SIM Section 3

3.01 INTRODUCTION

Skydivers can qualify for and receive a variety of licenses and ratings according to their experience, skill and knowledge level. Licenses are essentially documents of proficiency and are divided into four classes. Many skydivers also pursue ratings which require qualifications in addition to those required for licenses. Three separate types of ratings can be obtained as an individual develops expertise in a specific area. Ratings are available for student instruction, professional demonstration jumping and competition judging.

3.02 SCOPE

Information in this section covers:

A. Licenses

1. USPA A License-Basic

2. USPA B License-Intermediate

3. USPA C License-Advanced

4. USPA D License-Master

B. Ratings

1. Instructional Ratings

2. Professional Exhibition (PRO) Rating

3. Competition Judge Rating

3.03 LICENSES

A. License requirements are intended to encourage the development of the knowledge and skills which should be acquired by each skydiver as experience is gained. USPA licenses, recognized in all FAI member countries, serve as official documentation that the stated experience and skills have been attained.

B. Licenses are a valuable instructional tool in that they serve both as goals to be accomplished and as a guideline to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to provide a reasonable level of safety and enjoyment.

C. Each person who successfully completes student training should apply for the A, or first level license. The A license is the certificate that shows the jumper has completed the novice phase.

3.04 RATINGS

A. Instructional Ratings: Are issued to each skydiver who qualifies by fulfilling all requirements for the rating being sought. These ratings are issued as certificates that the holder has not only achieved skydiving skills but has also demonstrated the techniques needed to teach these skills to others.

1. Instructional ratings are issued at three levels within each training method:

a. Jumpmaster–the entry level of the Instructional rating program. It is required to provide pre-jump training and supervise a student on each jump in the training program.

b. Instructor–the journeyman rank of the rating. It represents a higher level of experience and skill in skydiving instruction. This level of rating is required for presentation of the first jump course and to supervise a training program and its personnel.

c. Instructor/Examiner–the master rank of the Instructor rating. It denotes supervisory and administrative ability for the instruction of both students and rating candidates.

2. Instructional ratings are issued for four categories of student training methods:

a. Static Line ( S/L )

b. Accelerated Freefall ( AFF )

c. Instructor Assisted Deployment ( IAD )

d. Tandem/IAF

B. Professional Exhibition (PRO) Rating. The Pro Rating is issued to any USPA member who has met the current requirements for the rating. The PRO rating is recognized by the FAA and serves as a certificate of proficiency. It is not required for all demos, but may be a valuable advantage in working with the FAA.

C. Competition Judge Ratings: Are issued to any USPA member who has met the current requirements for the
rating being sought.

1. Rating under the Judge Rating Program are issued at three levels which may include up to four disciplines.

a. Levels

1) Regional

2) National

3) International, US/FAI

b. Disciplines

1) Style

2) Accuracy

3) RW

4) CRW

3-1.01 INTRODUCTION

The United States Parachute Association is authorized by the National Aeronautic Association and the Federation Aeronautique Internationale to issue internationally recognized sporting licenses. Licenses are issued based upon demonstration of skill, knowledge and experience and are ranked according to the level of accomplishment.

3-1.02 SCOPE

This Part specifies the procedures and requirements for:

• issuance of USPA licenses

• issuance of restricted licenses

• license renewal requirements

3-1.03 GENERAL CONDITIONS

A. USPA licenses are valid only while the holder is a current USPA member. There is no other renewal requirement.

B. USPA licenses are valid in all FAI member countries and, while valid, entitle the holder to participate in open skydiving events organized in FAI member countries.

C. USPA issues licenses only to USPA members who meet the conditions set forth for that license.

D. "Military Freefall Jumps"- If properly recorded, may be used to satisfy the requirements for all classes of license, except that the initial license application for any person trained by "military freefall jumps" who has not made the sport novice jumps required for an A license must include verification from an S&TA or USPA I that the applicant is capable of controlled freefall and stability during manual parachute deployment.

E. "Controlled" means the jumper has effective control of his body position.

F. USPA licenses may be refused, suspended or revoked only when authorized by the USPA Board of Directors or in compliance with existing BOD directives.

