USPA
The USPA (United States Parachute Association) is the regulatory body for skydiving in the United States. They are not a governing body but USPA is the only professional organization that represents skydiving in the country, also the provider of recommended best practices and guidelines for skydive training methods and safety procedures, including tandem skydiving.
Although it is not mandatory for a skydiving center to be part of the USPA, it is a great deal because non-USPA group member drop zones can just set their own rules (or have no rules at all), which, we’re certain you’ll agree, is not a very good idea. We are not saying that non-members USPA skydiving center are certainly less saffer, but we do believe that the single and most relevant starting point for selecting a skydiving center is identifying if that facility is part of the USPA and therefore a follower and advocate of its safety recommendations.
Why Is This Important ?
Because as an individual unfamiliar with skydiving, you want to make sure the skydiving center follows and adhere to the ethical, safety and operational guidelines set forth by USPA. Just so you have a general understanding, below is a small list of some, but certainly not all, aspects that must be followed by a Skydiving Center to pledge as a United States Parachute Association Group Member:
Comply with the Basic Safety Requirements issued by USPA, which include all compliances with the Federal Aviation Regulations that are relevant to a skydiving operation.
Guarantee that all pilots flying for the purpose of skydiving operations are holding a commercial pilot certificate and a second-class medical certificate.
Ensure that the maintenance of any aircraft utilized for skydiving operations are in compliance, as applicable, with the requirements described in the Federal Aviation Regulations Part 91.409 (a) to (f).
Ensure the skydiving staff, especially instructors, are qualified and trained in conformity with the SIM (Skydiver’s Information Manual and hold a current USPA license and rating in accordance with their duties.
Establish landing procedures that will include separation of high-speed and normal landings. These landing procedures must be prominently displayed and communicated to all jumpers at the drop zone.
Support USPA programs at the skydiving facility like the annual Safety Day.
Require that all jumpers cleared to jump solo hold a current regular or temporary USPA membership.
Skydive Hollister & USPA
Skydive Hollister is one step further along with it’s USPA affiliation. Here we are not only a member of this incredible organization but we’re also a certified USPA Training Center. Group Members designated as "Training Centers" provide instruction, equipment and training for individuals that wish to become a licensed skydiver.
Yet, despite our experience and longevity as a company and individuals, we are propelled to overlook the common sense of safety that normally rises after so many years, but we recognize that we are only as good as our last jump day.
After over 20 years each of skydiving, DZO - Ronaldo Tkotz and DZM - Vitor Tamarozi have built a certain degree of knowledge and experience which is constantly applied to ensure our noticeable safety record after they took over the company. Skydive Hollister’s effort to sustain a culture of safety usually goes beyond the guidelines established by the USPA.
Our belief is that skydiving is a life-changing experience and one of the most remarkable events in many of our guest’s lives, and we take this responsibility at it’s required level. We aim high because we want to exceed your expectations and create an everlasting lifetime memory. It would be an honor to host you on this amazing first skydive experience.
Not all drop zones in California are USPA members. If you wish to identify a USPA Member Dropzone you can view the entire USPA member database.
Comments