Chapter 6: Exhibition Jumping and PRO Rating

One purpose of USPA is to promote successful demonstration jumps as part of an overall public relations program for the sport. These recommendations cover experience, ability and attitude, the Professional Exhibition (PRO) Rating, landing-area size, technical considerations, insurance, and how to complete the FAA authorization request form.

Note: For all intentional off-airport jumps, USPA recommends submitting FAA Form 7711-2 with the local FSDO to obtain a certificate of authorization (FAR 105.21).

6-1: Exhibition Jumping

Note: Requirements for obtaining demonstration jump insurance may differ from the recommendations listed in this section.

A. Definition

An exhibition jump, also called a demonstration or display jump, is a jump at a location other than an existing drop zone done for the purpose of reward, remuneration, or promotion and principally for the benefit of spectators.

B. Advice and Approval

Jumpers may need to secure approval from federal, state, or local officials prior to a demonstration jump.

Jumpers may need to contact local authorities before a demonstration jump. FAR 105.23 requires airport-management approval before jumps onto the airport. USPA recommends that jumpers call the local police, as they might assist with crowd control, and advance notice may make it more likely that they will respond to calls appropriately.

Jumpers may need to contact the state’s Department of Aviation. Additionally, FAR 105.25 requires that jumpers either notify the FAA or receive air traffic control authorization for almost every jump. At least one hour before any jump, the jumper must notify the air traffic control facility having jurisdiction over the airspace at the first intended exit altitude. Also, FAR 105.21.a. states that no jump be made over or into a congested area or an open-air assembly of persons until a certificate of authorization has been issued (FAA Form 7711-1).

The FAA will determine whether an application for authorization must be filed with the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). This chapter contains the FAA’s instructions on how to fill out the application for authorization, FAA Form 7711-2. The local FSDO may require an aerial photo and aviation sectional chart marking the location of the jump.

The BSRs require the organizers to contact and receive demonstration jump advice from the local S&TA or a USPA Examiner, who should be able to assist in meeting all state and federal requirements. The S&TA or Examiner providing this advice should use FAR 105.15.a as a guideline. Examiners approached for advice should contact the S&TA for the area or the drop zone at which the flight will originate. The S&TA should assist the jumpers in meeting all applicable state and federal requirements and check that they are met.

The organizer should carry all authorizations and permits on the jump. The S&TA should investigate both the proposed area and the participants. The S&TA or Examiner may recommend the use of specific jumpers or advise the organizer to use only individuals meeting certain experience requirements. The organizer may need flexibility in making last-minute substitutions of aircraft and participants. When consulted for a demonstration jump, the S&TA may also recommend certain additional limitations such as wind speed and direction, altitude, etc.

The S&TA should consider the information in this section when making recommendations and should ask the question, “All things considered, are the chances of performing a safe and professional demonstration jump reasonably good?”

C. Landing Areas

All FAA-authorized demonstration jumps are classified as Open Field, Level 1, Level 2, or Stadium. With the FAA’s concurrence, USPA defines these areas as described in Table 6.A, Size and Definition of Landing Areas.

Minimum landing areas for PRO Rating holders:

• For PRO Rating holders, there should be no less than 5,000 square feet of landing area per four jumpers.
• An additional 800 square feet per jumper is required for any jumper landing within 30 seconds of the last of any four jumpers.

When evaluating a demonstration jump, the jumper must consider alternate landing areas, such as run-offs or escape areas. Open bodies of water may be included when measuring landing-area requirements for open-field, level 1 and level 2 landing areas—however, the vertical and horizontal distance limits from any spectator outlined in Table 6.A still applies.

