Skydiving is one of the most thrilling and exhilarating extreme sports, offering participants a chance to experience the world from an entirely different perspective. If you’ve completed a few jumps and developed a love for the sport, you might be considering a career as a skydiving instructor. Becoming a skydiving instructor allows you to share the excitement and skills of the sport with others, guiding them through their first jumps or helping them improve their technique. But how does one become a skydiving instructor? In this article, we will walk you through the process of becoming a skydiving instructor, including the qualifications, necessary training, and other essential steps.
What Is A Skydiving Instructor?
A skydiving instructor is a trained professional who teaches others how to safely and successfully complete skydives.
Skydiving instructors are responsible for ensuring that their students understand the proper techniques, safety procedures, and equipment handling.
They guide students through both ground training and in-air instruction. This role is critical in ensuring the safety of both first-time jumpers and experienced skydivers.
There are several types of skydiving instructors, each specializing in different aspects of skydiving:
Tandem Instructor: A tandem instructor is responsible for jumping with a student attached to them. This is typically the first step for many people who want to experience skydiving. The tandem instructor handles all the jump responsibilities, including the jump itself, the deployment of the parachute, and landing.
Static Line Instructor: This instructor is responsible for teaching students who are making their first jump, with the parachute automatically deployed after they leave the aircraft via a static line.
AFF (Accelerated Freefall) Instructor: AFF instructors are responsible for teaching students who will be jumping solo.
These instructors provide hands-on instruction in freefall and are in charge of the student’s safety during the jump.
Each type of instructor has specific requirements and responsibilities, but all share a common goal of ensuring safety and improving skydiving skills.
Steps to Become A Skydiving Instructor
Becoming a skydiving instructor requires a combination of experience, training, and certifications. Here is a breakdown of the key steps you will need to take in order to become a certified skydiving instructor.
1. Gain Experience as a Skydive Jumper
Before you can become an instructor, you need to become an experienced skydiver yourself. The first step is to complete your skydiving certification, which typically involves:
The First Jump: Most people begin skydiving by completing a tandem jump. This allows you to experience the thrill of skydiving without having to worry about the technical details. A tandem jump is typically the first step for anyone interested in skydiving.
Affiliation with a Skydiving School: After your tandem jump, you will need to continue your training at a certified skydiving school. At this stage, you will focus on improving your freefall techniques, learning to deploy your parachute, and refining your landing skills.
Accumulate Jumps: Most instructor training programs require a certain number of jumps to qualify. As a minimum, you will need to have completed at least 100 jumps. Many instructors will have several hundred jumps before beginning their instructor training, as experience is crucial in this role.
2. Obtain the Necessary Skydiving License
Before you can start the instructor training process, you need to have the appropriate skydiving license. In most countries, the skydiving governing body sets the requirements for obtaining the licenses. In the U.S., for example, the governing body is the United States Parachute Association (USPA). To become an instructor, you will need to hold at least a D-License, which is the highest level of certification. Here’s how to get there:
A-License: The first license you will earn is the A-License. To obtain this, you must complete a set number of jumps (typically 25) and pass written exams covering the basics of skydiving. The A-License demonstrates that you have learned the basic skills required for solo jumps.
B-License: After earning your A-License, you can progress to the B-License, which requires additional jumps, a demonstrated proficiency in skydiving skills, and more knowledge about skydiving procedures.
The B-License is the next step in proving your competence as a skydiver.
C-License: The C-License is an intermediate level that requires a further set of jumps and additional skills. By now, you will have gained more experience and be comfortable with advanced skydiving techniques.
D-License: The D-License is the highest level and is typically required for those pursuing instructor certification. To qualify, you need to have at least 500 jumps, a thorough understanding of skydiving regulations, and a high level of skill in freefall techniques.
3. Enroll in Instructor Training Program
Once you have obtained your D-License, you are eligible to start the instructor training program. There are various instructor programs available depending on the type of instruction you wish to pursue (tandem, static line, or AFF). Each program is designed to teach you the necessary skills to safely instruct students.
Tandem Instructor Training: To become a tandem instructor, you will need to attend a training program that typically lasts 4 to 7 days. This training includes classroom instruction, emergency procedures, and practical skills, such as how to handle the tandem student and manage the jump from exit to landing. You will also learn the specifics of tandem gear and the safety regulations involved.
Static Line Instructor Training: Static line instructor training focuses on students who will be jumping with a static line, which automatically deploys the parachute after exit. This training involves teaching students the correct exit procedure, parachute control, and emergency handling.
AFF Instructor Training: AFF instructor training is more extensive and focuses on freefall instruction. You will learn how to safely jump with students who are making their first solo jump, as well as how to guide them through freefall while maintaining safety and control. This program is often more comprehensive than tandem or static line training.
Each instructor program will require you to pass written exams, demonstrate your ability to handle students in the air, and prove your competency in emergency situations.
4. Gain Practical Experience
Becoming a certified skydiving instructor requires more than just completing the necessary courses. You must also gain practical, hands-on experience. This means you’ll need to spend time working with students under the supervision of a senior instructor.
In many cases, instructors will work as apprentice instructors or assist with tandem jumps before being given the full responsibility of teaching on their own. During this time, you will learn how to assess the needs of your students, handle unexpected situations, and improve your teaching methods.
5. Obtain Certification and Licenses
Once you’ve completed your training and gained experience, you’ll need to obtain certification from the governing body in your country. For instance, in the U.S., you will need to apply for certification with the USPA. Certification is typically based on a review of your training, experience, and an evaluation of your performance in the field.
Once certified, you are ready to work as a professional skydiving instructor. Instructors typically work at skydiving centers, drop zones, or private schools, offering lessons to first-time jumpers and advanced students alike.
6. Keep Up with Continuing Education
Skydiving is a constantly evolving sport, and it’s essential to stay up to date with new techniques, regulations, and equipment. Most skydiving instructors are required to undergo regular training and certification renewals. Continuing education may involve attending workshops, completing additional courses, and staying active in the skydiving community.
Conclusion
Becoming a skydiving instructor is a challenging but incredibly rewarding career. It requires a significant amount of experience, training, and dedication to ensure that you are ready to handle the responsibility of teaching others how to skydive safely. By following the steps outlined in this article, you will be well on your way to earning your certification and becoming a professional skydiving instructor.