Skydiving Lessons: Essential Information You Should Be Aware Of

Skydiving, a thrilling activity that requires education before participation, offers an exhilarating experience for adrenaline seekers. With multiple ways to earn skydiving education, this guide will take you through the USPA licenses, training methods, and what you can expect during your skydiving journey.

The USPA (United States Parachute Association) issues four licenses: A, B, C, and D, with the A license being the entry-level license for solo skydiving. To obtain your USPA skydiving license, you need to complete training at a USPA-affiliated drop zone, log a required number of jumps under instructor supervision, demonstrate skills in freefall and canopy control, pass written and practical exams, and comply with USPA safety guidelines.

The A license signifies the beginning of your skydiving adventure. To earn a USPA A license, one must log a minimum of 25 jumps, 19 minutes of freefall, complete 5 group freefall skydives, pass a parachute packing class, complete requirements on the USPA A License Proficiency Card, pass the USPA written and oral exams, and apply for the USPA Membership. Accelerated Freefall (AFF) is the fastest and most cost-effective way to earn a USPA A skydiving license.

Accelerated Freefall (AFF) is the gateway to independent jumping, with students learning body position, canopy control, landing patterns, emergency procedures, and other safety protocols. The rest of the AFF classes take place in the air, with instructors closely monitoring students' jumps. Completing the course can take a matter of weeks or months.

As you progress, the C license signifies mastery of skydiving techniques, including more complex canopy maneuvers and group formations. To earn a USPA C license, one must complete all requirements for the USPA B license, complete 200 jumps, land within 7 feet of target center on 25 jumps, perform 50 formation jumps, 10 of which involve at least 4 participants, pass the USPA C license written exam.

The B license expands skills, including advanced canopy control, night jumps, and water landing techniques. To earn a USPA B license, one must complete all requirements for the USPA A license, complete 50 jumps, perform 10 formation skydives, provide documentation of live water landing training, complete all of the requirements listed on the USPA Canopy Piloting Proficiency Card, and pass the written USPA B license exam.

Instructor-assisted Deployment (IAD) is another method of passive deployment for skydiving students, with the instructor controlling a hand-deployed pilot chute as you exit the aircraft. Static line training introduces jumpers to skydiving in a somewhat controlled environment, with the parachute deployed on exit by a static line attached to the aircraft.

Skydiving classes provide foundational understanding, build confidence, and teach risk mitigation. Skydiving classes at Skydive Orange last six to eight hours or longer and cover essential skydiving skills like body positioning, safety protocols, canopy control, and the use of key equipment like altimeters and parachutes.

Tandem skydiving is popular for first-time jumpers, as it offers a pre-jump briefing and is securely harnessed to an experienced instructor who handles the technical aspects of the jump. Indoor skydiving training in the vertical wind tunnel helps students build freefall skills without the pressure of altitude and time restraints, and is useful for refining body positioning and gaining confidence before outdoor jumps. However, it does not allow for the practice of parachute flying skills.

The D license is the pinnacle of skydiving certification, reserved for highly experienced jumpers with at least 500 jumps. It unlocks opportunities to participate in advanced disciplines like BASE jumping and large-scale formations. Skydive Orange, the place where the USPA developed the master curriculum for skydiving classes, offers ground courses for those interested in beginning their skydiving journey.

In conclusion, skydiving is a thrilling activity that requires education before participation. With multiple ways to earn skydiving education, including tandem jumping, Accelerated Freefall (AFF), Static Line training, Instructor Assisted Deployment (IAD), and indoor skydiving, there's a path for everyone to experience the excitement of freefall.