G. Total freefall time is defined to include both freefall and droguefall time.

3-1.04 LOGBOOKS

Skydives offered as evidence of qualification must have been:

A. Made in accordance with the USPA requirements in effect at the time of the jump.

B. Legibly recorded in chronological order in an appropriate log that contains the following information:

1. jump number

2. date

3. location

4. exit altitude

5. freefall length (time)

6. type of jump (RW, style, etc.)

7. landing distance from target

8. equipment used

9. verifying signature

C. Made with a single harness dual parachute assembly with manual activation as the intended method of parachute deployment.

3-1.05 LICENSE APPLICATION

A. Experience Verification: The certifying official should
verify that the numbers listed in these tables (number of jumps and total freefall time) are correct and meet the listed requirements for the license the candidate is applying for.

B. Skill Verification: Jump numbers, scores or date of completion require the initials of a current I, S&TA, I/E or BOD member.

C. Knowledge Verification: The certifying official should make sure that the exam answer sheet(s) is forwarded along with the application.

D. Application Verification: Applications for all licenses must be signed by an appropriate official before the application is forwarded to USPA HQ.

1. Instructors may verify A, B and C licenses.

2. S&TAs may verify A, B and C licenses and may verify D licenses if they are an I.

3. I/Es and BOD members may verify any license application.

3-1.06 USPA A LICENSE BASIC

Persons holding a USPA A license are able to pack their own main parachute, perform basic relative work and water jumps and must have:

A. Completed 20 freefall jumps including:

1. At least three controlled freefalls of 40 seconds or longer.

2. Accumulating five minutes of controlled freefall time.

B. Landed within 20 meters of target center on five freefall jumps during which they selected the exit and opening points.

C. Demonstrated the ability to hold heading during freefall and make 360 degree flat turns to both the right and left.

D. Demonstrated the ability to safely jumpmaster themselves to include independently selecting the proper altitude, exit and opening points.

E. Demonstrated the ability to properly pack their own main parachute and conduct safety checks on their own and other skydivers’ equipment.

F. Documentation of unintentional water landing training from a USPA Instructor.

G. Demonstrated the ability to safely engage in relative work by:

1. Performing satisfactory door exits.

2. Varying both rate of descent and horizontal movement.

3. Participating in at least three 2-way RW jumps.

4. Moving horizontally away from other skydivers in freefall and checking the air so the parachute may be deployed without creating a danger of collision with other jumpers and keeping track of other canopies in order to avoid collision.

H. Passed a written exam administered by a current USPA I, I/E, S&TA or BOD member.

License Fee: $20.00, effective February 1986.

3-1.07 USPA B LICENSE INTERMEDIATE

Persons holding a USPA B license are able to exercise all privileges of an A license holder, perform night jumps, relative work jumps, participate in record attempts and must have:

A. Met all current requirements for or hold a USPA A license.

B. Completed 50 freefall jumps including:

1. At least three controlled freefalls of 45 seconds or longer.

2. Accumulating at least ten minutes of controlled freefall time.

C. Landed within ten meters of target center on ten jumps.

D. Demonstrated the ability to perform individual maneuvers (a figure 8, backloop, figure 8, backloop) in freefall in 18 seconds or less.

E. Documentation of live water landing training with full equipment in accordance with the procedures in SIM, Section 9-2.

F. Passed a written exam conducted by a current USPA I, I/E, S&TA or BOD member.

License Fee: $20.00, effective February 1986.

3-1.08 USPA C LICENSE ADVANCED

Persons holding a USPA C license are able to exercise all privileges of a B license jumper, participate in certain USPA competitions, are eligible for the USPA Jumpmaster rating and must have:

A. Met all current requirements for or hold a USPA B license.

B. Completed 100 freefall jumps including:

1. At least ten controlled freefalls of 45 seconds or longer;

2. Accumulating at least 20 minutes of controlled freefall time.

C. Landed within five meters of target center on 20 jumps.

D. Completed at least four points on a 4-way or larger random skydive (meeting the requirements for the Falcon Award) or perform individual maneuvers ( a figure 8, backloop, figure 8, backloop) in freefall in 15 seconds or less.

E. Passed a written exam conducted by a current USPA I, I/E, S&TA or BOD member.

License Fee: $20.00, effective February 1986.

