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Introduction
Section 1: USPA
Overview
A. Your USPA Representatives
B. USPA Leadership
C. USPA Policy Making
D. The USPA Headquarters Staff
E. USPA Constitution and By-laws
Section 2: BSRs
Overview
2-1 Basic Safety Requirements
A. Applicability
B. Compliance with Federal Regulations
C. Medical Requirements
D. Age Requirements
E. Membership
F. Alcohol and Drugs
G. Student Skydivers
H. Winds
I. Minimum Opening Altitudes
J. Drop Zone Requirements
K. Pre-jump Requirements
L. Extraordinary Skydives
M. Parachute Equipment
N. Special Altitude Equipment and Supplementary Oxygen
2-2 Waivers to the Basic Safety Requirements
A. Why BSRs may need to be waived
B. Classification of Waivers
C. Procedures for Filing Waivers
D. Filing of Waivers
Section 3: Classification
Overview
3-1 USPA Licenses
A. Background
B. General Conditions for Licenses
C. Logging Jumps for Licenses and Ratings
D. Verification of Application
E. License Privileges and Requirements
F. Restricted USPA Licenses
3-2 License Exam and Application Procedures
A. License Exam Instructions
B. Presenting a Completed License Application
C. License Application Checklist
3-3 Ratings
A. USPA Instructional Ratings
B. Newly Rated Instructors
C. USPA PRO Professional Exhibition Rating
D. USPA Judge Rating
E. FAA Ratings
Section 4: ISP
Overview
4-1 Student Skill and Knowledge Sets
4-2 Categories A-H Objectives Overview
4-3 USPA Integrated Student Program: An Introduction
Category A
Category B
Category C
Category D
Category E
Category F
Category G
Category H
Section 5: General
Overview
5-1 Skydiving Emergencies
A. Practice emergency procedures
B. Prevention and preparation
C. Take action
D. Aircraft emergencies
E. Equipment emergencies
F. Landing emergencies
G. Freefall collisions
H. Canopy collisions
I. Low turns
5-2 Recurrency Training
A. Students
B. Licensed skydivers
C. Changes in procedures
D. Long layoffs
5-3 Equipment
A. Federal regulations on equipment
B. Main parachute
C. Reserve parachute
D. Harness and container system
E. Main pilot chute
F. Reserve static line (RSL)
G. Automatic activation device (AAD)
H. Static line (main)
I. Borrowing or changing equipment
J. Use of altimeters
K. Accessories
L. Main parachute packing
M. Parachute maintenance
5-4 Pre-Jump Safety Checks and Briefings
A. Equipment preparation is essential
B. Briefings
C. Equipment checklist
5-5 Weather
A. Determining winds
B. Hazardous weather
C. Density altitude
5-6 Aircraft
5-7 Spotting
A. Why spotting is important
B. Priorities
C. Group separation on jump run
D. Exit and flight plan considerations in different disciplines
5-8 Incident Reports
A. Incidents
B. Investigation and reporting of incidents
C. Submission and disposal of incident reports
D. The Incident Report form
E. USPA policy regarding propriety and privileged information
Section 6: Advanced
Overview
6-1 Group Freefall
A. What is relative work?
B. Training and procedures
C. Breakoff
D. Other references
6-2 Freeflying, Freestyle and Skysurfing
A. The scope of freeflying
B. Qualifications
C. Equipment
D. Training
E. Hazards associated with group freeflying
6-3 Freefall Rates - Time Table
A. A logging aid
B. Computation
Freefall Time Table
6-4 Night Jumps
A. Why jump at night?
B. Qualifications
C. Challenges
D. Special equipment
E. Procedures
F. General
G. Group jumps: freefall and canopy
6-5 Water Landings
A. Why jump in the water?
B. Training for unintentional water landings
C. Intentional water landings
D. High-performance landings in water
E. Water jump safety checks and briefings
6-6 Canopy Formations
A. What is canopy relative work?
B. General
C. Qualifications and initial training
D. Equipment
E. Rules of engagement
F. Emergency procedures
G. Night canopy formations
6-7 High Altitude
A. Preparation and planning critical
B. Scope
C. Altitude classifications
D. Experience recommended
E. Training recommendations
F. Recommended equipment
G. Recommended preparations
H. Oxygen use procedures
I. Spotting procedures
J. Hazards of openings at higher altitudes
Higher Altitude Planning Chart
6-8 Camera Flying
A. Introduction
B. Background
C. Purpose
D. Equipment
E. Procedures
F. Considerations for filming students
6-9 Wingsuit
A. Classroom Topics
B. Gearing up and pre-flight gear checks
C. Walk-through; boarding; ride to altitude
D. Wingsuit Exit and Flight
E. Debrief
6-10 Canopy Flight
A. Introduction and Purpose
B. Scope of Performance
C. Performance Progression
D. Downsizing Progression
E. Design Progression
F. Practice Area
Wing loading chart
6-11 Advanced Canopy Piloting
Overview
Ground School Topics
Advanced Exercises
6-12 Movement Jumps
A. Introduction
B. Qualifications
C. Equipment
D. Training
E. Hazards Associated with Movement Jumps
F. Pre-Flight Checklist
Section 7: PRO
Overview
7-1 Exhibition Jumping
A. Definition
B. How to approach a demo jump
C. Experience and ability
D. Attitude
E. Landing areas
F. Turbulence and target placement
G. Maximum winds
H. Equipment
I. Aerial maneuvers
J. Crowd control
K. Ground signals
L. Announcer
M. Other activities
N. Advice and approval
O. Insurance
P. Related readings
Table 7.A
7-2 PRO Rating
A. What is a PRO Rating?
B. Qualifications and procedures
C. To Requalify on Smaller Canopies
