What a Parachute License Is and Who Issues It
A parachute license is not issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. It comes from the United States Parachute Association (USPA), a private membership organization that sets the standards for sport skydiving in the United States. The USPA license certifies that you have completed the required training jumps and demonstrated the skills needed to skydive safely without direct supervision.
The USPA is recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as the governing body for recreational skydiving. When you jump at a USPA-affiliated drop zone, you will need a USPA license or be under the direct supervision of an instructor. The license itself is a card you carry; it shows your rating level, the number of jumps you have completed, and your currency status.
Unlike a driver's license, a parachute license does not expire on a fixed date. Instead, it becomes non-current if you do not jump within a certain time frame. A current license is required to jump without an instructor present.
Key Takeaways
- The USPA issues parachute licenses through affiliated drop zones, not through government agencies.
- You must complete a minimum of seven jumps under instructor supervision before you can earn your first license rating.
- The entire process from your first jump to your A license typically takes two to four weeks if you jump frequently, or longer if you space jumps out.
- Your license becomes non-current if you do not jump for 120 days, and you must jump with an instructor to regain currency.
- The cost of training and licensing varies by drop zone but typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 for the full A license course.
The First Jump and Initial Training Requirements
Your first skydive is called an Accelerated Freefall (AFF) jump or a Tandem jump, depending on the drop zone and your choice. Most people pursuing a USPA license start with AFF, where you are attached to two instructors during freefall but are learning to control your own body position and parachute deployment. A tandem jump pairs you with a single instructor who controls the parachute, and it does not count toward a license.
To begin AFF training, you must be at least 18 years old and in reasonably good health. Drop zones will ask about medical conditions, and some may require a doctor's clearance. You do not need any prior skydiving experience. Most drop zones require you to watch a ground school video or attend a brief classroom session before your first jump, covering body position, emergency procedures, and equipment use.
Your first AFF jump is called Level 1. You will exit the aircraft with two instructors, freefall for about 60 seconds, and deploy your parachute under their guidance. If you complete Level 1 successfully, you move to Level 2, and so on. Each level introduces new skills: tracking, turns, altitude awareness, and emergency procedures.
The Seven-Jump Progression to Your A License
The USPA requires a minimum of seven jumps to earn your A License, the entry-level rating. These jumps are structured as follows:
| Jump Level | Instructor Requirement | Key Skill Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Two instructors | Body position, freefall awareness |
| Level 2 | Two instructors | Turns, tracking |
| Level 3 | One instructor | Altitude awareness, emergency procedures |
| Level 4 | One instructor | Canopy control, landing accuracy |
| Level 5 | One instructor | Canopy maneuvers, emergency response |
| Level 6 | One instructor | Freefall stability, group awareness |
| Level 7 | None (solo jump) | Independent freefall and landing |
You do not have to complete all seven jumps at the same drop zone, though most people do. Each jump costs between $200 and $400, depending on the drop zone's location and reputation. The cost covers the aircraft, instructors, equipment rental, and packing services.
After Level 7, you will have a brief written test covering emergency procedures, equipment, and regulations. Once you pass, the drop zone will issue your A License card. This card shows you have completed the required training and can now jump without instructor supervision at any USPA-affiliated drop zone.
How Long the Process Takes and What Affects the Timeline
If you jump every day or every other day, you can complete all seven levels in one to two weeks. Most people space their jumps out over two to four weeks because of weather, aircraft availability, or personal schedule. Some jumpers take months to finish because they jump only on weekends or have gaps between sessions.
Weather is the biggest variable. Drop zones cannot operate in high winds, rain, or low clouds. A week of bad weather can delay your progression by several days. Aircraft maintenance and instructor availability also affect scheduling. Popular drop zones may have a waiting list during peak season.
You do not lose progress if you take a break between jumps. Your skills from Level 3 remain valid even if you wait two weeks before Level 4. However, if you take a very long break—more than a few months—an instructor may ask you to do a refresher jump before moving to the next level.
Maintaining Your License and Staying Current
Once you have your A License, you can jump at any USPA-affiliated drop zone without an instructor. However, your license becomes non-current if you do not jump for 120 consecutive days. A non-current license means you can still jump, but only with an instructor present, similar to your training jumps.
To regain currency, you need to complete one jump with an instructor. This jump does not count toward any new rating; it is purely a currency jump. The cost is the same as a regular jump, around $200 to $400. After that jump, your license is current again for another 120 days.
Many jumpers maintain currency by jumping regularly—once a month or more. Others let their license lapse and do a currency jump when they want to jump again. There is no penalty for a lapsed license other than needing an instructor for the next jump.
Advancing Beyond Your A License
After earning your A License, you can pursue higher ratings: B License, C License, and D License. Each requires a minimum number of additional jumps and demonstrated skills. A B License requires 50 total jumps, a C License requires 200 total jumps, and a D License requires 500 total jumps.
Higher licenses open access to more advanced activities, such as group formations, wingsuit flying, and BASE jumping instruction. They also show other jumpers and drop zones that you have significant experience. However, you do not need to pursue higher ratings to continue jumping recreationally with your A License.
The progression is self-paced. Some jumpers earn their B License within a few months of getting their A. Others jump for years at the A level. There is no important date or requirement to advance.
Finding a Drop Zone and Getting Started
The USPA website maintains a directory of affiliated drop zones across the United States. You can search by state or region to find the drop zone nearest you. Not all skydiving operations are USPA-affiliated; some operate independently. USPA affiliation means the drop zone follows USPA safety standards and your training will count toward a USPA license.
When you contact a drop zone, ask about their AFF program, class schedule, and pricing. Some drop zones offer group discounts or package deals if you commit to multiple jumps upfront. Ask whether they provide all equipment rental or whether you need to bring your own gear (most beginners rent).
Many drop zones require you to book your first jump in advance, especially on weekends. Some offer walk-in slots on weekdays. Check the weather forecast before you go; if conditions are poor, the drop zone will reschedule you at no extra charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a medical exam before I can skydive?
Most drop zones ask about your medical history on a form before your first jump. If you have heart problems, back injuries, pregnancy, or certain other conditions, the drop zone may require a doctor's clearance or may decline to train you. There is no universal medical exam required by the USPA, but individual drop zones set their own standards.
What if I fail a level jump?
If you do not meet the standards for a level—for example, if you lose altitude awareness or cannot deploy your parachute correctly—the instructors will have you repeat that level. You pay for the repeat jump. Most people pass each level on the first attempt, but repeats are normal and not a reflection on your ability.
Can I use my own parachute equipment instead of renting?
No, not during training. You must use equipment provided by the drop zone during your first seven jumps. Once you have your A License, you can purchase your own gear and use it at any USPA drop zone. New equipment costs $4,000 to $8,000 for a complete rig (main parachute, reserve parachute, and container).
What happens if I get injured during training?
Drop zones carry insurance, but it typically covers the operation, not the jumper. You are responsible for your own medical costs. Many jumpers purchase travel or sports injury insurance before starting. Ask your drop zone what their liability coverage includes and whether they recommend additional insurance.
Can I jump if I wear glasses or contacts?
Yes. Most jumpers wear contacts because they stay in place better during freefall. Glasses can fall off. If you wear contacts, bring extras and a case in your gear bag. If you wear glasses, ask your drop zone about options; some have jumpers use a helmet with a visor or switch to contacts for training.