AerOhio Skydiving Center would like to welcome you to the world of skydiving! Are you ready for your FIRST jump?  There are two different methods by which you can do your FIRST Freefall! You can choose from Tandem or Accelerated Freefall (AFF). After your first jump you will progress though the AFF 20 jump training program.  At the completion of this student progression you will be qualified to jumpmaster yourself, have the quality skydiving skills allowing you to have successful, fun skydives, and to apply for your basic A-License with the United States Parachute Association.  The following is a detailed description of the student progression from  Jump #1 through your A-license qualification!

Student experiences controlled exit and relative wind with immediate arch out the door. Student completes three practice touches. Student waves off at 6000 feet and pulls the ripcord by 5000feet. To progress ripcord must be pulled within 500 feet of 5000. Aspects of canopy control are expanded and practiced.

Tandem L2 Sequence: Student experiences controlled exit and relative wind with immediate arch out the door. Freefall body position is practiced with fewer TI cues and corrections. After the Drogue is deployed, the Student will maintain a heading and maintain altitude awareness. Student will perform three practice touches. Upon TI signal, student will do forward motion for a count of 3000. Student will wave off at 6000 feet and pull the ripcord. Student’s canopy control is expanded by performing a Controllability Check, and the terms "Holding", "Running", "Crabbing", "Flaring", will be explained and demonstrated. Canopy flight plan along with etiquette while returning to the landing area and entering the pattern will be explained. Student assists in landing flare on TI’s count. Student debrief and logbook & A-license card are completed.

LEVEL 1 -AFF
2 AFF Instructors

Exit
COA
3 PHT's
COA
Altitude, arch, check legs, relax
Wave Off @ 5500 ft.
Pull by 4500 ft.

Release brakes & fix routine problems
Controllability check ( 360 R & L , flare)
Find landing area
Fly to 1000 ft. holding area
Follow left hand pattern
Flare to land & PLF

Freefall awareness
Stable for last 10 seconds
Altitude awareness
Assisted pull w/in 1000 ft.
Land with radio assistance within 100 meters of landing area
Completed written A-License questions

LEVEL 2 -AFF
1 or 2 AFF Instructors

Stronger exit
COA
3 PHT's
Know altitude, arch, check legs, relax
90 degree left turn
Know altitude, arch, check legs, relax
Extend legs for 4 seconds, relax back to neutral
Know altitude, arch, check legs, relax
(Relax for rest of skydive to prepare for Level 3)
Wave off @ 5500 ft
Pull by 4500 ft

Release brakes & fix routine problems
Controllability check ( 360 R & L , flare) (look before turning)
Find landing area & locate 1000 ft. area (especially for off field landings)
Stay upwind of 1000 ft. area
Look for obstacles around the landing area
Fly to 1000 ft. holding area to enter pattern
Follow left hand pattern
Flare to land & PLF

Freefall awareness
Stable throughout
Leg control
Altitude awareness
Unassisted pull w/in 500 ft.
Land with radio assist with in 30 degrees of wind line
Complete written A-License questions

Exit with strong arch and legs out
COA
1 PHT
2 Toe taps
Instructors' release grips as situation allows
Know altitude, arch, check legs, relax
(Repeat as altitude permits)
Wave off @ 5500 ft.
Pull by 4500ft.

Release brakes & fix routine problems
Controllability check ( 360 R & L , flare) (look before turning)
Find landing area & locate 1000 ft. area
Stay upwind of 1000 ft. area
Look for obstacles around the landing area
Identify suspect areas of turbulence 
(Turbulence occurs downwind of an obstacle at 10 to 20 times its height, depending on the strength of the wind)
Fly to 1000 ft. holding area to enter pattern
Follow left hand pattern
Flare to land & PLF

Can plan left hand pattern for landing according to wind
Can adjust pattern for wind changes
Demonstrate one PLF
Stable with in 5 seconds out the door
Relaxed freefall with leg control
Altitude & heading awareness
Solo pull at correct altitude
Fly pattern and flare with minimal radio assistance
Complete written A-license questions

Spotting awareness
Exit in relaxed arch (grip optional)
COA
PHT's ( Optional)
Know altitude, arch, check legs, relax
Find reference point on the ground.
Start & stop 90-degree turns
Move forward to redock
(Repeat as altitude permits down to 6000 ft.)
Know altitude, arch, check legs, relax
Wave off @ 5000 ft.
Pull by 4500 ft.