3-1.09 USPA D LICENSE MASTER

Persons holding a USPA D license are able to exercise all privileges of a C license holder, participate in certain demonstration jumps, all USPA competitions and record attempts, are eligible for all USPA ratings and for appointment as a Safety & Training Advisor and must have:

A. Met all current requirements for or hold a USPA C license.

B. Completed 200 freefall jumps including:

1. At least ten controlled freefalls of 60 seconds or longer.

2. Accumulating at least one hour of controlled freefall time.

C. Landed within two meters of target center on 25 jumps.

D. Demonstrated the ability to perform individual maneuvers (in sequence-back loop, front loop, left turn, right turn, right barrel roll and left barrel roll) in freefall in 18 seconds or less; OR completed at least two points on an 8-way or larger random skydive (meeting the requirements for the Eagle Award).

E. Made two night jumps (one solo and one RW) with a delay of at least 20 seconds, with verification of prior night jump training from a USPA Instructor. The night jumps must be made with the advice of an S&TA in accordance with USPA BSRs.

F. Passed a written exam conducted by a current USPA I/E, S&TA/I or BOD member.

License Fee: $20.00, effective February 1986.

3-1.10 RESTRICTED USPA LICENSES

A. Under extreme circumstances, such as physical handicaps, a USPA Restricted license may be issued to applicants who are unable to meet all of the specific license requirements.

B. A person may be qualified for a Restricted license if or the rating holder has:

1. Met all requirements for the license desired except for those listed in the petition.

2. Submitted a petition to the Safety and Training Committee containing:

a. Type of license requested;

b. Specific license requirement(s) which cannot be met;

c. Circumstances which prevent compliance with license requirements;

d. A license application (USPA Form 104-1).

C. Each application will be considered individually on its own merit, totally without precedent.

D. Exceptions to qualifications implied by the license will be listed on each Restricted license in the following manner: "Restricted license holder has not demonstrated the ability to (list specific limitation)."

E. Restricted license numbers will be followed by the letter "R" (e.g C-11376R).

3-1.11 APPLICATION CHECKLIST

The verifying official signing the license application should double check that each of these items has been completed:

A. Applicant’s personal information.

B. Experience verification:

1. Number of jumps

2. Freefall time

C. Skill verification:

1. Verify (with your initials) that the jump number, date, or score for each requirement is correct and can be found in the applicants logbook, OR

2. Enter the applicant’s appropriate license number in the box provided.

D. Knowledge verification:

1. Check that the written exam answer sheet is complete with a passing score.

E. Final verification:

1. Sign the verifying official’s certification statement and print your name, title and date.

2. Mail the completed license application along with the fee.

3-1.12 LICENSE EXAM INSTRUCTIONS

A. Exam administrator:

1. Give the applicant this answer sheet and the questions to the exam. Do not permit references or other assistance during the exam. After the test, collect the materials and grade the exam. 75% (15 correct answers or more) is required to pass.

2. Record the score on the license application and in the applicant’s logbook. The applicant not passing will be eligible to retake this exam after seven days. To qualify for a higher license, the applicant must have passed all lower class license exams.

3. Enclose this answer sheet with the applicant’s license application.

B. Applicant:

1. Write your name on this answer sheet.

2. Select the best available answer for each question and write the corresponding letter in the space provided.

3. When you finish, return this answer sheet and all exam questions to the person administering the exam to you.

3-2.01 INTRODUCTION

The USPA Basic Instructional Course is designed to be a starting point for all those who enter the instructional ranks. It provides for commonality and quality control control of instruction and is in place to: 1) enhance instructional skills; 2) promote marketability of jumpmasters and instructors by creating a more comprehensive method of providing better instructional skills;
3) streamline the USPA instructional system; 4) clearly define USPA’s ratings and endorsements.

3-2.02 SCOPE

The requirements to attend the Basic Instructional Course are:

A. Have a current USPA membership;

B. Possess a USPA B,C, or D License;

C. Have the desire to become a USPA instructional rating holder.

3-2.03 GENERAL CONDITIONS

A. Attendance at a BIC does not qualify as a rating. The BIC attendance is a certification that the instructional candidate understands the principals and fundamentals of instruction. After successful completion of the BIC, the instructional candidate may then proceed to a method-specific course of choice.

B. Once an instructional candidate has successfully attended a Basic Instructional Course, there is no annual renewal requirement.