D. Annual Renewal Requirements
E. Lapsed PRO Rating Renewal Requirements
7-3 Completing FAA Form 7711-2
Section 8: Awards
Overview
8-1 Service Awards
8-1.1: Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) General Awards
8-1.2: National Aeronautic Association (NAA) Service Awards
8-1.3: USPA Service Awards
8-1.4: Recipients of the USPA Lifetime Achievement Award
8-1.5: Recipients of the USPA Gold Medal for Meritorious Service
8-2 Achievement Awards
8-3 Performance Awards
8-4 Membership Tenure Certificates
Section 9: FAA Documents
Overview
9-1 Federal Aviation Regulations
Part 61 Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors
Part 65 Certification: Airmen other than Flight Crewmembers
Part 91 General Operating and Flight Rules
Part 105 Parachute Operations
Part 119 Certification: Air Carriers and Commercial Operators
9-2 Advisory Circulars
AC 90-66B Standard Traffic Patterns
AC 90-66A Appendix C: Parachute Operations
AC 105-2E Sport Parachuting
AC 105-2E Appendix 1: Jump Authorization or Notification
AC 105-2E Appendix 2: Aircraft with Door Removed
AC 105-2E Appendix 3: Seats and Restraint Systems
9-3 Air Traffic Bulletins
December 1995
July 2004
Glossary & Appendices
Glossary Find & Highlight
A-E
F-J
K-O
P-T
U-Z
Freefall Hand Signals
Category Quiz Answers
License Study Guide
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3-1 USPA Licenses
A. Background
License requirements are intended to encourage the development of the knowledge and skills that should be acquired by each skydiver as experience is gained.
USPA licenses, recognized in all FAI member countries, serve as official documentation that the stated experience and skills have been attained.
Licenses are a valuable instructional tool in that they serve both as goals to be accomplished and as a guideline to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to provide a reasonable level of safety and enjoyment.
USPA license authority
The United States Parachute Association is authorized by the National Aeronautic Association and the Federation Aeronautique Internationale to issue internationally recognized sporting licenses.
Licenses are issued based upon demonstration of skill, knowledge, and experience and are ranked according to the level of accomplishment.
B. General conditions for licenses
USPA licenses are valid only while the holder is a current regular USPA member or a current temporary USPA member; there is no other renewal requirement.
USPA ratings are only valid while the holder is a current regular USPA member.
USPA licenses are valid in all FAI member countries and, while valid, entitle the holder to participate in open skydiving events organized in FAI member countries.
USPA issues licenses only to USPA members who meet the conditions set forth for that license.
License qualifications made during military training jumps and all the dive flows and ground training requirements outlined in the USPA ISP must be properly recorded on the USPA A license progression card or higher license application for that USPA license and verified by the appropriate USPA official.
Total freefall time is defined to include both freefall and droguefall time.
USPA licenses may be refused, suspended, or revoked only when authorized by the USPA Board of Directors or in compliance with existing USPA Board directives.
C. Logging jumps for licenses and ratings
Skydives offered as evidence of qualification must have been:
made in accordance with the USPA requirements in effect at the time of the jump
legibly recorded in chronological order in an appropriate log that contains the following information:
jump number
date
location
exit altitude
freefall length (time)
type of jump (formation skydiving, freeflying, canopy formation, style, etc.)
landing distance from the target
equipment used
verifying signature to include a legible USPA membership number, skydiving license number, or pilot certificate number
Jumps to meet the number of jumps requirements for USPA licenses and ratings must be signed by a witness of the jump who may be another licensed skydiver, pilot, Instructor, Examiner, S&TA, or board member.
Jumps to meet skill requirements must be signed by a USPA Instructor, Examiner, S&TA, or a member of the USPA Board of Directors. Special requirements and additional qualifying items needed for Examiner ratings such as FJCs, air evaluations, ground evaluations, and teaching requirements must be logged and signed by the S&TA, member of the USPA Board of Directors or an Examiner.
Use of digital devices for logging skydives
Many skydivers use digital devices to log skydives, instead of traditional paper logbooks.
Any jump logged in a digital device must contain the required information, including a signature verification from a licensed skydiver, the pilot, or a USPA National or FAI Judge who witnessed the skydive.
Each Instructor, S&TA, or Examiner who verifies license requirements for a USPA license must review and verify the jumps logged in a digital device.
For skydivers who are pursuing licenses and ratings, it is especially critical that the first 500 jumps are clearly logged and easily verifiable by the officials who must verify the jumps for licenses and ratings.