Check position and traffic
Find landing area & locate 1000 ft. area
Stay upwind of 1000 ft. area
Look for obstacles around the landing area
Identify suspect areas of turbulence
Fly to 1000 ft. holding area to enter pattern
Follow left hand pattern
Flare to land

Operate AAD
Observe jumprun (as able)
Solo exit, stable with in 5 seconds
Start & stop 90-degree turns
Pull at correct altitude
Complete canopy work listed above
Land with in 50 meters with minimal radio assistance
Begin learning to pack
Complete A-License written questions

Observe spotting
Solo exit with stable, relaxed arch
COA
PHT's (optional)
Know altitude, arch, check legs, relax
Find reference point on the ground
Start & stop a 360-degree turn to the left
Know altitude, arch, check legs, relax
Move forward to redock
Know altitude, arch, check legs, relax
Start & stop a 360-degree turn to the right
Know altitude, arch ,check legs, relax
Wave off at 4500 ft.
Pull by 4000 ft.

Check position and traffic
NOTE: Your hands should go to the rear risers on opening every jump and each jump you should immediately check airspace and do a 90 degree rear riser turn to practice collision avoidance.
Find landing area & locate 1000 ft. area
Leave brakes set (unless needed to fix problems)
Use rear risers: look right and turn 90 degrees right
Look left and turn 90 degrees left
Release brakes
Use rear risers: look right and turn 90 degrees right
Look left and turn 90 degrees left.
Stay upwind of 1000 ft area
Look for obstacles around the landing area
Identify suspect areas of turbulence
Fly to 1000 ft holding area to enter pattern
Follow left hand pattern
Flare to land

Operate AAD
Observe jumprun (as able)
Solo exit, stable with in 5 seconds
Start & stop 360 degree turns
Complete canopy work listed above
Left hand pattern & land with in 50 meters with minimal radio assistance
Practice packing
Complete written A-license questions

Assist with spot (as able)
Door (floater) exit
Know altitude, arch, check legs, relax
Back flip - recover in 5 seconds
Know altitude, arch, check legs, relax
Back flip - recover in 5 seconds
Know altitude, arch, check legs, relax
Tracking for a count of 4000 ft. & back to neutral
Wave off @ 4500 ft.
Pull by 4000 ft.

Check position and traffic
Flare to # 2 position at slow speed & hold - watch canopy for nose to lift (sweet spot)
Recover to full flight for 10 seconds
Flare to #2 position at quicker speed & hold - watch for sweet spot
Recover to full flight for 10 seconds
Flare to #3 position at slow speed - watch for sweet spot - recover
Flare to #3 position at quicker speed - watch for sweet spot - recover
Evaluate the most effective flare according to the strongest sustainable lift (sweet spot)
Evaluate flare practice according to landing results.
Stay upwind of 1000 ft. area
Look for obstacles around the landing area
Identify suspect areas of turbulence
Fly to 1000 ft. holding area to enter pattern
Follow left hand pattern
Flare to land

Estimate exit and opening points
Stability recovery with in 5 seconds
Perform back loops & tracking
Understand open parachute orientation, RSL orientation & complete gear checks.
Left hand pattern and landing with radio supervision only
Practice packing
Complete written A-license questions

Assist with spot (as able)
Diving exit
Know altitude, arch, check legs, relax
Barrel roll - recover in 5 seconds
Know altitude, arch, check legs, relax
Front flip - recover in 5 seconds
Know altitude, arch, check legs, relax
360 degree right turn, 360 left turn
Know altitude, arch, check legs, relax
Tracking for a count of 4000 ft. with heading awareness
Wave off @ 4500 ft.
Pull by 4000 ft.

Check position and traffic & check position between maneuvers too.
Flare to # 2 position at slow speed & hold - watch canopy for nose to lift (sweet spot)
Recover to full flight for 10 seconds
Flare to #2 position at quicker speed & hold - watch for sweet spot
Recover to full flight for 10 seconds
Flare to #3 position at slow speed - watch for sweet spot - recover
Flare to #3 position at quicker speed - watch for sweet spot - recover
Evaluate the most effective flare according to the strongest sustainable lift (sweet spot)
Evaluate flare practice according to landing results.
Stay upwind of 1000 ft. area
Look for obstacles around the landing area
Identify suspect areas of turbulence
Fly to 1000 ft. holding area to enter pattern
Follow left hand pattern
Flare to land

