7.01 INTRODUCTION
A. The Tandem/IAF (instructor assisted freefall) program is an accelerated training method combining tandem and single-jumpmaster AFF. This method is designed to efficiently provide individualized instruction to all students. By teaching each student progressively through each successive level, a student’s training is completed over the course of several sessions rather than in a single, lengthy first-jump course. This allows students who want to pursue skydiving seriously to do so at a comfortable pace, while those who wish to make only one jump need complete only the portion of instruction required for their first level.
B. The direct physical presence of a Tandem Instructor on a first jump greatly reduces a student’s level of stress. Thus, the student is able to relax and overcome sensory overload easily. This greatly increases a student’s self-confidence and allows instructors to quickly advance the student from tandem instruction to instructor assisted freefall skydives using one jumpmaster.
7.02 SCOPE
A. There are two phases of training:
Phase 1. The Tandem Phase
Phase 2. The Single-Jumpmaster Phase (IAF)
Each sets forth guidelines by which the student progresses, but also allows some discretion as to the precise manner or progress. There can be no compromise of the essential notion that the student must progress as a result of satisfactory accomplishment of all TLOs (targeted learning objectives) of each phase before advancing. This program specifies the minimum number of jumps and freefall time that the student must achieve before advancing. This program also acknowledges the latitude that must be allowed for varying physical facilities and aircraft existing within the skydiving industry.
B. The tandem phase is divided into two parts. The first part specifies the required material that all tandem jumpers must be taught before making their first jump. The second part addresses the material that a continuing student will be taught while advancing toward the IAF phase.
C. Before entry to the single-jumpmaster phase (IAF), the student must have completed all elements of the tandem phase, plus the comprehensive ground school (CGS). The CGS is the sum of all learning that the student must have achieved prior to making the first IAF skydive. The content should include ultimately all topics taught in the AFF first-jump course. The CGS may be ongoing during the tandem phase, but the structure of the CGS is such that wide discretion is allowed in the manner of its accomplishment. As long as all pertinent instruction is provided before the first IAF jump, the specific technique is not mandated. For example, over a range of three or more tandem jumps made in Phase 1, the CGS may be presented in one or more sessions, ranging from pre-first jump to post-tandem phase. The instruction is distributed throughout the tandem phase so that it is more easily absorbed. In this way, the transition to IAF jumps will be smooth and relatively stress-free.
D. The IAF phase of the program is similar to the tandem phase in that it specifies a minimum number of jumps and freefall time that the student must achieve before being cleared to solo freefalls. During these IAF jumps, the student must complete all the required TLOs. The manner and order in which an instructional staff wishes to have their students meet the TLOs of this course is left to their discretion as long as minimums are met. Once solo status has been achieved, novices will begin to further their skills by working toward and completing the USPA A license requirements.
7.03 SUPERVISION REQUIREMENTS
A. Student participation in the tandem phase of this program requires instruction from a USPA Tandem Instructor for the tandem first jump ground school. Each jump requires the direct supervision of a USPA Tandem Instructor until the student has completed all TLOs of the Tandem phase and has been cleared for the IAF phase by a USPA Tandem Instructor.
B. Student participation in the IAF portion of this program requires instruction from a USPA AFF Instructor for the comprehensive ground school prior to making any IAF jumps. Each IAF jump requires the direct supervision of a USPA AFF Jumpmaster until the student has completed all TLOs of the IAF phase and has been released from this requirement by a USPA AFF Instructor.
7.04 TANDEM FIRST-JUMP COURSE
One USPA Tandem Instructor required.
A. Goals: To provide environmental familiarization of skydiving in an effort to introduce basic survival skills needed to continue in the sport. Emphasis is placed on the safe, low-anxiety aspect of the jump.
B. Student Procedures: Minimum TLOs for the first tandem jump are listed below in sections 1 and 2, inclusive. These must be satisfactorily completed by the student before advancing to the next level. These are the minimum TLOs that every tandem first-jump student must be taught:
1. Equipment Orientation:
a. Main: Explain location, size compared with solo canopy.
b. Reserve: Explain location, size compared with main canopy.
c. Drogue: Use, function, location.
d. Student ripcord (i.e. student drogue release): Use, function, location.
e. Student harness: Four attachment points plus student ripcord.
f. Clothing: Jumpsuit or clothing (tight-fitting).
g. Goggles: Accommodate glasses, contact lenses.
h. Soft helmet
i. Shoes
j. Altimeter
k. AAD
2. Performance Preparation:
a. Exit: Prior to any exit, run through the entire hook-up and exit sequence with the student’s harness attached and tightened down to the Tandem Instructor. Review exit and initial freefall body position. Repeat verbal checklist with student, and get student acknowledgement prior to exit.
b. Freefall Stability: Explain basic principles of body control.
