SMS is a documented, structured, proactive approach to managing safety within an organization. USPA has produced a template based on ICAO and FAA guidelines that can be customized to meet each operation’s specific needs. An effective SMS program can benefit DZs by reduced risk, enhanced safety culture, improved compliance, operational efficiency and competitive advantage.

The specific requirements of each parachute operation’s SMS will vary depending on the size of the organization; however, the four main components: safety policy, safety risk management, safety assurance, safety culture are essential.

Within the framework of SMS, DZs can tailor the SMS framework to their specific needs, but every framework should include clear definitions of the responsibilities of the different individuals and teams. This helps everyone understand their roles and they are working together to prevent accidents and injuries.

USPA provides support to guide DZs through the implementation process. Members are encouraged to contact USPA Director of Government Relations Michael Knight for assistance implementing SMS at their location.

USPA SMS Template

As a potential aviation safety improvement, USPA and the NTSB have collaborated to provide the educational links below to help jump pilots and operators improve the safety of jump flights.

1. FAA Safety – Flying for Jump Operations
2. Back to Basics Flying for Skydiving Operations – YouTube
3. NTSB Safety Alert on Carburetor Icing

This is a synopsis from the NTSB’s report and does not include the Board’s rationale for the conclusions, probable cause, and safety recommendations. NTSB staff is currently making final revisions to the report from which the attached conclusions and safety recommendations have been extracted. The final report and pertinent safety recommendation letters will be distributed to recommendation recipients as soon as possible. The attached information is subject to further review and editing to reflect changes adopted during the Board meeting.

Studies have shown that startle responses during unexpected situations such as power‐plant failure during takeoff or initial climb have contributed to loss of control of aircraft. By including an appropriate plan of action in a departure briefing for a power‐plant failure during takeoff or initial climb, you can manage your startle response and maintain aircraft control.

USPA has developed a packet that has been mailed to all Group Member DZ operators that helps clarify the federal aviation regulations as they apply to operators of jump aircraft. The USPA Group Member pledge also includes new provisions clarifying FAA aircraft inspection requirements and jump pilot qualifications. Following are the packet contents:

Cover Letter
Maintenance Narrative and Sample
Aircraft Status Form

The USPA Skydiving Aircraft Operations Manual was designed to provide DZOs and their pilots with a guide to procedures and practices that supplement FAA regulatory requirements. The newly revised 2011 USPA Skydiving Aircraft Operations Manual is now available for download.

The Jump Pilot Training Syllabus serves as an outline for topics that should be covered during initial and recurrent jump pilot training. Aircraft operators are encouraged to tailor this Word document to their needs. Sections may be added to address pilot training in specific skydiving aircraft. The syllabus was created by Chris Schindler, whose website DiverDriver, is “the jump pilot’s information resource.”

The Flight Operations Handbook, originally by Ray Ferrell, is an in-depth template to be used to cover a variety of topics related to aircraft procedures and pilot training for skydiving operations. It includes sections on several popular skydiving aircraft, and pilot flight competency and proficiency checks. This Word document may also be edited to suit company needs.

USPA Skydiving Aircraft Operations Manual
Jump Pilot Training Syllabus
Flight Operations Handbook

One word summarizes the basis for successfully flying aircraft formations: planning. Whether you’re flying two Cessna 182s or a 12-aircraft formation for a world record, the same rules apply.

Planning. Planning. Planning.

Orange Skies Free Fall Center launched its opening weekend at Fort Morgan Municipal Airport in Colorado April 20-21.