About Government Relations

Oversight of skydiving involves multiple entities, most notably including the USPA, and the FAA.

The mission of the Federal Aviation Administration is to provide the safest, most efficient aviation system in the world. They regulate aspects of skydiving and rely on the self-regulation of the participants through the guidelines and recommendations published by USPA. The FAA's main responsibility is to provide for the safety of air traffic, as well as persons and property on the ground. The FAA does this by certificating pilots, mechanics, air traffic controllers and parachute riggers and by requiring approval data for aircraft and parachutes. The agency has the authority to impose fines and suspend or revoke certificates it has issued. In the case of a skydiving violation, the FAA can fine the pilot, rigger, jumpers, as well as suspend or revoke the certificates of pilots and riggers.

The FAA and USPA rely on self-regulation from within the skydiving community for most training and operational requirements.

Government Relations

The Government Relations Department at USPA Headquarters addresses member and group member questions regarding aircraft, airport access, the FAA, legislative issues, TSA, or security issues.

(540) 604-9740 ext. 3320
govrelations@uspa.org

View FARs in the online SIM

USPA In Action

One-third of USPA's mission directly involves Government Relations, namely to ensure skydiving’s rightful place on airports and in the airspace system, which includes protecting the sport and the industry. Often, USPA In Action involves prevention of harmful action. Here is a sample of the wins USPA has for skydiving!

Air Traffic Control and Skydiving Again Face Threat!

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Today, the chairman of the House Transportation Committee used his prerogative to amend the current House bill regarding Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization to try again to remove air traffic control from the FAA. This came despite his earlier statements that he was ending his efforts to privatize ATC. This proposal would pull ATC out of the FAA and move it to the U.S. Department of Transportation, where a new Management Advisory Council, populated with airline interests, would serve as the ATC board of directors. Though not “privatization,” many of the effects on general aviation and skydiving would be the same. The House may vote tomorrow, April 25, on this bill. USPA has sent an Action Call to members to contact Congressional Representatives and oppose moving ATC out of the FAA. Members should check their emails to learn how to take action immediately. For more information, go to atcnotforsale.com.

Chairman Drops Push to Privatize ATC

Another ATC Win for Skydiving!