance Manual. USPA’s mission is three-fold: to promote safe skydiving through training, licensing and instructor qualification programs to ensure skydiving’s rightful place on airports and in the airspace system to promote competition and record-setting programs USPA wouldn’t be possible without its 40,000-plus members who support the organization. These members, along with first-time jump students, make roughly 3.2 million jumps per year at more than 220 USPA-affiliated drop zones nationwide. More members mean a bigger voice when dealing with issues that have threatened the existence of skydiving. It also helps to ensure the longevity of skydiving for people to enjoy for years to come. USPA partners with affiliated schools, clubs and centers—Group Member drop zones—that pledge to follow USPA's Basic Safety Requirements. These skydiving schools offer USPA-developed first-jump training methods, use only current USPA-rated skydiving instructors and provide USPA-required safety equipment. USPA began in 1946 in Mineola, New York, as the National Parachute Jumpers-Riggers, Incorporated, representing an estimated 100 members. It was renamed the Parachute Club of America in 1957 and renamed itself again to the United States Parachute Association in 1967. In July 2016, USPA celebrates in 70th anniversary. In May 2006, in conjunction with its 60th anniversary, USPA moved into its new headquarters in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where it continues to reside. Safety Since its founding, USPA has been dedicated first and foremost to safety. It has accomplished this primarily through the development of training programs, especially for beginning skydivers; the licensing of skydivers at increasingly higher levels of proficiency as they advance their skills and experience; and the creation of a multi-tiered rating program for skydiving instructors. All of these programs are designed to be conducted in accordance with USPA-established safety standards. As part of its mission to promote safe skydiving, USPA has developed the Integrated Student Program (ISP). The ISP includes three basic first-jump programs. Learn more about first-jump methods here. The ISP then advances students through eight categories of progressive freefall and canopy skills, leading up to an A license, which requires a minimum of 25 jumps. Leadership Government Relations Competition Publications USPA's Values Statement USPA is committed to promoting an atmosphere that allows our sport to be safe, inclusive and fun. We advocate for the dignity and well-being of all individuals and respect diverse traditions, heritages and experiences. We value inclusivity and reject discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief or any other attribute not related to performance or merit. USPA affirms its vision of a safe and healthy skydiving environment free of violence and any form of harassment, including sexual or racial harassment. USPA 5401 Southpoint Centre Blvd., Fredericksburg, VA, 22407 (540) 604-9740 M-F 9am-5pm Eastern (540) 604-9741 uspa@uspa.org Copyright 2021 by United States Parachute Association Privacy Statement | Terms Of Use