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Information for Intermediate Skydivers
Whether your goal is to reach Freefall status, or to become a fully qualified skydiver, you must keep jumping - regularly and frequently! Your performance is assessed after each jump you complete: your ability to stay the 'right' way up as you fall (basically, with your chest to the airflow) is the initial criterion we apply to decide when you progress to the next stage. 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. Your initial goal must be your first freefall! When your Instructors are happy with your jump performance as per your training during your course, you will be 'cleared' in writing in your log book (which you receive following your first jump) to go on to 'Dummy Ripcord Pulls' (DRPs). These jumps involve continuing to use an automatically opened parachute, but with the addition of a 'dummy' ripcord added to your rig in the position where the real ripcord handle would be on freefall equipment. When you have been cleared for Dummy Pulls by an Instructor (and not before), you must get trained for the job: you will be taught how to fall the right way up and successfully pull the (dummy) ripcord handle. The training session (or 'brief') should take a minimum of 40 minutes, including plenty of practice on your part. You must then perform at least 3 consecutive DRP jumps, staying the right way up, on aircraft heading, counting, and pulling the ripcord. When your Instructors are satisfied that you can always fall correctly and always pull the ripcord you will be briefed for your first freefall, which will be 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. 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. 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. 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 SKYDIVERSHistory being what it is, we are all termed 'parachutists' for official purposes...
A 'Student Parachutist' has not yet qualified for an FAI 'A' Certificate.
A: Category 8 (see BPA Category System) ©2004 British Parachute Schools |
Following your initial Basic Skydiving RAPS Course you are considered to be a 'Category One' jumper - your first step to becoming a fully-fledged skydiver! After your first jump, all subsequent student training takes place under the British Parachute Association's Category System, details of which are printed opposite. 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.