Table 6.A— Size and Definition of Landing Areas

D. Experience and Ability

Jumpers must have all the following experience and ability when jumping into an Open Field and Level 1 area, as defined by USPA and accepted by the FAA:

• C license or higher
• 50 jumps within the past 12 months
• five jumps within the previous 60 days using the same model and size canopy to be used on the demonstration jump
• For tandem jumps, the above requirements do not apply to the tandem student

Jumpers must have all of the following experience and ability when jumping into a Level 2 and Stadium area, as defined by USPA and accepted by the FAA:

• hold the PRO rating (required by the BSRs)
• 50 jumps within the past 12 months
• five jumps within the previous 60 days using the same model and size canopy to be used on the demonstration jump

E. How to Approach a Demo Jump

On a demonstration jump, as with all jumps, jumpers must consider safety first. The next most important aspect is landing in the target area. Good aerial work is not impressive if the jumpers land out. A stand-up landing in the target area is usually a demonstration jump's most visible and impressive portion.

Jumpers must consider many variables when planning demo jumps, including wind speed and direction, approach types, equipment type, jumper experience, target areas, and alternate landing areas. The organizer must evaluate each proposed demo individually.

While a good demonstration jump provides excellent public relations for the sport, a poorly performed one may severely damage skydiving’s image. Therefore, jumpers must recognize and understand that sometimes it may be in the best interest of the individual jumper and skydiving in general not to make the jump at all. Demo jumpers should always exhibit a mature, professional attitude.

Jumpers should promise no more than they can produce and perform with expertise and efficiency, taking no unnecessary chances. Jumpers should prepare in advance, recognize and deal with the air of excitement that surrounds a demo jump, and make mature and professional judgments when dealing with unforeseen circumstances. This may require jumpers to delay or cancel the demo when conditions are not suitable for a safe jump. Jumpers and support staff should have a sharp, clean appearance to make a better impression and present a professional image.

Equipment

USPA recommends ram-air main canopies for Open Field, Level 1, Level 2 and Stadium jumps. The FAA requires ram-air main canopies for Level 2 and Stadium jumps.

The reserve canopy should be steerable for open-field jumps. The FAA requires ram-air reserve canopies for Level 1, Level 2, and Stadium jumps.

Jumpers should hand-carry smoke or attach it to an easily ejectable boot bracket. Warning: military type (M-18) smoke grenades are extremely hot and should not be handheld.

With very few exceptions, USPA recommends demo jumpers use an AAD and an RSL, preferably with a MARD system. AADs can be set to accommodate differences between the jumper's takeoff and landing altitudes.

Maximum Winds

When considering wind limits, jumpers should factor in wind turbulence and the capabilities of the reserve canopy. USPA recommends conducting all demonstration jumps with a ground-wind maximum of 15-mph. For stadium jumps, jumpers should measure the wind at the top of the stadium, always anticipating turbulence.

Turbulence and Target Placement

Especially in windy conditions, jumpers must consider recommended minimum distances from major obstacles, including large buildings and trees, which affect air currents and can cause turbulence. A single tree, pole, fence, etc., is not considered a major obstacle. Stadiums often produce turbulence. Jumpers should be thoroughly familiar with their canopies’ flight characteristics in turbulent air.

Aerial Maneuvers

Demo jumpers should rehearse aerial maneuvers, just as any professional would give a show a dry run. Participants should know their exit point, freefall drift, and opening point. Landing on target takes priority over air work. Jumpers should be prepared to break off, track, or pull high if necessary.

Jumpers should not perform radical canopy maneuvers below 500 feet. Demonstration jumpers often use smoke or flags to enhance a show. Before jumping with smoke or an unfamiliar flag system, jumpers should seek out training and advice from a PRO-rated jumper who is familiar with the rigging and associated components.

Smoke is usually attached to a foot-mounted bracket or to a line that is dropped below the jumper. The smoke canister is ignited after opening. There are two types of smoke: hot and cold. If using hot smoke, jumpers should ensure that the smoke container won’t burn through the line and should use care when crossing over obstacles or spectators during the final approach. Be cautious after landing as the smoke canister may be very hot for a while.