1) Arm position
2) Head
3) Leg position
4) Torso position
c. Altitude Awareness:
1) Altitude awareness is extremely important to every skydiver.
2) Each jumper must know when to deploy the main to provide enough time and altitude to perform emergency procedures, if necessary.
3) A jumper can determine altitude by cross checking the altimeter with his or her internal clock and the ground.
4) A back-up method is to look at the ground.
5) Introduce and explain how to read an altimeter.
6) Explain the relationship between time and altitude.
7) Establish and explain altitude check procedures.
d. Ripcord Pull: Each tandem student must receive instruction in the proper use of the ripcord.
e. Canopy Control: Each tandem student must be introduced to the basics of canopy control.
f. Landings: Tandem students must be familiar with landing to include landing direction, hand position, leg position, and verbal commands.
g. Post Landings: Each tandem student shall be briefed on his or her actions following the landing until debriefed and released from supervision.
h. Emergencies: Each tandem student must be taught to follow the instructions of the Tandem Instructor during any emergency in the aircraft, in freefall, or under canopy.
i. Tandem Instructor Responsibilities:
1) Interview the student: Ask questions covering background, physical condition, previous training if any, etc. Establish rapport with the student.
2) Using the DZ photo: Brief for expected exit and opening points. Discuss and demonstrate canopy control.
3) During rehearsal:
a. Emphasize arch: Chest and pelvis pushed forward, head back, arm position and legs out past the vertical.
b. Instructor demonstrates entire dive.
c. Full-dress dirt dive prior to exit of the aircraft.
4) Do a complete equipment check before boarding the aircraft.
5) Control seating, seatbelt use, and proper hook up prior to exit.
6) Jump sequence:
a. Instructor monitors awareness and body position.
b. Instructor uses hand and/or verbal signals.
7) Debriefing (this procedure should be used for all levels):
a. Discuss student’s version first,
instructor’s second, view video afterwards, if available.b. Train student to correct any weak areas and preview the TLOs and dive sequence for the next jump.
c. Fill out student’s and instructor’s logbooks and DZ training records,if applicable. Include clearance for the next jump or repeat.
d. Appropriate first-jump ceremony, certificate, traditions.
7.05 CONTINUING TANDEM INSTRUCTION PHASE
One USPA Tandem Instructor required.
A. Goals: To move the student from direct control of the instructor to moderate control. During each jump of the program, the student is to be given greater responsibilities for properly executing the skydive, from gearing up through landing of the canopy, until he or she is prepared to participate in IAF skydives. There is a minimum of three tandem jumps and 120 seconds of freefall required in the tandem phase of the Tandem/IAF program before the student can advance to the IAF phase.
B. Student Procedures: TLOs for the remainder of the tandem phase of this program are listed below in sections 1 through 5, inclusive. These must be satisfactorily completed along with a CGS before advancing to the IAF training phase. Elements of the CGS can be presented as the tandem instruction phase progresses.
1. Equipment Preparation:
a. Explain main parachute deployment
b. Explain how to distinguish between a good canopy and a malfunction.
c. Explain and demonstrate reserve deployment procedures. (Practice breakaway and reserve handles can be attached to student harness.)
d. Explain and demonstrate the use of flotation equipment (when used).
e. Increased involvement with inspection and donning of equipment.
1) Gear checks
2) Proper fit of harness
3) Hook-up procedures
a. When (altitude)
b. Student monitors
4). Check list procedures
2. Performance Preparation:
a. Explain and demonstrate knowledge and skills acquired in previous lessons.
b. Practice body position for stability in a horizontal trainer.
c. Demonstrate the correct sequence and body position to make a stable, controlled exit to include a verbal count.
d. Physically rehearse all phases of the planned jump.
e. Demonstrate the ability to use an altimeter
1) When to check
2) How to check
3) Ground as a back-up
4) Management of altitude (time and altitude relationship)
f. Demonstrate technique required to maintain heading during freefall.
1) Overall body position (freefall stable)
a. Pelvis forward
b. Knees back
c. Shoulders back
d. Head up
2) Heading—Maintain with:
a. Body—180-degree and 360-degree turns
b. Legs—180-degree and 360-degree turns
3) Forward and backward movement—motion and awareness
a. Drive—legs extended and arms back
b. Backslide (optional)—legs retracted and arms outstretched
c. Toe taps
g. Concentrate on relaxing physically and mentally in freefall by using a correctly trimmed RW stable position.
h. Practice sequence of actions for practice ripcord pulls (PRCP) in the same manner that will be used during the actual pull:
1) LOOK—while maintaining arch, establish visual contact with ripcord handle.
2) REACH—maintain arch and view of the handle while reaching for it with the right hand; simultaneously move the left hand to a position over the head with the palm open and parallel to the ground.
