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Archive-name: sports/skydiving/uk-faq
Last-modified: 2000/18/07 Posting-Frequency: Monthly Version: 14 See reader questions & answers on this topic! - Help others by sharing your knowledge
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Rec.Skydiving F.A.Q. Sheet (United Kingdom)
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This posting constitutes a complement to the
Rec.Skydiving F.A.Q. with specific reference to the
pursuit of the sport in the United Kingdom. Its intended
audience is those resident in, or planning to visit, the
UK. It may also be viewed at www.shew.org/faquk/index.htm
Rec.skydiving has regular questions along the lines of
"If I go to the USA to take an AFF course, will I be able
to jump when I return to the UK?", and "I'm planning to
come to the UK for a few days, where can I jump and what
documents do I need?". This FAQ attempts to answer some
of these questions. Please read to see if your question
can be answered before posting a question to
rec.skydiving. If you can't find the answer here, then
please let me know the question AND answer, when you get
it, for possible inclusion in a later version.
Additions, corrections, or suggestions can be posted or
emailed to the current maintainer, Pete Shew, pete @ shew
org
NOTE: BPA-OM refers to the British Parachute Association
Operations manual 1998 (with June 2000 amendments). See
http://www.keme.co.uk/%7Etboughen/sections.html for an up
to date copy.
I have arranged this FAQ into the following sections:
The British training systems and how they differ from
the US equivalents.
UK medical and rigging information.
Requirements for UK jumpers abroad and foreign
jumpers in the UK.
British Parachute Association details
Archive details
Archive-name: sports/skydiving/uk-faq
Last-modified: 18th July 2000
Posting-Frequency: Monthly
Version: 10
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1. The British training systems and how they differ from the US
equivalents.
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Training is carried out at parachuting clubs which are
usually run under the auspices of the British Parachute
Association, although there may be exceptions. Before
being accepted on a course you will have to provide
evidence of fitness to parachute - either a self
declaration, or if over 40, a doctors medical
certificate.
Qualifications of parachutists
------------------------------
There are two systems in force, the old blue licence and
the new red licence which came into force in April 1988.
At the same time the category system and qualifications
was revised. Reference to the old system will be made
where it is significant.
Students may train using the progression system, or the
accelerated free fall system up to what is still referred
to as Cat 8, that is a level at which the parachutists
may jump without intsructor supervision, and may begin to
learn other disciplines. The additional disciplines are
Individual Canopy (IC), Formation Skydiving (FS), Canopy
Formation (CF), Individual Style (IS), Freeflying and
Freestyle (FF), and Skysurfing (SS). For some of these
disciplines there are prerequisite disciplines, for
example to be trained in FF, the parachutist must first
obtain the qualifications FS1 or IS1. (FS1 is identical
to the old Cat 10 qualification)
FAI licences are granted to Cat 8 ('A' licence), 'A'
licence with IC1 and 50 jumps ('B' licence), 'B' licence
with one other level 1 qualification and 200 jumps ('C'
licence), 'C' licence and 1000 jumps ('D' licence). For
those with blue FAI licences, a 'C' licence is roughly
equivalent to a red 'B', and the blue 'D' licence, held
by the majority of experienced UK skydivers, is
equivalent to the red 'C'. Endorsements (stickers) for
the qualifictations are mandatory in red licences and
optional in blue ones.
Ram Air Progression System (RAPS)
---------------------------------
or Static Line Squares to Cat 8
-------------------------------
This is available at most Drop Zones in the UK now, and
has totally replaced round parachutes at a large number.
This system uses the modern ram air or "square" sports
parachute from the first jump. The square parachute is a
wing which is landed by converting the forward speed to
lift to give a gentle tip-toe landing if performed
correctly.
The student first uses a Static Line square parachute
that is opened automatically on leaving the aircraft by
means of the "static line" attached to a strong point
within the aircraft. The student also has a piggyback
mounted reserve parachute and an Automatic Activation
Device (AAD) which will attempt to deploy the reserve if
conditions merit it.