A flag may be attached to the rear lines or dropped below the jumper on a weighted line connected to the leading edge. Larger flags typically have the weight attached to or sewn into the leading edge and should be folded into a bag or pouch designed to contain it. Jumpers should deploy flags over uncongested areas to protect people and property in case a weight detaches. Those jumping with the U.S. flag should review Title 4 U.S. Code, Chapter 1 (U.S. Flag Code) so they properly handle it. Ground crew attempting to catch a weighted flag before it touches the ground should be aware of the dangers of being hit by the weight.

Only experienced CF jumpers should perform canopy formation maneuvers during demonstration skydives. Efforts to build canopy formations should stop no lower than 2,500 feet AGL. It is much more difficult and dangerous to land a canopy stack on target than it is to land canopies separately.

Crowd Control

A collision with a spectator is dangerous for both the spectator and the jumper, as well as the well-being of the sport. Ground support should take reasonable precautions to keep spectators out of the landing area. When possible, spectators should be seated, since mobile spectators are more likely to move toward the jump target or into the path of a landing jumper.

Jumpers should pick up their equipment immediately after landing, since it could get damaged, and some spectators may decide that skydiving equipment makes good souvenirs. Jumpers who plan on packing in the crowd should protect their equipment against damage from spectators’ drinks and cigarettes.

Ground Signals

Participants must maintain ground-to-air communication as outlined in the BSRs, using a radio, smoke, or a panel. Ground support should establish a backup to the primary signal in case the primary signal fails. If a Certificate of Authorization (FAA Form 7711-1) is issued, it may require ground-to-air radio communication.

Announcer

An experienced skydiver on the public address system contributes to a quality demonstration jump. The announcer can point out the aircraft, explain each phase of the jump, give general information, and explain any unusual occurrences, such as a reserve activation or a jumper missing the target. The announcer can also contribute to crowd control by asking spectators not to enter the target area.

Other Activities

Activities after the jump add to the entertainment of the spectators. For example, after landing, team members may pack their parachutes in view of the spectators. While visiting with spectators after a jump, team members should respond to questions politely and factually, directing persons interested in jumping to uspa.org. Often, team members also distribute brochures advertising a local drop zone.

Insurance

USPA individual membership liability skydiving insurance (property damage and bodily injury), which is included as a benefit of USPA membership, is not valid for demonstration jumps. Contact USPA Headquarters or visit uspa.org/demo#Demo-Jump-Insurance for information on demonstration jump insurance.

6-2: Professional Exhibition Rating

A. Definition

Working in conjunction with the FAA, USPA issues Professional Exhibition (PRO) Ratings to any USPA member who meets the current requirements. This rating identifies the jumper as highly proficient and accurate in canopy control.

The USPA PRO Rating enables skydivers to perform exhibition jumps in challenging landing areas. To earn this rating, skydivers with a USPA D license must demonstrate landing skills using the parachute they intend to use for exhibition jumps. They also receive training in handling flags and pyrotechnic devices, coordinating with the FAA, and obtaining insurance coverage. The PRO rating allows holders to fly and land closer to crowds than jumpers who have not met these qualifications. Thus, PRO-rating holders must be proficient with various canopy sizes and must be capable of landing in small areas. As such, PRO-rating applicants provide a professional demonstration of skills on a wing loading of 1.5:1 and below. A High-Performance (HP) Endorsement allows PRO-rated members to make exhibition jumps with wing loadings above 1.5:1.

A USPA PRO Rating is not required for all demonstration jumps but may be a valuable advantage in working with the FAA. The FAA recognizes the USPA PRO Rating as a certificate of proficiency.