3) PULL—grasp the handle and pull it, returning to the spread position while keeping the eyes on the handle.
4) CHECK—look over the right shoulder at the pilot chute.
i. Physically rehearse responses to emergencies that could occur while in aircraft, freefall or under canopy.
j. Identify the DZ and the wind direction relative to recognizable landmarks and explain the pre-planned canopy flight pattern.
k. Demonstrate the correct body position and technique for landing.
l. Use positive mental imagery to practice all actions planned for the jump.
m. Demonstrate understanding of basics of spotting and selecting exit and opening points on DZ photo.
3. In Aircraft:
a. Review all in-aircraft (pre-exit) procedures.
b. Verbally review the jump to the instructor.
c. Visually locate the DZ, target and windsock from 2,000 feet or higher (when possible).
d. Point out altitudes to instructor.
e. Concentrate on positive mental imagery and controlled breathing to relax (inhale slowly and deeply, hold it for a few seconds and relax while exhaling.)
4. Freefall: Items (a) through (l) below are the TLOs that must be satisfactorily completed in freefall by the student before moving on to the IAF phase of this program. They can be accomplished in any order unless specified.
a. Exposure to continuous freefall.
b. Heading awareness and maintenance during freefall using the principles of turning.
c. Controlled turns; start and stop on heading.
d. Trim control (forward and/or backward movement).
e. Relaxed, arched body position through entire freefall.
f. Leg awareness (toe and heel clicks optional).
g. Altitude awareness.
h. Coordinated body movements with six practice pulls.
i. Must wave-off and pull ripcord while maintaining satisfactory body position and pulling at the established altitude on the last two tandems to advance to IAF.
j. Perform one controlled exit without instructors help.
k. Perform one unstable exit to recovery. Must exhibit recovery without instructor’s help to advance to IAF.
l. Complete at least three tandem jumps and accumulate 120 seconds of freefall time.
5. Canopy Control and Landing:
a. Describe and perform the release of the deployment brakes and establish steering by:
1) DZ familiarization and aircraft and airport operations
2) Turning
3) Braking
4) Flaring
5) Wind line
6) Holding
7) Running
8) Crabbing
9) Awareness of other canopies (look before you turn)
10) Pattern for landing
11) Use of altimeter
b. Perform according to any directions received during the descent.
c. Describe and perform the landing in tandem by:
1) Sliding—leg and foot placement
2) Stand-up—leg and foot placement
3) Others off-field, reserve, high winds
d. Complete all objectives of each previous jump with more precision.
e. Practice parachute emergency procedures
1) Check canopy
2) Practice breakaway (Use training handles attached to student harness)
3) Line twists
4) How to get slider down
5) How to get end cells open
f. Must exhibit a good understanding of canopy control before advancing to the IAF phase of this program.
6. Post-Jump Procedures:
a. Debriefing: (This procedure should be used for all levels.)
1) Discuss student’s version first, instructor’s second; view video afterwards if available.
2) Give student corrective training to correct any weak areas and preview the TLOs and dive sequence for the next jump.
3) Fill out student’s and instructor’s logbooks and DZ training records, if applicable; include clearance for the next level or repeat.
C. Tandem Instructor Responsibilities:
1. Inspect the student’s logbook, review the previous dive and discuss the good points and problem areas.
2. Refresh previous training and give additional training with emphasis on the TLOs.
3. Using a DZ photo, map or diagram, discuss where to climb out, the intended exit, opening, and landing points.
4. Rehearsal:
a. Emphasize arch: chest and pelvis pushed forward, head back, arm position and legs out past the vertical.
1) Explain use of head and arms to turn
2) Explain use of legs to turn
3) Explain arm and leg adjustment for forward and backward movement.
b. Practice with emphasis on trim control, a relaxed body position, heading control, and a stable, timely deployment. Alternate between standing and prone (vertical and horizontal) practice.
c. Full dress vertical dirt dives (prior to boarding): Visualize and verbalize the jump.
5. Perform a thorough gear check of the student and the instructor before boarding the aircraft.
6. Control seating and seatbelt use.
7. Student observes DZ after takeoff (when possible), goes through mental rehearsal, and verbally reviews jump before exit.
8. Jump sequence:
a. Student exits, arches, and stabilizes without instructor’s assistance, unless necessary.
b. Student performs circle of awareness (COA) and correct body position.
c. Student performs dive sequence as taught by instructor.
d. If the student does not respond at pull time, the instructor may give the pull signal, assist with the pull, or perform the pull.