During progression, the student with move on to a ripcord
deployed version of the same equipment. The ripcord may
be mounted on the legstrap or the bottom of the container
- it is not usually possible for a student to change
between equipment with different ripcord locations, so
moving between DZs may be difficult.
The progression system requires the student to
demonstrate over a series of jumps, stability and ability
to pull a dummy ripcord handle before progressing to
freefall. A further series of jumps incorporating
increasing freefall delays and showing control by
performing turns, back loops and tracks leads to the
Category 8 qualification dive of a half series. That is,
a dive exit, back loop, alternate 360 degree turns, a
short track and wave off, usually from 8000ft.
After achieving Cat 8 the parachutist may then convert
from ripcord to a throw away pilot chute. This must be on
kit fitted with an Automatic Activation Device (AAD).
The absolute minimum number of jumps is 17 or 18
depending on how the manual is interpreted, but expect a
good progression to take less than 30 jumps. A slow one
may take 50 or 60 jumps.
A variation of the RAPS progression allows the student
who has reached Category 5 to transfer to the AFF system
at Level 3. (This could reduce the cost of AFF by
avoiding the expensive early AFF jumps with two
instructors).
Static Line Round progression to Cat 8
--------------------------------------
Still in common use in the UK is the static line round
parachute course. This is largely used on "charity
farms" where the majority of first time jumpers are doing
charity associated jumping and are unlikely to stay in
the sport.
This is the traditional first introduction to parachuting
and uses a round parachute which is automatically opened
when the student leaves the plane - just like in the war
movies. The round can be steered and has a forward speed
of five to eight m.p.h., and is an extremely safe and
reliable piece of kit. The student will also have a belly
mounted reserve parachute.
The progression system requires the student to
demonstrate over a series of jumps, stability and ability
to pull a dummy ripcord handle before progressing to
freefall. A further series of jumps incorporating
increasing freefall delays and showing control by
performing turns, back loops and tracks leads to the
Category 8 qualification dive of a half series. That is,
a dive exit, back loop, alternate 360 degree turns, a
short track and wave off, usually from 8000ft.
The student may convert to a RAPS canopy at any time
during the progression subject to approval of the Club
Chief Instructor (CCI). No progression may take place for
at least the first two jumps. The conversion may be left
until after Cat 8.
After Cat 8 (and conversion to RAPS kit if necessary) the
parachutist may then convert to a throw away pilot chute.
This must be on kit fitted with an Automatic Activation
Device (AAD).
The absolute minimum number of jumps is 17 or 18
depending on how the manual is interpreted, but expect a
good progression to take less than 30 jumps, plus
conversion jumps (two lots).
Accelerated Freefall (AFF) to Cat 8
-----------------------------------
AFF or Accelerated Free Fall takes the student to Cat. 8
in just eight training jumps plus ten consolidation jumps
if all goes well. The equipment used is a ripcord
deployed ram air parachute with AAD like the RAPS kit.
All training jumps except the last are from at least
10000 feet, and the first three are with two instructors
holding the student and performing in-air coaching. A
major part of AFF is the pre jump briefing, and the post
jump debrief, many centres use air to air video to
supplement the training and to review the jump.
The seventh training jump is the same half series that
the category jumpers perform. The final jump in the
training is a hop and pop from around 5000ft to simulate
aircraft emergency bale out and give experience of
subterminal deployment. NOTE: THIS IS NOT AN AFF
REQUIREMENT IN THE USA.
Following the hop and pop, ten consolidation jumps must
be made at an approved AFF club before Cat 8 is awarded.
NOTE: THIS IS NOT AN AFF REQUIREMENT IN THE USA.
Conversion to throw away pilot chute deployment may be
carried out during the consolidation.
This is the most likely cause for problems with UK
students going to the USA to do AFF courses. Unless they
use BPA approved instructors they may have problems when
returning to the UK. I don't have any general guidelines,
but I am aware of cases where the student has had to
repeat the half series jump. As far as I am aware, the
student will always have to do the hop and pop and the
ten consolidation jumps.
