Currency training and jumps should include confirmation of knowledge and ability for a stable exit and body position, altitude awareness, stable deployment, tracking proficiency, canopy-flight planning and CEPs, execution of the pattern, flare technique, and emergency procedures. Great care is necessary when choosing canopy size. Depending on the length of the layoff, returning jumpers may require a larger, more conservative canopy than they were previously jumping until the jumper demonstrates proficiency in their canopy skills.
Students who have not jumped within the preceding 30 days should make at least one jump under the direct supervision of an appropriately rated USPA Instructor.
Skydivers returning after a long period of inactivity encounter greater risk that requires special consideration. Take care to regain or develop the knowledge, skills, and awareness needed to satisfactorily perform the tasks planned for the jump. Jumps aimed at sharpening survival skills should precede jumps with other goals.
Any time you change deployment or emergency procedures, you should train and practice under supervision in a harness simulator until proficient. Follow up ground training with a solo jump that includes several practice sequences and deploy at a higher-than-normal altitude. Repeat ground practice at short intervals, such as before each weekend’s jump activities, and continue to deploy at a higher-than-normal altitude until thoroughly familiar with the new procedures.
Jumpers should receive refresher training appropriate for their skydiving history and time since their last skydive. Jumpers who were very experienced and current but became inactive for a year or more should undergo thorough training upon returning to the sport. Skydivers who historically jump infrequently should review training after layoffs of even less than a year.
Skydiving equipment, techniques, and procedures change frequently. During currency training following long periods of inactivity, jumpers may encounter new and unfamiliar equipment and techniques. Procedures change to accommodate developments in equipment, aircraft, flying styles, FAA rules, and local drop zone requirements.
Returning skydivers require thorough practical training in the following areas:
- aircraft procedures
- equipment
- exit and freefall procedures
- canopy control and landings
- emergency procedures for aircraft, freefall, deployment, canopy-flight, and landing, as described in Chapter 4-1
A License
USPA A-license holders who have not made a freefall skydive within the preceding 60 days should make at least one jump under the supervision of a currently rated USPA instructional rating holder until demonstrating altitude awareness, freefall control on all axes, tracking, and canopy skills sufficient for safely jumping in groups.
B License
USPA B-license holders who have not made a freefall skydive within the preceding 90 days should make at least one jump under the supervision of a USPA instructional rating holder until demonstrating the ability to safely exercise the privileges of that license.
C and D License
USPA C- and D-license holders who have not made a freefall skydive within the preceding 180 days should make at least one jump under the supervision of a USPA instructional rating holder until demonstrating the ability to safely exercise the privileges of the license.