How to Be Freefly Instructor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The increasing popularity of extreme sports such as skydiving and paragliding has caused a surge in the demand for experienced freefly instructors. As a result, more and more people are becoming certified instructors, providing expert guidance on safety measures and proper technique. This has led to a larger pool of freefly professionals who can ensure that athletes remain safe while having fun and pushing their boundaries. The increased availability of freefly instructors has also allowed athletes to experience the thrill of freeflying with greater confidence, providing them with the opportunity to reach new heights.

Steps How to Become

1. Become a Certified Freefly Instructor. To do this, you must complete an intensive Freefly Instructor Course, which covers the fundamentals of flying and safety. You will also need to pass a series of tests and assessments to demonstrate your knowledge and skill level.
2. Get your Freefly Instructor certification. After completing the Freefly Instructor Course, the next step is to apply for your Freefly Instructor certification. You must submit an application to the International Freefly Association (IFA) and pay a fee. Once your application is approved, you will receive a certificate of achievement.
3. Take an advanced freefly course. After becoming a certified Freefly Instructor, it is recommended that you take a more advanced course to increase your knowledge and skills. This course will cover more advanced topics such as canopy flight, formation flying, and more.
4. Join the International Freefly Association (IFA). To become a professional Freefly Instructor, you must join the IFA. This membership gives you access to their instructor network and other resources.
5. Obtain insurance. In order to practice as a Freefly Instructor, you must have insurance that covers you in case of an accident or injury.
6. Promote yourself. Once you’ve completed all the steps above, it’s time to start promoting yourself as a Freefly Instructor. You can do this by networking with other Freefly Instructors, attending events, and creating a website to showcase your skills and experience.

Becoming a skilled and competent Freefly Instructor requires extensive training, dedication, and commitment. The first step is to receive the necessary certifications from the United States Parachute Association (USPA). This includes completing the Freefly Instructor Rating Course, which will teach you the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective instructor.

Once certified, it is important to stay current by attending continuing education courses, as well as participating in relevant events and seminars. it is important to remain familiar with the latest safety protocols and regulations. By consistently investing in professional development, instructors can ensure they are providing the best instruction possible to their students.

Taking these steps will help instructors become skilled and competent, providing a safe and enjoyable learning environment for their students.

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Job Description

1. Teach beginner courses on the use of freeflight equipment such as wingsuits, parachutes, and speed wings.
2. Develop course curricula and lesson plans for freeflight instruction.
3. Provide specialized instruction and guidance to freeflight students.
4. Monitor student progress and provide feedback in order to ensure safety and learning.
5. Demonstrate various freeflight maneuvers and techniques during training sessions.
6. Inspect equipment for proper functioning and safety prior to use.
7. Assess student performance and provide recommendations for improvement.
8. Maintain accurate records of student progress and performance.
9. Research and remain current on new developments in freeflight technology and safety regulations.
10. Participate in recreational activities and competitions as a representative of the organization.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Demonstrate a solid understanding of flight dynamics, aerodynamics, and aircraft control
2. Possess an in-depth knowledge of freefly safety procedures and guidelines
3. Be able to accurately diagnose and correct student mistakes
4. Possess an ability to teach complex movements, such as rolls, twists, and spirals
5. Be able to give clear and concise instruction to students
6. Possess excellent communication and people skills
7. Have the ability to manage multiple students in the air at one time
8. Be able to troubleshoot potential problems with aircraft and equipment
9. Have the ability to recognize dangerous situations and take appropriate action
10. Possess experience in teaching a variety of skill levels, from beginner to advanced

The most important skill to be a successful Freefly Instructor is the ability to think quickly on your feet and make decisions in a timely manner. This is essential to ensure that all students feel comfortable and safe while airborne. Good communication skills are also essential, as instructors must be able to quickly explain difficult concepts and provide direction in a clear and concise manner.