Estimate exit and opening points
Stability recovery with in 5 seconds
Perform a barrel roll & front loop
Tracking with heading awareness
Understands open parachute orientation, RSL orientation & complete gear checks
Solo left hand pattern and landing
Practice packing
Complete written A-license questions

DIVE FLOW - Tracking
Spotting (as able)
Optional exit (student's choice)
Turn 90 degrees from line of flight
Track for 10 seconds (with heading control)
Check altitude, turn 180 degrees & track again
Repeat until 5000 ft
Wave off @ 4000 ft
Pull by 3500 ft

Discovery of stall point: to be done only if above 2500 ft
Produced by lowering the trailing edge (tail) below the leading edge (nose).
A stall collapses the canopy and may be unrecoverable. To find the stall point, pull both toggles down slowly and evenly. Watch the tail of your parachute and as it drops below the nose of your parachute the canopy will stop and start to fall back. Take note of how far down you had to pull your toggles to create the stall. To recover, smoothly and slowly raise your toggles back to full flight. This will prevent your parachute from diving forward or having one side partially collapsed.
Stay upwind of 1000 ft area
Look for obstacles around the landing area
Identify suspect areas of turbulence
Fly to 1000 ft holding area to enter pattern
Follow left hand pattern
Flare to land

Estimate exit point
Stability recovery with in 5 seconds
Practice tracking
Solo left hand pattern and landing
Practice packing
Complete written A-license questions

___________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 9 - AFF
AFF I or USPA Coach

Coach observes spot
Rear float exit position
Coach gives count after student okay
Student faces direction of flight until stable
Student and coach dock
Coach backs up 5 ft and adjusts levels as needed
Student moves forward and takes grips
Altitude checks every 5 seconds or after each maneuver
Coach backs up 10 ft - student moves forward to dock
Repeat until break off
Student initiates break off at 5500 ft and turns to track
Coach remains in place & evaluates track
Student waves off and pulls by 3500 ft
Coach observes landing pattern and distance from target on landing.

Break turns: Performed correctly, braked turns provide the quickest heading change for the least altitude lost. When on final approach and too low to recover from a full glide toggle turn, braked turns may be the best choice when encountering an unforeseen obstacle. Braked turns could also be used during an entire left hand pattern if the pattern is started at a lower than normal altitude.

Pull the toggles to the #1 position, then turn by pulling one toggle to the #2 position. This turn will be flatter, losing less altitude then a full glide toggle turn. Try to change heading as quickly as possible without stalling or banking the canopy. Repeat this exercise if altitude permits.

Stay upwind of 1000 ft area
Look for obstacles around the landing area
Identify suspect areas of turbulence
Fly to 1000 ft holding area to enter pattern
Follow left hand pattern
Flare to land

2 redocks from at least 5 ft without assistance.
Break off without coach prompt at 5500 ft
Track 50 ft within 10 degrees
Land within 20 meters of target
Pack without assistance
Complete written A-license questions

Coach observes spot
Rear float exit position
Coach gives count after student okay
Student faces direction of flight until stable
Student and coach dock
Coach backs up 10 ft and adjusts levels as needed
Student moves forward and takes grips
Altitude checks every 5 seconds or after each maneuver
Coach backs up 15 ft - students moves forward to dock
Repeat until break off
Student initiates break off at 5500 ft and turns to track
Coach remains in place & evaluates track
Student waves off and pulls by 3500 ft
Coach observes landing pattern and distance from target on landing.

CANOPY CONTROL DIVE FLOW.

Braked turns: Performed correctly, braked turns provide the quickest heading change for the least altitude lost. When on final approach and too low to recover from a full glide toggle turn, braked turns may be the best choice when encountering an unforeseen obstacle. Braked turns could also be used during an entire left hand pattern if the pattern is started at a lower than normal altitude.

Find the stall point of your parachute.

Pull the toggles to the #2 position (or just above the stall point), then turn by letting up one toggle just enough to allow the initiation of the turn. This will be the flattest turn, losing the least amount altitude during the turn. Try to change heading as quickly as possible without stalling or banking the canopy.