D. Verification of application
Experience verification: The certifying official should verify that the number of jumps and total freefall time are correct and meet the listed requirements for the license sought.
Skill verification: Jump numbers, scores, or date(s) of completion require the initials of a current USPA Instructor, S&TA, I/E, or USPA Board member.
Except for jumps to meet the number of jump requirements; all jumps needed to meet requirements for licenses or ratings must be signed by an Instructor, Examiner, S&TA, or board member. Special requirements and additional qualifying items needed for an Examiner ratings such as FJCs, air evaluations, ground evaluations, and teaching requirements must be logged and signed by the S&TA, Examiner, or board member.
Signature Verification: Applications for all licenses must be signed by an appropriate official (as listed in this Section) before the application is forwarded to USPA Headquarters.
USPA Instructors may verify A, B, and C licenses.
S&TAs, I/Es, and USPA Board members may verify any license application.
Every USPA B license must also include a completed and signed copy of the Canopy Piloting Proficiency Card.
The completed Canopy Proficiency Card must be signed by a current USPA S&TA, Examiner, or USPA board member.
The S&TA must ensure that a qualified course director conducts the training in this section.
In some situations, the best candidate to teach this material may not hold any USPA ratings, but may have extensive knowledge about canopy control and landings.
The signature of the S&TA on the proficiency card is to verify that the training has been satisfactorily completed by the candidate.
You may not sign for your own license application or initial any of the verification blocks of your own license application.
USPA will charge a separate license fee for each license number issued.
E. License privileges and requirements
A License
Persons holding a USPA A license may jump without supervision, pack their own main parachute, engage in basic group jumps, perform water jumps, and must have—
completed 25 freefall jumps
completed all requirements listed on the USPA A License Proficiency Card
completed five group freefall skydives involving at least two participants
received the signature and official stamp on the USPA A License Proficiency Card or USPA A License Progression Card (ISP) which validates the A license for a 60-day time limit following the completion of the card
The completed and signed USPA A License Proficiency Card or USPA A License Progression Card must be validated within 60-days of completion by sending the card to USPA Headquarters. Once validated, USPA will issue a license number that becomes a permanent record of the member.
passed the USPA-developed written and oral USPA A-license exams conducted by a current USPA I, Examiner, S&TA, Judge or USPA Board member Note: USPA Headquarters will accept either completed card signed by a USPA Instructor without the official stamp.? The registration fee must be included.
B License
Persons holding a USPA B license are able to exercise all privileges of an A-license holder, perform night jumps, with 100 jumps are eligible for the USPA Coach Rating, and must have—
met all current requirements for or hold a USPA A license
completed 50 jumps including:
accumulated at least 30 minutes of controlled freefall time
landed within 33 feet of target center on ten jumps
successful completion of the planned formation(s) on ten formation skydives, or ten formation freefly skydives, at least five of which, in either discipline, must involve at least three participants
documentation of live water landing training with full equipment in accordance with the procedures in the Skydiver's Information Manual
complete all of the requirements listed on the USPA Canopy Piloting Proficiency Card
passed the written USPA B license exam conducted by a current USPA I, Examiner, S&TA, Judge or USPA Board member.
C License
Persons holding a USPA C license are able to exercise all privileges of a B-license holder, are eligible for the USPA Instructor rating (except USPA Tandem Instructor), participate in certain demonstration jumps, may ride as passenger on USPA Tandem Instructor training and rating renewal jumps, and must have—
met all current requirements for or hold a USPA B license
completed 200 jumps, including accumulating at least 60 minutes of controlled freefall time
landed within seven feet of target center on 25 jumps
Successful completion of fifty formation skydives, or fifty formation freefly skydives, at least ten of which, in either discipline, must involve at least four participants
Passed the USPA written C license exam conducted by a current USPA I, Examiner, S&TA, Judge or USPA Board member.
D License
Persons holding a USPA D license are able to exercise all privileges of a C-license holder, are eligible for all USPA ratings, and must have—
met all current requirements for or hold a USPA C license
completed 500 jumps including accumulating at least three hours of controlled freefall time
completed at least two of the following skills requirements (a requirement may be repeated):
night jump (following the SIM recommendations)
landed within seven feet of the target center on 100 jumps.
participated in a canopy formation of a 3 stack or larger, completing a full rotation.
completed an intentional water jump.
successful completion of one hundred formation skydives, at least twenty-five of which must involve at least eight participants.
Passed the written USPA D license exam conducted by a current USPA Examiner, S&TA, Judge Examiner or USPA board member.
F. Restricted USPA Licenses
Under extreme circumstances, such as physical handicaps, a USPA Restricted license may be issued to applicants who are unable to meet all of the specific license requirements.
A person may be qualified for a Restricted license if the applicant has (all of the following):
submitted a petition to the Safety & Training Committee, containing:
type of license requested
specific license requirement(s) which cannot be met
circumstances which prevent compliance with license requirements
license application completed, except for the restricted activities
met all requirements for the license desired except for those listed in the petition
Each application will be considered individually on its own merit, totally without precedent.
If the waiver is approved by the board of directors, the license will be issued with the word "restricted."