B. Qualifications and Procedures

PRO Rating Qualifications

To qualify for the PRO rating, an applicant must:

• be a current member of USPA
• possess a USPA D license
• have at least 500 jumps on a ram-air canopy
• made two-night jumps in accordance with the BSRs (recommended that the first one be a solo and one in a group) with a freefall of at least 20 seconds. An Instructor with a D license who has completed at least two-night jumps must verify these jumps.
• make a series of 10 solo jumps with a stand-up landing into an area 40 feet long by 20 feet wide using the same model and size canopy at a wing loading 1.5:1 or below.
  • The applicant must pre-declare each jump to count toward the requirements for the PRO rating.
    • All declared jumps must be recorded on video that clearly shows the PRO-rating applicant's final approach and landing into a defined area 40 feet long by 20 feet wide. (Both outside and point-of-view footage are acceptable.)
    • The applicant must submit the video footage of each approach and landing to the appropriate USPA Regional Director or the Director of Safety and Training at USPA Headquarters, along with the PRO-rating application.
    • The applicant may submit the video footage by sharing it online or by sending it on a portable hard drive.
  • Once the applicant has started the series, they may make non-declared jumps; however, non-declared jumps may not count toward the accuracy requirements for the rating.
  • All 10 pre-declared jumps in the series must be successful for any in the series to count toward the rating. In the event of an unsuccessful jump, the applicant must start a new series. At least two of the landings into an area 40 feet long by 20 feet wide must be crosswind approaches, with the final approach 90 degrees to the direction of the wind. Wind speed must be at least five miles per hour and no more than 15 miles per hour.
  • On each declared jump, the applicant must make the first contact and stop within the designated landing area.
  • A USPA S&TA, Examiner, Judge or Board Member must witness and sign off on all declared jumps.

HP Endorsement Qualifications

To qualify for an HP (High Performance) Endorsement for the PRO rating (fly a parachute at a wing loading greater than 1.5:1), an applicant must:

• make a series of five solo jumps using the same model and size canopy into an area 40 feet long by 20 feet wide.
  • The applicant must pre-declare each jump to count toward the requirements for the HP Endorsement for the PRO rating.
    • All declared jumps must be recorded on video that clearly shows the PRO rating applicant's final approach and landing into a defined area 40 feet long by 20 feet wide. (Both outside and point-of-view footage are acceptable.)
    • The applicant must submit video footage of each approach and landing to the appropriate USPA Regional Director or the Director of Safety and Training at USPA Headquarters along with the PRO-rating application.
    • The applicant may submit the video footage by sharing it online or by sending it on a portable hard drive.
  • At least one landing into an area 40 feet long by 20 feet wide must demonstrate a crosswind approach and landing, with the final approach 90 degrees to the direction of the wind. Wind speed must be at least five miles per hour and no more than 15 miles per hour.
  • At least two approaches and landings must demonstrate a heading change of at least 45 degrees during the final 150 feet of canopy flight. The jumper must start and complete the heading change no higher than 25 feet AGL. This flared, carving turn demonstrates the ability to change heading during the swoop portion of the landing while still maintaining control of the parachute.
• All five pre-declared jumps in this series must be successful for any in the series to count toward the rating. In the event of an unsuccessful jump, the applicant must start a new series.
• On each declared jump, the applicant must make the first contact and stop within the designated landing area.
• a USPA S&TA, Examiner, Judge or Board Member must witness and sign off on all declared jumps.

Application Procedures

A USPA S&TA, Examiner, Judge or Board Member can administer the PRO Rating Exam online or on paper. Applicants may not use references or other assistance during the exam and must pass with a score of 75% or more. The official will record any passing score on the PRO Rating Application and in the applicant's logbook.

When giving written exams on paper, the examining USPA official gives the PRO-rating applicant a blank answer sheet and the questions to the exam. After the test, the examining official collects the materials and grades the exam. An applicant who does not pass will be eligible to retake this exam after seven days.

For written exams taken using USPA’s online license-testing program, applicants who do not pass may immediately retest using the same method for a total of three attempts per day.

The PRO-rating applicant must send the completed application to the appropriate USPA Regional Director for their signature and include the exam, videos, rating fee, and PRO Rating Proficiency Card signed by a USPA S&TA, Examiner or PRO Rating holder.

Except for the minimum 500 ram-air jump requirement, the applicant must have completed all training listed on the application within the previous 12 months. The USPA Regional Director will forward the application to USPA Headquarters.

