5.01 INTRODUCTION
This section includes procedures and progression for both the Static Line and IAD methods of instruction. The main difference between these two programs is the deployment method used for the student’s main parachute. The progression sequence listed in 5.08 through 5.14 of this section apply to both S/L and IAD students.
A static line student must be jumpmastered by a currently rated USPA S/L JM. A S/L student is put out on his or her initial five jumps with a static line system that complies with FAR 105.43(b) regarding assist devices. The S/L student uses a ripcord activated, spring loaded pilot chute for their freefall jumps.
An IAD student must be jumpmastered by a currently rated USPA IAD JM. An IAD student is put out on his or her initial five jumps with an appropriately sized throw out pilot chute that is released by the JM at the proper moment during the student’s exit. The IAD student may use either a ripcord activated, spring loaded pilot chute or a throw out pilot chute for freefall jumps. It is recommended that an IAD student use the same method of deployment on all freefall jumps.
Each lesson or phase of instruction includes five basic skill areas. In this section, information pertaining to the student’s action in performing each skill is identified along with the theoretical knowledge that should be learned as these skills are being developed. The model for each phase lists the learning objectives and performance or knowledge requirements each student should meet. Each phase expands and builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired during the previous phase, so correct performance is required for advancement.
5.02 SCOPE
This training program features lessons in the following:
Basic orientation:
• Equipment preparation
• Performance preparation
• Aircraft procedures and exit
• Body position
• Canopy check, control and landing
• Altimeter use
Practice ripcord pulls or practice pilot chute throws:
• Coordinated movement
First freefall:
• Time awareness
• Stability
10-second freefalls:
• Heading maintenance
• Spotting introduction
15-second freefalls:
• Controlled turns
• Equipment checks
30-second freefalls:
• Figure-8s
• Backloops
• Delta position
• RW introduction (hook-up)
• Wave off
45-second freefalls:
• Equipment inspection
• Self-spotting
• Front loops
• Barrel rolls
• Turns and redocks
5.03 SUPERVISION REQUIREMENT
Student participation in this program requires instruction from an appropriately rated (S/L or IAD) USPA Instructor. Each jump requires the direct supervision of an appropriately rated (S/L or IAD) USPA Jumpmaster until the student has been released from this requirement by the Instructor. Only AFF rating holders are authorized to make harness hold jumps with students. All other student jumps, except tandem jumps, are to be solo, no-contact exits.
5.04 SKILL MODEL DEFINITION
Each segment of the skill model illustrates the actions required of the student.
A. Equipment Preparation: This area defines the learning objectives related to operating, donning, inspecting and packing the parachute system and accessory equipment.
It includes the knowledge and skills each student should acquire before being cleared to jump without direct Jumpmaster supervision.B. Performance Preparation: This area defines techniques for each student to physically and mentally use before each jump in order to enhance performance and maintain
safety.
C. In Flight: This area defines procedures to be employed during the aircraft ride, to include boarding, the climb to altitude and the exit. These procedures should be used by all skydivers.
D. Freefall: This area defines the maneuvers and actions which occur after exit and until opening the parachute. Since each phase builds upon the previous phase, correct performance is required for advancement.
E. Canopy Control and Landing: This area defines the techniques used to guide the parachute to a safe landing in the designated area. Each step is designed to improve the student’s skill and proficiency. Student performance is the basis for advancement.
5.05 GENERAL
Specific training programs may vary from one drop zone to another but the information presented here serves as a general indication of how the static line progression program is structured. Emphasis is on the knowledge and skills which must be acquired by the skydiving student to progress to the recreational level. No specific number of hours of instruction is required since each student learns at his or her own rate. A satisfactory performance is necessary for advancement.
5.06 GROUND SCHOOL
Each student should satisfactorily complete a first-jump course, as outlined in Section 4, before jumping. The following information describes a course of instruction which includes the first jump and continues through a progression system which will qualify the student for the Basic Skydiver A License upon satisfactory completion.
5.07 EXIT PROCEDURES
Exit procedures will vary according to the type of aircraft being used but will generally include the following:
A. Basic commands (from Jumpmaster):
1. Preparatory: This command tells the student to stand by or be ready to move into the exit position. For example: "Put your feet out!" or "Move to the door!"
2. Move to the exit position: This command directs the student into the position from which he or she will launch from the aircraft. For example: "Hang from the strut!" or "Stand in the door!"
3. Exit: This is the command to exit the aircraft. For example: "GO!"
B. Body position: Proper body position is important for a good exit.
1. The specific launch or exit position will vary according to the aircraft type.
2. The exit will usually be designed so the student will launch himself into a position facing into the relative wind with the arms and legs fully spread, the head back and the back fully arched. By maintaining a good arch the jumper will initially be facing forward in the direction of flight and gradually settle into a face-to-earth position.
