How To Become A Skydive Instructor

How to Become a Skydiving Instructor: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you're dreaming of a life spent soaring through the sky, not just as a skydiver, but as a skydiving instructor? That's an awesome goal! Becoming a skydiving instructor isn't just about having amazing jumps; it's about sharing your passion and ensuring the safety of others. This guide will walk you through the steps, requirements, and considerations you need to take to achieve this exciting career.

Step 1: Get Your Skydiving License

Before you can even think about teaching, you need to be a proficient and experienced skydiver yourself. This means obtaining a USPA A License, or its equivalent in other countries. This requires:

• Ground School: Completing a comprehensive ground school course covering skydiving theory, safety procedures, equipment knowledge, and emergency procedures.
• Sufficient Jumps: Accumulating a specific number of jumps (usually around 25-50, depending on your dropzone).
• Passing Exams: Successfully passing both written and practical exams demonstrating your understanding of skydiving principles and skills.

This initial phase requires dedication, discipline, and a healthy dose of courage. Remember, safety is paramount in skydiving, and a strong foundation is crucial.

Step 2: Gain Experience - Beyond the A License

Once you have your A license, the real journey begins. You need to accumulate significantly more experience before you're ready to teach. This typically involves:

• Hundreds of Jumps: Aim for several hundred jumps to build proficiency, consistency, and experience handling various situations in the air.
• Specific Jump Types: Gain experience in different jump types, including freefall formations, relative work (RW), and canopy piloting. The more versatile you are, the better instructor you’ll be.
• Coaching & Mentoring: Look for opportunities to assist instructors, observe their techniques, and get involved in coaching other jumpers. This will provide valuable insight into the teaching process.

Step 3: Meet Instructor Requirements

Different skydiving organizations (like the USPA) have specific requirements for instructor certification. These typically include:

• Minimum Jump Count: A significantly higher jump count than for the A license, often in the thousands.
• Experience Levels: Proficiency in various skydiving disciplines and advanced techniques.
• Instructor Training Course: Completion of a rigorous instructor training course, typically involving both classroom instruction and practical evaluations.
• USPA Coach Rating: Usually, the path to instructor certification involves earning a USPA Coach rating first.

Step 4: Become a Certified Instructor

After meeting all the requirements, you’ll undergo a comprehensive evaluation to assess your abilities and readiness to teach. This involves:

• Practical Exams: Demonstrating your skills and knowledge through a series of practical assessments.
• Teaching Evaluations: Showing your ability to effectively teach students, focusing on safety, clear communication, and effective instruction.
• Written Exams: Another test of your knowledge base.

Step 5: Gain Experience as an Instructor

Even after certification, the learning continues. Continued professional development is vital. This involves:

• Regular Jumps: Maintaining a high level of personal jumping proficiency.
• Continuing Education: Staying updated on the latest safety procedures, techniques, and equipment advancements.
• Mentorship: Working alongside experienced instructors to continually refine your teaching methods.

Key Qualities of a Successful Skydiving Instructor

Besides technical skill, a successful skydiving instructor possesses:

• Exceptional Communication Skills: Clearly and calmly convey information, both on the ground and in the air.
• Patience & Understanding: Working with individuals of varying skill levels and experience.
• Strong Leadership Qualities: Guiding and supporting students to achieve their goals.
• Dedication to Safety: Prioritizing safety above all else.
• Passion for Skydiving: Inspiring students with your enthusiasm for the sport.

Becoming a skydiving instructor is a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey. It demands dedication, skill, and a deep commitment to safety. If you possess these qualities, and a burning passion for the sport, then this challenging and thrilling career might just be for you!