C. The emphasis of the Basic Instructional Course is on the mechanics of instruction, not on any method-specific discipline.

3-2.04 BASIC INSTRUCTIONAL COURSE DESIGNATED COURSE DIRECTOR (DCD)

A. The USPA’s Basic Instructional Course is conducted by Designated Course Directors (DCD).

B. The DCD is solely responsible for all aspects of the course:

1. Planning

2. Scheduling

3. Staffing

4. Conduct and after-action reporting

C. The DCD must personally ensure that those who graduate from the BIC have met the following requirements. This responsibility cannot be delegated.

1. Take and pass the entrance exam with a minimum score of 75%;

2. Attend both days of the classroom portion;

3. Perform a minimum of two practice practical teaching evaluations;

4. Perform a Practical Teaching Evaluation with an overall score of "Satisfactory";

5. Take and pass the final exam with a minimum score of 75%.

D. USPA’s Director of Safety and Training awards DCD authority to those USPA instructional rating holders who apply for DCD authority and who have specific qualifications and requirements. Application requirements are different, depending on which USPA instructional rating the DCD applicant holds.

E. Since all DCDs report to USPA’s Director of Safety and Training, the Safety and Training Committee holds the director accountable for the conduct of training and certification courses for the DCDs.

3-2.05 DCD APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

A. Instructor/Examiner:

1. To receive DCD authority, a current USPA Instructor/Examiner must:

a. assist in at least one BIC as a staff member and receive a written recommendation from the course director that the I/E has demonstrated the ability to conduct BICs;

b. receive signed authorization from the USPA Director of Safety & Training.

B. Instructor:

1. To receive DCD authority, a current USPA Instructor must:

a. hold the USPA Instructor rating for a minimum of three years;

b. assist in at least three BICs as a staff member and receive the written recommendation from the DCD and staff of the third BIC that the instructor has clearly demonstrated the ability to conduct BICs;

c. receive signed authorization from the USPA Director of Safety & Training.

2. After January 1, 2000, all Basic Instructional Course Designated Course Directors must hold the USPA Instructor/Examiner Rating.

3-2.06 DCD RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS

A. DCD authority expires annually, when the associated instructional rating expires. To renew DCD authority, a rating holder must:

1. Meet all renewal requirements of the associated rating;

2. Within the previous 24 months, serve on the staff of at least one USPA BIC, and provide dates(s) and locations(s) of the course(s);

3. Received signed authorization from the Director of Safety and Training.

B. An applicant who has earned DCD authority within the previous 12 months need not meet the requirements of A.2.

3-2.07 Reinstatement Requirements

A. Should DCD authority lapse for any reason (e.g., nonrenewal, surrender, revocation), the rating holder must:

1. meet all rating renewal requirements of the associated instructional rating;

2. within the previous 24 months, serve on the staff of at least two USPA BICs and provide dates and locations of the courses. Documented staff participation in a USPA ICC, JCC OR AFFCC may be substituted for one of the two BICs;

3. receive signed authorization from the Director of Safety & Training.

3-2.08 DCD REVOCATION

DCD appointment will be revoked for the following reasons: if—

A. within the previous 12 months, the DCD fails to conduct a BIC.

B. within the previous 12 months, the DCD fails to undergo a DCD Annual Recertification and Evaluation.

C. the DCD fails to renew his or her instructional ratings.

3-3.01 INTRODUCTION

The instructional rating program is intended to disseminate safe and effective information on skydiving procedures for the instruction of student skydivers. This program provides a realistic and practical system for issuing Jumpmaster (JM), Instructor (I), and Instructor/Examiner (I/E) ratings in the Static Line, Accelerated Freefall, Instructor Assisted Deployment and Tandem / Instructor Assisted Freefall training programs. It establishes the requirements for both initial qualification and renewal.

3-3.02 SCOPE

A. These requirements are for instructional ratings at the following levels:

1. Jumpmaster

2. Instructor

3. Instructor/Examiner

B. Each level of rating can be obtained in the following training programs:

1. Static Line

2. Accelerated Freefall

3. Instructor Assisted Deployment

4. Tandem/Instructor Assisted Freefall

3-3.03 GENERAL CONDITIONS

A. USPA instructional ratings are valid for one year. The renewal date coincides with the USPA membership renewal date.

B. Instructional ratings are issued only to USPA members who meet the requirements for the particular rating.

C. All USPA rating holders will comply with the applicable BSRs and FARs while conducting student training.

D. Instructional ratings may be renewed when the established requirements have been met. Expired ratings may be renewed by meeting the current renewal requirements under appropriate supervision or by reapplying for the
rating.