The canopy the jumper uses during qualification will be the smallest size canopy to be allowed for minimum-landing-area (Level 2) jumps, and USPA will note this canopy size on the jumper’s USPA Membership Card. USPA will issue an annual PRO Rating with an expiration date that coincides with the applicant’s membership expiration date. The PRO-rating holder must renew their PRO rating annually to remain current. If a PRO-rating holder’s competence is questioned by an FAA or USPA official such as an S&TA, the PRO-rating holder may be required to reaffirm their proficiency.

C. To Requalify on Smaller Canopies

Wing Loading of 1.5:1 or Less

To requalify on a smaller canopy with a wing loading of 1.5:1 or less, the rating holder must make three successive, pre-declared jumps, making the first contact and stopping within an area 40 feet long by 20 feet wide.

All declared jumps must be recorded on video that clearly shows the PRO-rating applicant's final approach and landing into a defined area 40 feet long by 20 feet wide. The applicant must submit video footage of each approach and landing to the appropriate Regional Director or the Director of Safety & Training at USPA Headquarters along with the PRO Rating Application and videos (by sharing them online or by delivering a portable hard drive).

The jumper must stand up all landings, which a USPA S&TA, Examiner, Judge, or Board Member must verify. The applicant must log the three landings on the PRO Rating Application and have the verifying witness sign it. The applicant may then submit the completed application and videos to USPA Headquarters for processing.

Wing Loading Greater than 1.5:1

To re-qualify on a smaller canopy with a wing loading greater than 1.5:1, the rating holder must first meet the qualifications for the HP Endorsement listed above (i.e., must perform the five HP qualification jumps first).

The rating holder must make three successive, pre-declared jumps, making the first contact and stopping within an area 40 feet long by 20 feet wide. All declared jumps must be recorded on video that clearly shows the PRO-rating applicant's final approach and landing into a defined area 40 feet long by 20 feet wide. The applicant must submit video footage of each approach and landing to the appropriate Regional Director or the Director of Safety & Training at USPA Headquarters along with the PRO Rating Application and videos (by sharing them online or by delivering a portable hard drive).

Landing criteria:

• One landing must be into the wind in any wind speeds up to 15 miles per hour.
• One landing must be crosswind with a final approach 90 degrees to the direction of the wind. Wind speed must be at least five miles per hour and no more than 15 miles per hour.
• One approach and landing must demonstrate a heading change of at least 45 degrees during the final 150 feet of canopy flight. The jumper must start and complete the heading change no higher than 25 feet AGL. This flared, carving turn demonstrates the ability to change heading during the swoop portion of the landing while still maintaining control of the parachute.

A USPA S&TA, Examiner, Judge, or Board Member must verify all landings. The applicant must log the three landings on the PRO Rating Application, which the verifying witness signs. The applicant may submit the completed application and videos to USPA Headquarters for processing.

D. Annual Renewal Requirements

Within the previous 12 months, the PRO-rating holder must perform all the following, verified by the signature of a current USPA S&TA, Examiner, Judge or Board member (the jumper may not sign for themself) and submit a completed PRO Rating Renewal Application to USPA Headquarters with the current renewal fee:

• Make at least 50 jumps.
• PRO rating for wing loadings of 1.5:1 and less, completed two of the following requirements in the presence of a USPA S&TA, Examiner, Judge or Board Member (a requirement can be repeated):
  • perform a stand-up landing, making the first contact and stopping within an area 40 feet long by 20 feet wide with a wing loading 1.5:1 or less
  • perform a Level 2 demo jump (as defined by USPA and accepted by the FAA) with a wing loading 1.5:1 or less
• To renew a HP endorsement for wing loadings of more than 1.5:1, the jumper must meet the requirements for PRO-rating renewal for wing loadings of 1.5:1 or less and complete two of the following requirements in the presence of a USPA S&TA, Examiner, Judge or Board member (a requirement can be repeated) while using a canopy loaded higher than 1.5:1:
  • perform a carving accuracy landing with a 45-degree heading change as outlined in the HP section, making the first contact and stopping within an area 40 feet long by 20 feet wide
  • perform a crosswind accuracy landing 90 degrees to the direction of the wind as outlined in the HP section, making the first contact and stopping within an area 40 feet long by 20 feet wide
  • perform a Level 2 demo jump (as defined by USPA and accepted by the FAA)
• If the PRO-rating holder renews using a canopy size larger than the one originally qualified on, it becomes the smallest-size canopy the jumper may use for demonstrations.

