The USPA Integrated Student Program (ISP) is the method we use for solo skydiver certification. It is derived from AFF or Accelerated Freefall, the name of a training method to teach you to become a safe skydiver that can jump without instructor assistance. The name Accelerated Freefall, or AFF as we call it, was coined in the early 1980's when the method was developed as an accelerated method of learning over the old Static Line method used since the 1930's. They have the same general methods. Developed in the early 2000's, the ISP was a way to take someone who has never made a skydive up through their USPA "A license." The USPA "A license" is recognized worldwide.
Most jumps are made from 14,000 feet above the ground and each "Category" has a series of objectives to be completed before moving on to the next Category. Objectives are made progressively more challenging and fun throughout the program as the students skills increase. Think about how cool it is to do flips like the pros! Most jumps are completed with the assistance of certified USPA instructors and Coaches, some are solo skydives. ISP consists of 25 skydives and generally takes a few weeks to complete if diligent about jumping consistently. Once completed, your ground school remains current for 6 months. As with any other high-performance activity, it’s important to remain current – but we understand life happens; we can work with you to get and keep you current if you fall out of currency.
After completion of the ISP program and receipt of your A license you must complete 1 jump every 60 days to remain current. If you go beyond this, you must complete a jump under the supervision of an instructor before jumping solo again.
Must be English proficient to participate.
Ground School
During the ground school you will learn everything you need to safely make a skydive. This includes equipment, how to control your body in freefall, emergency procedures, and parachute control and landing. The ground school starts early the morning of your Category A skydive and typically lasts around 6 hours. Once completed, your ground school remains current for 6 months. As with any other high-performance activity, it’s important to remain current – but we understand life happens; we can work with you to get and keep you current if you fall out of currency.
CATEGORY A SKYDIVE
During Category A you will have 2 instructors. Your objectives are to remain stable in freefall, maintain altitude awareness, and open the parachute on time. These objectives are required for all Levels. If you complete all tasks you are cleared for Category B.
CATEGORY B SKYDIVE
On Category B you must meet the Category A objectives plus you execute 90 degree "team turns" and forward movement.
CATEGORY C1 SKYDIVE
Objectives on Category C1 are the same as Category A, only the instructors completely release you for the first time.
CATEGORY C2 SKYDIVE
Category C2 gives you the opportunity to improve your freefall skills. Only one Instructor is needed from this point on, thanks to your increasing proficiency.
CATEGORY D1 SKYDIVE
For Category D1 you will only have 1 instructor. You are released, then execute similar maneuvers as in Category B.
CATEGORY D2 SKYDIVE
Execute a solo poised exit. Same as Category D1, only now 360 degree turns.
CATEGORY E1 SKYDIVE
Category E1 you exit the aircraft with no instructor holding on. You perform "barrel roll" maneuvers or other disorienting maneuvers.
CATEGORY E2 SKYDIVE
Category E2 you perform a solo exit and you execute back and front flips.
CATEGORY F SKYDIVES
With Category F the student is technical signed off to self-supervise freefalls and begins jumping with a USPA coach for more advanced freefall techniques. Two of the Category F jumps will have the student performing low altitude jumps with immediate parachute opening. Beginning with Cat F, the student will need to purchase their own helmet and altimeter.
CATEGORY G1 SKYDIVE
Category G1 skydive has continued advanced freefall techniques with a USPA coach.
CATEGORY G2 SKYDIVE
Category G2 has continued advanced freefall techniques with a USPA coach.
CATEGORY G3 SKYDIVE
Category G3 has continued advanced freefall technique with a USPA coach.
CATEGORY H SKYDIVES
Category H the student continues to practice advanced freefall techniques to facilitate safe skydiving with other jumpers. This includes diving out of the plane and docking (linking up) with the USPA Coach.
A License Check Dive
The student has a final check dive with a USPA AFF instructor to demonstrate all skills required for receipt of the A license.
PHOTO GALLERY
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