E. Instructional ratings may be refused, suspended, or revoked only when authorized by the USPA Board of Directors or in compliance with existing BOD directives.

F. Waivers:

1. Any person may request a waiver to the requirements for any rating.

2. A waiver may be issued if it is verified to both the applicant’s Regional Director and the S&T Committee that some practical requirement(s) cannot or need not be met.

3. A written request must be submitted to the Safety and Training Committee containing:

a. Type of rating requested.

b. Specific rating requirement(s) which cannot be met.

c. Circumstances which prevent compliance with rating requirements.

4. The request will be reviewed by:

a. USPA HQ for administrative requirements

b. The S&T Committee for completeness and assurance that the applicant will maintain safety.

c. The applicant’s Regional Director to monitor matters concerning this waiver and to coordinate with USPA HQ for administration.

5. A person receiving a waiver may be designated as a Restricted rating holder. The rating card will state the applicable restrictions.

3-3.04 ISSUANCE OF USPA RATINGS TO FOREIGN NATIONALS

A. Foreign nationals desiring any USPA rating must have adequate command of the English language and meet all requirements for the rating desired.

B. If the foreign national has met all requirements for a rating and does not have adequate command of the English language, a Restricted rating may be issued. The Restricted rating would preclude the rating holder from exercising his privileges with students not speaking his native language.

C. A foreign national may apply for a temporary USPA AFF rating after meeting the following criteria:

1. Current USPA membership.

2. USPA D license or the FAI equivalent.

3. Six hours of documented freefall time.

4. A current and valid equivalent freefall instructional rating issued by one of the following approved countries or groups: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Holland, Italy, Japan, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, School of Human Flight, United Kingdom (Great Britain, Ireland, Scotland and Wales).

5. Score of at least 75% on the AFFCC written test.

6. Two evaluation jumps with a designated USPA evaluator.

Temporary AFF ratings are valid six months from the date of issuance and are not renewable. Rating fee: $25.00.

3-3.05 STATIC LINE JUMPMASTER RATING

Persons holding a USPA Static Line Jumpmaster rating have demonstrated the ability to provide practical instruction for and direct supervision of students in the aircraft and on static line and solo freefall jumps. A USPA Static Line JM rating holder must:

A. Attend and successfully complete the Basic Instructional Course prior to attending the S/L Certification Course.

B. Have presented documentation of completing all requirements on the static line JM proficiency card dated April 1997.

C. Hold a current USPA C or D license.

D. Have successfully completed a static line JCC registered with USPA HQ or; hold a current IAD JM rating and have successfully completed a static line method specific transition course that has been registered with and approved by USPA HQ.

E. Have reached the age of eighteen years.

Rating fee: $20.00

3-3.06 STATIC LINE INSTRUCTOR RATING

Persons holding a USPA Static Line Instructor rating have demonstrated all the abilities of a Static Line Jumpmaster and also the ability to instruct students in both the theoretical and practical skydiving skills required to attain the USPA A license.

A USPA Static Line I rating holder must:

A. Have held a USPA JM rating for at least 12 months.

B. Meet static line JM rating requirements by successfully completing a static line JCC.

C. Have presented documentation of completing all requirements on any USPA Instructor proficiency card dated October 1989 or later, as long as they hold a USPA JM rating for the training method specific to that proficiency card.

D. Hold a current USPA D license.

E. Have successfully completed an ICC registered with USPA HQ.

Note: I ratings are not numbered. Instructors may sign logbooks and other records with their signature, rating and the current year, e.g., "USPA I 1992"

Rating fee: $25.00

3-3.07 STATIC LINE INSTRUCTOR/EXAMINER RATING

Persons holding a Static Line Instructor/Examiner rating have demonstrated all the requirements of the Static Line Instructor rating and also the ability to:

A. Provide skydiving instruction and supervise student and advanced training and jumping in accordance with the USPA BSRs.