Stay upwind of 1000 ft area
Look for obstacles around the landing area
Identify suspect areas of turbulence
Fly to 1000 ft holding area to enter pattern
Follow left hand pattern
Flare to land

2 redocks from at least 10 ft without assistance.
Break off without coach prompt at 5500 ft
Track 50 ft within 10 degrees
Land within 20 meters of target
Pack without assistance
Complete written A-license questions

Coach observes spot
Front floater exit
Student initiates count after coach okay
Student faces direction of flight until stable
Student turns to face coach - and they dock
Coach backs up 10 ft and increases fall rate
After the coaches signal- student increases fall rate to go down to Coach, maintaining 10 foot distance.
Altitude check every 5 seconds or after each maneuver.
Coach slows fall rate
After the coach signals - student slows fall rate to come up to Coach, maintaining 10 foot distance.
Repeat until student initiates break off at 5500 ft
Coach remains in place and evaluates track
Student waves off and pulls by 3500 ft
Coach observes landing pattern and distance from target on landing.

CANOPY CONTROL DIVE FLOW

Discovery of Flattest or Best Glide: Choose a stationary point in the distance, adjust your brake to the #1 position  and see if the stationary point moves down. If it does, then your glide has flattened and you will be able to cover more distance. Adjust the brakes more and re-check the stationary point position, if it went down again your glide is even flatter. Keep adjusting to deeper brakes until your canopy is sinking. You will recognize that it is sinking when your stationary spot moves up, meaning you now have gone beyond best glide. So now you are sinking faster than you are going forward. Best glide is used for getting back from a long spot. Best glide will change depending on whether you are upwind or down wind of the target. Sinking your parachute can be used if you need to shorten the distance covered before landing. If you are sinking your parachute it is best if you return to full glide before it is time to flare. Watch Fly-like-a-Pro video for further explanation.

Stay upwind of 1000 ft area
Look for obstacles around the landing area
Identify suspect areas of turbulence
Fly to 1000 ft holding area to enter pattern
Follow left hand pattern
Flare to land

Show adjustments for fall rate, both up and down
Break off without coach prompt at 5500 ft
Track 50 ft within 10 degrees
Land within 20 meters of target
Pack without assistance
Complete written A-license questions

Coach observes spot
Front floater exit
Student initiates count after coach okay
Student faces direction of flight until stable
Student turns to face coach - and they dock
Coach backs up 10 ft and increases fall rate
After the coaches signal- student increases fall rate to coach's level and comes in to dock
Altitude check every 5 seconds or after each maneuver.
Coach slows fall rate and backs up 10 ft
The student slows fall rate to come up to the coach's level and comes in to dock
Repeat until student initiates break off at 5500 ft
Coach remains in place and evaluates track
Student waves off and pulls by 3500 ft
Coach observes landing pattern and distance from target on landing.

Discovery of flattest or best glide: choose a stationary point in the distance, adjust your brake to the #1 position and see if the stationary point moves down. If it does, then your glide has flattened and you will be able to cover more distance. Adjust the brakes more and re-check the stationary point position, if it went down again your glide is even flatter. Keep adjusting to deeper brakes until your canopy is sinking. You will recognize that it is sinking when your stationary spot moves up, meaning you now have gone beyond best glide. So now you are sinking faster than you are going forward. Best glide is used for getting back from a long spot. Best glide will change depending on whether you are upwind or down wind of the target. Sinking your parachute can be used if you need to shorten the distance covered before landing. If you are sinking your parachute it is best if you return to full glide before it is time to flare.

Stay upwind of 1000 ft area
Look for obstacles around the landing area
Identify suspect areas of turbulence
Fly to 1000 ft holding area to enter pattern
Follow left hand pattern
Flare to land

CRITERIA TO PROGRESS .

2 redocks with adjustments for fall rate.
Break off without coach prompt at 5500 ft
Track 50 ft within 10 degrees
Land within 20 meters of target
Pack without assistance
Complete written A-license questions

Student performs a floater track exit - coach dives out after 2 seconds
Student and coach dock and open to a star formation
Coach holds heading
Student performs 90 degree turns in place and docks between each one
Repeat turns as altitude permits
Student initiates break off at 5000 ft and turns to track
Student waves off and pulls by 3000 ft
Coach stays in place to observe the students' track
Coach observes landing pattern and distance from target on landing.