3. At the moment of exit the jumper should begin a loud verbal count. For example:
• "Arch-thousand"
• "Two-thousand"
• "Three-thousand"
• "Four-thousand"
• "Check" (canopy)
Note: The length of the count may be adjusted depending on the equipment and aircraft being used.
C. Common types of exit:
1. Poised—standing on the step outside the door with the hands braced against the wing strut.
2. Hanging—from the strut with the legs blowing back in the slipstream is a successful technique for encouraging stability.
3. Sitting—in some types of aircraft the student may sit on the floor with his or her feet out or simply stand in the door.
5.08 BASIC ORIENTATION (2 JUMPS)
Static line or IAD from 3,000 feet AGL
A. Equipment preparation:
1. Explain main parachute deployment.
2. Explain how to distinguish between a properly opened canopy and a partial or total malfunction.
3. Explain and demonstrate reserve deployment procedures.
4. Explain and demonstrate the use of flotation equipment (when used).
5. Explain the use and handling of an altimeter.
B. Performance preparation:
1. Demonstrate the proper technique for moving from the climb-to-altitude position in the aircraft to the ready-to-jump position.
2. Demonstrate the proper sequence and body position to perform a stable, controlled exit, to include a verbal count and canopy check.
3. Physically rehearse all routine phases of the planned jump.
4. Physically rehearse responses to emergencies that could occur during the flight or jump.
5. Identify the wind direction relative to recognizable landmarks and explain the pre-planned canopy flight pattern, including use of altimeter to coordinate altitude and position over the ground.
6. Demonstrate the proper body position and technique for landing.
C. In flight:
1. Perform correct procedures for entry and seating in the aircraft.
2. Verbally review the key points of the jump with the Jumpmaster.
3. Visually locate the DZ, target and windsock from 2,000 feet or higher.
4. Perform a controlled exit.
D. Freefall:
1. Demonstrate the stable spread body position.
2. Check the canopy within six seconds after exit.
E. Canopy control and landing:
1. Release the deployment brakes and establish steering control.
2. Perform in accordance with the predetermined flight plan and in response to directions received during the descent.
3. Make all major turns above 500 feet AGL.
4. Land in a clear area; minor turns below 500 feet are acceptable to avoid obstacles or stay facing into the wind.
5. Land with feet and knees together and be prepared to perform a PLF.
6. Immediately after landing, run to the downwind side of the canopy to avoid the chance of being dragged.
5.09 PRACTICE RIPCORD PULLS or PRACTICE PILOT CHUTE THROWS/PULLS (3 JUMPS)
Static line or IAD from 3,000 feet AGL
A. Equipment preparation:
1. Explain and demonstrate knowledge and skills acquired in previous lesson.
2. Increase involvement with inspection and donning of equipment.
B. Performance preparation:
1. Explain and demonstrate knowledge and skills acquired in previous lesson.
2. Practice body position for stability in a horizontal trainer.
3. Practice sequence of actions necessary for practice ripcord pull (PRCP) or practice pilot chute pull (PPCT) in the same manner that will be used on the first freefall:
a. LOOK- while maintaining arch, establish visual contact with the ripcord handle.
b. REACH- maintain arch and view of the handle while reaching for it with the right hand; at the same time move the left hand to a position over the head with the palm open and parallel to the ground.
c. PULL- grasp the handle and pull it, returning to the spread position while keeping the eyes on the handle.
4. Physically rehearse all phases as in previous lesson.
5. Identify DZ and pre-planned flight path as in previous lesson.
6. Utilize positive mental imagery to practice all actions planned for the jump.
C. In flight:
1. Repeat all in flight procedures of previous lesson.
2. Use controlled breathing to relax (inhale slowly and deeply, hold it for a second and relax while exhaling).
Note: Three controlled exits are required for advancement.
D. Freefall:
1. Demonstrate stability throughout entire freefall.
2. Check canopy upon completion of PRCP or PPCT.
Note: three satisfactory PRCPs or PPCTs are required for advancement.
E. Canopy control and landing:
1. Perform all objectives of previous lesson.
Note: Landings with ram-air canopies may include stand-ups.
5.10 FIRST FREEFALL (1 JUMP)
Freefall from 3200 feet AGL. To be made on the same day as the last properly performed PRCP or PPCT.
A. Equipment preparation:
1. Explain and demonstrate knowledge and skills acquired in previous lessons.
2. Actually pull ripcord or throw pilot chute on the on the rig that will be used on this jump.
B. Performance preparation:
1. Demonstrate entire jump sequence to the Jump-master; sequence of actions to be the same as for the preceding jump except deployment will not begin until pull.