B. Answer questions concerning high altitude jumps, record attempts, basic first aid, and packing and maintenance of parachutes and parachute equipment.

C. Provide guidance for night, water, and demonstration jumps and other jumps in accordance with USPA BSRs. Make night, water, demonstration and pre-planned break-away jumps without S&TA guidance, but in accordance with BSRs.

D. Verify the qualifications of applicants for all USPA licenses and USPA JM, I, and I/E ratings in the training method for which the rating holder is rated.

E. Verify the renewal requirements for Jumpmaster and Instructor ratings in the training method for which /the rating holder is rated.

F. File waivers for the following BSRs in accordance with Section 2-2: 2-1.05.D, 2-1.07.A, 2-1.10.A 1

G. Be given priority for appointment as a USPA Safety & Training Advisor.

H. Receive authorization to administer the written exam for the I/E rating.

I. Investigate accidents, incidents, and fatalities and report same to USPA HQ.

J. Receive authorization to conduct JCCs and ICCs.

Notes: An I/E should be able to brief news media and the general public on the history and the future of skydiving and serve local aviation circles as a recognized skydiving expert.

I/E ratings are not numbered. I/Es may sign logbooks and other records with their signature, rating and the current year, e.g., "USPA I/E 1992."

An expired I/E rating is honorary and the rating privileges may not be exercised until the rating is renewed.

If an I/E’s competence is questioned by a FAA or USPA official, including S&TAs or persons of higher position, the I/E may be required, upon 60 days notice, to pass exams to determine that the rating holder meets current standards.

3-3.08 I/E RATING REQUIREMENTS

USPA members wishing to earn a USPA I/E rating must:

A. Have held a valid USPA Instructor rating for at least one year in each USPA training method in which they want to be rated as an I/E.

B. Have submitted the application form 106-1 to USPA HQ which includes:

1. Three character witnesses.

2. A copy of an FAA Senior or Master Rigger’s Certificate.

C. Have presented documentation of completing all requirements on the current I/E proficiency card.

D. Have passed the written exam in accordance with these procedures:

1. USPA HQ has sole testing authority and responsibility. Only those authorized by HQ may administer the written exam. HQ may authorize the following:

a. A USPA Instructor/Examiner

b. A USPA BOD member

c. An FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)

d. Other FAA offices

e. An educational testing office of the U.S. Armed Forces

f. USPA Headquarters

g. Other approved designees

2. USPA HQ will make arrangements for the written exam to be administered by any of the above named persons or offices.

3. The exam is to be administered in a professional manner and under normally accepted testing conditions.

4. The exam will be sent to the designee with instructions for administration and return to USPA HQ.

5. The exam will be graded by HQ and the applicant will be notified of the results and advised as to further requirements or procedures.

6. The written exam is divided into 11 categories:

I. Basic Safety Requirements

II. High Altitude Doctrine

III. Sport Parachuting General

IV. FAA Regulations

V. Parachuting History

VI. Maintenance and Nomenclature of the Parachute

VII. World Record Attempts

VIII. First Aid

IX. Recommendations

X. Methods of Instruction

XI. Essay Questions

7. The applicant must pass the written exam by scoring not less than 75% on each of the eleven sections.

8. Retesting:

a. An applicant not passing any section of the written exam will be retested ONLY on the sections not passed.

b. An applicant not passing the written exam the first time may retake the exam after waiting 60 days.

c. An applicant not passing the written exam the second time may retake the exam after waiting 120 days.

d. A written request for retesting must be made directly to USPA HQ.

e. An applicant not passing the written exam after three tries may re-apply for the rating (including paying the rating fee) after waiting one year from the last exam.

E. Not have a safety violation on record at USPA HQ.

Notes: It is recommended, but not required, for an I/E rating holder to have attended a physiological flight training course and hold a current Red Cross first aid card.

Except for the first step of submitting the completed application form and fee, the applicant may complete the other requirements in any order.

Rating fee: $50 for initial I/E rating.