Check position and traffic --practice only if above 2500
Reverse canopy turns: practicing these turns allows one to find the maximum safe toggle turn rate before line twists are induced. Enter the turn only as quickly as the canopy can maintain balance during the turn. Surging, lurching, or line twist indicate a turn entered too quickly. A canopy is more subject to turbulence during entry and exit from turn. Make a smooth but deep turn at least 90 degrees to the right, then reverse toggle positions smoothly but quickly for a 180 degree turn to the left. Repeat as altitude and position permit.
Stay upwind of 1000 ft area
Look for obstacles around the landing area
Identify suspect areas of turbulence
Fly to 1000 ft holding area to enter pattern
Follow left hand pattern
Flare to land

Complete 4 -6 90-degree center point turns
Initiates break off with out prompt at 5000 ft
Track 100 ft with in 10 degrees
Land with in 20 meters of target
Pack without assistance
Complete written A-license questions

Student performs a floater track exit - coach dives out after 2 seconds
Student and coach dock
Coach holds heading
Student performs 360-degree turns in place and docks between each one
Repeat turns as altitude permits
Student initiates break off at 5000 ft and turns to track
Student waves off and pulls by 3000 ft
Coach stays in place to observe the students' track
Coach observes landing pattern and distance from target on landing.

Check position and traffic --practice only if above 2500

Reverse canopy turns: practicing these turns allows one to find the maximum safe toggle turn rate before line twists are induced. Enter the turn only as quickly as the canopy can maintain balance during the turn. Surging, lurching, or line twist indicate a turn entered too quickly. A canopy is more subject to turbulence during entry and exit from turn. Make a smooth but deep turn at least 90 degrees to the right, then reverse toggle positions smoothly but quickly for a 180 degree turn to the left. Repeat as altitude and position permit.

Stay upwind of 1000 ft area
Look for obstacles around the landing area
Identify suspect areas of turbulence
Fly to 1000 ft holding area to enter pattern
Follow left hand pattern
Flare to land

Complete 4 - 6 360-degree center point turns
Initiates break off with out prompt at 5000 ft
Track 100 ft with in 10 degrees
Land within 20 meters of target
Pack without assistance
Complete written A-license questions

Student spots - coach floats & student performs diving exit (SDU style)
Student leaves 1 second after coach
Coach establishes fall rate and holds heading
Student turns to coach
Student dives (start, coast, stop in stair step method) to coach and stops on level 20 ft from the coach.
Student approaches and takes grips
Altitude permitting: coach dives to a point 50 to 100 ft laterally and 20 to 40 ft below and the student will then dive again to redock.
Student breaks off at 5000 ft
Student waves off and pulls by 3000 ft
Coach remains in place and evaluates track
Coach observes the students landing pattern and distance from the target on landing.

Front riser work: optional depending on students' physical capabilities
Complete all front riser work above 2000 ft & keep your steering toggles in hand
Check position and traffic
Pull down both front risers to dive straight ahead
Pull one front riser to complete a 90 degree turn, repeat if altitude permits
Stay upwind of 1000 ft area
Look for obstacles around the landing area
Identify suspect areas of turbulence
Fly to 1000 ft holding area to enter pattern
Follow left hand pattern
Flare to land

1 swoop to and dock with the coach
Break off without prompt at 5000 ft
Track 100 ft within 10 degrees
Replace stow bands
Replace closing loop
Assemble a 3-ring and exercise 3-rings

____________________________________________________________________

Student spots - coach floats & student performs diving exit (SDU style)
Student leaves 2-3 second after coach
Coach establishes fall rate and holds heading
Student turns to coach
Student dives (start, coast, stop in stair step method) to coach and stops on level 20 ft from the coach.
Student approaches and takes grips
Altitude permitting: coach dives to a point 50 to 100 ft laterally and 20 to 40 ft below and the student will then dive again to redock.
Student breaks off at 5000 ft
Student waves off and pulls by 3000 ft
Coach remains in place and evaluates track
Coach observes the students landing pattern and distance from the target on landing.