I remember one case (a few years ago) where someone
returned after doing AFF in Florida and a number of FS
jumps, and they were asked to return to the category
system by their home DZ!
The UK student should also be careful of cheap AFF
courses offered at boogies and DZs in continental Europe
- their rules may be different and you may have to repeat
some of the course back in the UK.
[This is an area in which I need more information and
case histories. I will also try to tie down a few CCIs].
Of course, there will be no problems with AFFs achieved
outside the UK if the instructors are current BPA AFF
instructors. This is the case in Skydive Sebastian in
Florida, and many UK instructors offer AFF courses in
France and Spain.
The minimum number of jumps is 18 including
consolidation and conversion, and is unlikely to be much
more.
Progression beyond Cat 8
------------------------
Once the student has reached Cat 8, he or she may
progress in a number of ways. Still the most common is to
flat fly amd attain IC1 and FS1, and to qualify for a 'C'
licence once 200 jumps has been reached. FS-1 skill may
be learnt with Warp progression or Skydive-U. This
exactly matches the earlier progression to Cat 10
culminating in a blue 'D' licence.
For those who don't want to follow the flat flying route,
it is possible to go to style (IS1) or canopy formation
(CF1). Prerequisite to FF1 is either FS1 or IS1, and FF1
is required before starting SS1.
Qualification in each of these disciplines will be
awarded by a CCI and will be endorsed in the parachutists
FAI licence book. This takes the form of a sticker,
signed by the CCI, and may also be used in the blue
licences.
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2. British medical and reserve packing requirements
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Medical certificates
--------------------
As of the 14th October 1996, the requirements are that a
parachutist on reaching 40 or first starting to parachute
over 40 requires a medical certificate endorsed and
stamped by a medical doctor.
Subsequently, and up to the ago of fifty, an additional
bi-annual self certification is required. Beyond the age
of fifty, a tri-annual medical certificate endorsed and
stamped by a medical doctor is required, with,
additionally, self certification for each of the
intermediate years.
This is my understanding and it seems clear on the
reverse of form 114(ii), but there is STILL confusion at
some drop zones, e.g. Sibson in 2000.
Reserve repacking
-----------------
In The UK, reserves must be inspected and repacked at
least every six months. This must be carried out by a
person authorised by the BPA to pack that specific
reserve/container/AAD combination.
As an Advanced Packer, my interpretation of the
Operations manual follows:
Rigger examiner, advanced rigger, rigger
-----------------------------------------
all may assemble and pack any reserve into any container
with any AAD provided that they have the relevant manuals
and safety notices to hand. Qualified riggers may also
perform remedial work and AAD installation. Riggers are
required to get their rating renewed each year -
endorsement of their BPA memership application is
required by a higher rated rigger (obviously excepting
rigger examiners who have to endorse each other).
Advanced packers
----------------
may assemble and pack any reserve into any container with
any AAD provided that they have the relevant manuals and
safety notices to hand. Remedial work is restricted - my
guess is that if can be called assembly it is OK, if it is
installation it is not OK. Fitting a Cypres to a "Cypres
ready" conatiner is acceptable - installing the Cypres
pocket is not. Advanced packers may be required to sew
with a needle (e.g. pop tops, cutaway housing bindings),
but are not permitted to use a sewing machine.
Advanced packers may be cleared for either round or
square reserves or both. Additional endorsement by an
Advanced Rigger who has completed the Airtech course is
required to pack equipment fitted with a Cypres.
Advanced packers are required to get their rating renewed
each year - endorsement of their BPA membership
application is required by an advanced rigger or above.
Holders of advanced packing tickets
-----------------------------------
may assemble and pack reserves/container/AAD combinations
that are specifically endorsed on their advanced packing
certificate, provided that they have the relevant manuals
and safety notices to hand. Remedial work is restricted
- my guess is that if can be called assembly it is OK, if
it is installation it is not OK. Fitting a Cypres to a
"Cypres ready" conatiner is acceptable - installing the
Cypres pocket is not.
It is no longer possible to obtain an advanced packing
certificate as the Advanced Packer qualification has
superceded it, but it may be still possible to get
additional endorsements on an existing certificate.
Holders of Advanced Packing Certificates have to get
their rating renewed each year by an Advanced Rigger.
Persons certified by an Advanced Rigger to pack round
-----------------------------------------------------
reserves in front mounted containers
------------------------------------
may pack round reserves into front mounted containers. No
rating renewal applies!
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3. Requirements for UK jumpers abroad and foreign jumpers in the UK.
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UK jumpers abroad
-----------------
Usually your current documentation is sufficient. Most
countries will respect your reserve packing (but I think
the US may demand that your reserve repack is less than 4
months old - the UK cycle is 6 monthly). You may also
have problems if your reserve is not sealed. The BPA
third party insurance is NOT valid in North America, so
USPA membership or equivalent may be required. Medical
cover is strongly recommended when jumping abroad - make
sure you have your form E111 when jumping in the European
Union.
Foreign jumpers in the UK
-------------------------
BPA-OM Section 6. EQUIPMENT, Para 8.5 Reserve parachutes
that have been packed in a foreign country, in a manner
acceptable to the parachuting organisation in that
country, may be jumped at a BPA club for up to 180 days
from the date of that packing. This is provided that the
parachuting organisation of that foreign country allows
180 days validity for a reserve repack; otherwise the
foreign country's lesser time will apply.
BPA-OM Section 11 MEDICAL, Para 2.6 Foreign Parachutists.
A Parachutist from a foreign country may parachute at a
BPA club if he/she fulfils the medical requirements of
that parachutist's own country.
N.B. Beware, this is not always honoured - e.g.
Strathallen, July 2000
BPA-OM Section 12 DOCUMENTATION Para 1.1 All
Parachutists, riggers, pilots, judges and DZ controllers
must be current members of the British Parachute
Association.
This is a 3rd party insurance requirement
In general, foreign parachutists have no problems jumping
in the UK - just be sure to bring all your documents.
Note that headgear, an altimeter and a knife are
mandatory in the UK
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4. The British Parachute Association
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[This is the major parachuting authority in the UK. It is
now recognised by the British Civilian Aviation Authority
(CAA) as an Approved Organisation (28 Mar 1996), and is
deputised to handle certain matters on behalf the CAA. I
am not certain whether this extends to the regulation of
non-BPA parachuting centres or whether they are still
answerable directly to the CAA.]
British Parachute Association,
Wharf Way,
Glen Parva,
Leicester LE2 9TF
Tel: 0116 278 5271 Fax: 0116 247 7662
Web site http://www.bpa.org.uk/
2000/2001 Committee
-------------------
Chris Allen Chairman
Kieran Brady Vice Chairman
John Saunders STC Chairman
John Smyth Competitions Chairman
Ian Midgley Development Chairman
Keiran Brady Communications Chairman/Club
Representative North
Paul Applegate Riggers Chairman
Michael Allum Club Representative Midlands
Mike Danby Club Representative South
Tim Andrewes
Tye Boughen
Chris Clements
Dona Crum
Dave Hickling
Lofty Thomas
Richard Tregaskes
Magazine
--------
Skydive Mag
3 Burton Street
Peterborough
PE1 5HA
Tel/Fax: 01733 755860
email: lesley @ skydivemag . com
Ed: Lesley Gale
Web site http://www.skydivemag.com/
Disclaimer
----------
All information provided herein is offered on an "as is"
basis. There is no warranty expressed or implied
concerning its applicability or fitness for any
particular purpose. Consult a trained professional
before attempting any of the activities described in this
document; it is not intended to be a substitute for
proper professional instruction.
Pete Shew
pete at shew dot org (apologies but I hate spam)
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