Each Skydiving License Permitted Activities
Achieving Skydiving Licenses: USPA A, B, C, and D
If you're intrigued by the thrill of skydiving, you may be curious about the steps required to become a licensed solo skydiver. This guide will walk you through the process of obtaining your skydiving license, from the initial First Jump Course to the coveted USPA D License.
Acquiring a Skydiving License
The journey to becoming a licensed skydiver begins with the First Jump Course (FJC), a comprehensive, six to eight-hour ground school that covers the essential aspects of solo skydiving, including gear familiarization, exiting the airplane, hand signals, body posture, parachute navigation, and emergency procedures. Upon completing the FJC, you'll undertake supervised solo jumps, following the United States Parachute Association (USPA)'s Accelerated Freefall Program (AFF). Each AFF jump is tailored with specific freefall and canopy objectives to help you safely progress towards a skydiving license.
USPA A License
To earn an A License, you must complete 25 freefall jumps, meet all requirements listed on the USPA A License Proficiency Card, participate in five group freefall skydives, and pass the USPA-developed written and oral exams. Part of the A License requirements involves learning to pack your parachute. Although you may opt for paid packers later, you must initially learn the skill to earn your A License. Once these steps are completed, you become an officially licensed skydiver, able to jump at any USPA-member dropzone independently.
The A License is a stepping stone towards further advancements, as it certifies your ability to self-supervise skydive and jump with others in a controlled environment.
USPA B License
Achieving a B License signifies a more experienced skydiver, with additional opportunities like jumping from novelty aircraft (e.g., helicopters or hot air balloons), night jumps, or jumping in exotic locations that require a B License minimum. To obtain a B License, you must have at least 50 jumps, document live water landing training, complete canopy piloting objectives, and pass the written USPA B License exam.
USPA C License
The C License opens the door to more opportunities, such as wingsuit flying and becoming an AFF instructor. With this license, you can specialize in areas like videography, performance, or instruction. To qualify for a C License, you must meet the B License requirements, have at least 200 jumps, and pass the written C License exam.
USPA D License (Master Level)
The USPA D License signifies a skydiver with extensive experience and expertise. As the highest type of skydiving license, holding a D License allows you to become a tandem instructor, engage in advanced skydiving activities, and access elite skydiving opportunities worldwide. To obtain a D License, you must meet the C License requirements, complete 500 jumps, and pass the written D License exam.
Skydiving Community and Membership
Currently, there are over 40,000 skydivers with active USPA membership in the United States alone. Skydive Orange, a USPA-member dropzone, offers expert instruction for those seeking to embark on their skydiving journey, transition from different skydiving learning programs, or fulfill requirements for subsequent skydiving permits.
Ready to take the leap? Connect with Skydive Orange to start your skydiving adventure today.
- During the First Jump Course, you will learn about essential aspects of solo skydiving such as gear familiarization, hand signals, parachute navigation, and emergency procedures.
- To earn an A License, you must complete 25 freefall jumps, participate in five group freefall skydives, pass USPA-developed written and oral exams, and learn to pack your parachute, even if you later opt for paid packers.
- Achieving a B License requires at least 50 jumps, document live water landing training, complete canopy piloting objectives, and pass the USPA written B License exam.
- The C License, opening doors to wingsuit flying and AFF instruction, demands that you meet the B License requirements, have at least 200 jumps, and pass the written C License exam.
- Holding a USPA D License, the highest type of skydiving license, allows you to become a tandem instructor, engage in advanced skydiving activities, and access elite skydiving opportunities worldwide, requiring you to meet the C License requirements and complete 500 jumps.