Front riser work: optional depending on students' physical capabilities
Complete all front riser work above 2000 ft & keep your steering toggles in hand
Check position and traffic
Pull down both front risers to dive straight ahead
Pull one front riser to complete two 90 degree and two 180 degree turns
Stay upwind of 1000 ft area
Look for obstacles around the landing area
Identify suspect areas of turbulence
Fly to 1000 ft holding area to enter pattern
Follow left hand pattern
Flare to land

Successful swoop and dock with the coach
Break off without prompt at 5000 ft
Track 100 ft within 10 degrees
Replace stow bands
Replace closing loop
Assemble a 3-ring and exercise 3-rings

Student exits with back to the prop in sit position
Student adjusted body position for stable sit fly
Student watches altitude & is aware of increased speed and different visuals
Student picks heading and works on holding a heading
Student goes to belly by 6000 ft and tracks
Waves off and pulls by 3000 ft

Collision avoidance: Know where other nearby jumpers are during opening and steer with the rear risers to change heading quickly to avoid them. If collision is pending , both jumpers turn right unless it is faster to turn left. If you do collide you must communicate before you take action. Here are some things to consider:

The jumper above can strike the jumper below during a cutaway unless one or both are clear or ready to fend off. The jumper below can worsen the situation for the jumper above by cutting away before he or she is ready. If both jumpers are cutting away and altitude permits, the second jumper should wait until the first jumper clears the area below. The first jumper clear should fly from underneath in a straight line after opening. At some point below a safe cutaway altitude (1000 ft), it may be necessary to deploy one or both reserves. And, if both jumpers are suspended under one flying canopy at a low altitude, it may become necessary to land with only that canopy.

Awareness of equipment requirements
Awareness of increased speeds
Awareness of body orientation
Student initiates going to belly & tracking at 6000 ft
** Equipment requirements: 
Cypres
Altimeter
At least one audible altimeter
Butt strap
Tight BOC pouch
Tight pack job (closing loop length short)

___________________________________________________________________

Student exits with back to the prop in sit position
Student adjusts body position for stable sit fly
Student watches altitude & is aware of increased speed and different visuals
Student picks heading and works on holding a heading
Student goes to belly by 6000 ft and tracks
Waves off and pulls by 3000 ft

Braked turns revisited:  EVERY time you down size parachutes you need to practice braked turns so you know the limits of your parachute with your new wing loading.
Performed correctly, braked turns provide the quickest heading change for the least altitude lost. When on final approach and too low to recover form a full glide toggle turn, braked turns may be the best choice when encountering an unforeseen obstacle. Braked turns could also be used during an entire left hand pattern if the pattern is started at a lower than normal altitude.

Pull the toggles to the #1 position, then turn by pulling one toggle to the #2 position. This turn will be flatter, losing less altitude then a full glide toggle turn. Try to change heading as quickly as possible without stalling or banking the canopy.

Pull the toggles to the #2 position (or just above the stall point), then turn by letting up one toggle just enough to allow the initiate the turn. This will be the flattest turn, losing the least amount altitude during the turn. Try to change heading as quickly as possible without stalling or banking the canopy.

Awareness of equipment requirements
Awareness of increased speeds
Awareness of body orientation
Student initiates going to belly & tracking at 6000 ft
Pulls by 3000 ft
** Equipment requirements: cypres
Altimeter
At least one audible altimeter
Tight BOC pouch
Tight pack job (closing loop length short)

Clear & pull from 3500 ft (min)
Spotting
Head-high exit, facing relative wind
Pull by 3000 ft

Discovery of flattest or best glide revisited: choose a stationary point in the distance, adjust your brake position to the #1 position and see if the stationary point moves down. If it does, then your glide has flattened and you will be able to cover more distance. Adjust the brakes more and re-check the stationary point position, if it went down again your glide is even flatter. Keep adjusting to deeper brakes until your canopy is sinking. You will recognize that it is sinking when your stationary spot moves up, meaning you now have gone beyond best glide. So now you are sinking faster than you are going forward.

Best glide is used for getting back from a long spot. Best glide will change depending on whether you are upwind or down wind of the target. Sinking your parachute can be used if you need to shorten the distance covered before landing. If you are sinking your parachute in for landing, it is best if you return to full glide before it is time to flare. It is often difficult to judge your descent rate when sinking in a parachute for landing and a hard landing may occur. Large 7-cell parachutes are better designed for this maneuver than 9-cell parachute.

.

Stable exit facing relative wind
Deployed by 3000 ft
Completed all A-license written questions
Acquired all necessary sign-offs on A-License proficiency card

Candidate chooses spot
Candidate briefs pilot
Candidate performs an equipment check on the evaluating instructor or another jumper.
Candidate plans break off altitude
Candidate establishes communication in the aircraft
Candidate spots
Candidate chooses exit
Candidate performs a 360 right and 360 left and back flip
The evaluating USPA Instructor moves 20 ft from the candidate
Candidate docks
Additional points can be planned as appropriate
Candidate breaks off and tracks a minimum of 100 ft
Candidate waves off and pulls
Candidate follows pre-selected landing pattern
Candidate prepares equipment for next jump (or this jump)
Candidate completes a 20 question written A-license exam
Candidate gets A-License card completed, signed and stamped. 
Copy is faxed to USPA for processing.

