Skydiving Licenses
By Austin T. Rider
A majority of people might think it’s difficult to obtain a skydiving license, but when broken down into what is required, it provides perspective and a path that can be easily followed.
When deciding on which license you should aim for, you will first want to consider which skydiving application you are looking to accomplish.
Click here to obtain information on license privileges to see which application will work best for you.
Please Note: you must first complete your A-license then the following licenses in order, to achieve your selected license.
Once you know which license you want to earn, you will need to go through the proper steps to completing them. First, to obtain an A-license you will need to complete "25 jumps," (Skydiving) along with five group freefall skydives including at least two participants, and pass a written and oral exam.
When working towards your B-license you will need to complete 50 jumps, including at least “30 minutes of controlled freefall time . . . and land within 33 feet of target center on ten jumps.” (USPA) You will then need to complete the aerial performance requirements spelled out in Section 3-1:E of the USPA Skydiver’s Information Manual, stating that you must demonstrate the ability to perform individual maneuvers (left 360, right 360,
backflip) in freefall within 18 seconds or less. Or, successfully complete a planned formation on ten group freefall jumps. Then, to finish up your B-license, you will need to complete live water training with full gear and pass a written exam.
To obtain your C-license you will need to complete 200 jumps with 60 minutes of controlled freefall time, land within seven feet of your landing target’s center on 25 jumps and complete the aerial performance requirements spelled out in Section 3-1:E of the USPA Skydiver’s Information Manual, stating that you must, during freefall, perform a backflip, front flip, left 360, right 360, right barrel roll, and a left barrel roll within 18 seconds. Or, complete at least two points on an 8-way or larger random skydive. Then finally you’ll need to pass a written exam.
The D-license is the highest you can achieve. You must complete 500 jumps with three hours of controlled freefall time, complete two night jumps with a freefall of at least 20 second and finally pass a written exam. Once you have completed your D-license you then have the option to start working on the different ratings the USPA has available.
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Works Cited:
“Skydiving Freefall Training near Salt Lake City and Provo – Skydive the Wasatch | Skydive the Wasatch.” Skydive the Wasatch. Web. 03 May 2016
“USPA Skydiver’s Information Manual.” USPA Skydiver’s Information Manual. Web.