E. Lapsed-PRO-Rating Renewal Requirements

To reinstate a PRO rating that has expired less than two years ago, the rating holder must do the following in the presence of a current USPA S&TA, Examiner, Judge, or Board member:

• for wing loadings of 1.5:1 and less, perform two stand-up landings, making the first contact and stopping within an area 40 feet long by 20 feet wide.
• for wing loadings more than 1.5:1, meet requirements for wing loadings of 1.5:1 or less and perform two landings, one each crosswind and 45-degree heading change outlined in the HP section, making the first contact and stopping within an area 40 feet long by 20 feet wide.

If a PRO-rating holder allows their rating to lapse for two years or longer, they must meet the initial landing qualification requirements.

If the canopy size the jumper uses for reinstatement is larger than the one originally qualified on, it becomes the smallest-size canopy the jumper may use for demonstrations.

6-3: FAA Form 7711-2

Parachute demonstration or exhibition jumps conducted into aviation events, congested areas on the surface, or open-air assemblies, require an FAA Certificate of Authorization to be issued by the FAA Flight Standards District Office with jurisdiction where the jump(s) will occur. FAA Form 7711-2 — the application for that authorization — is located on both the FAA and USPA websites. Submit the application to the FSDO after completing the form using the following FAA instructions:

Organizers should present applications for parachute-jump authorizations made over or into a congested area or open-air assembly of people at least 10 working days before an event, if possible, to allow for processing time. The FSDO provides approval or denial of the application within five working days of receipt.

Description of items requested on FAA 7711-2 form:

1. Name of organization Enter the organization sponsoring the event who retains sole responsibility for safeguarding persons and property on the surface. This person will be indicated as the holder of the Certificate of Waiver or Authorization.

2. Name of responsible person This individual must have been determined to be competent and knowledgeable concerning the terms and provisions of this Certificate of Authorization. The application may be submitted by the organizer for a sanctioned military team but must be submitted by a team member if not a sanctioned military team. The FAA considers this person responsible for ensuring the operational safety of the event on all authorization matters.

3. Permanent mailing address This information refers to the holder of the Certificate of Authorization listed in either Item 1 or 2. If no organization is listed in Item 1 then the information pertains to the name in Item 2.

4. State whether the applicant ... waiver pending ... Nothing should be entered unless the application is for banner towing.

5. State whether the applicant ... waiver denied... Nothing should be entered unless the application is for banner towing.

6. FAR section and number to be waived Enter “NONE.”

7. Detailed description of proposed operation Example: “A four-person skydiving exhibition with flags, banners, smoke and pyrotechnics.”

8. Area of operation Example: “1.0 Nm in radius from a point 7.3 Nm on the CVG 270-degree radial from surface to 8,000 feet MSL” or Example: “1.0 Nm in radius from the center of W66 airport from surface to 6,000 feet MSL.”

9a. Beginning Enter the beginning date and time when the jump aircraft will arrive over the jump site; indicate if using local or UTC (GMT aka Zulu time).

9b. Ending Enter the date and time the last jumper will be on the ground; indicate if using local or UTC.

10. (a) (b) (c) (d) Enter the aircraft make and model (include N-number if known) to be used, back-up aircraft, pilot(s) name(s) certificate number(s), and home address.

Items 11 through 16 are not required for parachuting authorizations; enter the jumpers’ names, license and membership numbers and issuing organization either in the remarks block or on a separate sheet of paper attached.