2. Demonstrate proper response to freefall emergency situations.
C. In flight:
1. Repeat all procedures of previous lessons.
2. Concentrate on positive mental imagery and controlled breathing.
D. Freefall:
1. Perform sequence identical to PRCP jumps.
2. Pull ripcord or throw pilot chute not more than five seconds after exit.
3. Maintain stability to qualify for advancement.
E. Canopy control and landing:
1. Perform all objectives of previous lesson.
5.11 10-SECOND FREEFALLS (2 JUMPS)
Freefalls from 4,000 feet AGL
A. Equipment preparation:
1. Demonstrate ability to inspect, don and adjust equipment with assistance.
Note: Packing instructions should begin by the time this level is reached.
B. Performance preparation:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to use an altimeter.
2. Demonstrate technique required to maintain heading during freefall.
3. Concentrate on relaxing physically and mentally in freefall by using the basic stable freefall position.
4. Physically rehearse entire jump.
C. In flight:
1. Repeat all in flight procedures of previous lessons.
2. Demonstrate understanding of the basics of spotting and observe the spotting process.
D. Freefall:
1. Maintain a relaxed, stable body position during freefall.
2. Maintain heading within 90-degree during freefall.
3. Demonstrate altitude awareness by pulling at the proper altitude.
E. Canopy control and landing:
1. Perform all objectives of previous lessons.
2. Land within 50 meters of center of landing area with minimal ground-to air instruction.
5.12 15-SECOND FREEFALLS (2 JUMPS)
Freefalls from 5,000 feet AGL
A. Equipment preparation:
1. Demonstrate ability to inspect, don and adjust equipment without assistance.
B. Performance preparation:
1. Practice body position and technique for basic, controlled turns.
2. Physically rehearse entire jump.
C. In flight:
1. Apply knowledge of spotting principles and wind at altitude.
2. Perform spotting with direct supervision.
3. Self-check equipment before exit.
D. Freefall:
1. Hold heading for five seconds and then perform slow, controlled 180-degree and 360-degree turns in alternating directions.
2. Maintain stability and altitude awareness throughout freefall.
3. Pull at the proper altitude.
E. Canopy control and landing:
1. Land within 50 meters of center of landing area without ground-to-air supervision.
2. Demonstrate proper approach and landing techniques.
5.13 30-SECOND FREEFALLS (2 JUMPS)
Freefalls from 7,500 feet AGL
A. Equipment preparation:
1. Pack main canopy.
2. Repeat all procedures of previous lesson.
B. Performance preparation:
1. Practice body position and techniques for alternating 360-degree turns, backloops and the delta position.
2. Practice techniques for being the base for a two-way hook-up.
3. Explain RW safety procedures including maintaining altitude awareness during the freefall and waving off before pulling.
4. Physically practice entire jump.
Note: JM should select the maneuvers to be performed; it will require more than one jump to meet all of the objectives of this phase.
C. In flight:
1. Brief pilot with assistance.
2. Repeat all procedures of previous lessons.
3. Perform a door exit.
D. Freefall:
1. Establish heading and altitude after exit.
2. Maintain altitude awareness.
3. Perform backloop followed by two alternating 360-degree turns.
4. Maintain heading while assuming delta position and hold for five seconds
5. Exit and lay base for a hook-up with the Jump-
master.6. Wave off before pulling on all RW jumps
7. Pull at the proper altitude.
E. Canopy control and landing:
1. Land within 25 meters of center of the landing area.
2. Demonstrate proper approach and landing techniques.
5.14 45-SECOND FREEFALLS (3 JUMPS)
Freefalls from 9,500 feet AGL
A. Equipment preparation:
1. Demonstrate ability to inspect, don and adjust equipment properly.
2. Demonstrate ability to inspect and pack main canopy.
B. Performance preparation:
1. Explain and demonstrate knowledge of RW safety procedures (both in freefall and under canopy) including wave off before pulling.
2. Practice techniques for front loops and barrel rolls.
3. Practice techniques for 2-way hook-ups followed by turns and redocks.
4. Rehearse entire jump sequence.
Note: Jumpmaster should select the maneuvers to be performed; it will require more than one jump to meet all of the objectives of this phase.
C. In flight:
1. Brief pilot without assistance.
2. Spot properly without assistance.
3. Self-check equipment.
D. Freefall:
1. Demonstrate full body control and ability to perform all individual maneuvers.
2. Successfully turn and redock with Jumpmaster.
3. Demonstrate ability to turn 180-degree from the center of the formation, achieve proper separation and perform a wave off before pull.
4. Pull at the proper altitude.
E. Canopy control and landing:
1. On each jump land within 25 meters of center of the landing area.
2. Demonstrate safe canopy control procedures.
5.15 CONTINUING ADVANCEMENT
A. The novice skydiver’s immediate goal should be to obtain the USPA A License, which is the classification of Basic Skydiver.
B. Progress should continue with supervision and coaching, although supervision by a USPA rated Jumpmaster may no longer be necessary.
C. Level 8Continuing Education is a training outline designed to serve as a guideline in developing the skills and experience required to progress to the A License level and beyond. Level 8 is described in Section 8.