E. MAIN RIPCORD HANDLE: the handle to deploy the main canopy is located on the lower right bottom of the main parachute container.

F. CUTAWAY HANDLE OR PILLOW: Red pillow secured with Velcro on the inboard right of the harness. When pulled, it separates the jumper from the main canopy.

H. ALTIMETER: Mounted on the wrist, the altimeter displays altitude above the ground in thousands of feet.

I. AUTOMATIC ACTIVATION DEVICE (AAD): The AAD control box is located inside the container; this device is set to activate the reserve only at a pre-set speed and altitude.

L. STEERING TOGGLES: Located on the back of the rear risers of both the main and reserve. MAIN toggles are yellow; RESERVE toggles are red.

NORMAL OPENING SEQUENCE OF THE MAIN PARACHUTE: The jumper throws the main pilot chute, it catches air and acts as an anchor as the jumper falls away. The main container opens. This lifts the deployment bag (containing the main canopy) out of the container. The suspension lines unstow and extend, then the bag opens. The main canopy extends and then unfolds. As the canopy inflates the slider moves down the lines; finally the canopy completely inflates, the jumper releases the brakes and the canopy assumes normal flight.

#1 PULL

#2 PULL AT THE PROPER ALTITUDE.

#3 PULL IN A STABLE BODY POSITION.

EXIT PROBLEM PROCEDURES.

ircraft Familiarization: Your instructors will train you for the type of aircraft from which you will skydive. Type of aircraft may vary from time to time.

B. Everyone will wear helmets for take-off, except the cameraman.  Everyone will wear their seat belt prior to and during take-off-NO EXCEPTIONS

C. The ride to jump altitude is a time of mental and physical preparation. Run the skydive sequence through mentally to assure that it is fresh, and then run through it verbally once with your instructor.

B. If a canopy falls out in the plane, JUMP ON IT! CONTAIN THE CANOPY! DO NOT LET IT NEAR THE DOOR!

C. If one of your parachutes does get out the door, FOLLOW IT OUT   IMMEDIATELY ! Check canopy and be prepared to cutaway.

D. If you find yourself in tow on the aircraft, determine which parachute is out, if its the main, cutaway and use your reserve parachute.

B. 1000 to 2000 feet; follow the instructor’s directions, normally you will stay with the aircraft.

C. BAILOUT ON RESERVE:, 2000 feet; in the door, both hands on the reserve ripcord handle, exit on instructor’s command and pull handle.

D. BAILOUT ON MAIN: above 2000 feet; in the door, both hands on the main ripcord handle, exit on instructor’s command and pull handle.

E. POISED BAILOUT, 3000 to 7000 feet; normal exit with your instructors. Performance objectives will not be accomplished. DO ONLY STABLE FREEFALL.

F. POISED EXIT, above 7000 feet; normal exit with your instructors. Attempt all performance objectives.

G. When descending in the aircraft your instructor will disarm your AAD. It is your responsibility to put on your helmet and seat belt for landing.

H. Your responsibilities in the aircraft AT ALL TIMES are:  
(1) TO PROTECT YOUR MAIN, CUTAWAY, AND RESERVE HANDLES.
(2) TO PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR.

D. LOCATE THE LANDING AREA to determine direction and path of descent. This is sometimes a problem on your first jump. Always start by looking straight down directly under you. Your search pattern starts from there and goes out.  Do not start by looking out to the horizon and moving in; this will take forever. Other references should be identified before exiting the aircraft. You can also follow your instructors.

7. When the canopy’s heading is not aligned with the wind you are CRABBING, a sideward movement, or drift, is introduced into the ground track. Drift is most obvious when the canopy is headed 90 degrees to the wind, or directly CROSSWIND.

    

1. By definition a malfunction is any failure of your canopy or related equipment which normally provides you with a normal rate of descent to the ground. The questions to ask are: is my main canopy controllable and can I land it safely?

2. It is imperative that you know what a good main canopy looks like. You are the the only person who can decide if it is safe to land.

