United States Parachute Association > Rating Holders and S&TAs > Resources
Menu
  1. First-Time & Student Skydivers
  2. Experienced Skydivers
  3. Rating Holders and S&TAs
  4. Drop Zone Management
  5. About USPA
Monday, December 23, 2024

Resources

Skydive School

This Online Ground School is free to use with no sign-up required! While not a full course, this training resource provides valuable information for first-time jumpers as well as students earning their A license. Even uncurrent licensed jumpers might find it useful for refresher training. Sections include equipment, exit, freefall, canopy flight, landing, and emergency procedures.

Malfunction Video Series

This series of videos depict the most commonly found malfunctions and ones covered in the ISP training. Both Standard and Virtual Reality videos are available. You can download the standard videos in .mp4 format. You can use the VR videos in a VR player, on your smartphone, or directly via the YouTube link, or download in VR format.

ISP Category Dive Flows

This video series depicts dive flows in both Freefall and Canopy for all Categories of the ISP. Coaches and Instructors can use these as accurate demonstrations in their ground preps, and students can use them to preview what's next in their progression. Download concise versions of dive flow videos in .mp4 format. Length of these are less than two minutes and include both freefall and canopy in one video. The downloadable versions are useful in locations where an internet connection is not available, or simply for ease of use.  Also available are the full-length versions in a YouTube video playlist.

ISP Category Quizzes

A great resource for students earning their A license, these online quizzes present the questions that appear in the ISP, Section 4 of the SIM, in an instantly graded format. No sign-up or login required to access.

Skydivers Information Manual

The digital version of the SIM is available as a downloadable pdf. Plans to bring back a resource similar to the app are scheduled for next season.

Logbook Apps

This list of apps have been reviewed by USPA staff and deemed in compliance with SIM 3-1 C logging guidance. Jumps tracked with these apps can be used when verifying licenses and ratings qualifications as well as skill requirements. This list is maintained by USPA Department of IT for informational purposes only to assist instructors, examiners, and S&TAs in their responsibility to accept digital logbooks while still complying with SIM 3-1 C. USPA does not specifically endorse any of the apps or associated products. There may be other apps that meet logging guidance that are not listed on the page.

Real-Time Training Altimeters

Using a real-time altimeter for training dive flows helps the student incorporate their learning into a whole flow and is critical at the end of practice for the instructor or coach to determine readiness. Options are available for this training aid includeg the Skydive-Altimeter app for iPhone by Mixed Up and Oleg's Super Simple Skydiving Analog Altimeter Simulator available in a browser which persists offline after initial loading.

Traveling with Parachutes

Here's the advice you've been wanting... how can you travel hassle-free with your skydiving gear? This popular article tells all.

USPA Library

Released for Safety & Training Advisors, this online repository contains multiple courses and modules for continuing education. Not all members have access to this e-learning environment, but plans to expand offerings are in the works.

Wingloading Calculator
Reserve Repack Date Calculator
Used Gear Calculator

 

Also available as a mobile app with offline content in
Google Play and the App Store:

Safety Day

March 8, 2025

In early spring, the skydiving season for much of the country is just crawling out of hibernation. Most skydivers don’t jump through the cold months as often as they do in the summer, and their skills are a bit rusty. That’s when Safety Day comes. Safety Day is typically held on the second Saturday in March; however, some drop zones hold it on alternate dates. Established in 1997 from an idea by Patti Chernis, Safety Day provides a worldwide forum at local drop zones to prepare jumpers for the year ahead. Safety Day promotes safety programs and helps inform jumpers of new developments and review important information and procedures. Activities typically include hands-on review and practice of safety procedures, seminars from skydiving operation professionals and experts, equipment evaluations and more. Most days end with a social get together. USPA encourages all jumpers of all experience levels to attend. Every drop zone should host Safety Day.

Community Resources

Below are links supplied by members sharing resources they've created. USPA does not provide support or maintain these resources or links, so contact the developer with any issues. If you have a resource you'd like to list here, contact it@uspa.org

Gust Tracker for AWOS station by Carlos Felix, Chicagoland Skydiving Center https://github.com/brainstomp/gusttracker/

(540) 604-9740 ext. 314
 safety@uspa.org

Safety & Training FAQs

Is there an official guidebook on the rules and regulations of skydiving?

USPA publishes the Skydiving Information Manual (SIM), which contains the most up-to-date information about skydiving. It contains everything from learning to skydive to obtaining all the skydiving licenses and ratings to extreme jumps. It’s available in several formats and languages.

How many skydiving schools are there in the U.S.?

There are currently over 200 USPA Group Member skydiving centers or “drop zones,” located within convenient driving distance of most major cities and towns. Find a Group Member drop zone.

How can you become a member of USPA? Do you need to be a pro skydiver?

Anyone can become a member of USPA. You don’t need to be a pro skydiver to support the sport of skydiving and help keep it around for others to join in years to come. Learn about the benefits and join online.

Is skydiving regulated by the FAA, which oversees aviation safety?

Yes, the FAA regulates skydiving. USPA disseminates industry safety standards.

When did the sport of skydiving begin in the U.S.?

People have been parachuting for hundreds of years. Learn more about the history of skydiving.

To Be Continued ...

In conjunction with the Technology Department and highly experienced Examiners, USPA's Safety & Training Department is continuing to develop even more resources to help members learn and train more easily and with the most current body of knowledge from the industry. 

Visit again often for continually updated useful resources!
PARACHUTIST
USPA STORE

USPA      5401 Southpoint Centre Blvd., Fredericksburg, VA, 22407     (540) 604-9740    M-F 9am-5pm Eastern    (540) 604-9741     uspa@uspa.org

Terms Of UsePrivacy StatementCopyright 2024 by United States Parachute Association
Your Source for all things Skydiving in the U.S.
Back To Top