| Hi Dave,
It's been many moons since I've had the pleasure of skydiving, but
most of the info will be about the same, so I'll try and answer some of
your questions.
As far as the log book is concerned, the different entries are
"mostly" to record your own specifics about a particular jump. However,
the entries could also be used as proof of completing certain
requirements for advancment because eash jump needs to be signed off.
Let's say, for example, that you go to a drop zone you havn't jumped
before. The people there will want to know your capabilities before
they let you jump. They will determine that through your log book. If
you say your cleared for 60 second delays but don't have 60 second
delay's recorded and signed off in your book, don't be surprised if
they don't believe you. So, you record the specifics of each jump.
Type of exit might be "flat stable". Things done during free fall might
be just flat stable, or 360 right and left turns, realitive work, 2 or
3 man hook up, etc.
Yes, there is a progression through the ranks. That's why you should
keep good records, and make sure each jump is signed off. I believe
they still have different "license" levels in the sport. They used to
run A thru D. Not sure if the lower levels (A & B) are still used. Each
level requires a higher level of proficiency with the ability to do
more in the air. There are also a set number of jumps required for each
level.
Assuming the "old" static line method of learning is still used the
same way, the progression is something like this.....
5 successful static line jumps, the last 2 of which have to be
successful dummy rip cord pulls. Once this is completed, you get signed
off for free fall and progress like this....
3 successful 5 second delays
3 successful 10 second delays
3 successful 15 second delays
3 successful 30 second delays
3 successful 60 second delays (cant remember if there was a 45 sec.
delay between 30 and 60)
Successful in the above progression means that you are watched on each
of those jumps and the person signing off in your log book is stating
that you performed each jump correctly and maintained control and
completed whatever other requirements correctly during the jump.
Once you complete the 60 second delays, then your no longer considered
a student and are signed off to jump to your hearts content. There is
an accelerated free fall program that get's you off of student status
quicker, but I'm not sure what the progression is.
Hope this helps.
Steve
|
|
Hi Dave
Here's some more input for your skydiving. Yes they still have license
progression A thru D. As mentioned in the previous reply, keep
control of you log book since it is how you substantiate what level of
skydiver you are. Unlike the last reply, I don't recommend messing
with the static line method. There is a much better method out now
that is called AFF (Accelerated Free Fall). You will freefall from 10
to 12 thousand feet on your first jump. I'd stay as far away from
static line as possible. Now before you conclude that I am an
anti-static line snob, remember that I jumped static line for about 14
years before learning to free fall. I am also a Special Forces static
line jumpmaster.
The problem with learning to do a static line is that you are learning
skills that you will quickly move off of so they are wasted. Also,
since you are falling predominantly on your own you can develop bad
habits before they can be corrected. With the AFF program, you always
have at least 1 AFF jumpmaster in the air with you. You will learn
some hand signals so that he can make on the spot corrections as you
learn. On your first couple of jumps, you will have 2 jumpmasters
holding on to you. STarting (I believe) with your level 3, you will go
to only one. You learn fast this way and it's way safer. Most schools
actively try to discourage students from doing static line. You can
theoritically get off student status in 7 jumps. I took 8, average is
about 10. USPA recomends this method.
Whichever way you go, I hope you have a blast
P.S.
jumped a C-130 tailgate about a week ago from 10,000 feet. It's
still a rush.
Ernie
B14644
|
|
Here are the current license requirements from USPA
The Skydiver's Information Manual
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-1 USPA LICENSES
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 student 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. Instructor may verify A, B and C licenses.
2. S&TA may verify A, B and C licenses and may verify a D
application if the rating holders possesses a D license.
3. I/Es and BOD members may verify any license application.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
3-1.06 USPA A LICENSE--BASIC
Persons holding a USPA A license are able to jumpmaster themselves, 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 2way 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 92.
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, jumpmaster other licensed skydivers, participate in
demonstration jumps and 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 4way 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 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
sequenceback 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 8way 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, I/E, S&TA 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 1041).
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
C11376R).
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Click here to view other sections of the SIM...
Introduction
Section 1: The United States Parachute Association
Section 2: Basic Safety Requirements (BSRs) and Waivers
Section 3: Classification of Skydivers
Section 3-1, USPA Licenses
Section 3-2, USPA Instructional Ratings
Section 3-3, USPA Professional Exhibition Rating
Section 3-4, Competition Judge Rating
Return to the USPA Home Page
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
�1997, United States Parachute Association.
|