3-3.09 ACCELERATED FREEFALL JUMPMASTER RATING

Persons holding a USPA Accelerated Freefall Jumpmaster rating have demonstrated the ability to instruct and jumpmaster Levels I through VII of the USPA AFF Program, under the direction of an AFF I, and instruct and jumpmaster students in the IAF (Instructor Assisted Freefall) portion of the USPA Tandem / IAF program under the direction of an AFF I. USPA members wishing to obtain an AFF JM rating must:

A. Attend and successfully complete the Basic Instructional Course prior to attending the AFF Certification Course.

B. Have at least six hours of documented freefall time.

C. Have successfully complete the AFF Certification Course.

D. Hold a USPA D license (or FAI equivalent).

E. Have reached the age of eighteen years.

Rating fee: as specified by USPA HQ.

3-3.10 ACCELERATED FREEFALL INSTRUCTOR RATING

Persons holding a USPA Accelerated Freefall Instructor rating have demonstrated all the abilities of an AFF JM and also the ability to instruct AFF students, and students in the IAF portion of the USPA Tandem / IAF training program, in both the theoretical and practical skills required to complete the AFF training program or the IAF portion of the Tandem/IAF training program and attain the USPA A license as well as supervise AFF JMs. A USPA member wishing to obtain an AFF I rating:

A. Must have held a valid USPA JM rating for at least one year.

B. Must meet AFF JM rating requirements.

C. Must have presented documentation of completing all requirements on any USPA Instructor proficiency card dated April 1997, as long as they hold a USPA JM rating for the training method specific to that proficiency card.

D. Must have successfully completed an ICC registered with USPA HQ.

E. May be eligible for appointment as an AFF evaluator.

Note: AFF I ratings are not numbered. AFF I’s sign logbooks and other records with their signature, rating and the current year, e.g., "USPA AFF I 1992."

Rating fee: as specified by USPA HQ.

3-3.11 ACCELERATED FREEFALL INSTRUCTOR/EXAMINER RATING

Persons wishing to obtain a USPA Accelerated Freefall Instructor/Examiner rating:

A. Must have held a valid USPA AFF Instructor rating for at least one year.

B. Must complete all steps listed in 3-3.08.

C. May be eligible for appointment as an AFF evaluator.

Rating fee: $50.00 for initial I/E rating.

3-3.12 INSTRUCTOR ASSISTED DEPLOYMENT (IAD) JUMPMASTER RATING

Persons holding a USPA IAD Jumpmaster rating have demonstrated the ability to provide practical instruction for and direct supervision of students in the aircraft and on IAD and solo freefall jumps. A USPA IAD JM rating holder must:

A. Attend and successfully complete the Basic Instructional Course prior to attending the IAD Certification Course.

B. Have presented documentation of completing all requirements on the IAD JM proficiency card.

C. Hold a current USPA C or D license.

D. Have successfully completed an IAD JCC registered with USPA Headquarters; or hold a current S/L JM rating and have successfully completed an IAD method specific transition course that has been registered with and approved by USPA HQ.

D. Have reached the age of eighteen years.

Rating fee: $20.00

3-3.13 INSTRUCTOR ASSISTED DEPLOYMENT (IAD) INSTRUCTOR RATING

Persons holding a USPA IAD Instructor rating have demonstrated all the abilities of an IAD Jumpmaster and also the ability to instruct students in both the theoretical and practical skydiving skills required to attain the USPA A license. A USPA IAD Instructor rating holder must:

A. Have held a USPA JM rating for at least 12 months.

B. Meet IAD JM rating requirements by successfully completing an IAD JCC; or hold a current S/L I rating and have successfully completed an IAD method specific transition course that has been registered with and approved by USPA HQ.

C. Have presented documentation of completing all requirements on any USPA Instructor proficiency card dated October 1989 or later, as long as they hold a USPA JM rating for the training method specific to that proficiency card.

D. Have successfully completed an ICC registered with USPA HQ.

Rating fee: $25.00

3-3.14 INSTRUCTOR ASSISTED DEPLOYMENT (IAD) INSTRUCTOR/ EXAMINER RATING

Persons holding an IAD Instructor/Examiner rating have demonstrated all the requirements of the IAD Instructor rating and also demonstrated all of the abilities listed in 3-3.07.A through 3-3.07.J, including notes.

3-3.15 IAD INSTRUCTOR/EXAMINER RATING REQUIREMENTS

Persons wishing to obtain a USPA IAD Instructor/Examiner rating :

A. Must have held a valid IAD Instructor rating for at least one year.

B. Meet all IAD Instructor rating requirements.

C. Must complete all steps listed in 3-3.08.

Rating fee: $50.00 for initial I/E rating.