Lastly, having a comprehensive knowledge of the aircraft, its systems, and safety protocols is a must for any Freefly Instructor. With these skills, instructors can create a stimulating learning environment for their students that promotes both safety and adventure.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have teaching Freefly?
• How would you motivate your students to become better freeflyers?
• What strategies do you use to ensure student safety?
• What methods would you use to teach a student to become a competent freeflyer?
• How do you stay up-to-date on the latest advances in freeflying techniques?
• Describe one of the most difficult teaching challenges you have faced while instructing freefly students.
• What techniques do you use to help students overcome fear of freeflying?
• What tips do you have for getting a student ready for their first freefly jump?
• How do you handle difficult situations when teaching students who have difficulty understanding a concept?
• How would you adjust your teaching style to accommodate different learning styles and needs?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Harness. A harness is a device used to secure a skydiver or base jumper to their parachute system. (Eg: A full body harness with adjustable leg straps).
2. AAD (Automatic Activation Device). An AAD is a device that senses when a skydiver has reached a certain altitude and automatically deploys the skydiver’s reserve parachute. (Eg: Cypres 2 AAD).
3. Altimeter. An altimeter is an instrument used to measure altitude. (Eg: Suunto Altimaster).
4. Helmet. A helmet is a protective device worn on the head to protect against impact and injury. (Eg: Skydiving helmet with ear protection).
5. Goggles. Goggles are protective lenses used to protect the eyes from wind, dust, and other particles. (Eg: Skydiving goggles with shatter-resistant lenses).
6. Parachute. A parachute is a device used to slow the descent of a skydiver or base jumper to enable them to land safely. (Eg: Ram-Air Parachute).
7. Radio. A radio is an electronic device used to communicate with other people in the air or on the ground. (Eg: ICOM IC-A14 VHF Airband Transceiver).
8. Spot Tracker. A spot tracker is a device used to track the location of a skydiver or base jumper in real time. (Eg: SPOT Trace GPS tracker).

Professional Organizations to Know

1. United States Parachute Association (USPA)
2. International Freefall Association (IFA)
3. British Parachute Association (BPA)
4. Australian Parachute Federation (APF)
5. Parachute Industry Association (PIA)
6. The European Free Fall Network (EFPN)
7. World Freefall Convention (WFC)
8. World Air Sports Federation (FAI)
9. International Bodyflight Association (IBA)
10. International Canopy Piloting Association (ICPA)

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Common Important Terms

1. Freefly. A type of skydiving where the body is in a horizontal orientation, typically with arms and legs spread.
2. Skydiving. A recreational activity involving jumping out of an aircraft at high altitude and freefalling before deploying a parachute to land safely.
3. Parachute. A large canopy made of fabric that is used to slow a person's descent to the ground after they jump out of an aircraft.
4. Canopy. The main portion of the parachute that opens up and creates drag to slow the descent of the jumper.
5. Canopy Pilot. Someone who performs advanced maneuvers with a parachute, such as spins, turns, and loops.
6. Body Positioning. The positioning of the body in order to maintain control while performing skydiving maneuvers.
7. Relative Work. A type of skydiving where two or more jumpers fly close together in synchronized maneuvers.
8. Deployment. The process of opening the parachute and entering into a controlled descent towards the ground.
9. Aviation Safety. The practice of following safety protocols and procedures to ensure the safety of all people involved in aviation activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a Freefly Instructor?

A Freefly Instructor is responsible for teaching skydivers the basics of Freefly, which involves performing acrobatic maneuvers while in freefall.

What are the qualifications to become a Freefly Instructor?

To become a Freefly Instructor, applicants must have at least 500 skydives and be an active member of the United States Parachute Association (USPA). They must also have a minimum of 200 hours of Freefly experience, have completed a Freefly Instructor Course, and hold a current USPA Freefly Instructor rating.

What topics does a Freefly Instructor cover in their course?

A Freefly Instructor's course covers topics such as Freefly safety, body position, basic and advanced maneuvers, coaching, and spotting.

How long does it take to become certified as a Freefly Instructor?

Certification as a Freefly Instructor usually takes around two weeks to complete. The program consists of both ground instruction and supervised jumps.

What is the cost of becoming a Freefly Instructor?

The cost of becoming a Freefly Instructor varies depending on the program, but typically ranges from $500 to $1,500.

What are jobs related with Freefly Instructor?

• Canopy Piloting Instructor
• BASE Jumper
• Indoor Wind Tunnel Technician
• Skydiving Center Manager
• Skydiving Operations Manager
• Skydiving Adventure Guide
• Skydiving Equipment Inspector
• Skydiver Deployment Specialist
• Static Line Instructor
• Skydiving Tandem Master

Web Resources

• Freefly – Northwestern IT Services & Support: Media and … mti.it.northwestern.edu
• Free Fly - Academia.edu independent.academia.edu
• The Freefly Mimic – Northwestern IT Services & Support: Media … mti.it.northwestern.edu