9. Each tandem student must be instructed in the basics of canopy control.
10. Tandem students must be instructed in all landing techniques.
11. Standard debrief.
7.06 INSTRUCTOR ASSISTED FREEFALL (IAF) PHASE
A. Prerequisites:
1. Minimum of three tandem jumps made in accordance with the tandem instruction phase.
2. Accumulation of at least 120 seconds of freefall during the tandem instruction phase.
3. Accomplishment of all other TLOs in the tandem instruction phase.
4. Completion of the CGS conducted by an AFF Instructor.
B. Goals:
1. To take the student from the direct and moderate control of tandem jumps to solo freefalls. At each level of the program, the student is given greater responsibilities for properly executing the skydive from gearing up to exit through landing of the canopy until he or she is capable of skydiving safely without direct supervision.
2. The student must receive the comprehensive ground school from a USPA AFF Instructor before being handed over to a USPA AFF Jumpmaster for the IAF jumps. The IAF phase allows for one AFF JM to perform each of these jumps. If it is decided to use two jumpmasters on any of the jumps, they must both be USPA AFF JM’s. The first IAF jump must be a non-release dive. A minimum of four IAF jumps and 160 seconds of freefall time are required for completion of this phase.
C. Student Procedures:
Targeted Learning Objectives (TLOs) are listed in sections 1 through 5 below and must be satisfactorily completed by the student before completing this phase of the program and being cleared by an AFF Instructor to self-jumpmaster.
1. Equipment Preparation:
a. Demonstrate ability to inspect, don, and adjust equipment with assistance.
b. Demonstrate ability to inspect, don, and adjust equipment correctly.
2. Performance Preparation:
a. Practice body position and techniques for exit with jumpmaster.
b. Demonstrate ability to use an altimeter.
c. Demonstrate knowledge of AFF hand signals.
d. Demonstrate technique required to control heading .
1) Heading—Maintain with:
a. Body—180-degree and 360-degree turns
b. Legs—180-degree and 360-degree turns
2) Forward and/or backward movement—motion awareness
a. Drive—legs extended and arms back
b. Backslide a (optional)—legs retracted and arms stretched
c. Toe taps
3) Overall body position (freefall stable)
a. Pelvis forward
b. Knees back
c. Shoulders back
d. Head up
e. Demonstrate understanding of basics of spotting and select exit and opening points on DZ photo.
f. Physically rehearse the entire jump.
g. Demonstrate knowledge of safety procedures both in freefall and under canopy, including wave-off prior to pull.
h. Demonstrate knowledge of emergency procedures in aircraft, in freefall, and under canopy.
3. In Aircraft:
a. Repeat all in-flight procedures of previous jump.
b. Observe the spotting process (when possible).
c. Apply knowledge of spotting principles and winds aloft (when possible).
d. Spot with direct supervision, calling out corrections to jumpmaster (when possible).
e. Explain aircraft spotting procedures and pilot briefing to jumpmaster.
f. Self-check equipment prior to exit.
4. Freefall: Items (a) through (g) below are the TLOs that must be satisfactorily completed in freefall by the student before graduating from the IAF phase of this program. They can be accomplished in any order unless specified.
a. Must wave-off and pull ripcord while maintaining satisfactory body position and pulling at the established altitude prior to first release dive.
b. Controlled turns—start and stop on heading with both body and legs.
c. Forward movement.
d. Backward movement (optional).
e. Control of all three axes (pitch, roll and yaw).
f. Solo, no-contact exit.
g. Sub-terminal heading and stability control.
5. Canopy Control:
a. Complete all objectives of each previous jump with more precision.
b. Demonstrate safe canopy control procedures.
c. Land within 25 meters of center of the landing area, without assistance.
D. AFF Jumpmaster Responsibilities on IAF Jumps:
1. Inspect the student’s logbook, review the previous dives, and discuss good points and problem areas.
2. Refresh previous training and give additional training with emphasis on TLOs.
3. Using a DZ photo, map, or diagram, discuss where to climb out, and the intended exit, opening, and landing points.
4. Discuss spotting. When possible, have the student give corrections first to the jumpmaster then eventually to the pilot.
5. Explain winds:
a. Velocity at different altitudes.
b. Direction at different altitudes.
c. No-wind conditions.
6. Rehearsal:
a. Practice climb-out procedures for IAFs and solo exits
b. Explain use of head and arms to turn
c. Explain use of legs to turn
d. Explain arm and leg adjustment for forward and/or backward movement.
e. Use previous training techniques (vertical and horizontal).
7. Perform a thorough gear check of the student and the jumpmaster before boarding the aircraft.
8. Jump Sequence:
a. Student exits, arches, and stabilizes without jumpmaster assistance.
b. Student performs COA
c. Student performs alternating turns with heading control
d. Student performs forward and/or backward movement by moving legs and arms.
e. Student performs toe taps.
f. Student demonstrates ability to maintain
stability.g. Student demonstrates altitude awareness and proper pull procedures.
9. Standard debriefing.