4. High speed malfunctions are:
A. Pack closure - Total malfunction - ( Pull reserve immediately)
B. Pilot chute hang up - (1 try to release & pull reserve)
C. Pilot chute in tow - (Pull Reserve immediately & be prepared to cutaway main or deal with dual 
                                                    parachutes)
D. Bag lock
E. Streamer
F. Horseshoe
G. Hard pulls and floating ripcord handles.

A. check canopy - MAKE CUTAWAY DECISION BY 2500 FEET.
B. ARCH HARD! ( Put your feet on your Butt)
C. Look at and grasp red cutaway pillow with both hands, Transfer eyes to reserve handle AND KEEP THEM THERE, then pull the cutaway down and out, throw it away.
D. Place both hands on silver reserve handle, pull down to full extension, and throw it.
E. Maintain Arch, Check over right shoulder for canopy deployment.
F. Check and fly parachute just like the main.
G. Fly to a safe landing in a clear and open area.

8. Malfunction procedures will be practiced until you can perform them smoothly. You will also review these procedures before every jump.

- Disconnect the RSL
- Check how the parachutes are flying (side-by-side, Bi-plane, Entangled)
- If they are side-by-side, in a Bi-plane (one in front of the other) , or Entangled        You will land both parachutes.

- If side-by-side, steer gently with the YELLOW toggles or the risers the YELLOW toggles are connected to. If in a bi-plane steer the parachute in front.
- Gently steer for an open area, Prepare for a PLF, and land with NO FLARE.
- If your parachutes separate into a Down Plane, (they are at your sides or behind you) you are no longer suspended by them and are going into freefall with your parachutes, THEN YOU MUST PULL THE RED HANDLE AND CUT AWAY THE MAIN PARACHUTE. This is the only exception to the Do Not Cutaway Below 1000 rule.

Planning you flight pattern as soon as your parachute opens and your landing pattern and landing area by 1000 feet is the best prevention to having a hazardous landing. The severity of hazardous landings can be reduced if you follow the basic steps outlined for each of the major types of hazards. Most of the time hazards or obstacles can be avoided by following the primary rule in dealing with obstacles:

 

A. Face into the wind.  
B. Feet and knees together.
C. Protect your face and throat.
D. PLF.
E. Recover.
F. If you find yourself suspended in the tree, do not move, wait for help.

A. Throw away ripcord handles.
B. Feet and knees together.
C. Arms go between risers.
D. Turn head to one side.
E. Prepare to do PLF.
F. If you come to rest on the ground, cutaway your main canopy and slowly walk away. Do not attempt to recover any equipment. If under your reserve undo chest strap, and leg straps and get out of your gear.
G. If you come to rest suspended, do not attempt to reach the ground. Wait for qualified assistance (your instructors, EMS, or power company).

5. Off field landings.- Face into the wind and land your canopy with half brakes in a clear and open area; Do a good PLF. CHOOSE YOUR LANDING AREA BY 1000 AND STICK WITH IT.

1. We have taken you through a controlled freefall, a controlled flight, now we’ll make a safe landing. Remember, until you have landed, have carried your gear back to the packing area and have been debriefed, the jump is not complete.

3. On final approach face into the wind and do minor corrections to stay on the wind line or to avoid obstacles.

6. Recovery: Avoid being dragged. The best method of recovery is to get up immediately and run around your canopy. With ram-air canopies pull one steering toggle all the way down and the canopy will usually dive to the ground and collapse.

1. After you touch down and your canopy is collapsing, look around the air space for other landing canopies. Always look in all directions including up and behind you.

2. Place your toggles back on the Velcro on your risers and back away from your canopy until your lines are straight. Wrap your lines on your arm as neatly as possible and pick up your canopy and pilot chute for the walk back. Be sure you are not dragging any part of your parachute!

3. When you get close to the runway, STOP AND LOOK AND LISTEN for the airplane before crossing. If you can see or hear the airplane you need to WAIT until the plane has landed and stopped before crossing the runway. When the plane is on final approach please go down to one knee to indicate to the pilot that you see him and will give him right of way.

4. Please return your equipment to the Student Packing area and replace your jumpsuit, altimeter, helmet, and goggles in the same room that you got dressed for your jump.

5. Your jumpmaster or hangar master will meet with you soon to debrief your jump, give you your logbook, First Jump Certificate, and explain to you how you do your NEXT Skydive!!!!