3-3.16 USPA TANDEM INSTRUCTOR RATING

Persons holding a USPA Tandem Instructor rating have demonstrated the ability to provide practical instruction for and direct supervision of tandem students in the aircraft, in tandem freefall and under canopy. Each candidate for a USPA Tandem rating shall have as a minimum the following skydiving qualifications:

A. Attend and successfully complete the Basic Instructional Course or hold or have held a USPA instructional rating prior to attending the Tandem Certification Course. USPA members who do not have or have not held a USPA instructional rating but have attended a BIC and a tandem manufacturer’s certification course will be permitted to conduct introductory tandem student jumps at USPA Group Member DZs. This authorization will be in effect until 120 days after the implementation of the USPA Tandem Certification Course. These members must by then attain the USPA Tandem Instructor Rating by reviewing and completing all TCC material with a USPATandem Course Director before continuing to conduct student tandem jumps at USPA Group Member DZs.

B. 500 freefall skydives with a ram-air parachute.

C. 50 freefall skydives with a ram-air parachute within the preceding 12 months.

D. Four hours of accumulated freefall time.

E. One breakaway and/or reserve deployment either as an actual emergency or as an intentional breakaway or five satisfactory breakaways from a suspended harness while wearing a tandem rig with passenger attached, conducted under the supervision of a tandem USPA Instructor or I/E.

F. USPA class D license or FAI equivalent.

G. FAA Class III medical certificate or equivalent.

H. Currently valid authorization from the manufacturer of each tandem parachute assembly the applicant will utilize.

I. Have reached the age of 18 years.

J. Submitted the required documentation as required to USPA.

Rating fee $25.00

3-3.17 TANDEM COURSE DIRECTOR

Persons holding a USPA Instructor Rating and designated by the tandem equipment manufacturer to train tandem instructor candidates on that manufacturer’s equipment may be designated as USPA Tandem Certification Course Directors and may teach the Tandem Certification Course.

3-3.18 TANDEM INSTRUCTOR/EXAMINER RATING REQUIREMENTS

Persons wishing to obtain a USPA Tandem Instructor/Examiner rating:

A. Must have held a valid USPA Instructor rating for at least one year.

B. Have met all USPA Tandem Instructor rating requirements.

C. Must complete all steps listed in 3-3.08.

Rating fee: $50.00 for initial I/E rating.

3-3.19 RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS

A. General:

1. All rating renewals are submitted by completing the USPA Rating Renewal Form on the rating renewal section of the Membership Renewal Form.

2. All rating renewals require current USPA membership.

3. In order to renew any rating, the rating holder must meet the renewal requirements of that rating. Each JM, I or I/E must pay a flat rating renewal fee of $15 to renew any or all ratings they have earned. (i.e.- A person holding a S/L JM rating and an AFF JM rating will pay only $15 total when renewing one or both ratings.)

4. In the event that an instructional rating holder becomes non-current, or is unable to meet the renewal requirements, auditing a JCC or ICC (for static line and instructor assisted deployment only) for renewal purposes is required. The rating holder
must audit the classroom portion and perform the practicals as directed by the Course Director, if the rating has lapsed for more than one year. For less than one year, the rating holder must perform the following under the direct supervision of an appropriately-rated S&TA/I or I/E:

a. perform the appropriate ground preparation for the student

b. supervise the jump

c. conduct the post-jump critique

d. make the appropriate logbook entry for the student

5. AFF rating holders who have not met the annual renewal requirements will comply with the following under the supervision of a USPA Headquarters approved AFF Designated Evaluator.

a. If the rating has been non-current for one year —perform one ground prep with an AFF Level 4 evaluation jump.

b. If the rating has been non-current for two years—perform one ground prep with two evaluation jumps, one Level 3, and one Level 4.

c. If the rating is non-current for three years or longer—attend the entire classroom instruction, conduct one ground prep, and perform two evaluation jumps, one Level 3, and Level 4.

d. A minimum score of "Satisfactory" must be attained in all sections of the Practical Teaching Evaluation Form.

e. The rating renewal fee of $15.00 must be returned to USPA Headquarters with the Practical Teaching Evaluation Form(s).

B. Static Line Jumpmaster ratings: