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 [Changes since last version ] Rec.Skydiving F.A.Q. Sheet (United Kingdom) =-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 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 *=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=* 1. The British training systems and how they differ from the US equivalents. *=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=* 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. *=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=* 2. British medical and reserve packing requirements *=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=* 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! *=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=* 3. Requirements for UK jumpers abroad and foreign jumpers in the UK. *=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=* 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 *=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=* 4. The British Parachute Association *=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=* [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) User Contributions:
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