BECOMING A SKYDIVER

This is how it works following your Basic Skydiving Course. For every jump, your Instructors will assess your performance both as you skydive, and as you fly and land your parachute. This assessment is entered on to your Log Card (the record of your jumps). What you do on each jump depends on your previous performance - when your Instructor considers that you are ready, you will be moved on to the next training exercise. We are looking for: a good strong exit, facing aircraft heading as you fall, a strong stable spread and arch, and a loud count. Your canopy control is also observed and assessed, and additional training will be given in all aspects of the jump as and when needed.

Following your initial Basic Skydiving RAPS Course you are considered to be a 'Category One' jumper - to become a Qualified Solo Skydiver you must gain an FAI (Federation Aeronautique Internationale) 'A' Certificate - the international parachuting licence - for which you must first achieve 'Category Eight' status.

Once you have demonstrated that you are switched-on and in control while falling, you will be trained to perform 'Dummy Ripcord Pulls' (or DRPs) - this gets you to Category Two. DRPs involve further drops using an automatically opened main parachute, during which you must pull a dummy ripcord (while also remaining in control). Each time your Instructor clears you for a new exercise, you undergo additional training and practice prior to the next jump. After a minimum of five descents, including three good consecutive DRP jumps, you can be cleared for your first fully free-falling descent! You are now Category Three.

Your first freefall takes place from about 1000 feet higher than your early jumps. First freefall must take place by the end of the day following your last DRP - freefall is a big step, so you must be razor-sharp! Freefallers must be full members of the British Parachute Association. Membership costs approximately £50 to £90 depending on the time of year (the membership year runs 1st April - 31st March). You'll need a cheque or Visa/Mastercard/Switch for this - we can't take cash for the BPA. After two short freefalls of 3 to 5 seconds, you're Category Four.

At each stage of progression (each time you are cleared to fall for longer, from a higher altitude, or move on to a new action in freefall, or to use different equipment) you must be cleared in writing in your skydiving log book by an Instructor. Progression clearance is normally given by the Instructor who despatches you from the aircraft. If clearance has not been given, this is usually because the Instructor is not happy with your performance, taking your jump history into account.

Category Five means you have sucessfully completed at least two freefalls of 10 second duration; Category Six, two freefalls of 15 seconds and the ability to read an altimeter while falling. For Category Seven, you'll have achieved controlled 360 degree turns in both directions.

Category Eight involves several jumps, during which you undertake an Unstable Exit - pushed out backwards and tumbling - and recovering from that (immense fun!). There is also a Dive Exit (jumping out head-first); backloops in freefall and what is known as 'Tracking" - zipping across the sky at 60 mph (while still falling at 120mph, of course!). The final qualifying dive involves a combination of these manoeuvres, in a given sequence. Oh, and these dives all take place from 13,000 feet at Langar!

During the last several jumps, you'll also be achieving greater control of your parachute, as that is part of the requirement to gain that Internation Certificate.

Note that all training 'briefs' must only be given by an Instructor - there is often important information that non-Instructors may forget: so you must never try to get training information from anybody other than an Instructor. This is for your own safety. Note that only the information you need for your present stage of experience is given: we build your knowledge up slowly.

Whether your goal is to simply to reach Freefall status, or to become a fully qualified skydiver, you must keep jumping. At British Parachute Schools, progression training is free, as long as you jump both regularly and frequently: you just pay for the jumps. Be aware, however, that if you leave long gaps between jumps, you may be charged for retraining. After 6 months without jumping, you must undergo the full course again, and you will be charged.

DESIGNATION OF SKYDIVERS

History being what it is, we are all termed 'parachutists' for official purposes...

A 'Student Parachutist' has not yet qualified for an FAI 'A' Certificate.
An 'Intermediate Parachutist' holds an FAI 'A' Certificate, but not a 'B' Certificate.
An 'Experienced Parachutist' holds an FAI 'B' Certificate or greater

Detailed information on the BPA Category System can be found by clicking here.